defender DBS battery selection?

[Toxic_Avenger]

For my defender dual battery install, I'm weighing up the type of battery to use.
I'm leaning towards the bci group 34 size, and one of the Devon 4x4 trays (or I might make my own). Reasoning is I want to cram all the dbs hardware, battery/winch switchgear and charging relays in the battery box as well... wish me luck!

I like the idea of having the standard truncated cone post terminals as well as the threaded post, so naturally the Marine style batteries are getting some attention. I'll be running two of the same batteries for cranking and deep cycle duties include winching, so need a dual duty style battery. I know this is generally at the expense of the Ah rating, but thems the breaks I guess...

I've compared the spec sheets of the optima yellow and blue top batteries and on paper they rate the same. Part numbers d34 and d34m respectively.
Is anyone else using the blue top batteries, or have any recommendations for or against? Or completely different suggestions for alternatives in the group 34 size?

[tcf]

I have just ordered two Deka Intimidator 9A48 batteries. Dual purpose and 70Ah. I have a Gwyn Lewis twin battery tray and these batteries will fit with 'some' room still available for extras as required. They are not marine (ie two sets of terminals), however.
Cheers

Tim.

[Tombie]

The "M" essentially just has extra terminals on top...

[Toxic_Avenger]

That's what I thought!

I'm getting the feeling that this will make connections in a DBS much easier to negotiate. I'm not a fan of those battery terminals where ring connectors or lugs are stacked 3 high.
I'll just need to work out if this will interfere with everything else in the battery box (battery clamp, the lid of the battery box, etc).