"Biggest" battery that will fit in stock location?

[DOcean]

Van is an '02. Due to the recent addition of a portable DVR & cams, I'm only getting about 2 1/2 days of reserve before the battery dies (if the van is sitting). Typically this is not an issue, as I usually drive the van every day. However, I didn't drive the van this weekend and now I'm dead in the water.

So...who has installed a larger reserve battery in the stock location? Trying to get at least three days reserve (and trying to avoid a dual-batt set-up).

[chevymaher]

I use a big Gel Cell battery. Enough cranking amps to start a caterpillar tractor.

[DOcean]

I use a big Gel Cell battery. Enough cranking amps to start a caterpillar tractor.

Size/brand? I'm going to get an AGM, but don't know how big I can stuff one in that tiny space.

[97cargocrawler]

I don't think you could get anything bigger than stock in that spot without modifications. You need a dual purpose battery like a YellowTop Optima or better in stock size.

[Corsemoto]

Group size 78 is pretty much max. A dual terminal battery 34/78 will fit as well.

Check out the Diehard Platinum AGM 34/78 battery, it's the manufactured by Enersys and is exact same battery as Odyssey 34/78 at a lower cost, even more so when on sale. The Odyssey/Diehard Platinum AGM is a dual purpose battery with high cca and long deep cycle reserve capacity.

The specs on Sears website are incorrect, correct specs from Odyssey (and what is listed on battery):

CCA: 850 / Reserve Capacity: 135 mins / Weight: 53 lbs / Dimensions: L 10.85" W 7.00" H 7.82" / Warranty: 48 Months

Interesting fact, all Odyssey & Diehard Platinum AGM auto starting and marine batteries are the same internally, only differences being terminal configuration and warranty.

[chevymaher]

:(

I use a big Gel Cell battery. Enough cranking amps to start a caterpillar tractor.

Size/brand? I'm going to get an AGM, but don't know how big I can stuff one in that tiny space.

I don't know. As with most things work related once it is done it is forgotten. Just go to the parts joint and ask they know. It is a optima battery tho. It is the same battery the chevelles big block takes. I remember that much buying it.

[DOcean]

Group size 78 is pretty much max. A dual terminal battery 34/78 will fit as well.

Check out the Diehard Platinum AGM 34/78 battery, it's the manufactured by Enersys and is exact same battery as Odyssey 34/78 at a lower cost, even more so when on sale. The Odyssey/Diehard Platinum AGM is a dual purpose battery with high cca and long deep cycle reserve capacity.

The specs on Sears website are incorrect, correct specs from Odyssey (and what is listed on battery):

CCA: 850 / Reserve Capacity: 135 mins / Weight: 53 lbs / Dimensions: L 10.85" W 7.00" H 7.82" / Warranty: 48 Months

Interesting fact, all Odyssey & Diehard Platinum AGM auto starting and marine batteries are the same internally, only differences being terminal configuration and warranty.

Great info, thanks. I'll check it out.

[AstroWill]

This is just with the van sitting unused, or is this a camping rig of some sort and you are using the DVR and cams on a daily basis?

[DOcean]

This is just with the van sitting unused, or is this a camping rig of some sort and you are using the DVR and cams on a daily basis?

It's my work van and I typically work and/or drive it 7 days/wk., but I took this past weekend off, so the van sat for two & 1/2 full days. DVR/cameras are recording 24/7 to catch anyone messin' with my sh!t... (or record a traffic incident while I'm moving).

[AstroWill]

Ok, I get it now, you are going to need some serious capacity for those if you want to make it a few days. I honestly don't think that you can get past adding an extra battery(or bank of batteries). Those little cameras can suck down a battery pretty quickly. It would almost be better to add an onboard charger and plug it in every night.

[paulo57509]

I would still try to go with a dual battery and isolator setup. At least this way you'll know the starting battery will always be there.

The only problem is where do you stash the other battery?