First of all, a deep cycle battery is inappropriate for diesel starting, because it has thicker plates (mats in an Optima) and will not discharge amperage as fast as a starting battery. Deep cycle has thicker plates to withstand high amperage charging typical when you draw batteries way down in "house" application such as an RV or boat. I have several "deep cycle" batteries on my boat, but to start my engines, I use a starting battery. If the starting battery is weak or dead, I can cross connect, but the difference is noticable when starting with a deep cycle. While I have not used Optimas in my truck, I have used two Optimas to start my marine 7.4 gassers. I find them reliable and highly servicable. For deep cycles, I use "Lifeline" AGM's which use a more convential square plate, glass construction as opposed to Optimas spiral construction. These are good batteries and the Navy Seals use them for their boats for a variety of reasons. One of which is, they will work under water, two, they will take a 30 caliber round and keep working(Optimas are equally damage tolerant). I think most the failure of AGM's and their cousin the Optima come from overcharging. Quite simply, you should not exceed 14.5 volts. I find many auto systems will exceed this to the range of 14.8. In my boat, I have regulators which have an "AGM" setting which keeps the charge from getting out of hand. I think this is why many of you are toasting Optimas in your Powerstorkes.

There is good reason to use AGM's/ Optimas in a boat, waterproof being formost, pounding vibration as well and putting water in regular batteries is a pain in the bilge. There is no reason I can think of for AGM's in an auto given the good reliability of the traditional lead acid maintenance free battery. If you were serious into off roading, like running the Baja or something an Optima would make sense due to vibration resistance, other than that, I don't get the upside.

 

Well that explains a lot....thank s Dalpilot!
Nut

 

Thanks for all the info here everyone. I'm new to the site but have been searching though several site forums to figure out what I am going to do about replacing the Autolite wet cell batteries that are in my PSD. I am having some intermittent starting problems and will be replacing the batteries this weekend. I had a Red Top in my Dakota for over five years. The last three it sat in my garage for sometimes more than a month between starts and I never had a problem starting. I am pretty happy with the quality and reliability of the Optimas, the only issue I was having was whether to go with a Red or Yellow Top for my PSD. Based on what I read here, I am going to go with the Reds since the starting power is what is most important to me. I won't be running any exterior accessories on my truck, just towing my Toy Hauler, which has a Blue Top in it BTW.

 

WalMart and Sam's Club have 3 year full replacement batteries. Don't know the name, I only know you don't pay for batteries anymore.

Just a thought....

 

"they will take a 30 caliber round and will work underwater"

Sounds like a fishing trip to remember!

 

Remember that Optima batteries are now made by Johnson Controls (iirc) in Mexico and some have said that the quality is not the same as it used to be. Not trying to throw a monkey wrench into the thought process just adding some food for thought...........

 

Old thread, but I have already had my Duralast Golds replaced under warranty after 2.5 years. Next ones will probably be OEM. I know I WON'T be shelling out for Made-in-Mexico Optimas...

 

Check out the reserve capacity (or lack of) in the Optimas compared to other batteries. May help make up your mind.

 

I just add one question to the comment about deep cycle batteries being inappropriate for diesel, or engine starting in general.
Are the Optimas coming with 100 months warranty like the $57 Costco, or Sam's batteries do?

 

sometimes we get hmmwv's with optima's in them and they are ****ty. the only good thing about them is that they are really light. back when i was racin we ran these batteries called "the terrorist" and those are the hottest i've ever seen. and calli thanks for the support.