First, 2000 F250 4x4 Powerstroke. Have owned this since new. Back in 2006 I bought a pair of Optima Red Tops and they have been in the truck ever since. Yes, they are in there now, but they won't hold enough charge after a few days to start the truck. I have a charger on them now so I can use it tomorrow.

I know Optima moved production years ago to Mexico, after I bought mine, and had a lot of bad batteries. Has this changed? Are the Optimas out now just as good as the old ones? If not Optima, what is a good option?

Any help appreciated!

 

I was not aware of a quality control issue with optima. I hope they have resolved any issues, as I recently installed optima batteries in my farm tractor and diesel zero turn. The red top in the tractor lasted 11 years.

 

The new Optima's are not what they used to be.. many issues on them recently. Personally, I purchased a brand new one off the shelf, got it home and it would not hold a charge.. Took it back and got a "normal" battery..

Almost 10 years out of any battery these days is great, they are likely just worn out..

I would not think red tops would have enough oomph to start a diesel..??

 

Batteries plus has their own brand of remanufactured dry cell batteries that I've had good luck with in the past. My opinion though, you can't go wrong with a lead acid battery. My last set lasted 10 years and one of them was still testing good when I replaced both.

 

AGM's need about a half a volt higher charge rate than wet cells....so check your charge voltage.

also, if you have an aftermarket high amp alternator...check the at idle charge rate since a lot of high amp alternators produce little at low rpms.

 

also about aftermarket alternators...

some do not start charging till after the engine has exceeded its idle rpm for the first time after startup.