I’ve run Optima Performance Batteries for many years. The reasons are simple: safety and quality. The batteries I’ve owned have lasted beyond their expected life and warranty period, and the AGM (Absorption Glass Mat) design is an added safety factor when it comes to potential rollovers (which I’m known for). I currently run a single RedTop in my 1974 FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser and a pair of RedTops in my 1996 FZJ80 Toyota Land Cruiser.

The FZJ80 installation has always bothered me tho…the primary battery SHOULD be the RedTop starting design, since it primarily runs the starting system and general electrical requirements for the truck. However, the 2nd battery is dedicated to only the winch circuit and to the circuit I use for my ARB fridge. This is a deep cycle application, but I had always believed that battery life would be compromised if you mixed and matched a Starting and Deep Cycle battery. Read More→