Battery Life

[MSeifert]

My '01 has the original batteries with just over 100k on the motor. Should I start looking into replacing them in the near future? If I do, how are the Optimas?

 

[Mad Bomber]

My 01 still has OEM batterys I took delivery of truck 4/14/00. You might want to see if yours are leaking there are spays that detect acid, if not no reason to replace.

 

[LandShark]

MSeifert: Welcome to the site. Learn to use the search function. Much has been discussed on the merits of the Optima and other batteries.

Battery life is quite variable with these trucks. SOme only get 2 years, others (me also) get 6+ years. It depends somewhat on where you live. Check ConsumerReports, and find a top rated battery from Costco, Walmart or NAPA and you will spent about 1/2 the amount of Optimas. Do a search of this site and you will find a number of members that have had problems with the Optimas.

You can do a hydrometer check and load test on your batteries to get a better idea on how they are doing (this is often free at battery sellers). Also inspect the batteries visually. If they are wet on top or bulging at the sides, they are likely nearing the end of their life.

 

[drag racer]

Optima

Optima is the only way to fly, IMO! OEM batteries took a dump on me after 3 years. Put in a set of Red Tops. They worked great in the Ram for 6 full years. One of them started getting a little weak late last year, so I replaced them with a set of Yellow Tops. I put one of the used Red Tops in my daily driver gasser and it has not missed a beat since. I use them in everything I own, and have never had any Optima fail to last at least 6 years in regular service.

 

[Mad Bomber]

Optima is the only way to fly, IMO! OEM batteries took a dump on me after 3 years. Put in a set of Red Tops. They worked great in the Ram for 6 full years. One of them started getting a little weak late last year, so I replaced them with a set of Yellow Tops. I put one of the used Red Tops in my daily driver gasser and it has not missed a beat since. I use them in everything I own, and have never had any Optima fail to last at least 6 years in regular service.

I have no reason to change mine yet still working good, going onto 9 years.

 

[CookJ]

After 5 years and 155K, the original batteries still seem to be in good shape; haven't load tested them or check fluid levels as of yet.

 

[MickeyMiller]

'03 purchased in Aug '02, first 2 years in Montana, now in California, still going strong! Keeping this truck so when the originals give up, I will replace them with Odessey's... Have an Odessey on my Buell that 9 years old and still working!

 

[_Hyde]

I've been considering replace my OE batteries for the last 3 years. Every road trip since then the truck has not been shut down for the 12-16 on the road. I've been load testing each battery for the last couple of years and they both do fine. Being on my 3rd CTD my experience has been that the RH battery will usually fail first. Last load test this battery tested better than the LH. The last test or 2 I've cranked the truck on the weakest battery and it's fired off. Probably won't do that anymore as the last time it didn't sound real good. Prior to this I could set a calendar at 2 years based on battery life. I'm in an 03 with 175k and it's starting to roll over a little slow so I guess I'm due.



Hyde

 

[GaryOwen]

My OE RH battery died yesterday on my 03. Replaced both today with Walmart Everstart Max at $75 each. Started okay on one battery, but didn't want to push my luck too much. Walmart was convenient and pretty quick. May not be the best, but should do for a few years.



Gary

 

[R C Cola]

I use my truck commercially ( call that running all day every day) and find that my batteries last about 1-1/2 yrs seems heat and vibration are enemies of batteries like many other componants.

 

[Paddy McMahon]

I use my truck commercially ( call that running all day every day) and find that my batteries last about 1-1/2 yrs seems heat and vibration are enemies of batteries like many other componants.

Vibration and off roading are the kryptonite to any conventional battery. This is especially true on washboard roads: the internals of the battery break and fall off, landing in the bottom of the battery casing, thus causing premature battery failure. Gel batteries do not use this configuration. That is why they are favored by those who use their trucks, boats, etc in a harsh environment. NAPA replaced over ten conventinal group 32 batteries on my first gen Dodge over the course of eight years because of this type of failure. I finally swapped out to a pair of red top Optimas and eliminated this cycle of repair. If you predominantly drive on the pavemnt this type of failure should not be an issue and a high quality conventional battery should be fine. I am still on my OEM batteries in my 2005 and it starts fine even well below zero. Good luck.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Installed my optimas 9/11/01 (really!!) and they're still good. Thought I had a battery problem which was actually the switch for the KC Daylighters getting flipped on (that'll drain any battery since they're covered lights) Batteries still (in the words of Aerosmith) F_I_N_E!

 

[icman95]

My 01 still has OEM batteries and I'm really impressed and suprised that they have lasted so long. Not too many miles on them, though-82000. Still, not too bad and until they give me some sign of failing, not reason to spend $ needlessly to replace them. Had an Optima in my Jeep and I really wanted to be impressed with it, but wasn't. It quit way too early and the worst thing is that the salesman tried to talk me out of it for this reason. I should have listened. I know there are plenty of people who are having great success with them, but everyone will have a different experience.

 

[MRoberts]

108K on my stock batteries, still working great. When I do need to replace them it will be with Oddessys, spendy yes, best out there, yes.



Overkill, for sure! But so is the rest of my truck!

 

[RRees]

I finally had to replace an 11 year old Optima in my Jeep. My truck batteries are still OEM.



My Jeep sees alot more off-road driving than my truck. I kept breaking the posts on the conventional batteries with my Jeep. That's one of the main reasons I went with Optimas for the Jeep. Don't know if I'll go the Optima route for the truck. Time will tell.

 

[Grizzly]

Optima's are fine, but at what they cost, are they worth it? I like to get my batteries at Costco because of their better then most warranty. They also sell the Optima if you want to spend that much $$$.

 

[Matt42]

5 years on an OEM battery? Wowzers. 7 years on an OEM battery? Double wowzers. Here, the heat destroys batteries. I got 18 months on the OEM batteries. Best I can do on normal lead-acid batteries is 2 years. I get five years from a set of Optimas, which is great. I've been told I can squeeze a year or two more if I rotate the batteries every year.

 

[Mad Bomber]

5 years on an OEM battery? Wowzers. 7 years on an OEM battery? Double wowzers. Here, the heat destroys batteries. I got 18 months on the OEM batteries. Best I can do on normal lead-acid batteries is 2 years. I get five years from a set of Optimas, which is great. I've been told I can squeeze a year or two more if I rotate the batteries every year.

I guess that telling you I'm PAST 8 years on April 14th OM OEM is some thing you might not belive

 

[Matt42]

Actually, I used to live in a milder climate, not this furnace. I got many years out of a battery. Oo.

 

[Mad Bomber]

Actually, I used to live in a milder climate, not this furnace. I got many years out of a battery. Oo.

For sure when it's 70 here it's starting to get hot