2013 RTV 900

[garciajoe]

I've replaced my battery with an Optima Yellow top that has side and top terminals. I installed a 3500# winch, and planed on connecting the RTV as usual to the top post, and the winch to the side post. read the installation instructions for the Optima battery and they said "do not connect a winch to the side terminals". they gave no explanation, and I guess I need one. Any one have an explanation? Should I run the RTV off the side terminals, and the winch off the top? I don't understand what the difference would be. Thanks

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

The side terminals in the yellow top are connected inside the battery by a strap that may melt due to heat from a winch's power draw.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

really ? that's kinda 'nutz'. Starter could draw 400 amps but that's 'OK' to be on the side posts ?
hmm, gotta goto the website as I have a 'rd top' version and USE the side posts for starter hookup for the past 8 years. My winch is breakered for 80 amps....

sigh...hihohiho off to the web I go ,cause I gotta know.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

really ? that's kinda 'nutz'. Starter could draw 400 amps but that's 'OK' to be on the side posts ?
hmm, gotta goto the website as I have a 'rd top' version and USE the side posts for starter hookup for the past 8 years. My winch is breakered for 80 amps....

sigh...hihohiho off to the web I go ,cause I gotta know.

What did you find out?

I agree with you: A high performance high-end battery should enable one to use either top or side terminals without disclaimers.

But running a starter over and over in a 'no-start' situation doesn't come close to a winches power draw time. Winching is constant with no hesitation. Much of my personal winch use is constant. Sometimes for as much as 1 minute. Sometimes even close to 2 minutes of constant draw. With small breaks to reset the winch line attachment, and then another 2 minutes. Engine running, throttled up to 2,000 RPM.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Well Optima came back today with 'generic' answer'...

Hello
It's a high draw for a long duration.
Thank you,
Mary Jo
Optima Customer Service

....
so I'm pressing them for some REAL tech specs.it'd be nice to see inside,see how it's made.
I know 'GM style combo' you can 100s of amps through both terminals so if I can run a lousy 80 amps out the sides, I'll ditch optimas and go back to 'combo' batteries.
probably 2-3 business days and more AI krap to wade through....

 

[GreensvilleJay]

It must be an AI that's replying to my questions at Optima, won't answer direct,easy to understand questions...it keeps rambling about winches, high current(550 amps) and cars.....

oh well. mildly entertaining unlike stripping insulation off 67' of aluminum 3/3/ ? ( 100A feed in underground cable)