Kinetik HC1200

I bought a Kinetik HC1200 because my Diehard gold battery is getting a little old and only charges to about 3/4s original capacity.

It got here last night and I figured Id test how it compared simply by dropping it in place of the Diehard.

(I do realize Kinetik reccomends at least a HC1800 for replacing main starting battery)

Didnt charge it till it was all connected, let it sit in there over night.

At that time the lights when the door was opened were quite a bit brighter, good sign I thought.

Although the starter seemed to turn over a little faster the dash lights and my seatbelt indicator buzzor almost went completely out.

I played some bass on my way to work, and noticed the dash lights started dimming, and by 6-7 mins It was having a real hard time.

At lunch I checked the voltage at the battery and it was 12.5, kinda frustrated me because thats a little lower then I thought it would sit.

On my way back I brought a small voltage meter that you plug into the dash 12v plug, when the truck is started at first it likes to sit around 13.4-13.6

I waited drove around for a little bit till it got to 14.4, put on a song at a little lower volume than I normally would (40 instead of 45)

within 20 seconds of the bass hitting the voltage flew down to 13.2 then 12.1 then I turned it off and it rose back up 14.4 fairly quick (within 30 sec)

(note: I have my doubts that this little voltage meter is real accurate so consider them guesstimates )

The diehard even when at max volume doesnt drop even close to as fast as that when in place.

From what I messed around with this battery its either really really sensitive to the cold and being a lone battery, or its just not a very good choice for the 150-200 dollar range. I could have bought 2 new diehard golds for that price.

Anyways since I do have this battery Im still probably going to do what I planned and buy a battery isolater so I can run both the diehard and Kinetik.

Also before you say its my electrical and alternator and such, I do know I need to do the big three and get a better alternator.

But I figured Id buy the extra battery first since I had the extra cash on hand.

Id like your guys opinion and advice on this. Thanks

Edited January 11, 201312 yr by SacredTanakh