2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Optima Battery Mounts

[BHumphrey]

Is anyone making battery mount kits for Optima batteries?



Thanks

 

[TJarecke]

Here Is some hold downs for optimas made by some guys here in Nebraska. They are good guys. They have been selling them on ebay for a couple of years and I have seen them at swap meets here in the area. I tried to get them to make a cummins one but they weren't sure about the copyright issues. I am not sure if you were looking for something this fancy but it is an option that would look really good.

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[Bob Wagner]

I don't want to get my hand slapped, but check my readers rigs

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Bob, dunno if your stuff is made with the largest capacity Optimas in mind or not, but I too am looking at the need for new batteries - mine are still the originals, and will probably be replaced in the spring. BUT, if I was to go with the Optimas, it would have to be the largest group size I could fit in the battery tray, since I tow the RV, and run high-powered Ham radio gear in the truck.



Maybe some of the guys using the larger Optimas could again pop in with info - as I recall, some minor modification is required for the larger capacity batteries - pics would be nice as well...

 

[JRihani]

I am running the largest group size Optima that I know of, model D31A yellow-tops. See my reader's rigs gallery for pictures. Unlike the Odyssey group 31 batteries or the standard group 31 batts I considered, the Optima's require very minimal alterations to the stock setup.



The passenger side battery slips right into the tray with no modifications and sits perfectly flat. The hold-down bolts must be lengthened or replaced (I lengthened them by cutting them in half and adding a length of bar, then painting).



The driver's side required that one of the tiny gussets at the bottom of the factory tray be removed (I used my dremel) in order for the battery to sit flush against the temperature sensor. The bolts also had to be lengthened.



Other than that they fit great and, IMHO, look great too. They have 900CCA and 155 mins RC which exceed stock requirements.



As many have mentioned, you can get more CCAs and RC mins with other batteries. My choice was dictated by a battery that will not eat my fenders and that does not require extensive battery tray modification.



Also, to offer an answer to the original question in this post, these guys sell Optima trays as well:



http://www.odysseybatteries.com/accessories/optima.htm



The TDR is an amazing place!! I researched my options here for a long time before making a decision and I humbly submit the above information as my personal experience on my truck. Many others with more knowledge and experience have made different choices.



Thanks,

John

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

LOOKS great John - wonder what is a good source and price on those batteries?



Here's a pic for those too lazy to check out John's setup:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=21913&width=4

 

[JRihani]

Gary,



Thanks for the compliment and the link, I'm not TDR tech savvy quite yet!



I purchased mine from www.batteries.com when they were running a special and got mine for around $150 each. Shipping would have killed me if I hadn't realized that these guys have their warehouse about 15 miles from my front door!



My local Interstate distributor was going to match any advertised non-sale price I brought him. So, your local Interstate Distributor might be a good place to start.



When I bought mine my local Costco didn't carry the group 31 batteries.



Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.



Regards,

John