Interesting thread. Especially since I run a red top in the race car that can sometimes sit all year long whilst waiting for partes (really it's money for parts). I have noticed over the years of playing around with this battery that if I let the battery sit too long (about 2 weeks) it will have discharged quite a bit. If I manage to get the car started, the battery will charge, but will not have very much reserve. If I then put my automatic trickle charger (2 amp) on it for about a week. The reserve will come back. The battery is back to acting like new or close to new. I do try to just keep the trickle charger on it at all times, but sometimes I have to use the extension cord for other things and I forget to plug the trickle charger back in. I have been through this scenario more than a few times and the battery, so far, has always come back to an acceptable level. Usually, over 12.6 volts. I think the trick to these batteries is to not let them discharge too much and always keep them on an automatic low amp (2 amp) trickle charger or tender. I like the safety of the dry cell. Also, less corrosion problems.
I've been through 3 red tops - 2 of which were bad off the shelf - I'm not impressed so far. Looks like there is a real trend here?!?!
