2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Batteries

[mweiman]

I know it has been discussed on here but I am wanting to put Optima batteries in my truck and was wondering what the proper size was and also the difference in color tops. I took my factory batteries out 2 years ago because they were getting acid on the fenders and my new batteries are the same way. I'd rather spend money on batteries than paint. I see alot of people put spacers under the bolts but I didn't know if there was an option that fit better. Also, I don't drive this truck much and it sits in an insulated garage so cold starting is not really an issue.

Matt

 

[fest3er]

The Optima batteries I used are somewhat smaller than the stock 2nd Gen batteries. They're 6-7 years old now and are still working hokey-dokey.

RED - optimized for starting (as in automotive engine)
YELLOW - optimized for deep discharge (marine,trolling)
BLUE - 'compromise' between starting and deep discharge

If you don't often deep-discharge your batteries, don't get the yellow-top. If you don't often half-discharge your batteries, don't get the blue-top. If you most often use the batteries to start the engine and perhaps run the intake heaters for a couple minutes when it's cold, get the red-top batteries.

 

[GAmes]

My red tops are model # 3478DT. 1000 CCA and have given me flawless service. They are shorter than the stock batteries, so when I installed them I cut an inch or two off the hold down bolts.

 

[JMcCoy]

The blues are for marine/trolling.



The reds will give you the longest life inder "normal" use. I got 9 years out of one and 6 years out of my other red top batteries.



The yellows allow for deeper cycling and will give you the best service if you run a lot of accessories like a winch, extra lights, radio, cb, or MARGARITA BLENDER



Though my red tops were still testing ok, my radio and autometer gauges would only turn on about 25% of the time. I would have to shut the truck off and turn it back on to get them to work (sometimes). When I changed to the yellow tops, they work 100% of the time. I don't know if the electronics have a safety feature built in or something. I'm sure new red tops would have corrected the problem just as the yellow tops did. Since they are now made in mexico, I will probably be going with Odyssey batteries next time.



Also, get the biggest ones you can stuff in there. Good luck

 

[AH64ID]

While I was a die-hard Optima guy 10 years ago I have heard about nothing but problems with them in the last few years. My dad has a pair of blue tops that won't hold a charge for 6 weeks!

I would look at the Sears Platinum batteries, they are the proper size and made by Odyssey. . one of the top battery makers!

I went with the Platinum's and couldn't be happier. They have more CCA's than stock and Optima, and are roughly the same price as Optima.

But if you decide to get Optima I would get Blue tops. They are a dual purpose (start/deep cycle), just like the Yellow's, but are designed for more severe applications for heat and vibration resistance.

There are true deep and dual purpose yellow's/blue's. . be sure to get the dual purpose.

 

[BGlidewell]

red for cranking power which is needed for the compression of a diesel engine while starting. Two of them will set you back over 300 smackers at Sams.

 

[Tractorat]

I have interstates in all 3 of my cars and in my truck. Never had a problem with acid. And that is one of their advertizing points. BTW, they are the actual interstate batteries, not ones from napa (for example) that say they are the same battery, but with a different name.

 

[AH64ID]

Some Specs

Stock
750 CCA

Red Top Group 34
800 CCA
1000 CA
100 min reserve

Yellow Top Group D34
750 CCA
870 CA
120 min reserve

Blue Top Group D34M
750 CCA
870 CA
120 min reserve

Platinum P-1
880 CCA
1050 CA
135 min reserve

 

[wlowe]

Another vote for the Platinum Die Hards. Have had mine for a few years now, very happy with them.

 

[jeepit]

I went with OEM batteries. The first set lasted 9 years so I couldn't complain about the stock batteries.

 

[Bob4x4]

I would steer clear of the optima

They do not hold up like they used to

I got tired of replacing them every year in the Jeep and trailer

 

[dblake]

I'm on my second set of these. Last set lasted 6 years under very tough conditions, sitting for long periods and extreme cold and heat. They just barely fit. You'll need longer tie-down bolts. Got em at Napa for close to $500 a pair. Not cheap, but if one goes dead the other one still has no problem getting you started even with the grid heaters cycling. Optima BatteriesOptima Batteries 8051-160 D31A YellowTop Starting & Deep Cycle Battery

 

[mweiman]

$200. 00 a piece for red tops at O'Reilly's, they have really gone up in price.

 

[Nyoest]

Buy the batteries you can get warranty on 300 miles from home. I've never ran an optima but friends of mine have and most of them have been unhappy with the life of them.

A lower cca battery will last longer and hold up to vibration and heat better than a higher cca of the same model. For my truck I run napas 640 cca and get along fine. The wife runs interstates because the salesman was cute and we had to warranty the first set at eight months.

 

[HCannon]

Just put the red tops on my 04 last week. They came with new clips that replaced the old ones that clips on the bottom of the batteries. No problem, just as easy as changing batteries could be. The Optima had some big problems for a while, but the last couple I have used are working like the first ones. I am sure there is lot of good batteries out there but I have a hard time with the leaks that develop after they get some age on them.

 

[LandShark]

Save yourself some big $ and read the Consumer Reports battery test. No reason to spend alot of money for batteries when your truck sits in a insulated garage. Also read the TDR archives; many bad reports on Optimas compared to traditional batteries.

I use the Walmart or Costco batteries in all my vehicles and average about 7+ years on them. They are well less than half the cost of an Optima.

 

[drag racer]

I use nothing but Optimas in all my vehicles, and they have been superior to all else. Plus, no worries of acid spill/leak ruining things. One incident with a wet cell battery and you will never use them again. The key is to keep them charged, especially the Red Top.

Out of all the Optimas I have used, only one time did I have sort of a "dud" that only lasted 2 years or so. All other times I get 6 years minimum, a couple I have are nearing 8 years and still in use, and this is in a harsh desert climate. New ones go in the Dodge, and when they start to weaken, they get cycled through my street cars and trailer where they are good for additional years of service.

I have tried both Red and Yellow Tops in the Dodge, and for my usage profile (weekend/pleasure use only; truck sits for weeks sometimes between uses), the Yellow Tops work better and last longer.

 

[Matt42]

I Don't Use Optima batteries Any More

I used to be a die hard (pun intended) Optima battery user. I won't use them any more from some bad experiences that I had once they moved their manufacturing from Colorado to Mexico.



I now use Dekka, Odyssey and the Batteries Plus house brand of AGM batteries. All are U. S. made. Never a problem with any of them, just like the Optima batteries used to be when they were made in Metro Denver.



There was an interesting thread on Optima features, good and bad, over at one of the Chrysler Town and Country minivan forums some months ago. It got to the point where a PR person from Johnson Controls, the outfit that makes Optima Batteries, joined in. You can read the thread here:

OPTIMA Batteries - Alternatives, Whatdya think?



Disclaimer: I was part of the thread. Do your own due diligence.

 

[drag racer]

Good point, Matt42, about the Johnson Controls mfg. shift from Denver to Mexico. I have to qualify my opinion above to say that all my current Optima's are still Denver, USA made units. My tune and future buys will likely change to a different brand USA made AGM battery as long as I can get them.

One thing that will not change is, I will never again use a wet acid battery unless they were the only option.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I'm on my third set of Red Tops. I'm sure the first two were made in the USA they lasted 5 1/2 and the 2nd set a little over 6 years. This third set cost almost $400. I will see how long these will last! They should give you a little battery trays to sit them in. They gave me the clips things but I went ahead and used the hold down bolts and bracket.