I've been running a yellow top for the past 3 years and never had any issues with mine. I do keep it on a battery maintainer as my rig is not a DD and sits in my garage. I've heard so many different things about batteries, but IMO, optima is quality regardless and I know I can always rely on it. I also have dual blue tops in my boat and have had them for about 5 years. Also never had an issue.

 

the ones that have been fine were red tops. the one that died was a blue top, which I understand is not recommended. it was 3-1/2 years old with 26k miles. i typically replace batteries every 3 years so it was time, but my complaint is that there was no warning at all when it died. turned off the jeep to put the sunrider roof back, wouldn't start. usually you hear a slow start for a while before batteries fail.

 

You are correct about Johnson Controls for the Optima, however both the Odyssey and the Sears Diehard Platinum are manufactured by EnerSys Corp. right here in the US of A. The Optima used to be manufactured in Aurora Co, the manufacturing has since gone to Mexico.

 

I debated over these 3 batteries myself and being in Ontario Canada couldn't even get the Sears Diehard which was my first choice(slightly less more $ then the Odyssey) this is after I ruled out the Optima..... So I spent the extra $$ and bought an Odyssey and it's been great.... I have a winch, lots of lights, and other things running off this battery.... I know owning a jeep gets and is expensive BUT if you can swing it I'd spend the extra $$$ for the Sears Diehard or Odyssey

 

Johnson Controls makes the Die Hard (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_makes_DieHard_batteries). The Optima Batteries are made by Johnson Controls (About Johnson Controls :: OPTIMA® Batteries). However, they could be made in Mexico.

 

This is not something new. As you can or should be able to cleary see:

EnerSys Signs Multi-Year Contract to Provide Sears Holdings With Long-Life DieHard(R) Platinum Batteries
READING, Pa. and HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Feb. 27, 2007 -- EnerSys , the world's largest manufacturer, marketer and distributor of industrial batteries, today announced it has signed a multi- year contract with Sears Holdings to manufacture and supply Sears with a newly categorized DieHard Platinum branded battery for aftermarket automotive and marine applications. DieHard is America's most preferred automotive battery, among those stating a preference.

Beginning in March, 2007, Sears Auto Centers will be the exclusive distribution channel for DieHard Platinum batteries. "By working with EnerSys on the new DieHard Platinum battery, we continue the legacy of innovation that was established with the original DieHard battery 40 years ago," said Rick Sawyer, vice president/general merchandise manager of Sears Auto Centers. "We're confident this new battery will live up to the DieHard brand name and that users will be pleased with its performance. These premium-grade batteries are designed for a longer life than traditional batteries, offer increased levels of safe operation, can withstand extreme heat and cold, and are durable for consumer automotive/marine applications. The DieHard Platinum battery will offer proven vibration resistance to the consumer market.

The new DieHard Platinum batteries have up to 28% more Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) than comparatively sized spiral Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries providing much more starting power to automobiles and boats, along with unmatched reserved capacity. These thin-plate pure-lead batteries will carry DieHard batteries' best-ever, free replacement warranty. See your local Sears store for written warranty details.

"We're thrilled to provide this high-end, durable DieHard Platinum version to consumers," said John Craig, chairman, president and chief executive officer of EnerSys. "This partnership represents a great opportunity for more users to benefit from our pure-lead technology products."

The DieHard Platinum batteries are manufactured in EnerSys' U.S. manufacturing facility in Warrensburg, Mo, where the first DieHard Platinum came off the production line today. They have a valve-regulated design that allows them to be installed in any orientation, except inverted, without spilling and the U.S. Department of Transportation has classified them as non- spillable for safe shipping.

For more information, contact Richard Zuidema, Executive Vice President, EnerSys, P.O. Box 14145, Reading, PA 19612-4145. Tel: 800/538-3627; Web site: EnerSys Home.

