OEM Batteries
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
My 2011 6.7 at 20 thousand miles still original battery (probably jinxed it now) . New England driving mostly.
In my 02 7.3 I used Wally world batteries. Don't even remember what brand they sell. Normally lasted 4 to 5 years max. For the price no complaints.
In my 02 7.3 I used Wally world batteries. Don't even remember what brand they sell. Normally lasted 4 to 5 years max. For the price no complaints.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
45K miles on the May 2010 OEMs and I haven't thought to replace them. I have a few accessories wired directly to one or the other (lights, compressor, etc) but all accessories are fused and switched so there is no draw when the truck is not running. I've always waited to replace batteries until I hear the starter turning more slowly than usual. It seems that when the battery starts to go, it goes pretty quickly and I haven't noticed any laboring yet. Like ct, I probably just jinxed it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX USA
I might of had a lemon - but in my 2011/ 6.2 (one battery) the OEM battery failed at right at the 2 yr mark (May 2010-July2012).... I actually had a battery isolator/ aux battery to run my Oasis OBA system - and all other accessories were hooked to the up fitters - so no other direct connect to the OEM battery other than factory stuff....
I could start because of the isolator/ aux battery but when I did replace the OEM the true test showed the failure ---
I bought an optima - after work I replaced the battery... For kicks I tested the OEM at 12.## volts... then I placed it on the bed mat (rubber) in the back. The next morning at about 10 AM I was going to get the core refund - I check the battery again... the thing read 9-10 volts ( don't remember exactly) -
Definitely - bad OEM - not a dead short or something....
I could start because of the isolator/ aux battery but when I did replace the OEM the true test showed the failure ---
I bought an optima - after work I replaced the battery... For kicks I tested the OEM at 12.## volts... then I placed it on the bed mat (rubber) in the back. The next morning at about 10 AM I was going to get the core refund - I check the battery again... the thing read 9-10 volts ( don't remember exactly) -
Definitely - bad OEM - not a dead short or something....
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
Dang, I really hate hearing these 'great words' and that the leakers now residing under the hood will probably be history soon. The normal life span historically for me with gas engined vehicles has been 5-6 or more years - so what makes these diesel powered trucks so different? As far as using Walmart batteries - Johnson Controls - they have generally been good to me. Optimas, also Johnson Controls have been ho hum for my use.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
I just got a new set from Costco for my 6.4L . Group 4 1000CCA, 100month warranty for $92 each. They're made by Johnson Control.
Never had issues with Costco batteries in my other cars all these years before the warranty was up, but the Costco battery I put in my '05 F150 4yrs and 1 month ago just pooped out and I got a proration for that. I think premature death was due to me deep-discharging it too many times from running my laptop on an inverter and running my stereo at the same time while sitting in parking lots for hours on end.
Never had issues with Costco batteries in my other cars all these years before the warranty was up, but the Costco battery I put in my '05 F150 4yrs and 1 month ago just pooped out and I got a proration for that. I think premature death was due to me deep-discharging it too many times from running my laptop on an inverter and running my stereo at the same time while sitting in parking lots for hours on end.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: K.C. MO
I added an 18w solar panel with a 7.2A controller to the box my rollNlock tonneau fits in and spliced into the power leads to it which come straight from the battery. Keeps a nice trickle charge going anytime there is daylight, even on cloudy days. My batteries are OEM and from Feb of 2011 and never had a burp.
I run the ACC all day long with the radio blasting the bed speakers and never had a problem. Starts every time.
I run the ACC all day long with the radio blasting the bed speakers and never had a problem. Starts every time.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
Since '01 and my Excursion, I've stayed with Ford OEM batteries. I have an Interstate in my Chevy dually that has done well, and Exides in my K5s that still have to be charged occasionally. I put a Battery Tender Jr leads on my '10 F350 and switched them to my '13 F350, and plug it in each time the truck sits for a week or so without being driven. Just hoping to extend the life span a little.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
I hope I don't jinx mine too, but my OEM batteries are still good in my 2011. I had a '93 F-150 that the OEM battery lasted 7 years. However, when it died, it left me stranded. It had a shorted cell.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 83
I added an 18w solar panel with a 7.2A controller to the box my rollNlock tonneau fits in and spliced into the power leads to it which come straight from the battery. Keeps a nice trickle charge going anytime there is daylight, even on cloudy days. My batteries are OEM and from Feb of 2011 and never had a burp.
I run the ACC all day long with the radio blasting the bed speakers and never had a problem. Starts every time.
I run the ACC all day long with the radio blasting the bed speakers and never had a problem. Starts every time.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
As soon as I got my new truck home, I replaced the stock batteries with Northstar AGM series 65 , look them up, better than optima, all made in USA , and I'll never have battery acid leaking in my engine bay or that wonderful acid white chalk ruining my battery cables.
Better performance than stock, with CCA. And reserve capacity. They spin that 6.7 like a drill bit!
Better performance than stock, with CCA. And reserve capacity. They spin that 6.7 like a drill bit!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: K.C. MO
It's fun to point out to Prius drivers how "green" I am.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Itinerant at present
As soon as I got my new truck home, I replaced the stock batteries with Northstar AGM series 65 , look them up, better than optima, all made in USA , and I'll never have battery acid leaking in my engine bay or that wonderful acid white chalk ruining my battery cables.
Better performance than stock, with CCA. And reserve capacity. They spin that 6.7 like a drill bit!
Better performance than stock, with CCA. And reserve capacity. They spin that 6.7 like a drill bit!
I replace all my batts with AGM's. I replaced the boat (when I had it); I replaced the batts in my Airstream with AGM's and will do the same with the truck when the OEM's start to go. A bit pricey but danged well worth it. AGM's are the shizz-nitx!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
Update on Sears Platinum/Odyssey Battery
I just wanted to let everyone know that Sears still distributes the Odyssey Battery under the Platinum series. I happen to check one day and noted that the group 65 Platinum batteries were in stock. I picked up a pair when I had the chance as the inventory was pretty scarce. I guess they don't have them available all of the time.
http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinu...4&blockType=G4
I was able to get $35 off for the online purchase and cashed in some Sears points to get an additional discount.
http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinu...4&blockType=G4
I was able to get $35 off for the online purchase and cashed in some Sears points to get an additional discount.