Batteries

[Polmanteer]

I have an 2007 dually with approx 52000 miles. Recently had to go to an dealer for an pinion seal replacemrnt. There 16 point inspection indicated that the batteries needed immediate attention. Upon returning home batteries showed 12. 62 volts. The truck has set since then and batteries show 12. 52 volts. We plan to travel this summer and dont want to get stranded somewhere. Batteries are 5 yrs old. What is your opinion? Also when at Sams Club they have an Duracell battery for around $89 with 835 CCA. I want to stay away from the Walmart brand which is Johnson Controls. Dealers want $103/battery plus $40 installation. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I prefer gel type batteries such as Optima because they don't leak acid in the engine compartment, onto sensors and wiring under the battery tray, etc. Get the heavy duty versions; with Optima red top type that means 800 cca not the smaller 720 cca.

 

[AEdelheit]

I would look into the Die Hard II over Optimas, there Gel type and from what I understand made by Oddessy. I have not been impressed with Optimas, especially in a diesel application. The Deka batteries or CAT batteries are also great alternatives

 

[jelag]

I just replaced the OE batteries in my 05 dually... (over 7 years old) there were getting to the point that if the truck sat a few days... . or it was cold there wasn't enough cranking power to start the truck... as a battery ages, sediment falls to the bottom of the case and thus limits the sure power of the battery...

I just went to Costco and bought (2) replacement batteries, stock were 750 CCA and the ones I installed were 850 CCA.

So the batteries I installed have more capacity than my stock batteries and I assume their construction was as good as or maybe a little better than stock... Since the charging system prevents overcharging I expect the same life out of new ones as the old ones. .

All in all... . an $85 battery that should do the job... and as we travel there will be little problem in getting warranty service if I need it...

For me, it was as simple as that. .

 

[tpuig]

I recently replaced both in my 03 with Costco batteries as well. Bought 'em, took 'em home, put 'em in, and then dropped off the cores the next day.

 

[SierraRam]

Interstate make the best batteries IMO.



I would say that after 5 years your OEM batteries are on the way out.

 

[LRutigliano]

I had my OEM batteries for 8yrs and only replaced them b/c I was worried about being stranded due to their age.



I replaced them with Costco batteries last April, 2011 with the 850CCA batteries mentioned in above posts.



I don't use the truck in the winter (I didn't with the OEM batteries either). Checked on the batteries a few days ago... they were at 2. 02 V !!! Truck was dead.



The OEMs never faded below 12. 0 V under the same conditions in 8yrs.



Costco took them back and replaced them no problem, but just want to warn you that the Costco batteries appear to be not as good as the OEM batteries...

 

[JJPage]

What brand name do the Costco batteries fly under?

I just noticed on the OEM's in my 03, that the passenger side negative post has some corrosion(tells me the post seal is starting to leak). They still pass my hand held load bank test, and the little window is still green, but I will replace them, just not sure with what, was always thinking DieHards.

Having worked in DC power plants for the Telecommunications industry for many years, I have a fair understanding of battery construction and maintenance. I know Johnson Controls, Exide and C&D manufacture most wet cells, and also a lot of the VRLA's(valve regulated lead acid). However they may not use the same specs/standards for different suppliers.

Has anyone had much experience with the NAPA Exide batteries? It seems as far as warranty, there is a NAPA store in almost every small berg across the country, so getting an adjustment should one be needed, would be simple.

Whenever we replaced a string of batteries at work, we always had to float them @ 110% above nominal voltage, offline, for up to 100 hrs before putting them online. We maintained a daily voltage reading for each cell(during the initial 100 hrs, every quarter thereafter), and these records remained with the string for life. These were 20 yr batteries, so for warranty purposes the records were mandatory. So, my question is, does anyone believe it to be a good idea to float the new replacements with a trickle charger for 24hrs, maybe at 13. 5 volts, before installation?

 

[Regcabguy]

I prefer gel type batteries such as Optima because they don't leak acid in the engine compartment, onto sensors and wiring under the battery tray, etc. Get the heavy duty versions; with Optima red top type that means 800 cca not the smaller 720 cca.