About EnerSys

EnerSys, the world leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, manufactures and distributes reserve power and motive power batteries as well as chargers, power equipment and battery accessories to customers worldwide. With a strong commitment to innovation, EnerSys has developed a broad spectrum of technologies including lead-acid, specialty nickel based and lithium ion batteries. The company's reserve power batteries are used in numerous applications requiring standby power. Several types of commercial electric powered vehicles employ its motive power batteries, and EnerSys' premium batteries are utilized in a wide variety of motor vehicle, power sports and recreational vehicles. The company also provides aftermarket and customer support through its global sales and manufacturing network.

More information regarding EnerSys can be found at EnerSys Home.

I doubt I'd ever rely on Wiki for any accurate info.

 

Woke up this morning thought this said why all the hate for Obama lol

Sent from my Obama phone using JK-Forum

 

I did the exact same thing.....

 

As far as the hate of the Optima battery, many here of late have reported of the poor guality of the Optima. Perhaps this could be the reason.

This from Motoring USA:

Its official now. I have worked at Optima Batteries for 11 years. In 2000, Johnson controls bought Optima and immediately began construction of a plant in Mexico. We were told that our U.S. plant could not produce enough products so the plant in Mexico would be to supply Europe. Slowly but surely, our product lines began being transferred to Mexico. Then the week before Thanksgiving, we were told that the U.S. plant will be closed Jan.24 2009. Just thought you all would like to know.

And of course from Bob The Oil Guy:



CBS4's Rick Sallinger speaks with an employee of the Optima battery factory, located near the intersection of Interstate 70 and Airport Road.

This Thanksgiving is a tough one for 140 employees of a battery production firm in Aurora who learned this week their jobs are going to a new plant in Mexico.

For a decade Optima Batteries has produced its product in the United States, but earlier this year employees were informed a new plant was being constructed in the Mexican city of Cienega de Flores.

"When they built that plant in Mexico, what did they tell you?" CBS4's Rick Sallinger asked one employee.

"That half of the production would stay here and the other half to Mexico."

"And now it's all going to Mexico?" Rick asked. "Yeah," the employee said.

Optima workers in Aurora told CBS4 they were asked to train Mexican employees for the new facility.

The company issued a statement saying "the economy has changed dramatically over the past several months and we find ourselves in a very difficult market." Doors will close on Jan. 31.

No time is a good time to lose your job, but especially not now.

"It kind of puts a damper on it knowing in a couple months you don't have a job (and you'll be) going down to unemployment," one worker said.

A spokesperson for the city of Aurora said the timing is unfortunate and they understand the impact on the employees and their families.

The company is part of a much larger firm called Johnson Controls, which said they will provide support and placement services for the employees in Aurora who are losing their jobs.

 

I guess everything is hit or miss but here's my experience. My batteries have always been Optimas - Red Tops, Blue Tops, Yellow Tops.

I ran a red top for 7 years - then it died. Guess what? I took it down to a retailer I have a relationship with and picked up a nice new yellow top for $20. That's right, 100% free replacement FOR LIFE...

Sorry, does any other brand offer that level of support? I've installed yellow tops in my last three DD cars, and every jeep I've owned since 1999 (that's 4 jeeps). I then bought a blue top and left it sitting out for a year. I went to put it in my truck and the battery wouldn't hold a charge. I took it back and swapped it for a yellow top. Straight swap - FREE.

Good luck with whatever you buy, but I've never seen support like Optima offers. Also, I use my batteries. I winch in my jeeps and only run a single battery set up. I've even pulled them to weld with my Ready welder. They always work. That's about all you can ask for...

If you buy something else, that's your choice. I currently have 3 of them in my cars (I haven't replaced the 4th yet since the car is 1 yr old).


I have to admit difficulty in ready the Made in America - formerly stories above. My wife's IT job was outsourced to India so I can understand the difficulties people have with labor costs in a global economy. At least our jeeps have one of the highest American-made parts content of any vehicle.
Where was your factory battery made? How long did it last? I honestly don't know where my factory battery was made, but it lasted a total of 9 months. I bought a new battery rather than hassling for free replacement that would fail again in a year. Better quality will be true for any replacement battery you buy.