What Color OPTIMA for Two Batteries?
Tips & Support
- Sponsor
- OPTIMA Batteries
- Location
- Glendale, WI
When it comes to using two batteries in a given application, you are typically looking at batteries for a diesel truck. In those applications, the options are fairly straightforward. In newer Ford, GM and RAM diesel trucks, OPTIMA's DH6 YELLOWTOP or DH7 YELLOWTOP are the typical choices. If a truck can use either battery, the DH7 are slightly more expensive, slightly heavier and slightly more powerful.
Older diesel trucks, like a 1997 Chevrolet, generally have more options for batteries, as they can often use a variety of sizes, between Group 34/78s and Group 75/25s, in either REDTOPs or YELLOWTOPs. Either battery will offer plenty of cranking power to start a diesel engine, but the YELLOWTOPs are also designed for deep-cycle use, so if your truck has an alarm, aftermarket stereo, winch or other significant electrical accessory, the YELLOWTOP is the better choice.
If the multi-battery application is not a diesel truck (house batteries, stand-alone power, etc...), then the YELLOWTOPs or BLUETOPs (except the 34M) are the best options on the AGM side or ORANGETOPs on the lithium side. REDTOPs are not designed or warrantied for deep-cycle use, only engine starting applications.
Regardless of which batteries you select, you will maximize performance and lifespan if you keep them fully-charged (~12.6-12.8V for REDTOPs, ~13.0-13.2V for YELLOWTOPs & ~14.0V for ORANGETOPs) whenever possible. We're so confident this is the case, we'll extend the free replacement warranty coverage on your OPTIMA batteries by a full year, if you purchase an OPTIMA D1200+ battery charger when you purchase your batteries.
Older diesel trucks, like a 1997 Chevrolet, generally have more options for batteries, as they can often use a variety of sizes, between Group 34/78s and Group 75/25s, in either REDTOPs or YELLOWTOPs. Either battery will offer plenty of cranking power to start a diesel engine, but the YELLOWTOPs are also designed for deep-cycle use, so if your truck has an alarm, aftermarket stereo, winch or other significant electrical accessory, the YELLOWTOP is the better choice.
If the multi-battery application is not a diesel truck (house batteries, stand-alone power, etc...), then the YELLOWTOPs or BLUETOPs (except the 34M) are the best options on the AGM side or ORANGETOPs on the lithium side. REDTOPs are not designed or warrantied for deep-cycle use, only engine starting applications.
Regardless of which batteries you select, you will maximize performance and lifespan if you keep them fully-charged (~12.6-12.8V for REDTOPs, ~13.0-13.2V for YELLOWTOPs & ~14.0V for ORANGETOPs) whenever possible. We're so confident this is the case, we'll extend the free replacement warranty coverage on your OPTIMA batteries by a full year, if you purchase an OPTIMA D1200+ battery charger when you purchase your batteries.