Battery chargers for Optima?

March 07, 2018, 09:30 AM

XPS fan

quote:
Originally posted by DragRaceResults:
I have a couple of these in great shape. Loved how they worked. I don't use Optima anymore as we have went to Altronics 16v lithium.

$100 each shipped. They are $200 new.

Scott...

Good stuff ...... and good deal !

.

March 07, 2018, 11:23 AM

RB72Duster

I don't think the 1200 is made anymore. The only Optima battery charger I can find new is the 400.

Edit: Just checked Summit Racing and they show they are backordered until the end of April.

March 07, 2018, 01:44 PM

DragRaceResults

Both are spoken for at this time. Something changes I'll let ya know.

Thanks!
SL...

March 07, 2018, 04:48 PM

Underdog99

I called BatteryMart about this in regard to an Odyessey battery. Naturally they wanted to sell me a $180 charger. I found this article informative.
http://www.hotrod.com/articles...harge-a-agm-battery/

March 07, 2018, 09:40 PM

ChuckT

quote:
Originally posted by imakehp:
Red top Optima in the dragster...

I know long and slow/low is the procedure for just sitting in the trailer.....

1) What would be a max amps to be charging an Optima battery between rounds?

2)Which brand is working well for most? I'd like a smaller "shoebox" size charger..

Dave, I use 10 amp on mine between rounds, as the water pump and fan cool it off, then leave it on for a few minutes more. 10-15 minutes tops, never had an issue.

My buddy and I share use of his charger, think it's a Craftsman, 2/10/50 options on it.

March 27, 2018, 01:45 PM

J178RED

Update for those who care. Got a Optima charger yesterday and this thing is awesome. Funny when you open the Positive clip a light come on so you can see in the dark , plus it has a tiny red light to let you know its the positive lead......LOL
All kinds of extra features making it a great product . Old charger would click off when it got to .7 amp
this keeps working till its below .2 amp... Got it Monday so race I'll see how is works at the track in a week or two, and report back then ...

March 27, 2018, 01:49 PM

Roger McGinnis

I'd like to see all of the 10amp alternators these batteries are hooked up to.

March 27, 2018, 05:02 PM

J178RED

quote:
Originally posted by Roger McGinnis:
I'd like to see all of the 10amp alternators these batteries are hooked up to.

That's got to be the best laugh on the day award for sure.....

March 27, 2018, 06:49 PM

SR2010

I hope you get better life out of the Optima charger than I did. Bought one from Jegs, after a few months of sitting inside the garage hooked to the race car the LCD display stopped working. Called Optima, they repaired it under warranty. After getting it back it worked OK in the garage. 1st time I took it to the track the display went grey again. Called Optima, was told they will only repair once under warranty even though it wasn't even a year old, basically I was SOL.

The lady I spoke was very nice but said her hands were tied, that was company policy. She told me off the record this was an inherent issue with the 1200 displays, they can't handle direct sunlight and heat.

The charger still works but is a PITA not having the display. I went back to using my trusty 25 year old Craftsman charger at the track.

March 27, 2018, 07:06 PM

J178RED

This one is not new just new to me. Thanks for heads up, may just use it in the garage...LOL This was going to be my back up , but even night races here start out at the 104 degrees. I'm out in the hot southwest desert....LOL

March 27, 2018, 08:13 PM

team

Been running redtops for 10+ years in my dragster. 40 amp blast for 30 min. between rounds,double enter the car with no alternator. Everything works fine.

March 27, 2018, 08:54 PM

J178RED

quote:
Originally posted by team:
Been running redtops for 10+ years in my dragster. 40 amp blast for 30 min. between rounds,double enter the car with no alternator. Everything works fine.

Been doing close to the same for years , doubled this weekend with two red tops and no alternators with classes side by side . Put it on at 25 amps it falls fast and is at a charge rate oh 1.8 amps buy the time I fuel and check weather (about 10 mins)