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Topic: Red Top Optima batteries ( can you top this) (Read 957 times) previous topic - next topic

Red Top Optima batteries ( can you top this)

My '93 U300 I discovered,still has the original starting batteries installed !!!????? April 4, 1993

My Alternator quit this past week, Blown diodes and voltage regulator. While looking for cause, Generator shop says it could have been the battries.
Although they still start the engine and power everything and have a cold voltage of 12.6. and read 14.1 with the engine running.

What say you, of battery  knowledgeable Foretraveler's

New battery cost @ Sam's Club $140.00 each +tax, disposal fee.

Bill
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: Red Top Optima batteries ( can you top this)

Reply #1 –
You are one lucky dude.[?]
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Red Top Optima batteries ( can you top this)

Reply #2 –
Yes, a defective battery can "overwork" an alternator or charger.  The additional heat can shorten alternator life.  Not sure how that can be proven.

If you have the diode-based battery isolator, if it fails in such a way that the alternator is feeding an open line (i.e. not connected to anything), that can easily blow the diodes.  So check the isolator carefully.

It would also be a good idea to load test those starting batteries if there is any question about them.  Remember, they have to be fully charged in order to do an accurate load test.

Brett Wolfe
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Red Top Optima batteries ( can you top this)

Reply #3 –
Yes, a defective battery can "overwork" an alternator or charger.  The additional heat can shorten alternator life.  Not sure how that can be proven.

Not Sure either Brett;
Voltage across + to - reads 12.4 on all three batts with no load on all three with + cables removed. Which says no open or shorted cell's (I assume.)
With engine running output @ generator read 14.1 volts taken @ gen + terminal, taken @ + at battery it read 14.04 volt ( which could be the drop across the isolator diode ) I am using a digit VOM

Using a temp sense IR gun ,the generator runs about the same temp loaded or unloaded ( about 155f @ 1000 rpm).

No George, just good maintenance.
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: Red Top Optima batteries ( can you top this)

Reply #4 –
The previous owner of our 1999 U320 replaced two alternators damaged by overheating when the alternator tried to charge significantly discharged house batteries while driving.
 
When boon docking I always start the generator in the morning, and run it while driving if necessary to bring the charge level up to 90% or so.
___

best, paul
"Thriving not surviving" <(*¿*)>
Paul Schaye (at 2008 NYC Marathon)
See our blog at LazyDazers.com
 
Quote
Yes, a defective battery can "overwork" an alternator or charger.  The additional heat can shorten alternator life.  Not sure how that can be proven.
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Red Top Optima batteries ( can you top this)

Reply #5 –
I am not surprised that the batteries are still good.
We don't really work our engine batteries that hard in an RV as we are mostly in warm weather.
AND, lets face it, how often do you REALLY start your engine.
Good maintenance is the key, OR at least it used to be important when you had a quality battery.

I would assume that they were VERY good quality batteries that were installed by Foretravel in 1993.
THAT, was when LEAD was CHEAP and you could still occasionally buy something of quality, IF you want to do it.
Apparently, Foretravel spent a few extra bucks on engine batteries, back then.

My guess is, that if you were to weigh those 93 batteries compared to the same size battery today, the 93's would weigh at least 50 percent more than batteries that are currently available in the marketplace.  Everything is NOW made to a price and as long as the item will will perform as needed, until three days after the warranty runs out, that is all that matters.  It is a throwaway society.
JON TWORK KB8RSA
Full Time RVer (10+ Years) & Dedicated Boondocker
Retired, Unemployed, Homeless Transients
1996 Foretravel U270-36 w/24' Timberwolf Trailer
I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my remaining obligations.
Welcome to WeRV2 (Under Construction)
Find Jon: Via Satellite Tracker Datastorm Users
The Second Amendment is in place in case they ignore the others.

Re: Red Top Optima batteries ( can you top this)

Reply #6 –
Bill,

I too replaced what I think were the original batteries in my 94 U300 with Red Tops about 9 months ago...........that's all I know, the rest of the thread is way above my head.

Have a great evening.
Kevin

Current  1997 U295. Build #5160
Previous 1994 U300