Optima Battery

[rover67]

i have the big yellow top in the cruiser. thats the third truck i've had it in, and I love it. I've run it down numberous times winching and with lights and it just keeps coming back. I love it. I mean, i was running (drunk) down the driveway with it in my hands to go jump another car (it is heeeavy... but beer makes us strong) and tripped. battery went flying and landed right on the bottom corner right smack on the concrete... still works fine, that was a year ago. I bought it about 5 years ago, so then they may have been better.

several of the younger guys use the red top ones at the track (auto cross) and have had bad experiences with them. they just go dead from time to time. I don't know if this is a new deal or what, but like i said, they seemed pretty convinced they were crap.... I even remember one going dead the last time we were there... but mine has been great.

who knows. I will probably buy another when the time comes.. especially if costco has them that cheap. also, the same kids that complain about them going dead all the time say that they have good warrantys though. for whatever thats worth..

 

[High Desert]

You guys that bought your batteries two and three years ago need to go out and price them now. I was unable to find any of the red tops for less than $140. I'm in a location where stuff is usually higher because of shipping into Central Oregon...but usually not so far off on price as these $100 optimas you guys are buying at Costco (again WHEN did you buy it?). I ran a optima in a fj40, it was a good battery..but I've never run a bad battery $40 bucks or $150 bucks I've never had one go out prematurely... Just luck I guess. Like I said up the thread, I'm trying the DEKA...I don't think Optima has the only strong battery name out there...It seems your paying for that name more than any special performance over the competition...Again I may be crying a different story in a few months..

 

[dtrain]

Had a new fairly new (less then a year old) go dead. Took it to Parts Plus, here in the bay area, and they ran a test on it. They determined it dead and I walked out with a brand new one. Not questions or paperwork.

My buddies have been getting the Interstate sealed batteries (bright green tops on them... can't miss'm)

 

[RenegadeQ]

How are those Interstate Green top batteries? I have been running regular Interstate Batteries and I am thinking the honeymoon is over. I've had trouble with cranking power as the battery ages (with multiple batteries). The latest is totally out of warranty, so I am thinking it is time to try a new brand/type. So far, all the feedback on the thread has been great!

 

[Zack1978]

How are those Interstate Green top batteries? I have been running regular Interstate Batteries and I am thinking the honeymoon is over. I've had trouble with cranking power as the battery ages (with multiple batteries). The latest is totally out of warranty, so I am thinking it is time to try a new brand/type. So far, all the feedback on the thread has been great!

As I stated before, I have had nothing but great luck with the Interstate brand. With that said I have never used the actual green top Interstate, I always used the "Mega-Tron" Interstate.

Zack

 

[kappalpha]

Got a free replacement for my redtop about 2 months ago. Headed to get another tomorrow. Beginning to think they aren't what they used to be. They just keep going dead.

 

[calphi27]

I had a yello top for a few years. It was crap when it was barely cold outside. I ended up giving it away. I have a sear's battery to hold me over until i find a better replacement.

 

[mtnfj]

red top

I've had a red top in the truck for all of last winter and all of this year. So far, in winter, at 10 - 15 below (it's 4 below right now with about 50 mile/hr. winds) the thing starts up. Even with a busted choke cable. Optimas rock!

 

[Dazza]

DEKA

I have been considering DEKA batteries ever since I saw that they used them in a test for Overland Journal. The products they use seem to be top quality... I wondered why they didn't use optimas. maybe the price. I think my next battery will be a DEKA

 

[DirtyLittleSecret]

I've had 4 Optimas over the course of 8 years now in 3 rigs. Not a one has let me down yet. One gets fired up every 4-5 months.

 

[expeditionswest]

Hi all,

We used the Deka because of reserve capacity (AH). A spiral cell optima, while very durable, cannot hold the power of an AGM (absorbed glass mat), which is also a sealed technology, but can fit more lead. Lead = capacity.

For example, a group 31 optima will have a 75ah reserve, while a good AGM will be over 100ah. A 25% increase in capacity for the same footprint.

AGM batteries are Dekas, Lifelines, Odyssey.

I used Lifeline AGM batteries for the Arctic trip for CCA and AH reserve. Started the truck at -50.

Hope this helps

 

[calphi27]

For those of you that have a Deka or lifeline battery, where did you get it, and what model did you use for your cruiser?

 

[Spook50]

I have the huge (Group 34 I wanna say) yellow top in my 62 and it's damn near nuke proof. Once I figure out what to do with my overflow bottle (can't simply move it back like you can in most cases) I'll be getting my second one and installing it.

 

[Rig of Mortis]

I've run dual Optima Red Tops without any problems for the past four years.

 

[Dazza]

thanks for the info scott, that sells me on the agm. anyone know who's got the best price???? cheapest i've seen so far seems to be the DEKA intimidator for appx. $119.00 and free shipping... IIRC

 

[expeditionswest]

We went with the Deka, as it had the best price. Call Mario at Adventure Trailers www.adventuretrailers.com

 

[calphi27]

thanks for the info scott, that sells me on the agm. anyone know who's got the best price???? cheapest i've seen so far seems to be the DEKA intimidator for appx. $119.00 and free shipping... IIRC

What website was this on?

 

[ducatiman81211]

Fullriver FR24 Battery

I run an AGM battery made by FullRiver,model FR24. It is as good or better than the Deka model of same size. I bought mine thru ALBERT at DCBatterySpecialist.com, they are out of Florida. The customer service is excellent and the power of the battery is amazing. I use it as my main battery, and run my ARB fridge/freezer off of it as well. I keep a deep cycle battery in the rear cargo area as well, with an inverter/solar panel, and use it when I am parked camping, or surfing.

I highly recommend the AGM technology over any other out there, no matter which battery brand you chose! I first did a Google of the Fullriver, Deka, and AGM to learn more.

 

[Marc311]

I think the new high end Die Hard batteries are AGM. I believe they are called Die Hard Platinum. I think Sears is phasing out Optimas, most likely because of these new Die Hards. They weren't cheap, though. As I recall, they were in the $150-180 range. But I think the warranty (as stated in another forum) is 4 yr - 100%, 100 month pro-rated.

 

[Dazza]

What website was this on?

I forget, i just googled Deka intimidator and it was one of the first i found, it may have been 125 with free shipping, but i thought the one for 119 was free to ship too