Thread: Optima D34 Yellow top or SSB DryCell HVT-50D AGM

Originally Posted by rapserv

Update!!

For those who are interested ...

Tim from Traxide was kind enough to re-route my DBS Kit from Kalgoorlie to me in Perth where it arrived 2 days later and I have been able to test the installation using the SSB HVT-70LD battery in place of the Optima D34 and SSB HVT-50D batteries.

With the recent change to the Traxide battery cradle, it DOES accept the 70LD fairly comfortably with regard to length and width but the battery is a little tighter with respect to height ... but it does fit SAFELY.

I have attached a couple of photos of the 70LD in place to show the fit and possible rub points.
Also, at this time, I have only fitted the cradle and battery to help determine, one way or another, whether the 70LD will 'physically' fit. It DOES!!

For those who are not sure of the D70 batteries terminal configuration ... the 70D has the +ve (positive) terminal on the front left when viewed from the front and the 'LD' is the opposite with the +ve terminal on the front right .. so that when you turn the battery 180 degrees, the +ve terminal is actually located on the left at the rear .. in the lowest and SAFEST position for this terminal to be in.

Also, keep in mind that my vehicle is a 2013 Discovery 4 SDV6 and it may differ slightly in other models of the D4 .. but I don't believe so.

Because the battery is being 'reversed' there is a slight difference in the length of cabling to the battery itself, however, Tim is aware of this and will be making a change to the cable length to get around this and I'm sure he'll add some comments to this thread accordingly.

Have a look at the photo's and make your own decision even though I am confident enough in the clearances.

Use of the 70LD battery will give you a substantial increase in battery capacity over the 50D, from 65Ah to 85Ah capacity for about an extra $20.
I picked up the 70LD at Goodchild Enterprises (who were very helpful) in Perth for $264 incl gst, however, this battery is made over on the east coast so I would expect it to be somewhat cheaper over that side of the country.

Please also keep in mind that in these photos, the battery terminals have been removed and the cable lugs would be bolted directly to the terminal mounts. (the preferred method)
You may also want to modify the battery clamp crosspiece slightly or even make your own to replace it.

I hope this info is of use if you are contemplating fitting the Traxide DBS.

*** .. just in case any of you missed it .. there's a very short 'Clearance.mp4' video file attached at the very bottom of the thumbnails. It's easy to overlook .. but in a way, sums up all of the photos with regard to the 'actual' clearance when the bonnet is closed.

Nice job with the fitment of the 70D. If you remove the plastic battery handle on the positive terminal side the battery clamp from the Traxide kit fits much better in the exposed groove. Use the inner edge of the battery clamp.