View Full Version : Need Recommendations for good Truck Battery
killianak9
01-20-2016, 21:27
Curious to know what batteries you guys are using and can recommend.I have to purchase two for my 2004 Ford F-250 power stroke. It came with original ford batteries when I bought in 2008. Then I just replaced as they died with the refurbs from Transwest.
I was sure that I was going with Diehard Platinum's but After reading the reviews on the optima's and advanced auto version of the optima I'm not sure if the increased cost is worth it for the optima's.
Thanks in advance for any and all input[emoji482]
I prefer Costco for automotive batteries. They hold up as well as any and they are much less expensive than other places. I used Optima batteries before and they did not justify the difference in price.
Optima used to be great, until the manufacturing went to Mexico.
I think they are phasing out the Die Hard Platinum line. I wasn't able to locate a group 65 in the platinum last time I looked.
The Die Hard Platinum used to be a rebranded Odyssey battery. Next time I need one, I will spend the coin for the Odyssey. 4 wheel parts has em.
UncleDave
01-20-2016, 21:37
Interstate are the best in my opinion. That's all we used at the dealerships I worked at.
Batteries plus carries duracell gel. Not cheap but it's atleast us made (coupons available). They've been cold starting my 7.3 for two years every day
I've found that the Everstart MAXX batteries at WalMart are really good. There are only a few companies that make the batteries for every brand name. The batteries from Johnson Controls are also pretty good...oh wait, they make the Optima. ;-)
http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/batteries/lead-acid-batteries/battery-brands
I read this on the Internet, so it must be true;
its important to note that there are only three main manufacturers of car batteries, but several more stickers or labels on them. The three main factories are east penn(Duracell, energizer, rayovac, caterpillar, Mercedes, ford, ac delco), johnson controls (interstate and walmart’s brand), and exide (mostly what you find at auto parts stores).
Great-Kazoo
01-20-2016, 21:41
The highest CCA possible for the vehicle. I go by warranty (Including Pro-rate) & CCW
Believe it or not, Walmart EverStart MAXX is known for good cheap batteries, and their stock is always fresh. Plus if you have issues, you can bring it back with receipt at 1 year and 11 months and they hand you a new one. Refund amount is prorated after that (2 years) for up to 5 years.
Sears Diehard platinums and Optimas are good upgrades, only up to you whether they're worth the money. I also like Costco/Kirkland as the rumor is they might be rebranded Optimas, but I heard a rumor they changed them up in 2015, so I'm not sure if they're still the same or not.
I went to Costco looking for a Kirkland Optima a year ago...and they were no more. I recall Costco selling Interstate branded batteries at the time.
I had two Optimas in two vehicles back around 2000. Worst / shortest lasting batteries I ever owned.
What Kazoo said +1
There are only a few companies that make the batteries for every brand name.
That's what they always told us when I worked at AAA.
Interstate in all 5 vehicles. Never had a problem.
I wouldn't touch one of today's Optimas.
Wonder what's in my truck? I should look.
OEM 2004.5 RAM 5.9L (dual batts) and still going strong. Thing sometimes sits for a month or two 9 months out of the year and cranks right over every time.
I have an Interstate deep cycle in my RV that replaced the factory battery that's been great. I have a Duracell deep cycle and a Batteries Plus Extreme start battery in the boat now for two seasons and they've been great.
Didn't have much luck with Walmart batteries but those were small motorcycle/PWC batteries.
Autozone battery in my Audi after the OEM gave it up was junk. So whoever makes them (Exide?) can suck it.
ColoradoTJ
01-21-2016, 00:24
X2 Power, New Lead Tech batteries. 270 ea x 2. 60 month free replacement. Batteries plus.
killianak9
01-21-2016, 07:35
Alright thanks, great info !
off to the inter webs to look for the highest cca and warranty.
I have heard the same about the optima's after reading in last night. After they went to Mexico their quality went way down.
I'll be hitting Costco and Interstate too.
Thanks again☕️
Martinjmpr
01-21-2016, 09:38
I went through this back in December when the battery in my new-to-me Suburban died during that big cold snap. I was this close -----> <---- to getting an Optima Red Top when I started researching and realized that their reputation has apparently gone downhill (which is too bad - my wife's 95 YJ has a Red Top and it is awesome. We even ran it down to nothing when her alternator died and I was able to recharge it and its run fine ever since.)
After getting some recommendations I finally went with a Deka AGM. Deka batteries are sold under several names, I got mine at O'Reilly. I think they use the name "Super Start" but it's a Deka. I also upgraded from a Group 78 (side terminal only) to a 34/78 (side and top terminals) in case I needed a jump start (side terminal batteries are a total PITA to jump start.)
