How long have your factory batteries lasted?

[MZuba]

My 03 has 115k on it, I just changed the batteries trying to solve a no start problem, but the load tested fine before I took them out, and they cranked the truck just fine!

 

[MFalkinham]

Mine was built March of '03 and at 50k miles has the original batteries that both show bright "green eyes". I keep the truck garaged and rotate having a Battery Tender trickle charger or a Battery Minder desulfator hooked up at all times.

 

[BHanna]

I've got real close to 6 yrs on mine. Winters aren't that rough on them here but summers are. I may replace mine before that.

 

[Kry226]

Early 04 model built in October 03. 6 years and 89K on the clock and just this winter I am noticing the slower starts in the cold mornings. Both still show green eyes, but I have had one post show some corrosion. As recommended here on TDR, I poured a little Coca-Cola on the terminal a few months ago and no more corrosion. I expect to replace these by next winter and will be looking at the DieHards.



In all, it's really hard to complain about 6 years of service. I don't really think mileage means much to the life of a battery, other than maybe vibration.

 

[BMHenry]

05 Ram with 117,000 still on the factory OEM's. . Truck sleeps under the stars in the summer and winter. . No cranking issues... Hopefully they will last me another year or two...

 

[Grizzly]

The two original batteries on my 05 are still going strong, which are now 5 years and 2 months old.



Just replaced the original battery on my 03 Toyota Avalon two months ago. Took delivery in July 02

 

[garys333]

"Green eyes" are great, but on your battery they can be green today and out tomorrow, that's what mine did. Several have ask, "What kind do I buy?" If you have an Interstate battery dealer close I recommend them VERY highly. They have made good batteries for as long as I can remember,and that's a long time, but they are dependable, reputable, USA people.

 

[RamThatStroker]

Have 8 years on my originals (Dec 02). Had them tested the other day and still ok. The energizer batteries I have in my 95 have been in there since Jan 2000

 

[bheiting]

Many folks toss the batteries when all they need is some clean connections. Keep
the top of the battery clean so it doesn't short out. If you live in a cold climate, get
the Mopar winter front with the optional battery warmers - wiring harness included.
It also has the cable for the block heater. That saves a lot of stress on the batteries
as well as the engine. Original batteries should last at least five years.

 

[mattk50]

163,000 on factory batteries and still going strong. truck built Jan. 04

 

[Grizzly]

"Green eyes" are great, but on your battery they can be green today and out tomorrow, that's what mine did. Several have ask, "What kind do I buy?" If you have an Interstate battery dealer close I recommend them VERY highly. They have made good batteries for as long as I can remember,and that's a long time, but they are dependable, reputable, USA people.

I believe Interstate batteries are over rated and cost too much. All batteries are made by about 3 different manufactures and are all pretty much the same, so might as well go for the best warranty. Costco and Wal-Mart have the best warranties, I believe.



I use Costco for replacement batteries and they have been very good.

 

[scottmcd]

early 04, built in late 03, 189k on OE Batts. Have had some cold mornings through the winters and they fire over great still. Use the block heater every morning, when the low is below 40. Dont think the wifes Mini Cooper will jump the cummins when she goes down!

 

[KWard]

03 with 90000 miles and still original batteries

 

[Scrappy]

early 04, built in late 03, 189k on OE Batts. Have had some cold mornings through the winters and they fire over great still. Use the block heater every morning, when the low is below 40. Dont think the wifes Mini Cooper will jump the cummins when she goes down!

Mine sat for a month plus and it took my buddies truck to one battery and a small battery charger to the other to get it started!

 

[JDelOlmo]

I purchased my truck on 28 Dec 04, but it is an '05 model. It just turned 5 y/o with 50K miles and the only problem I have to complain about is the fact that the lower ball joints are garbage. No other problems what-so-ever. I love my truck, but I am waiting for the "BIG" repair. I use my truck as a daily driver. I have done a few things to it such, installing a Painless Performance Module for fuel economy and performance, 2" leveling kit, Bilstein shocks all around, 3 gauges on the pod on the pillar to better monitor my engine and a set of Dick Cepek FC-II, which I hate and can't wait to burn thru. I also followed some instructions I found here on TDR and manufactured a Cold Air Intake system for about $20. You can't even see it and it works great. Anyway, as for battery trouble, nope, none at all.

 

[CRuth]

Only 50k on my truck but the batteries are still strong. Daily driver and my commute is long enough to keep them well charged.

 

[JamTroy]

I just replaced the second battery in my 03 at 290 thousand replaced the first one about a year ago

 

[BK]

just about 8 years, going on 3 years on a set of Orbit AGMs now.

 

[LRutigliano]

I hadn't started my truck since approx end of SEP09... this post made me get up and go look at the truck... I have not used the truck as a daily driver since the end of 2004. I only use it to tow our 5er during the summer months. It sits for long periods...



Original batteries still on the truck. Checked the voltage with a digital voltmeter. They were at 11. 74v, which is considered less than 0% capacity.



Turned key to ON, grid heater light came on... then went out after appropriate time... Turned Key to Start and truck fired right up. Oo. Please note that it was 50F here yesterday. I suspect it were colder, I would have had a problem...



Let it run for at least 15min or more. During that time (engine running), the voltage at the batteries read 14. 95 to 15. 03 volts. Rechecked batteries later in the day and they were at 12. 43v, which is approx 75% charged.



Hope this helps.

Louis

 

[Blakers]

My '03 has almost 100,000 miles and the original batteries are still going strong. I'd say that's pretty good.