Optima Batteries

[JeffP]

I’ve been using these batteries for years and have had good service from them. Before that the only battery I trusted was Interstate.
I just checked the date on one of mine and I installed it in 2008! It’s still going strong! It’s the only “red top” I have, the other Jeeps have yellow tops.
They are pricey at first but if this trend continues, they might actually prove less expensive than conventional batteries over the long term.
Thoughts?

 

[jp360cj]

Just curious, have you bought an Optima lately? I've heard they have moved production out of country over the last several years and quality has gone down hill. No personal experience, just what I've heard.

I replaced CJ battery with a Napa one a few years ago. I wanted to go with an AGM at the time, but battery died an bad time and I needed one right then.

 

[JeffP]

Just curious, have you bought an Optima lately? I've heard they have moved production out of country over the last several years and quality has gone down hill. No personal experience, just what I've heard.

I replaced CJ battery with a Napa one a few years ago. I wanted to go with an AGM at the time, but battery died an bad time and I needed one right then.

Yes, I bought another “yellow top” a month or two ago. The only thing I noticed was the warranty increased from 2 years to 3 years. Not a big deal since I have almost ten years of abuse on my first one. Pounding the heck out of it in the desert, winching countless guys out etc..
A word about winches... I have one on every Jeep I own and have used them all extensively... but I’ve never had to rescue myself! It’s always been for someone else. That’s ok, that’s what “Jeepers” do. If I was in trouble I’m certain another would come along and offer to help.
Back to winches... pay close attention to duty cycle! The electric motors are nearly identical to starter motors. They simply can’t run constantly and survive! As a general rule... run up to 1 minute maximum, let cool a minimum of 10 minutes! If cool enough go again. 30 seconds is better! It also gives your battery time to recover. Read your instruction manual!

 

[Lumpy Grits]

They moved production to Mexico many years ago. Had a period of very crappy QC.
That period is long over, and they are again GTG.
The red-top in my CJ is 6 years old, and going well.
My last one went 15 yrs.
Yes-I do keep a battery maintainer on it, when the Jeep is not in use.
My battery 'cables' are custom made from 4/0 arc-welding cable with copper terminals.
LG

 

[JeffP]

They moved production to Mexico many years ago. Had a period of very crappy QC.
That period is long over, and they are again GTG.
The red-top in my CJ is 6 years old, and going well.
My last one went 15 yrs.
Yes-I do keep a battery maintainer on it, when the Jeep is not in use.
My battery 'cables' are custom made from 4/0 arc-welding cable with copper terminals.
LG

Only 15 years? Sounds like junk to me lol.
I keep a “battery tender” on mine too and I’m sure that helps, but I’ve also worked most of them extremely hard.
I doubt any other battery would tolerate such abuse for very long.
If my ten year old one died tomorrow, I’d happily replace it with the same.
A friend had his last only 12 years. But he doesn’t keep a maintainer on his either.

 

[jp360cj]

They moved production to Mexico many years ago. Had a period of very crappy QC.
That period is long over, and they are again GTG.
The red-top in my CJ is 6 years old, and going well.
My last one went 15 yrs.
Yes-I do keep a battery maintainer on it, when the Jeep is not in use.
My battery 'cables' are custom made from 4/0 arc-welding cable with copper terminals.
LG

Good to hear the quality is back up. But hopefully I don't need for a long time!

 

[O1LL1F3]

I spend the extra money. Never had one let me down. Just put a Yellow top in the CJ7 last month. Don't plan on needing another for quiet some time. Now if i could only figure out a good place to put another to feed the Diesel Engine.