My 3 Red Top batteries have stopped hold ing charge. This occurred sudenly, in the past 2 weeks. The BOOST switch gets them up to about 12.8 volts, but turning the BOOST switch OFF results in rapid decline of the voltage to 12 volts or less within 5 minutes or so.
I am assuming that one or more of these 2.5 year old batteries is defective. Optima says a bank of batteries must be of the same make, model and AGE. If one is defective, must one replace ALL THREE?
My plan is to leave the boost switch on overnight, then disconnect the positive leads and measure each of the battery's voltage. Suggestions welcome!!
I replaced one of three a year ago - no problems since - except cables were loose about a week ago - sure spun faster after they were tightened...
Since the Optimas manufacturing was outsourced to another land, they've had nothing but problems...so I was told by the dealer that sold them in Rogers, AR during my recent trip to the Natural State.
That's the way to do it. They should also be load tested. Mine went bad this summer. I replaced them with Napa Gold and saved about 250 bucks.
But the NAPA Gold batteries are only warranted for 12 months, whereas the Red Tops carry a 3-year REPLACEMENT warranty.
They are prorated after that. The main reason I bought them (aside from the savings) is that I can get warranty service ANYWHERE. Optima requires you to go back to where you bought them. That can be
'problematic'...
We handle a lot of batteries in our business, and the most amazing thing about the Optima batteries is how people seem to think they are a bargin. From our experience a good quality Grp 31 battery will do a much better and is a lot more economical job than any Optima configuration.
Everyone will do what they feel is best, I agree.
For me "Never use Optima Batteries" as they are not cost effective.
My Opinion
Dave, I agree with you on this one. I went with standard Lead Acid batteries and can replace them once per year for the same price as the optima. They are only 1,000 CCA but they do the job.
I prefer AGM or Gel because they reduce the chance of a battery explosion. But no thanks to the Optima.
My current Optimas are 6 years old, so these were manuf. in the USA. I don't know what to replace them with. I like the AGM approach as these have held the charge for the 4 months the coach is in storage unplugged & disconnected.
Duane. Did you jiggle something loose on your recent trip?
I just installed two new Deka AGM 8A8D batteries today. They were five years old. I replaced them with the exact same ones for $771.00. They seem to be well made. A side note... Does anyone have hold downs on their batteries or are yours just set in the brackets? I know it would take a big bump to raise a 160 lb battery from out of the tray. Just wondering...
Mark
When I bought my 2003 FT, two years ago, I noticed the boost switch was needed to start the engine if the coach had been sitting for more than a few days. I disconnected the three parallel Optimas, and found one of the three had a shorted cell, reading 2 volts low. It was draining the other two.
My short term solution was to run with two, and it worked very well. A few weeks later, I replaced the bad red top with an equivalent blue top I had sitting around unused. Been working very nicely for me ever since. I checked the Optima web site and found the only difference between red and blue tops is side terminals for marine use.
Mark, mine aren't held down either. Are you saying you paid $771 for both, or each? And does that include taxes and freight? And where did you get them?
Gayland,
I paid $771.47 total for two at a local battery outlet about six miles down the road here in Orange Park Florida. Regarding the hold downs, I guess they are just held in by there own weight. Thanks for your input.
Mark
You did good!