I have a Superwinch 5000S model and it is time for a new battery. Anyone use the Optima series? I think it should be a deep cell/ marine application for the limited use it gets. Any thoughts? Regards, Upstaged in SW Michigan.
I started using Interstate a few years back after finally growing tired of the cheap batteries. The optima gel batteries are fine, here's an alternative that will save you a few :dollar: : http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_estore/content/product_info/marine.asp - Bill
I use two wet cell group 31's and keep a battery tender hooked up 24-7. So far they lasted 9 years and showing no signs of slowing down. Group 31's are a more industrial style battery and can take a beating better.
I'd use a regular battery and keep a tender on it as Guy Parquette mentioned. Keeping it charged all the time is key no matter how expensive or high tech a battery you buy. If the trailer is stored where there is no electricity for a tender, then remove the battery and store it somewhere you can keep it charged. When I decided to install a winch on my trailer I quickly realized I did not want to deal with mounting a battery and keeping it charged. For about the price of a battery, I bought $80 worth of materials. Inline HD fuse, 20' of heavy battery cable and HD female and male plugs. Mounted the female plug by the trailer hitch plug on the truck. Well worth the money and effort to install to not have to deal with a battery. If a different tow vehicle is used for some reason you can always rig up a battery temporarily.
Thats how I have my open trailer. But there are time I don't want to hook up the truck when loading unloading the enclosed.
That's what I did. Connector between truck and outside of trailer and connector inside of trailer between winch and made-up trailer pigtail. I also made a plate and mounted a 2 5/16' ball through the trailer floor (the plate is under the floor and spans the joists). This way I can use the winch inside the trailer to pull the car in or connect the winch electrical connector to the truck and slip the mounting plate over the truck receiver ball if I need the winch for another reason not involving the trailer. I elected to not go with a battery in the trailer as it was one more item to maintain and having had boats for years you'll be buying a new battery every couple years at best. Seemed like a better solution to me and it's flexible as well. If you want pics of my set-up let me know.
