Optima Yellow Top groan...

[Mike S]

I have been running these batts for a number of years withot problems until 2006. Put one in my 80 about 1-1/2 years ago, and it failed. Distributor replaced the battery with a new one. It has now failed - after only 7 months or so. They are giving me yet another battery, but I have switched to the big Interstate truck battery at Mudrak's suggestion, and all is working fine.

The Disty is recommending the Deka AGM battery as a better battery than the Optima YT at about $50 less than the Optima. Thought I'd pass that along.

Mike S

 

[ntsqd]

Another chink out of a formerly great reputation. Too darned bad too.

Thinking to go with the Deka? I'm interested in long term experiences with them.

 

[Maximus Ram]

Makes you wonder what happend with the quality.....

 

[Brian894x4]

Optima was bought out a few years ago. I think they've changed hands several times. During that period, I've been told the type of fluid and parts they use are of a lower quality to increase profits. That doesn't mean they are bad batteries, but they aren't as good as they used to be, so I was told.

I have two yellow tops. I've exchanged batteries probably half a dozen times over the last couple of years. What would happen is my truck had drain on the system if the yellow top went dead more than a couple of times, that would be it. Especially if it went completely. Even though the batteries are deep cycle. The two I have now are in my Land Cruiser and I'm able to switch them off to prevent any drain when not in use, so they've lasted just fine so far.

If I had to do it over again, I'd probably look elsewhere, assuming I could find equal or higher capacity per battery. But at least the warrenty on the Optima has proven very nice in my case.

 

[Maximus Ram]

That would make sense...I have been reading a few threads here and other sites about how the Optima's out now do not seem to perform as well as ones made a few years back. I have a YT in both the Dodge and the XJ and have had no problems, but they were bought about 3 or so years ago.

 

[bj70_guy]

FWIW, I went in to the place I buy batteries from recently planning on getting a yellow top to use as a 3rd battery for 12V accessories (24V truck). The sales guy quietly recommended I go with a Gel Tech instead (made by East Penn, who make Deka) saying it was a much better battery for less money.

Anyway, in my 12V Cruiser I got 5 years out of a pair of Red Tops and they're just starting to fade now - they recently wouldn't start the truck after sitting for 2 weeks. Not bad for $75ea blems. My 24V BJ74 came with a pair of fresh red tops which I'm moving to the 12V BJ70, and the 24V BJ74 is getting a new pair of heavy duty Globelite wet cell RV batteries (dual purpose starting/deep cycle). The fresh red tops wouldn't start the 74 after sitting for 2 months.
Once the new RTs in the 70 crap out I'll try another brand of AGM, probably Deka.

 

[Martyn]

Another chink out of a formerly great reputation. Too darned bad too.

Thinking to go with the Deka? I'm interested in long term experiences with them.

We switched to DEKA over a year ago. Good quality battery and they managed to hold the price below the competition as they have their own smelter and recycle lead.

We have experienced zero problems with the group 31 AGM we use.

 

[Mike S]

After testing, the distributor replaced by replacement Optima YT31A with a new battery. Would not charge beyond about 12-1/2 V. Next time - Deka AGM.

Will get a Deka AGM for my old Willys, too. And my Ford Expedition.

Mike S

 

[Tucson T4R]

We switched to DEKA over a year ago. Good quality battery and they managed to hold the price below the competition as they have their own smelter and recycle lead.

We have experienced zero problems with the group 31 AGM we use.

I just installed two of these from the AT boys in my KK trailer. looking forward to many years of reliable service. :jumping:

 

[ntsqd]

We switched to DEKA over a year ago. Good quality battery and they managed to hold the price below the competition as they have their own smelter and recycle lead.

We have experienced zero problems with the group 31 AGM we use.

Thanks Martyn! That means a lot. AT is sort of like fleet service in that the odds of a problem showing up are much greater given the larger numbers of vehicles. Speaks well for the brand.