Optima batteries
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: BC, Canada
Optima batteries
Are Optima batteries worth the extra money? I have an 02 F250 with a 5.4 and no electronic addons besides a stereo. I plan to add an amp and sub and maybe a pair of driving lights in the future. They are about $50 more than a Motorcraft battery where i live so would it be worth my while?
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
I don't have one in my truck, but I will when the factory one kicks it. I have a red top reversed poles (used to be the orange top) in my SVT Countour. I have a stereo system in that and it seems to work well. A buddy of mine had a problem with his, but they repalced it, not questions asked.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
I have had varying luck with Optimas - one worked for 10 years in 4 different vehicles, but others have been replaced under warranty and a number of them don't seem to hold a charge in a vehicle not driven frequently. My brother has had similar experiences. Interstate (who sells Optima) has backed them well, but I'm done messing with Optimas. The big upside is that they never puke acid on the battery tray, hood, or terminals of your collector car.
Steve
Steve
Steve
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Valpo, Indiana
Been using Optima red top for past 3 years in my sand rail for the safety factor. First one died, wouldn't hold charge, after 24 months-didn't like sitting for long periods of time. I had to fork out money for a new replacement this season. Other than safety issues(gel filled) I'd never buy one again.
-hoosier
-hoosier
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
if you know how gel batteries work you know they do not like being discharged or sitting for a long time, battery savers need to be used to keep their charge. even a cigarette lighter solar charger. also the optima batteries are definitly worth the money. also alot of people never check their batterys for corrosion on the terminals which eventually gets into the wires and eats them up, gel batteries are good for people that dont want to worry about battery corrosion because they do not release the same gas as acid batteries so there is no corrosion at all. i use optimas and recommend them
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 652
Likes: 1
One of the sales pitch of optima batteries is the fact that they can set for mouths and not loose ther charge. And as for discharging them, I've found this not to hirt them at all. I have one in my camp trailer, if I leave the lights on and kill the bat. it come right back. On an wet cell that would take some of the life away.