Optima batteries

[Micheal Tomac]

I've been invited by Optima batteries to take part in their SEMA Power User Tour. Other than enjoying SEMA for the first time, I will be taking part in a couple roundtable discussions with Optima management. In the first roundtable they will be looking for feedback about Optima batteries from us in the diesel community. Basically, they want to hear what questions, concerns or issues we have with Optima batteries. In the second roundtable I will get a sneak peak at some of the advertising and marketing Optima has planned in the future and give them feedback on it. Then after SEMA I will be attending the Optima Ultimate Streetcar Invitational race.

Here's what I have so far:
-Optima batteries have a shorter warranty than other similarly priced batteries
-Optima batteries are not available for 2007.5 and newer Chevy/GMC trucks

 

[dmaxvaz]

Optima batteries need to be recharged with a special charger that pusewidth modulates the charge to the battery, otherwise the battery is junk or the battery drastically looses its service life

 

[the4wheeler]

Optima batteries need to be recharged with a special charger that pusewidth modulates the charge to the battery, otherwise the battery is junk or the battery drastically looses its service life

i dont know about that
i have 2 yellow tops in my krawler one is 5 years old the other is just over 8

the oldest one came from another truck. both have been discharged countless times being jumped and charged back up using the vicheals charging system no fancy PWM charger has ever been connected to them . today they still crank the old 6.2 over just a s good at ever with no signs of needing replacement

same goes for a buddy who has a blue and a yellow in is 4x4

i dont know what the service live of thees batteries are but to me 8 years ( and counting) of abusive live is a good run for a battery not being on a special charger

 

[Redbowties88]

my stockers are still running strong...so im very happy with those...but i might look into getting optimas when they finally do go...

what color is recommended for duramaxs?

 

[Mike L.]

Optima's do not have the deep cycling necessary for a diesel. I can run them down faster than a stock battery. I have one in my wifes Lexus and left the key on over night and it's never been the same since.

 

[Redbowties88]

Optima's do not have the deep cycling necessary for a diesel. I can run them down faster than a stock battery. I have one in my wifes Lexus and left the key on over night and it's never been the same since.

oh didnt realize that my sticks one last forever...i can sit with the truck off for hours listening to the radio with subs and it still cranks right up....and mine are 5 years old

 

[maxaholic]

Optima's do not have the deep cycling necessary for a diesel. I can run them down faster than a stock battery. I have one in my wifes Lexus and left the key on over night and it's never been the same since.

X2 ever since my water leak incident something was on and drawed my red tops down and they haven't been right since. I think I'm gonna get napa to warranty them.

 

[JoshH]

The biggest problem with charging Optimas is you have to charge them slowly. If you charge them too fast they get gas bubbles in the gel/mat stuff that is used, and they don't work as well. Other than that, I think they're a great battery.

 

[othrgrl]

I have one in my Bronco II that I have abused quite a bit for about 6 years, left interior lights on for months and completely drain it, charge it up on a running vehicle and it is good as new again. While I think they are great for offroad applications and vehicles that sit for long periods I honestly just don't see the point for a diesel. The AutoZone Duralast Gold 34DT-DLG battery (dual terminal that fits our trucks) is half the price and has 800CCA and 1000CA. Even with one in my truck I don't have problems starting it. And it comes with a 3 year free replacement and 5 year pro-rated warranty that you can walk into any AutoZone to get taken care of.