2006 F250 here, Was wondering what type of batteries you guys have in your trucks or any recommendations for the best type of battery to handle what the load this engine puts on them?

Also, I have always wondered but just forget to ask, why does this truck have two batteries? Is one for starting and one for accessories?

Thanks

 

I have used Interstates for years with exceptional results, but I bought a pair of Odysseys for an E350 Diesel several years ago, as I needed the very best battery I could buy for the use of that truck. The cost was prohibitive, but the batteries performed unbelievably.

Recently I discovered Sears was retailing Odyssey PC1750's (our group 65's), under the Platinum designation, for about half the price (about $180 ea.) of buying direct from Odyssey, so I bought a pair for one of my trucks that was in need of battery replacement.

These batteries are Absorbed Glass Mat dry cell, no need to check level or add electrolyte, ever.

If you want the best, this is it. If you want a deal, try anything manufactured by Johnson Controls. Diehards, Duralast Gold, even Kirkland from Costco I believe are all currently manufactured by JC.

 

Your truck has two batteries to be able to start in cold weather. Cranking amps go down with the temperature and the compression in the engine goes up. For this reason it takes a lot more juice to start at 0F than 125F.

Your truck should take two Group 65 batteries. Any flooded battery will work but if you power a lot of accessories without the truck running you may want a deep cycle AGM. A regular starting AGM battery is recommended if the truck sees a lot of vibration such as offroad / washboard road use. The Optima 34/78 with an adapter, The Deka Intimidater Group 65, or the Odyssey 65 will all fill these uses but cost much more than a flooded of the same group.

Don't forget to think about the warranty. If you travel the US and Canada a lot an Interstate brand may be a good idea due to the huge dealer network.

 

Interstate batteries have been very good to me. Even in AZ where most batteries only last two years or so my interstates have gone3 to 4 years. The heat here kills batteries.

 

I just picked up 2 Interstate 65 series (850 CCA, 1000 CA) for $250 from Firestone. They have a $15/battery off coupon right now that runs through the 30th.

I'm sure you can get them cheaper there in the Mainland. It doesn't hurt to shop around. And I would avoid getting specialty batteries unless you truly need them. I've offroaded for years without an Optima or other specialty and never had a problem

 

Here's an informative article about batteries: Consumer Reports Article - MSN Autos

I replaced mine with Motorcraft because of the 3 year free replacement guaranty and the price was right. FWIW: I agree with SoCalSD in regard to Johnson Controls batteries as I've had good luck with Costco Kirkland brand in my boat.

 

I was actually about to ask about getting Optima batteries, but It seems there is no need to spend that extra money...

 

i modified mine a little, i added 2 caterpillar 14v with 1300 cca, i removed the stock battery tray, and added 4 cables to fit on the top posts, but they are much more reliable than the stock batteries

 

I love deep cycle battery proponents. If you use a lot of electrical devices with the engine turned off, you must have deep cycle batteries!

Let's see just how that works in the real world:

I drive my truck 50 miles out of town onto BLM land to go shooting. I like to listen to the radio and my girlfriend insists on surfing the web using a power inverter. Damn good thing I have deep cycle batteries because when they're completely drained, they are undamaged!

If I had regular batteries, draining them completely could damage them!

Either way, I'm stuck 50 miles out of town. So, what's the point of a deep cycle starting battery? Oh, yeah. Don't drain it 'cause you'll be stuck.

Just buy a set of Group 65 flooded batteries with removable caps so you can check the electrolyte levels. Maintenance free batteries aren't. They are slightly overfilled flooded batteries that lose electrolyte. The engineers guestimate how much electrolyte should be lost during the batteries life span, but they don't know how or where you'll be using yours. Zero maintenance batteries are can't maintain batteries.

Hook you regular batteries to a Deltran Battery Tender whenever the truck is at home, check the electrolyte two to four times per year and you'll be good for years. My original batteries (2005) load test at 97% and 100% after six years on a Battery Tender.

 

I put in two of the Sears Platinum's and love them. The truck starts so quick now.
They are 930 CCA with a 4year full replacement and 100 month prorated warranty.

 

with a 4year full replacement and 100 month prorated warranty.
WOW! That's gotta be like a a a decade or sumthin!

 

Proper wiring with a selector switch or isolator and one one battery will get drained and the second will start the vehicle. I run stuff with my vehicle off all the time. Idleing it for 20 hours at the Mint 400 race really isn't an option or cost effective.

I guess I could just turn my radio and safety lights off and risk someone getting killed or injured.

 

I did not have good luck with Optimas in my 6.0, I don't remember all the reasons but they just could not handle the Arizona heat and the diesel demands. I have Deka AGMs now and no problems at all.

 

I agree with the Battery Tenders, I have the little harnesses hard wired to my Super Duties, my E350, my boat, Sea Doo's, pretty much everything I have that is 12V. Batteries live virtually forever, even when they are not used for long periods of time.

 

I agree Andy, I have never seen a 7.3 or 6.0 truck light like they do with the Odyssey/Sears Platinums. Those batteries are pretty amazing.

BTW, that is a nice work truck.