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Topic: Optima Red Top batteries (Read 1070 times) previous topic - next topic

Optima Red Top batteries

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!!

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #1 –
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...
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #2 –
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.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #3 –
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.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Dave Head –
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.

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #5 –
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'...
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #6 –
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

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #7 –
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.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #8 –
I prefer AGM or Gel because they reduce the chance of a battery explosion.  But no thanks to the Optima.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #9 –
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.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #10 –
Duane. Did you jiggle something loose on your recent trip?
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #11 –
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
The selected media item is not currently available.
Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #12 –
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.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #13 –
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? 
1996 U270
Build #4846

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #14 –
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
The selected media item is not currently available.
Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: Optima Red Top batteries

Reply #15 –
You did good!
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT