Need new batteries- what do you recommend?

[sfritts]

This is Just my version, but I would keep the truck engine heater plugged in as much as possible. This will take alot of the stress off the bateries if you live in a cold er area so the manifold preheaters don't have to run. have someone that has a battery tester test your batteries they might not be as bad as you think and make sure they are filled to the correct water level this will kill a battery as fast as anything

 

[jtisdale]

Like Tom Golden I'm going on 6 years and over 100k with the factory OEM's!

Yep, add my name to the list of lucky one's. I still have my stockers in, 6+ years, except for the passenger side, it was replaced (under warranty for a leak) about six months after I bought it new in 01. It still starts, not plugged in, even below 0. There has been a few winters I have had to be jumped, but only because I short tripped the truck too much, not giving the batterys time to re-charge before I had to be to work. I might try the Dekas when these give up the ghost, if they ever do.

 

[johnward]

Hello,



I need to replace the batteries in my 2005 2500. Does anyone have a recommendation for desert climates? I live in Phoenix and heat kills the batteries out here.

 

[WadePatton]

i stuck a single optima red top (my first ever) in mine a few months back. pleased so far... will take 5 years for final opinion.

 

[johnward]

Hi Matt,



Would you still go with the Optima Red Tops? I also live in the Phoenix area.

 

[MMeier]

Hi Matt,



Would you still go with the Optima Red Tops? I also live in the Phoenix area.

Go with them, been running them for a while in everything I have up here... except the '93, that will probably get a yellow top when the time is due. Have 2 reds in the '03 now for the past 30k miles, no issues... and no mess either !!!

 

[SHobbs]

Two Optimas for the past 6 1/2 years, no problems.

 

[sfritts]

I have had a pair of red tops in my 1998 for over 6 yrs. I've used them in all kinds of weather everyday and have jump started quite a few other vehicles and I still think they are the best batteries I ever bought.

 

[PC12Driver]

They're a little overkill, but I'm running a set of Diehard Platinum group 65s (relabled Odyssyeys). Proably the hottest battery that'll fit in the stock locations of our trucks. They'll push 930a @ 0*F, 1750a @ 80*F, and 135 minutes reserve @ 25a draw. The AGM design can be deep cycled and fast charged, and meets military vibration specs. And the warranty is 4-year free replacement with a 100-month prorated replacement after that. Waaay more battery than I'll ever need, but juice will never be an issue.



For example, I had a -17*F start this past winter without the truck being plugged in. After several grid cycles and a bunch of cranking the truck finally lit off, and the starter never sagged. I was ready to give up, but the batteries weren't.



Expensive, but you do get what you pay for with these.

 

[goatnram]

almost 7 years

i am going on 7 years with factory batterys i use the 021-0128 Battery Tender Plus 12V @ 1. 25A Battery Charger 021-0128 Battery Tender Plus 12V @ 1. 25A Battery Charger bought the truck in 02 batteries still runnin strong check them out

021-0128 Battery Tender Plus 12V @ 1. 25A Battery Charger I got 6 yrs on the factory and now have interstates that I think are starting to get weak after 5 yrs. But being the cheap idiot I am I will try to get through this winter on these and get new ones next fall, plus my wife will be done with school and working giveing us a very different $ standing. [/QUOTE]

 

[Matt42]

Optima (Johnson Controls, I think) has moved their manufacturing to Mexico. Product quality seems to have moved into the toilet. I got just under 2 years out of my last Red Top, in a PT Cruiser. (It died several days before I left for Alaska--by air--in July. ) I can get that from an Autozone battery that costs 1/3 as much.

A good life for a regular flooded-cell lead-acid battery in Phoenix is 28 months. I used to get 5 to 7 years from Optima.

This is a very sad development.

 

[bry1216]

Hi All,

One of my batteries is going bad... ... maybe just low on water. They are 10 years old and came with the truck.

What is just at good?

Idaho Truck that has spent several trips to -10'f and 110'f.



Thank you.

 

[HWestfall]

I replaced my stock Batterys with Interstates about 3 yrs. ago have had great service thus far. I worked for County Road Dept. for 30 yrs. 13 in the shop we went to Interstates about 12 yrs ago and found they worksed the best over all in our pickups, cars. H Westfall

 

[goatnram]

still going with stock batteries... ..... 10 years on dec 2012

 

[klcammie]

My Optima red tops lasted 5 years, they just up and died a couple of weeks ago. (San Francisco Bay Area) I went with 2 of the Odyssey PC1700T. Also had military grade terminals put on. These batteries spin the cummins with no hesitation (30 degree morning, cycling the grid heaters). Great service from Yawan Smith at www.kodiakinc.com

Put wal-mart yellow tops 2yr ago. also put the miltary clamps on, best thing I ever did for my battries.