Optima Batteries
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Miami Beach
Optima Batteries
Well, I've now had to jump start my truck two days in a row and need new batteries. I've wanted to install the Optimas for a while and now have a reason. Only problem is I remember a post regarding CCA's of these and other batteries in regards to the 7.3TD, so I tried a search to find the posts with no luck. Anyone remeber the post? If not, any negatives from anyone as to which to stay away from?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
From: Meriden Ct
I would also like to know what number Optima battery fits in the SD. I have them in everything else I own exept the SD. I love them. I have A 68 AMX that gets parked for 3-4 months during the winter. starts right up w/o charging the Optima. If anyone knows the number or has made one fit please let me know. My battery guy was no help. Didnt show A F350 SuperDuty in his book 
Steve
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: MASS
I believe they only make 2 size battery groups
standard and compact
standard are 7dx7hx10w
I would go with the red top 800cca
its the best for starting batt.
so sometimes you have modify the battery bracket
to hold them down-- but it will fit and perform good
standard and compact
standard are 7dx7hx10w
I would go with the red top 800cca
its the best for starting batt.
so sometimes you have modify the battery bracket
to hold them down-- but it will fit and perform good
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
I'm running the red tops in a Group 65 replacement size. You will need the adapters to fit the tray - they snap on the outside of the battery bottom - because the Optimas are a bit smaller in size. On the intake side you will need to trim the battery cover for the posts to fit.
I am not running a lot of power accessories - winch, plow, stereo, etc, so the red tops work fine. If you have a lot of goodies you run with the truck off, you might opt for the yellow top deep cycle batteries. I got mine online at TNA motorsports, they are all over ebay as a power seller, and got them in 2 days Fedex with shipping included.
I am not running a lot of power accessories - winch, plow, stereo, etc, so the red tops work fine. If you have a lot of goodies you run with the truck off, you might opt for the yellow top deep cycle batteries. I got mine online at TNA motorsports, they are all over ebay as a power seller, and got them in 2 days Fedex with shipping included.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Miami Beach
I just went through their site, and think the Yellows are a little better for me, what with all the a/v crap I have in the truck. Thanks for the ebay and install tips. Gonna look into it.
Bossman
Bossman
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: MASS
just a little FYI
U should choose the battery your most comfortable with
but Ive found for batterys that are for primarily starting
capabilities the red top optimas or similar are best
That being said--Ive experienced trouble with the yellow top
batteries--they do not have as much ccas for starting etc.. and
when used in a non-cycling aplication they seem to die or weaken
prematurely.
they are better being used to drive acc. or what have you-then
recharged to full when its low---when I started having trouble with the yellow- the tech at optima told me the battery is designed to be cycled and will not perform very well if its not
cycled once and a while at least.
I now use a yellow on my electric spray tank and recharge at the
end of the day and it works great for this
g/l
Josh
U should choose the battery your most comfortable with
but Ive found for batterys that are for primarily starting
capabilities the red top optimas or similar are best
That being said--Ive experienced trouble with the yellow top
batteries--they do not have as much ccas for starting etc.. and
when used in a non-cycling aplication they seem to die or weaken
prematurely.
they are better being used to drive acc. or what have you-then
recharged to full when its low---when I started having trouble with the yellow- the tech at optima told me the battery is designed to be cycled and will not perform very well if its not
cycled once and a while at least.
I now use a yellow on my electric spray tank and recharge at the
end of the day and it works great for this
g/l
Josh
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Deep cycle (yellow top) means exactly that - running the charge low to drain the battery and then charging fully over a period of hours, similar to a trolling motor battery. They are of no use if you're not going to be putting a load and drawing a lot of current to drain them down - a lot of guys are using them for competition sound systems 'cause you will be running a lot of juice without running the motor to keep 'em charged.
If in doubt call your local Interstate rep - they carry Optima as well - and see what they recommend for your application.
If in doubt call your local Interstate rep - they carry Optima as well - and see what they recommend for your application.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 0
From: Del Rio, Texas USA
you cant go wrong with a deep cycle battery in a superduty.. did we buy these things to pull stuff? i did.. have trailer.. runs on a generator most the time.. but at late night when its off. the trucks battery is running the lights, fridge, etc... the yellow top battery is what was recommended, seems to be working well for my application and i can only recomend that model to others as i have no experiance with the others.. im sure there all better than other standard brands.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
The difference is in the application itself, not the truck. For me, I drive the wheels off at Mach 0.18 and park. I don't spend a lot of time with the lights or other accessories running if it isn't running, so the red top is perfect for me. If you do, or plan on adding things (DVD, Xbox, etc.) that will require power from the truck electrical system that draw a decent load over a period of time I would opt for the deep-cycle - they're just not intended for a daily driver like mine and the way I would use them.
JJ - Not to get side-barred here - didn't catch a follow up thread on how your new lift worked out. If you posted pics or a thread, email me.
JJ - Not to get side-barred here - didn't catch a follow up thread on how your new lift worked out. If you posted pics or a thread, email me.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 0
From: Del Rio, Texas USA
hey BAD, i live on a Military Base in which i mostly am required to work ALLOT.. I use my Mountain bike to get everywhere.. the bottom line is since all the work over 1 month ago... ive only driven a totall of 60 miles.. and that includes the trip into town for re-allignment after X-over steering instal.. and the trip to my friends shop to do up my custom trac bar relocation...so not much test driving... I do have a trip to the dunes planned this weekend which will put over 500 miles on the rig and get it SANDY!!..ill post the results.
Jetjock16
Jetjock16
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Littleton, Colorado
Originally posted by Bordaine
I would also like to know what number Optima battery fits in the SD. I have them in everything else I own exept the SD. I love them. I have A 68 AMX that gets parked for 3-4 months during the winter. starts right up w/o charging the Optima. If anyone knows the number or has made one fit please let me know. My battery guy was no help. Didnt show A F350 SuperDuty in his book
Steve
I would also like to know what number Optima battery fits in the SD. I have them in everything else I own exept the SD. I love them. I have A 68 AMX that gets parked for 3-4 months during the winter. starts right up w/o charging the Optima. If anyone knows the number or has made one fit please let me know. My battery guy was no help. Didnt show A F350 SuperDuty in his book
Steve
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
From: Meriden Ct
They dont make A Optima in A group 31 as far as I know. I also have A height problem with group 31 Batteries. To close to hood on SD's. I was looking for an Optima because the are sealed dry cells, not for cranking power.
Steve
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Littleton, Colorado
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bordaine
[B]They dont make A Optima in A group 31 as far as I know.
Optima does make GRP 31's, both in the yellow top and the blue top, you can get them with standard posts, or with only 2 threaded studs. I was wondering about the height clearance on a powerstroke model. As far as the Optima, you cant go wrong with them.
[B]They dont make A Optima in A group 31 as far as I know.
Optima does make GRP 31's, both in the yellow top and the blue top, you can get them with standard posts, or with only 2 threaded studs. I was wondering about the height clearance on a powerstroke model. As far as the Optima, you cant go wrong with them.