EDITED: Apparently Deka is East Penn? Anyway, I've only had it for a month but so far I'm happy with mine. With batteries I've come to the realization that it's better to bite the bullet and buy the biggest one you can in terms of CCA, even if it costs more. I think the Deka's also come with a 5 year warranty, first 2 years is total replacement and after that it's pro-rated.
Well don't buy a Ferrari battery.. those are shit. Whoever makes them should be drug behind one of their cars and shot..
I'm wondering if you guys that are complaining about batteries have modern and fancy cars. My Isuzu Amigo has power nothing, hardly any creature comforts, and the car doesn't have to remember any settings for anything. The digital clock is LCD and stays on at all times. With that said, since the battery isn't doing anything, it can sit for months and still start up just fine when needed. However, if you have a newer Audi that has computer controlled everything, there is a lot more small things that drain the battery at all times, similar to battery life of a smart phone vs a dumb flip phone. When I worked at AAA I used to see it all the time. "I've only been out of town for a week and my Escalade won't start!" Well, that's the price you pay to have your car remember seat positions for two different drivers.
I'm wondering if you guys that are complaining about batteries have modern and fancy cars. My Isuzu Amigo has power nothing, hardly any creature comforts, and the car doesn't have to remember any settings for anything. The digital clock is LCD and stays on at all times. With that said, since the battery isn't doing anything, it can sit for months and still start up just fine when needed. However, if you have a newer Audi that has computer controlled everything, there is a lot more small things that drain the battery at all times, similar to battery life of a smart phone vs a dumb flip phone. When I worked at AAA I used to see it all the time. "I've only been out of town for a week and my Escalade won't start!" Well, that's the price you pay to have your car remember seat positions for two different drivers.
+1.. several of the cars I have to deal with have multiple batteries... just for such things. a starting battery and a 'consumer' battery. Only one of which will charge from the alt. It's sofaking stupid.
milwaukeeshaker
01-21-2016, 11:32
Deka is what I have used in my 99 powerstroke and they last the longest. Before that I was changing at least one battery every 3 yrs. With the Dekas it has been over 5 so far.
Martinjmpr
01-21-2016, 16:51
I'm wondering if you guys that are complaining about batteries have modern and fancy cars.
You mean the little mini-fridge that keeps my Grey Poupon at just the right temperature could be draining my battery? Do tell! :D
I ended up going back to Motorcraft batteries. The NAPA legend batteries kept failing. And DuraJunk and NeverStart batteries failed more than any other battery at the shops I worked at. The Motorcraft have a 3yr free replacement, and 100 month warranty. You can buy them at O'Reilly Auto.
My truck has never started better in the cold with any other battery.
newracer
01-21-2016, 17:39
I put Duracell AGM batteries from Sams in my Duramax and they have been great. All my Jeeps have Sears Diehard Platinums.
Great-Kazoo
01-21-2016, 18:57
I'm wondering if you guys that are complaining about batteries have modern and fancy cars. My Isuzu Amigo has power nothing, hardly any creature comforts, and the car doesn't have to remember any settings for anything. The digital clock is LCD and stays on at all times. With that said, since the battery isn't doing anything, it can sit for months and still start up just fine when needed. However, if you have a newer Audi that has computer controlled everything, there is a lot more small things that drain the battery at all times, similar to battery life of a smart phone vs a dumb flip phone. When I worked at AAA I used to see it all the time. "I've only been out of town for a week and my Escalade won't start!" Well, that's the price you pay to have your car remember seat positions for two different drivers.
Finally replaced the battery in our truck, after 5 years. It was in there when we purchased it. It has power do dads AND sits most of the year. Sees light use except for 1-2 weeks end of summer. I understand what you're saying with these $$ rides. Their sound systems have back up sound systems to power the amps.
Crap, I just bought an Audi last week.
Manual says it starts turning off systems after sitting for a while so that the battery does not completely run dead, but I guess I'll see.
It's now my daily driver, so hopefully it will last a while.
Crap, I just bought an Audi last week.
Manual says it starts turning off systems after sitting for a while so that the battery does not completely run dead, but I guess I'll see.
It's now my daily driver, so hopefully it will last a while.
The OEM battery was good for around 8 years as I recall. It was the second (Autozone) battery that was junk, only lasted 2-3 years.
Now if only the key fob battery would last for more than 4-6 weeks...
