Renters Dilemma..... Charging the battery... Need help!

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Interesting, particularly as Optima are owned by Johnson Controls, originally manufactured in Aurora CO but moved the manufacturing to Mexico in 2009, and use a totally unique and patented plate design and manufacturing technology, unlike any other product in the SLI battery industry................

Yes, I work for Johnson Controls DAP here in St. Joseph. You are referring to our patented "Power Frame Technology " which is in absolutely every single lead acid battery that we make.

We also make Optimas right here in St. Joe, Salem, Geneva, etc.
A type of battery or plate production is not restricted to one manufacturing plant, but goes out across many plants, depending on the distribution needs.

EDIT: Optimas are not made here. I was mistaken about that, but stand by all else

[Tucker2]

This doesn't help you...but I bought a trickle charger at Sears for $30. It's 'smart' so it won't blow your battery up. AC though....no solar cells or dilithium crystals to power it.

As far as $100 batteries go....Walmart. Replaced my Cayman's battery with a $100 battery from WallyWorld two years ago and it's a champ. I drive the Croc probably 2 or 3 times a week. (The trickle charger is for my Boxster).

[Jamesp]

Originally Posted by particlewave

I'll let you in on a little secret;
There's nothing special about an interstate battery. I make Interstate, Optima, Duralast, just name a few... Same plate count, same plate weight, same theoretical output for each battery in a type/class. The only difference is the container

No need for a "Porsche" battery.

BTW, I get them for $25 at work

Are the innards identical, or does each one sport different design features? And what the heck is a "spiral wound" battery?, Oh yeah, have you considered selling your own "brand" for $50 a copy?

[particlewave]

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[Deserion]

I had two Volkswagen solar chargers (used in port), gave one for my dad to use on his truck and it keeps things topped up properly. So I'd definitely say go for the solar charger, a bit simpler and less fussy.

[Mark_T]

Wow. Busted. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this information, Jim.

Speaking for myself only, when a long-time member with a high post count makes such technically detailed claims, I tend to believe him. I am shocked to discover that it was a deliberate attempt at spreading misinformation, and I can't even begin to imagine what the motivation would be for doing this.

Thanks also to JFP for challenging PW on this and being the only guy not taken in. I think you are, by far, the best source of expertise and information this forum has. This is just another example of it. I wish I lived in your town.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

Wow. Busted.

No, not busted

I don't purposely spread false information. I was wrong about Optima batteries being made in St. Joseph, but my point was that there is nothing special about a battery that the dealer tries to charge $hundreds$ for.

"OptimaJim" is trying to gain personal info, which I'd rather not do
This, combined with the public posting of some of my personal info a couple of weeks ago just to prove he could has led me to the conclusion that participating in interwebs conversations is not beneficial to me. This is the only place on the internet that I post to, but I think I'm done here too. I enjoy helping people, but there is just too much hate and negativity in people and it's not good for me. I've also deleted most of my pics for the same reasons.

Jim, you seem like a nice fella, but that doesn't mean that I'm just going to hand over my info freely. You told me in PM that you would try to smear my name and it would "get messy" and now you're doing so. However, I'm not going to participate any longer and those who know me and the content of my character based on years of posts and messages will not be fooled.
Best of luck to you in all that you do, Jim. May your Karma always be positive.

I was just trying to save a fellow forum member some serious cash. Though I may have posted some wrong information regarding optima batteries, I'm not a liar. Why spend $480 for a battery from the dealer when you can get the same battery for $100 at Walmart?

Busted? Yeah...for trying to save someone some $$$