Mike , you have a dead Optima ? I just bought 2 red tops , and they need special care to recharge them. A low ''tender'' charge with an auto shut off seems to really work well . High amp charging will overheat them . I just googled this subject and there's lots of feedback . I'm going to buy one of those multi bank trickle chargers , to hook up 3 batteries over the winter. Does anyone have feedback on these chargers ?

I have one of the small battery tenders from Griots and keep that on my Optima Red top with no issues.

I have used Optimas for years along with other AGP's and other gell

cell's. I bought a light timer, the type that turns house lights on and

off and set it to run the charger every day for 1/2 hour or close to

that. The charger is set on its lowest 12V setting. I have one battery

that is 10 years old and still going strong. In fact I have yet to

replace any of the batteries.

Edited December 10, 200816 yr by Maples71240Z

Hi Unkle.

I am currently using a Deltran Battery Tender Plus and two different models of Schumacher battery tender. The Deltran is on an Optima and has been great for 5 years now. One of the Schumachers, a stand alone model similiar to the Deltran, is also on an Optima - and for about the same duration, 5 years or so. The other Schumacher (pictured below) is actually affixed to the gel battery in a Miata, so I just run a cord into the trunk and plug it in.

All three have worked great - no issues whatsoever.

Gary S.