Diesel Truck Battery- OPTIMA REDTOP or YELLOWTOP?
Trucks
- Sponsor
- OPTIMA Batteries
- Location
- Glendale, WI
When it comes to diesel truck batteries, some may have a choice between an OPTIMA REDTOP or YELLOWTOP, while others will not have that option...at least in terms of direct fit battery upgrades. Many late model trucks, use DIN battery sizes, for which OPTIMA only offers a DH6 or DH7 YELLOWTOP that are likely to be used in those trucks.
Older trucks from the big three automakers may have a variety of fitment options in terms of size and OPTIMA technology between our YELLOWTOP and REDTOP batteries, like a 2005 Ford F-250. In those instances where you can choose, you should determine how you will use those batteries in your truck. If you just need batteries for engine starting, OPTIMA REDTOPs are the less expensive option and work great. However, if you plan on deep-cycling the batteries, then the YELLOWTOPs would be the better choice.
What is Deep Cycling a Battery?
When we mention deep cycling a battery, some folks wonder what that really means. An engine starting battery is unlikely to get discharged by more than about 5% when starting an engine, even a diesel engine in cold weather. However, a battery that is being deep cycled may see a deeper depth of discharge from the battery through a variety of uses. Those could include, but are not limited to aftermarket stereo systems, a winch, auxiliary lighting, a snowplow/salting system and even a dash camera or car alarm can deeply discharge a battery over time.
If your diesel truck has any of those accessories or even if you just find yourself parking at a job site and leaving the radio on all day, you'll probably want a battery designed for deep-cycle use.
What About Lithium?
OPTIMA does offer a QH6 ORANGETOP lithium battery, that could be used as a direct-fit replacement in many late-model diesel trucks. OPTIMA ORANGETOP lithium batteries will offer plenty of cranking power in a very lightweight (20 lb) package, but they are significantly more expensive than our DH6 YELLOWTOP. OPTIMA QH6 ORANGETOPs can also handle deep-cycling, but they are only a 45AH battery in terms of capacity, while the DH6 YELLOWTOP is a 72AH battery. You'll have tremendous cycle life in our ORANGETOP batteries (more than most people will ever use), Bluetooth connectivity to see more details about the battery and our CPR system that will automatically turn the battery off if it is getting deeply-discharged. That will leave enough power in reserve to start your truck one more time and get you home safely.
If a five-year, free replacement warranty, those features and light weight are important to you, then an QH6 ORANGETOP would be a great option. For the vast majority of diesel truck owners, a YELLOWTOP or REDTOP will probably be the best choice. Whatever battery you end up with, make sure you keep the voltage topped off whenever possible. We're so confident doing that will maximize battery performance & lifespan, we'll add an additional year of free replacement warranty coverage to your OPTIMA battery, if you purchase it at the same time that you buy an OPTIMA D1200+ battery charger!
Older trucks from the big three automakers may have a variety of fitment options in terms of size and OPTIMA technology between our YELLOWTOP and REDTOP batteries, like a 2005 Ford F-250. In those instances where you can choose, you should determine how you will use those batteries in your truck. If you just need batteries for engine starting, OPTIMA REDTOPs are the less expensive option and work great. However, if you plan on deep-cycling the batteries, then the YELLOWTOPs would be the better choice.
What is Deep Cycling a Battery?
When we mention deep cycling a battery, some folks wonder what that really means. An engine starting battery is unlikely to get discharged by more than about 5% when starting an engine, even a diesel engine in cold weather. However, a battery that is being deep cycled may see a deeper depth of discharge from the battery through a variety of uses. Those could include, but are not limited to aftermarket stereo systems, a winch, auxiliary lighting, a snowplow/salting system and even a dash camera or car alarm can deeply discharge a battery over time.
If your diesel truck has any of those accessories or even if you just find yourself parking at a job site and leaving the radio on all day, you'll probably want a battery designed for deep-cycle use.
What About Lithium?
OPTIMA does offer a QH6 ORANGETOP lithium battery, that could be used as a direct-fit replacement in many late-model diesel trucks. OPTIMA ORANGETOP lithium batteries will offer plenty of cranking power in a very lightweight (20 lb) package, but they are significantly more expensive than our DH6 YELLOWTOP. OPTIMA QH6 ORANGETOPs can also handle deep-cycling, but they are only a 45AH battery in terms of capacity, while the DH6 YELLOWTOP is a 72AH battery. You'll have tremendous cycle life in our ORANGETOP batteries (more than most people will ever use), Bluetooth connectivity to see more details about the battery and our CPR system that will automatically turn the battery off if it is getting deeply-discharged. That will leave enough power in reserve to start your truck one more time and get you home safely.
If a five-year, free replacement warranty, those features and light weight are important to you, then an QH6 ORANGETOP would be a great option. For the vast majority of diesel truck owners, a YELLOWTOP or REDTOP will probably be the best choice. Whatever battery you end up with, make sure you keep the voltage topped off whenever possible. We're so confident doing that will maximize battery performance & lifespan, we'll add an additional year of free replacement warranty coverage to your OPTIMA battery, if you purchase it at the same time that you buy an OPTIMA D1200+ battery charger!