I just read the Pep Boys ad today. They've got Optima Redtops@ $50 off each. $25 off in store and $25 more online. Mixed reports on Optima's lately though.



My friend completely killed his Sears AGM's and they recharged them. No issues since.

 

[seafish]

Diehard Platinum P-2 Group 65 for me.
Platinum Automotive Battery - Group Size 65 (Price with Exchange)- DieHard-Automotive-Batteries-Car Batteries

930CCA and a 4 year replacement/100 month prorate warranty.
they are a rebadged Oddyessey AGM battery.


Hopefully pick them up on sale this weekend, as theyll sometimes go down to $180.
or use this coupon for roughly 8% off.

http://www.sears.com/automotive/v-1020005?keywordSearch=false&sid=I0084400010000100591&aff=Y

 

[AABEN]

I am running the bats that came in my 03. They have not givin any hint of going bad. I bought it June of 03 off the dealer lot. Does any one know who RAM get ther Bats from??

 

[Prairie Dog]

Problem is that old battery's can leave you sitting. Twice in the years I've been driving I have had a battery short internally and just shut everything down. When this happens you cannot jump them. I replaced mine because I don't wan't to get stuck out in the middle of no place with my family.

 

[BLNRAY]

go to advance or autozone and have them load tested. 5yrs doesn't make them bad and 12. 6 vollts is not low,unless the truck was running,then you have a whole diffrent problem.

 

[rscurtis]

I am running the bats that came in my 03. They have not givin any hint of going bad. I bought it June of 03 off the dealer lot. Does any one know who RAM get ther Bats from??

I kept the originals from my '03 and they're still holding identical voltages after not being touched in months.

 

[TimothyLong]

I am running the Die Hard Platinum P-2's. They are made by Oddyssey and are the best batteries I have ever had. I have used Optima red tops as well, they are very good and reliable but the Die Hards seem to have more reserve and CCA's than the Optimas. Optima is a very good choice though. I can tell you to stay away from anything that has Exide written on it. Put two in my '03 after my OEMs died. They lasted two years. Then I got the Die Hards. As for Walmart batteries, put one in my Mom's car and one in my niece's car (both gassers) and they have been working really well. No complaints. Don't know how they'd work in our diesels, but I'd use them in another gasser any day.

 

[Wingate]

I installed Cat 1000 CCA maintenance free batteries when my factory ones died... Thats been approx. 2 years ago... havent had any issues since.....

 

[jelag]

JJPage

After both being a customer and a supplier to NAPA at the DC(for 20 years) on Freya I've found that each store has it own policy on how to handle warranty when the product was purchased at another store... in most cases you'll need a copy of your receipt if you need to have them dealt with out of town...

Copy their receipt and put it in your truck... Just my thoughts...

 

[Blu-meanie]

I replaced mine this year just because. After 7 years I didn't want an "event" someplace when it's not convient... . is it ever? I keep the OEM's around to start my other stuff that needs help. I have a load tester and they were getting iffy and I just hate being stranded. I got these at Costco.

 

[Newt]

I just replaced the OE batteries in my 05 dually... (over 7 years old) there were getting to the point that if the truck sat a few days... . or it was cold there wasn't enough cranking power to start the truck... as a battery ages, sediment falls to the bottom of the case and thus limits the sure power of the battery...



I just went to Costco and bought (2) replacement batteries, stock were 750 CCA and the ones I installed were 850 CCA.



So the batteries I installed have more capacity than my stock batteries and I assume their construction was as good as or maybe a little better than stock... Since the charging system prevents overcharging I expect the same life out of new ones as the old ones. .



All in all... . an $85 battery that should do the job... and as we travel there will be little problem in getting warranty service if I need it...



For me, it was as simple as that. .

The price is right. However, where we travel Costco's are few and far between.



Newt & Bernie

Full Time RV'ers

 

[JJPage]

JJPageCopy their receipt and put it in your truck... Just my thoughts...

Thanks, my glove box carries many receipts. Believe I'll go with Sears, but am going to check with Western States Equip on there price for Cat's MF's.