My '04 Tahoe had all kinds of electric doo-dads, including seat, mirror, and pedal positions for 2 drivers. After 11 years it was only putting out 160 CCA, but it never let me down and always started. I'm not sure that proves anything.
gnihcraes
01-21-2016, 22:36
Deka is what I have used in my 99 powerstroke and they last the longest. Before that I was changing at least one battery every 3 yrs. With the Dekas it has been over 5 so far.
and I believe the Checker/O'reilly brand are deka.
ZERO THEORY
01-22-2016, 00:23
OEM 2004.5 RAM 5.9L (dual batts) and still going strong.
Exact same truck, exact same situation. I guess batteries are the one part of the electrical system that Chrysler managed to get right.
Exact same truck, exact same situation. I guess batteries are the one part of the electrical system that Chrysler managed to get right.
I've only had to replace the rear door wiring harnesses and I did upgrade the steering linkage to 2008 style. Otherwise no issues.
BushMasterBoy
01-22-2016, 15:52
Wally World Maxx
Exact same truck, exact same situation. I guess batteries are the one part of the electrical system that Chrysler managed to get right.
My buddy just replaced the factory batteries in his 2003 Dodge diesel. And one was still decent. My Ram battery lasted 6 years . Replaced it with Sears AGM. Agree Optima started sucking when they went to Mexico.
Harley-FXDWG
01-23-2016, 23:39
I put an AGM in my Silverado 2 years ago and have been happy with it. Cost was about $200. Here in the desert heat, batteries don't last very long but so far so good. It's outlasted other cheaper ones.
Bailey Guns
01-24-2016, 07:49
Well, hell... When I need a new battery I'm just gonna buy a new truck.
When did optima move to Mexico? I have optima batteries, they've been working just fine for years.
newracer
01-24-2016, 19:43
They moved several years ago. Older ones are great. I had a yellow top that lasted for years. New ones are hit and miss, mostly miss.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Skywalker
01-24-2016, 20:44
My 2003 Ram 1500 5.7 still running the factory birth MOPAR unit. When or if it ever dies I'll up with Interstate. Seen an interstate store just across the street from MAGNUM Shooting Center the other day. I've always heard they were great.
Well, farts.
OEM batts are finally dust after 13 years. [panic]
I hate picking a loser. Cause I know whatever I buy is probably going to disappoint.
The Interstate Mega transformer somthing is $165, the Wally EvaMaxxxx is $95, the B+ Duracell Ultra is $155. (Duracell deep cycle in my boat ended up being shite). I can probably get a costco interstate a little cheaper than direct, but the last two I've gotten there have less warranty than Interstate offers.
Of course, I need two of them to crank the beast.
Decision, decisions.
Any updates from anyone that bought something the past few years?
I looked up the REAL manufacturers/private labels and it's all too damn confusing anyway.
Sometimes even the private labels come from different OEM due to location/shipping costs.
X2 Power, New Lead Tech batteries. 270 ea x 2. 60 month free replacement. Batteries plus.
Ouch
buffalobo
10-02-2017, 22:25
What are the old OEM batt's?
Why not go with them?
If you're unarmed you are a victim
What are the old OEM batt's?
Why not go with them?
If you're unarmed you are a victim
They say MOPAR. lol
Reported to be made by Johnson controls. As is (most) WM Evermax/diehard/interstate...
They're like $340 each.
After 13 years, I have doubts they're even the same OEM.
OtterbatHellcat
10-02-2017, 22:31
I think there are only three car battery manufacturers in the country.
We use good stuff, text me with your battery number, I can get you hooked up.
I think there are only three car battery manufacturers in the country.
We use good stuff, text me with your battery number, I can get you hooked up.
They're group 65, factory 750CCA but I'd go 850+ if possible.
OtterbatHellcat
10-02-2017, 22:34
We stock them at 850.
Looks like this thread is bumped up. When I replaced my factory battery it was 6 years old. I bought the Diehard platinum AGM. It lasted exactly 2 years. and it failed with out warning. It missed expected life span by at least 4 years. It reset my warranty so as long as Sears is in business I'm in good shape. I'm gonna recommend Interstate, even though they didn't sell an AGM for my truck 2 years ago. NEVER had a problem with Interstate.
I've had good luck with the Walmart MAXX batteries.
GilpinGuy
10-02-2017, 23:38
I've had good luck with the Walmart MAXX batteries.
Me too. Had the battery in my F-150 STB at hunting camp and replaced it with a MAXX. Had one in my old Jeep too. Good stuff.
