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Optima batteries

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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 08:16 PM
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Optima batteries

Just curious if anyone is using optima batteries in their trucks and which ones are you using. I've been thinking about getting some and also upgrading my alternator and which of those would be good to use.

Thanks

Shawn
 
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 08:31 PM
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Haven't ever used Optimas.

My DCPower alternator (190A) is working VERY well.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 09:00 PM
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optima's

I have been running yellow tops for a couple years now with zero issues, i have used them in my trailer and other vehicles over the years also with zero issues..If it takes a battery I would not hesitate to run a optima..
 
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 09:11 PM
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Originally Posted by bismic
Haven't ever used Optimas.

My DCPower alternator (190A) is working VERY well.
I was looking at the dc power alternators. What's the stock amperage? Did you upgrade your wires also?
 
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 09:16 PM
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Originally Posted by SHAWN056.0
I was looking at the dc power alternators. What's the stock amperage? Did you upgrade your wires also?
stock alternator - 110A

yes, I upgraded wires to 2/0 (mainly because I am planning to install a power inverter)
 
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by bismic
stock alternator - 110A

yes, I upgraded wires to 2/0 (mainly because I am planning to install a power inverter)
Thanks for the input Mark. I'll most likely go that route.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by motocaptain
I have been running yellow tops for a couple years now with zero issues, i have used them in my trailer and other vehicles over the years also with zero issues..If it takes a battery I would not hesitate to run a optima..
That's what I was looking for. Couldn't decide between the red or yellow. Thanks for the input motocaptain.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 10:02 PM
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Before you dump the $$$ on Optima's, check out Diehard Platinum P-2. Direct fit (Group 65), 99.99% pure virgin lead, higher CCA (930 CCA), higher reserve capacity (135 minutes), longer warranty (4 year replacement/100 month pro-rated) and made in the USA for them by Odyssey.

They are currently having a sale on them right now as well...

Sears: Appliances, Tools, Electronics, Apparel and more from Craftsman, Kenmore, Diehard and other Leading Brands
 
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Old Sep 20, 2010 | 10:04 PM
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Ran yellow tops and liked them. Then bought some red tops and did not like them. Am back to a near stock battery but a few more CCA. Working very well now.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 07:10 AM
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Originally Posted by SHAWN056.0
That's what I was looking for. Couldn't decide between the red or yellow. Thanks for the input motocaptain.
I have red tops in my X. Installed them in '05. No issues. Installed a 160 amp alternator in '07 and added a second 2-0 guage wire from the alternator output to the passenger side battery at the same time.

I also have a red top in my ZO6, two blue tops in my Scarab and a blue top in my Maycraft CC with Evinrude 60HP E-tech with no issues.

My first Optima is in my Bri-Mar dump trailer. It originally started in '03 in my '94 T-Bird SC and when I sold it in '08 I put it in the Bri-Mar trailer. That Optima is 7 years old. Still going!

So as you can see, I'm a big fan of Optimas and IMO well worth the extra $$!

DSMMH
 
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 07:52 AM
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I've used the red tops and have no complaints on them. They are pricey, but I think that the set I have has been worth it.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 07:57 AM
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I've had Red tops in my truck for about 3 years
 
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 08:00 AM
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The only optima to impress me was deep cycle blue's in my boat the red and yellow top weren't very impressive in my trucks
I have the TAD 190 DC power alt and like it and 2 autozone batteries
 
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 08:29 AM
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I ran a red top in my old ranger was told it would help with the stereo load and maybe it did. When my 04 6.0 need batteries I figured I would by the yellow tops. (costco had them on sale for 189 a piece). I wasnt thrilled with them. I thought that they didnt crank as hard as my original lead acid. Dont get me wrong if you are going to be building a sand rail or jeep for off road get them beacuse you can mount them upside down if you want. But in your truck that might see at most what 10% left to right its not worth the money in my opinion. warranty is just not there. I went with Yellow Duralast that have 1100 CCA and they have a 4 year warranty no questions. Thats the most important. If at 3.5 years your not happy with them. Just bring em back and get new ones. Try that with an optima. Again they are great for special stuff. I use the blue top optimas in my boat since its constantly getting pounded. But for my truck I go with a warranty. Hope all that helps.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2010 | 09:02 AM
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Part of the thing with Optima is the quality seemed to drop when production was shifted from the US down to Mexico. These days you will even find many Optima dealers that will steer their good customers away from them...
 
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