optima blue tops ok for our trucks?

[DBentley]

Trying to decide on batts for the truck. thinking optima blue tops. they are the starting marine type i guess. but i have heard the red, yellow and blue tops are all the same except the top terminal configuration. also there are 2 size cca. i assume i need the larger ones. What should i buy?

 

[RGRAT1618]

I just installed 2 group 312 blue top optima's in a 2000. Worked out great. lots of power to spare. Little money. $179. 00 ea.

 

[Silver600]

I have had 2 of the original Red Tops in my chevy, been in there since the end of 1997 and still start it like they are new. I will go this route again when the factory batteries die in my new Dodge.

 

[BarryG]

Go to optimas website for the specs but if I recall the blue and yellow are the same except for post/terminal configurations. Unless they have come out with a new red top the blues and yellows can be had in higher power models. Thought eh blues and yellows cost more also.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I read here on the TDR quite some time ago that you have to be careful when bolting in a set of Optimas.



Since they're a bit shorter than the OEM batteries... the holdown bolts can come into contact with the grid heater electricals below the driver's side battery.



Matt

 

[RT66DOC]

Red Tops

 

[evldsl]

The optimas color designates their purpose. I have 2 yellow top in my 2001 wrangler with a painless performance wireing kit that is used to isolate both batteries if needed, such as if I want to run my lights or stereo all night out camping or if I use my wench too long I will just throw the switch too either the #1 side or the #2 side. This way if I drop the charge of that perticular battery all I have to do is reposition the switch and I can crank the starter. both batteries will charge with the switch in the center position. The red top are regular draw, the yellow tops are long draw and the blue tops are marine.

 

[**ICEMAN**]

i didn't use the factory hold downs when i installed the optima's.

the batteries come with some universal hold downs and with just a little modification to the battery box it makes a neat install.

 

[**ICEMAN**]

fender side,,same hold down as engine side

 

[JLEONARD]

I've been running a single red top in mine for 2 winters and I've had no problems. Plenty of cranking power.

 

[bmoeller]

I have a pair of red tops.



I used the same hold down bolts, but used a 1" (I think that was what I used) piece of pipe. Cut to length and drilled holes for the bolts. Worked great.

 

[Loren]

DBentley,



I know this is a late post, but I'm just now catching up after computer problems.



The blue tops and yellow tops are the same battery except for the terminal configuration. They are deep-cycle batteries. Optima recommends their deep-cycle batteries for our Dodges.



The red-top is their regular "starting" battery.



There is a difference in case color between the deep cycle and starting batteries, but I can't remember what it is. I'm sure you can figure it out from the Optima web site.



I have been running two blue-tops in my 2000 truck since it was new. No problems. I started with yellow-top Optimas in January of 1999 in my 1995 truck. Those batteries are still good.



Good luck.



Loren

 

[JHerrlich]

The Dark Grey case is for starting and the Light Grey case is for deep-cycle. I just put two group 31 blue tops in my truck. I had to bend the ears down a little to get the holddown bolts to start in the nut, and it takes just a little bit of rearranging to get the positive cables to reach on the blue top (because the posts are offset a little and the studs are on the centerline of the battery). If you went with yellow tops (which are the exact same battery without the 5/16" studs) it would fit right up.



Mind you these are the group 31 batteries, which are a lot bigger than the group 34 size.

 

[evldsl]

You can also have custom battery cables made for the posts and the length you need. this is what I did when I installed my duel yellow top batterys in my TJ.

 

[Tomscreek]

I've had 2 red tops in mine for about a year and a half. I just bolted them down with the factory hardware and didn't notice any interference with anything. Guess I'll take a closer look tonight.

 

[bgilbert]

Optima battery = Interstate battery. I run Deka batteries in my trucks. Group 31, 1260cca at 32*f, 1175 at 0*f all for the lump sum of $80. Show me a optima or interstate comparable for that price range..... Bill

 

[evldsl]

Are those wet or dry cell batterys?.

 

[Loren]

Tomscreek,



The problem is that because the Optimas are not as tall as the factory batteries the hold-down bolts will extend farther into the nut at the battery tray. This leaves well over an inch of bolt protruding out the bottom of the battery tray.



There are wires running under those trays. Some drivers have had the bolts wear a hole in the wire bundle and insulation and short out one or more wires.



----



bellyscraper,



Optima calls their batteries "Gel Cells". I don't pretend to know exactly what that means, but they are neither a wet cell nor a dry cell.



I read a post quite some time ago where the driver stated that he had an Optima installed in some equipment (construction, farm, or something) and someone had broken the battery case somehow. He said that they ran that battery with a big hole in its case for a couple more years before it went bad.

(At least that's how I remember the post. Maybe the original driver will correct me if this is not exactly right. )



Loren

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The Optima website pointed to at the beginning of this thread pretty well describes the difference beyween the construction of Optimas and regular wet-cell batteries.



As I have pointed out before, biggest operational difference between Optima-type batteries and "normal" wet cell types, is the RESERVE amps - length of time a specific amp draw - 25 amps - can be drawn from the battery before it is considered ready for recharge, 10. 5 volts.



The best listed Optima is rated at 106 minutes in that test as I recall - and even the stock OEM batteries supplied with our trucks are good for about 50% longer discharge times. Not a concern for most, but might be for some who run lights or other accessory equipment for significant times with the engine off...

 

[BarryG]

Not disputing what Gary is saying above but the yellow and blue tops 31 and 34 series have 120 minutes and 155 minutes reserve. I have no idea how that compares to the stock ones though. Another thing to remember is that optima batteries can take that discharge many more times than a conventional lead acid. Do the optimas work in our trucks no question, do other ones perform well no question on that either depends on your needs and wallet



Would like to hear more about those DEKA batteries previously mentioned.