Forester New Battery for SJ Forester - current recommendations

[Romeowhisky]

Hey everyone

My battery is on its way out and I'm looking at a replacement.

I've seen that some people seem to think the optima yellow tops were a good option, but that old chestnut of 'quality' may now not be as good as it once was. Also that the SJ is not designed to charge a deep cycle battery.

Anyway, does anyone have a recommendation for current batteries that would suit light car camping? And day to day use?

Cheers

RW

 

[Kevin]

I read lots of comments that the Optima quality went downhill when they started being made in Mexico - not sure where the local supply is sourced.
I've always had a good run from Century and @Ratbag has had exceptional life from a Bosch:

Only lasted 9+ years in Roo2, and several years before that in the Camry. S3 Bosch, 55D23L.

 

[Ratbag]

We are now on our third (?) Bosch battery (two cars). Exceptional life out of them all - seven plus years, when many seem to get 3-4 years if they are lucky.

No more expensive than other decent quality, branded batteries.

 

[Kevin]

@Romeowhisky BTW Repco sell rebadged Century and often have discounts - got my latest for the Triton at 25% discount. The codes are the same so just compare like for like between the Century Yuasa and Repco websites. Repco have 25% off batteries ending Tuesday 27/4

 

[Romeowhisky]

That was a winner - thx. And they were open on ANZAC day.

Turns out there aren't many options for start stop style batteries.

Apparently the charging input for a yellow top d34, for example, doesn't match what a SJ forester can do charging wise? Anyway - way above my pay grade.

Cheers

RW

 

[Ben Up North]

Forgive me, but I've only just noticed the title.

New Battery for SJ Forester - current recommendations​

650CCA. or thereabouts.

 

[PauSum]

The three main franchises in WA including Supercheap Auto, Autobarn and Repco don't seem to stock Bosch battery - as I cannot find them from their web sites?

 

[Ratbag]

The three main franchises in WA including Supercheap Auto, Autobarn and Repco don't seem to stock Bosch battery - as I cannot find them from their web sites?

You need to look up a Bosch service centre. Look them up here:

Bosch Car Service - Your professional workshop network

Bosch Car Service. Reliable mechanics, comprehensive car maintenance. Book Online with a few simple clicks.

ap.boschcarservice.com

HTH.

 

[PauSum]

Thanks Ratbag

 

[Banjor]

I don’t drive my Forester every day because I work from home. I was having issues with the battery being drained, I think either because there is a constant current draw from the factory or maybe from my aftermarket stereo amplifier/DSP (OEM Audio Plus, I love it!). I installed a PriorityStart HD battery protector and an Optima Yellow Top.

All was well the first year, but then the pandemic hit and I drove even less often. I also drive mostly short distances and the yellow top wasn’t getting charged all the way. The PriorityStart prevented full draining so I could always start it, but now the Optima battery is shot after only 2 years.

I will probably replace it with another yellow top and use a smart battery charger to keep it topped off. The alternator doesn’t do a good job of charging deep cycle batteries, so that’s something to keep in mind if you drive short distances or a lot of start/stop traffic.

my reasoning for wanting an Optima Yellow Top is that I never want to be stranded when in very remote off-road locations. A deep cycle battery provides a lot of protection, although I also carry a lithium-ion emergency jump starter just in case.

I'm researching installing a second battery, perhaps a compact lithium-ion one, but the charging and splitting electronics are kind of complicated. It would be nice to have a second battery to power accessories when sleeping in or next to the car. Does anyone have any experiences with long-term care of the Optima Yellow Top or a dual battery setup?

 

[Kevin]

I tried Optima many years ago and it did not last very long; I believe the quality suffered when they started making them in Mexico. I have a removal aux 100ah battery in the Foz via a Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR) and 2 x 110ah aux batteries in the Triton managed via a CTEK 250S dual - the CTEK setup works really well and also allows solar panel connection.