2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Optima Blue Tops

[monkfarm]

I installed one (1) OPTIMA Blue Top to replace both of my original batteries. I installed it about 2 months ago, but wanted to wait and see whether it started well in cold weather before I told the club about it. Now I am using 100% pure Amsoil 15-40 marine, but it does seem to be firing fine (today -10 and forgot to plug in before firing it up) and it turned over just fine. (and started well too I might add)

This battery is a group 31 battery that I use in my Kenworth (Yes Cummins (ISX)(Would have a cat no way)). I use 4 of them in the Kenworth (but then power an inverter with them ) (besides using them for normal starting, and running)

I don't know how it will act when it gets a little older but boy it works great now. I did a load test (I forget exactly how many amps I did put on it,) but at the max load it held up to 12. 1 volts.

 

[Loren]

I'm sure you know that the blue-top Optimas are exactly the same as the yellow-tops (deep-cycle) with a different terminal post configuration.



I've never run just one, but I've been using dual yellow-tops in my 1995 truck for several years now, and dual blue-tops in the 2000 truck for two years. I've had great service from both types. The 1995 is now parked outside in the cold (the new truck got the garage space), and it still starts every time, even though it doesn't get run nearly as much as it should.



Loren

 

[monkfarm]

The BLUE TOPS have both config of posts so It gives me a little more virsatilty (hooking up my kicker for my CB, etc.

 

[John]

There are two different models of Optima Blue Top batteries. One is exactly like a Yellow Top except it doesn't have the GM style side terminals. Instead, it has the small diamater marine type threaded posts on the top and a light grayish/white case. I have had one of these around my little farm for at least 6 years now. The other style Blue Top is a marine "starting" battery that has an extremely dark gray (almost black) case.



Apparently Optima has added a group 31 marine Blue Top to their lineup as well.



And yes, I have Optima's in my Ram too... a pair of dual terminal Yellow Tops.

 

[scotty1]

John, you still running around in the old truck? New truck fever has not hit hard enough yet?

 

[wsmalley]

I run dual optima red-tops in mine. I use both top and side posts on both. I have my two amps running off of the right-side battery to clean up the sound (no electrical interference from the rest of the truck power drain). I love mine. They spin my motor like there is no tomorrow and run my stereo like no other.

 

[monkfarm]

GOOD news about the optima (s) lasting 6 years, I was wondering if they had a lot of hype surrounding their batteries, or if they actually were good. I visited their (web) site, and had precious little (none) about truck applications. I pointed that out to them,(in an e-mail) and got no response. I figured whoever was in charge of response had a small (narrow) opinion of trucks and truckdrivers. (Maybe judgemental on my part)

Anyway, thanks for the response, JOHN, and the info. I wil try more optimas in the near future because of your testimony (of 6 yrs farm usage).

 

[SWendell]

Is it unusual to get 7+ years out of OEM batteries?



My 97 CTD has stock batteries. I thought they were finally fading last week... wouldnt turn over, but some new starter contacts and like new again! A pair of Optimas would look nice sitting in there, but not until these old fellas give out... .

 

[monkfarm]

My OEM batteries were still surprisingly good, but I didn't trust um. If I just stayed local with the truck, I would have kept them in the truck untill the batteries died. Since I take some long trips with the dodge, I have to have a batterie I trust. I believe it is unusual for a (especially OEM) battery to last 7 years.

I think I will get another blue-top for it. (I was hoping to use just one because I wanted to put other equipment in it's place. I had one morning where it was about -15 below (I did not plug it in) and it turned over so slow. ) Admittedly, I should not have subjected my precious Cummins to that kind of abuse. (although I am running 100% synthetic amsoil) But, I didn't like that it just barely turned over.

I saw on the Optima web site that the (optimas ) are not affected by the cold, and I don't believe that.