Any opinions on Stowaway batteries?

[BrianB]

I was at Academy yesterday and saw that they had Stowaway ST31DC205 deep-cycle batteries for $80. They're huge, but they're rated at 115Ah (~5.75amps over 20hrs)! Not bad at all for the price.

Has anyone used these before? I was considering an Optima Yellow Top, but at twice the performance and half the price, I think I'll go with the Stowaway as long as they're not known to blow up or anything.

Specs on the ST31DC205:
http://www.exideworld.com/products/mari ... specs.html

[TonyCooper]

I was at Academy yesterday and saw that they had Stowaway ST31DC205 deep-cycle batteries for $80. They're huge, but they're rated at 115Ah (~5.75amps over 20hrs)! Not bad at all for the price.

Has anyone used these before? I was considering an Optima Yellow Top, but at twice the performance and half the price, I think I'll go with the Stowaway as long as they're not known to blow up or anything.

My $.02 on the subject...

I've used them and like them. Good battery.

That said I went with the Optima. I like the fact that it non-vented (unless you severely abuse it), no acid spills possible, can be mounted in any position, and is capable of being recharged in under an hour. The Optima will lose about 1% of it's charge a month, the typical battery will lose 7% per month. The Optima does cost more but will outlast the StowAway by twice the time. It's a pay me now pay me later proposition.

StowAway ST31DC205
CCA @ 0°F - 600, CA @32°F - 750, RC Minutes @ 25A - 205, Capacity 115Ah, Size (in.) 13.0 x 6.75 x 9.875, Cost $80+ local taxes
Optima Yellow D31T
CCA @ 0°F - 900, CA @32°F - 1125, RC Minutes @ 25A - 155, Capacity 75Ah, Size (in.) 12.8 x 6.50 x 9.375, Cost $159

I found mine at batteries.com for $159... free shipping and no taxes.
Either choice will work well for you.