The skinny on Optima batteries

[SamThomp85]

I am in the middle my first TD build and I need some advice. I have a fairly simple electrical system... Fantastik fan, led lights and other small items. I am wondering if buying an optima (yellow top) battery is worth it or not? They are sort of expensive compared to other deep cycle batteries but then again they have a good warranty? What are peoples experiences and thoughts on the topic?

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Optima's are nice because they're sealed, so they don't vent and can be mounted in any position. They're also maintenance-free, meaning that you don't have to check water levels every now and then.

My batteries are mounted under my trailer, so I'm not worried about having a sealed battery. I just bought two Interstate Deep Cycles (group 27) for less than the cost of one Optima Blue Top, which will give me more than twice the amp-hours. The Interstate's prorated warranty is only 6 months shorter than the Optimas.

I couldn't justify the cost of the Optima. Some people worship the Optimas, but I guess their pockets are a hell of a lot deeper than mine.

[Captain Monkeyshines]

I've never owned an Optima, but I know a few people in the overland community that have. Some have had bad luck with them not holding a charge for long after a short period of ownership. A couple of those peeps moved to Oddessy Marine batteries or the Sears Diehard Platinum (made by Oddessy), the 31M-2150 is the one they like.

[Bogo]

I've never owned an Optima, but I know a few people in the overland community that have. Some have had bad luck with them not holding a charge for long after a short period of ownership. A couple of those peeps moved to Oddessy Marine batteries or the Sears Diehard Platinum (made by Oddessy), the 31M-2150 is the one they like.

X2

What happened with Optima is they moved production to Mexico and they also changed plate formulation. Between the two reliability and quality control plunged.

[SamThomp85]

I run these in my truck and I'm happy with them. They only cost a few hundred with tax so that's not bad considering how long they'll last.
For the trailer my plans are golf cart batteries as you can't kill them.

Thank you for all of your input. What golf cart batteries do you use?

[SamThomp85]

Also what are the different groups, 27... etc and what should i be looking for?

[Shadow Catcher]

I after much consideration and a bunch of research bought a Lifeline AGM battery http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/ . I have looked at Optima batteris but do not see that they are a true deep cycle battery, just different flavors of starting batteries. The design with a lot of open space is wasteful and from what I see not many amp hours. As noted the quality seems to have fallen. Lifeline is made in the US.

[SamThomp85]

Made in the USA? Damn straight! say no more, i'm sold. Thanks!

[Vedette]

They are used a lot in the Street Rod world.
But I have never heard a great testimonial about them.
Just "All Bad" and not worth the price tag!
Apparently they don't hold a charge, so I really can not see them being used as a replacemnet for a "Deep Cycle" Battery??
Good Roads
Brian

[Martiangod]

Odyssey AGM battery
Pricy but awesome batteries. Run one in my truck for winching and starting. 50 bellow zero, o trouble

[Richard A.]

As some have mentioned ... not all "deep cycle" batteries are *really* deep cycle. Most are halfway between a regular car battery and a true deep cycle battery. A compromise. I'm sure that is what I have (a Costco "deep cycle" bat) but it was all I could afford at the time .. and I'm very anal about keeping it properly charged and maintained .. and do not overly drain it when in use.

MANY folks overly drain their batteries when using them. A common mode is "I use it until either "stuff no longer runs" or "stuff no longer runs properly" .. a *very* bad idea. If you drain a 12v battery much below 10.5 volts you have seriously damaged that battery. Yes, you can re-charge it .. but it will never be the same .. and it will die an early death. True deep cycle batteries can withstand this type of "abuse" much better than the "compromise" batteries can.

You want a true deep cycle battery? How about a TROJAN?

When my battery finally croaks I will have a Trojan on the top of my list. Yes, it is considerably more expensive than my Costco battery, but worth it.

[les45]

My marine deep cycle from Walmart for about $70 has served me well, but I don't use a lot of load or run it down. Admittedly, I haven't used it long enough to know how it will be in the long run. I run DC lights in the cabin for a few hours at night and a vent fan as needed, but most of my heavy power load is on the AC side for cooking, etc. I looked at the Optimas but couldn't justify the cost. Mine sits in a box on the tongue so no problems venting. Progressive converter keeps it charged properly at all times.