Seems like i am buying batteries every year or so. What have you all had the best luck with?

Also can i buy a bigger sized battery to help with cold starts?

 

I use Interstate Batteries. There are others using Optima Batteries. I am sure there are others. My Interstates last about three years or a little more depending upon the heat.

 

I installed 2 autozone gold in 2008 & still cranking.

 

you want tha highest CCA group 65 batteries you can get. i am using a set of costco/kirkland 950 CCA batteries in my 02 for close to 3 years now and still starting fine.

 

Something's not right if you're going through a set of batteries every year. I'm another satisfied Costco/Kirkland battery user here. Certainly the best price at a little over $70 each, and a good warranty. I think once you find the correct size and CCA, then it's warranty, price, and location. Here's a good thorough battery thread from a few years ago:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...batteries.html

 

+1 Napa set prior to these lasted about 4 years, auto zone gold are as good now as when new.

 

I like the Napa 84's. Going on the third year on them, before that they were motorcraft that came with the truck when I bought it.

 

From what I have heard from several different sources, there are only a few different companies that actually manufacture batteries and a whole bunch that slap their sticker on them. If I were you I'd just buy whatever you can get with the best warranty/price.

 

You sir are correct! Jonson Control is the main battery manufacturer/supplier! I jumped on the optima train and I want to get off! Optimas are not all they are cracked up to be. Heres an interesting read,

Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List 2013

My optima yellows were already a year old off the shelf, they are getting weak after 6 months. Next I am going with Costco Kirklands, no questions asked 3 year replacement.

 

To narrow it down even further:

Consumer Reports Article - MSN Autos

"Most auto batteries are made by just three manufacturers, Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls Industries. Each makes batteries sold under several different brand names. Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford), and some EverStarts."

 

mine are from Wal-mart..3 years and still strong..They also have a full 3 year replacement and there are wal-marts every where

 

I used to be a huge interstate guy.

My last set of batteries are Napa, I bought em in 09 if I remember right, and I will have to replace them when summer is done this summer.

I am starting to like the idea of buying a set of batteries from walmart as well, just due to walmarts being everywhere.

 

Im interested to see if anybody thinks them diehard platinums made by odessy are a good value.

 

I have a set and really like them, The stock Motorcrafts lasted me 5 years, my Everstarts only lasted 2 years (2 sets). I got a set of the Diehard Platinums and my truck turns over faster than it ever has. I have only had mine for 3 years, so I cant tell how long they will last but they are quite a bit heavier than most others in their size. The only down side is they are $$$$$. Plus they are AGM batts, AGM means absorbed glass mat, which basically means the battery is a "dry cell" and won't leak acid, even if you break open the battery with a sledge hammer, you also will never have to clean the battery terminals, as AGM batteries don't corrode them. The Platinum line comes with an unheard of 4-year full replacement warranty, with 100-month prorated coverage.


Flame suit on!

 

thanks for the report,dont mind spending extra if they are long lived,I will be replacing next fall,by then I will know a little more about expected life.