Shooter45
10-02-2017, 23:51
The Interstate sold at Costco have more cold cranking amps for my F250 7.3l and are a bit cheaper from the Walmart batteries I believe. However, if you run into trouble it's way easier to find a Walmart if you're traveling and need the warranty replacement.
hurley842002
10-03-2017, 06:31
The Interstate sold at Costco have more cold cranking amps for my F250 7.3l and are a bit cheaper from the Walmart batteries I believe. However, if you run into trouble it's way easier to find a Walmart if you're traveling and need the warranty replacement.
I was looking at batteries in Costco the other day, and was quite impressed with the interstate specs, 1000 CA's and like 850 CCA's for mine.
3beansalad
10-03-2017, 10:32
On my second set of Costco sourced Interstates for my 02 EX. The first set wasn't holding a charge. I've gone through three alternators in a year so I need to pull the current set and have them load tested to see if they are causing the alt problems. Other than that, I endorse their cost and specs.
I was looking at batteries in Costco the other day, and was quite impressed with the interstate specs, 1000 CA's and like 850 CCA's for mine.
Do you recall the price for those?
hurley842002
10-03-2017, 12:27
I want to say $89, no more than $100 tho.
Local costco has no group 65 batts in stock.
As tempting as the gracious offer is from an esteemed member here for a Deka, I'm leaning to Wally world just for convenience/warranty sake. Mostly convenience and on the road warranty options if I ever have an issue.
I had a wally world battery replaced on my car (was in there when I bought it). It was 8 months old. The post was almost fully detached and leaking shit everywhere. I still had to sit around for over an hour for them to test it to make sure it was bad.
New battery was leaking within 2 months.
This is worse than deciding which gun to buy.
hurley842002
10-03-2017, 14:21
As tempting as the gracious offer is from an esteemed member here for a Deka
A Deka huh? I've been wanting one of those, but they are a bit more than the wife is willing to let me spend.
A Deka huh? I've been wanting one of those, but they are a bit more than the wife is willing to let me spend.
Am still seriously considering this.
I'm also getting ready to just say F it and call the Dodge dealer to check true pricing.
This is harder than geometry.
Down to two options.
MOPAR factory $134 ea
2 YR free replacement warranty - any Dodge dealership I expect. If they go that long, I expect they'll do as well as the originals. Close to me.
DEKA $110 ea
3YR? warranty. Locally sourced (thanks for the great offer brother). Gotta hike up to north Denver.
whitbaby
10-03-2017, 15:56
I'd recommend the best battery Walmart sells. If in the 3-year warranty and it quits, there's a Walmart on every corner for a free replacement.
Whitster
Now you guys are just f*cking with me.
Walmart EverStart MAXX is a 5 year warranty, 3 year replacement. Group 65 is 850 CCA and $93.76. Battery is made by Johnson Controls which makes over half of the US automotive batteries. Deka is East Penn which splits the remainder of the market with Exide.
OtterbatHellcat
10-03-2017, 17:52
Remember that if you get 5 years out of your car battery, any manufacturer, you're living on borrowed time....seriously.
The Deka's are what we get from Hensley, and these batteries are (no pun intended) treated brutally. Severe draws in service and out of service. Sitting posted with the key on all the time, not running if weather is comfortable and lots of draw and charge cycles.....if not, idling all the time with two climate control systems going all the time. And we did alternators ALL the time.
Before LED lighting systems, we'd be lucky to get 6 months out of a set of batteries. Now we're getting as much as 2-3 years out of them. I haven't seen that in 25 years....and they still get treated the same way. Just attempting to explain the severe abuse these batteries receive in my field.
fairrpe86
10-03-2017, 22:39
Deka is the way to go, good warranty and great product. If you do not want to trek up north, call Nik with N&D he sells them.
My Optima is may be on its last winter. Those Deka batteries look really good.
Well the wifes battery will be replaced soon, that minivan is brutal on batteries. The 3 year old o'rilley maint free bat is starting to show fluid on top. Can't find Deka in Longmont so I will either do wally or costco batts. Probably costco if I can grab and go with no core.
I'll let you know in 3 years how it worked out. [emoji12]
Got the DEKA batteries.
Thanks for the awesome hookup brother!
Sadly, my dumb ass farked up the feed line from my injector pump to the fuel pressure gauge regulator thingy. Got lucky and Parker NAPA had a cap to get me by until I can find that hose.
I just bought a battery from Costco. 42 month non prorated warranty. Has its own Costco part number. Many folks think Optima has slipped a bit in recent years. I'm in that group. However I just bought a Optima Smart charger. It is awesome.
OtterbatHellcat
10-06-2017, 21:56
Got the DEKA batteries.
Thanks for the awesome hookup brother!
Glad to help you out, my friend...cool to see ya again.
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