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Topic: Optima Batteries (Read 1042 times) previous topic - next topic

Optima Batteries

This coach (8.3) has always been a quick starter. However, recently I had to rely on the boost switch to get the same kind of satisfying start. I took them to O'Reilly's and one of them was shot. These babies are three years old. This is the second time Optimas have let me down so no more for me. I replaced them with O'Reilly Quick Start 34/78PMRS. They are 800 CCA and run about $145. You can always get some kind of discount if you ask.

I was thinking about adding a third battery as my rack has plenty of room. However, in order to do so I'd have to relocate my fuel filter so two it is. Now, all you have to do is threaten to turn the key and it fires right up!
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #1 –
Jor, I'm sure you will be happy with the batteries you selected.  This is another from Oreillys that is the next level up and about $50 more and is AGM with about 6% more cold cranking amps.  I've used AGM batteries for chassis batteries for over 10 years and I have been very happy, I especially enjoy never having to check or add water and I do not miss the corrosion caused by the electrolyte.  Two group 34 AGM batteries have worked fine for my 6C8.3, with that 1,500 cold cranking amps.  The Oreillys Platinum grp 34 is mfg by East Penn as are their AGM8D batteries. The Cummins marine spec for our 6C8.3 is 1,250 cca., and 1,500 cca for ours, so two group 34 batteries should be fine.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/platinum-5003/more-powersport-30734/battery---automotive-16864/battery---best-fit-16245/7272aa5cfedd/super-start-platinum-battery-group-size-34/34plt/4742696?q=Superstart+platinum+34&pos=0
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #2 –
I have similar batteries in my 8.3, 2 of them and it starts fine but I don't use it in the winter unless running it out to my mechanics shop for some work. It started fine at 19 degrees with 2 agm Napa batteries style batteries. I have no preheater or glow plugs so it impressed me! Unless a lot of winter use I think 3 is a waste.
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #3 –
We have 3 Optima Red Tops in our U300 CAT....9 years old and they spin the Kitty "right now"

H
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #4 –
Quote from: jor –
This is the second time Optimas have let me down so no more for me.
I fired them when they stopped manufacturing product in the USA. Battery weight dropped 20%. Quality even more. Shame
Scott

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #5 –
With lead/acid batteries, the heavier the better. Check the weight in the specs for the battery you are interested in. Johnson Controls has been manufacturing batteries for many outlets like Autozone, O'Reilly, etc but in mid 2019 they were taken over by Clarios. I don't know much about a quality change since the takeover. Here is a big list of battery supplier and the company that makes their batteries: Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List 2020

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #6 –
Jor, do you have a link to the O'Reilly Quick Start 34/78PMRS?

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
Jor, do you have a link to the O'Reilly Quick Start 34/78PMRS?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/premium-4988/more-powersport-30734/battery---automotive-16864/battery-12836/d6cf089e3164/super-start-premium-battery-group-size-34-78/3478prm/4742367

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/platinum-5003/more-powersport-30734/battery---automotive-16864/battery---best-fit-16245/7272aa5cfedd/super-start-platinum-battery-group-size-34/34plt/4742696?q=34+agm&pos=0
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #8 –
I was using a spare deep cycle (1100 cca ) that I had bought just before we converted to lithium.  Well I couldn't take it anymore cause that thing barely spun her over and I REALY didn't want to damage the starter so I switched them out.

  Even though I'm not a regular Walmart shopper I find it hard to resist there prices on Rotella 15/40 and batteries actually.  I love the 3 year replacement warranty.        I have switch out a few in the past that I abused by leaving a vehicle sit way long before starting.      Anyway,  3 batteries at 800 cca each REALY spins her over now and I no longer worry about the amp gage dipping when I turn on lights or wipers,, plus I can leave the radio on 24/7 too.      If they don't last 3 years,, boom ,free replacement.

    Ps. The one in the Vette just past 5 year mark......
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #9 –
Had the same thing happen to me with the Optimas,think they are overhyped.shopping now for 2 replacements.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #10 –
Our 3 Autozone Duralast 24 series and now 31 series have lasted about 10 years (24 series) Just over $300 11 or 12 years ago and $300 total last year for the 31 series. I checked the weight on the 31 series to get the heaviest made. Other brands also made by Johnson Controls are also good. Not sure about the future with new ownership.

Spun like a top hot or cold 12 years ago and does the same today with never a boost solenoid used (except one time).

Ask for 10% discount if buying three.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #11 –
Quote from: jor –
This coach (8.3) has always been a quick starter. However, recently I had to rely on the boost switch to get the same kind of satisfying start. I took them to O'Reilly's and one of them was shot. These babies are three years old. This is the second time Optimas have let me down so no more for me. I replaced them with O'Reilly Quick Start 34/78PMRS. They are 800 CCA and run about $145. You can always get some kind of discount if you ask.

I was thinking about adding a third battery as my rack has plenty of room. However, in order to do so I'd have to relocate my fuel filter so two it is. Now, all you have to do is threaten to turn the key and it fires right up!
jor

Two Interstate group 34's, spin our Cat, any time any where, deep cold-temp or hot.
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Optima Batteries

Reply #12 –
For the engine start batteries I go with simple lead/acid. The batteries are exposed to the elements so no problem with gassing.
I bought 3 about 7 years ago at Costco, never a problem. around 900 CA each, spins the M11 like a top.
I can replace these about 2-3 times for what the AGM start batteries would cost, but so far have not replaced them yet.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.