I've searched through here and only find 4 and 5 year old posts on the issue.
I've been runndn the AZ duralast gold batteries for a while. The last time that I "paid" for them was about 4 years ago. They lasted just over 2 years, got warranty replaced, and the latest set has lasted about 18 months. While understandably with the winter that we had and the amount of use my snow plow got compared to other years probably took its toll on them, but, still, only 18 months? Well, warranty is up, so I'm in the market again. Obviously things have changed over the part 4 or 5 years, so, what it the preferred battery choice for our thruck nowadays?

 

You must not have looked too hard. Every winter we go through 10 threads on the low side asking this same question.
My advice is short, stay away from optimas in a diesel!!!!

 

A lot of guys have had great results with the Motorcraft batteries. 6-8 years on a lot of them. I have had mixed results with Interstate Megatrons. I have had to have a few replaced, but it was under warranty. I know some are very high on Costco batteries and they are made by Johnson Controls as are several brands, including Motorcraft I believe.

 

yup. costco batteries are named kirkland. full 36 month no questions asked replacement.
i have them in everything i own. the newest set is in the 02, they are 2 months old. the ones i took out were 6 years old when they started acting up.

 

I have just over 5 years now on my Costco batteries and they still load test strong. Besides the replacement warranty, their price is hard to beat. IIRC, the last time I looked, they're around $80 each.

 

Generally speaking, they charge more for heavier batteries, because they have more ampere hour capacity or CCA, and this is sort of why they charge by warranty (or used to), a 7 year battery will be heavier/bigger than a 3 year warrantied battery.

Just buy the biggest battery that will fit. If you travel a lot it might make sense to pick a brand that is available regionally with the longest warranty.

What I like to do is look at date codes and try to buy one that is only a couple months old. Oddball group size stuff might sit around for six months, a year, and while they will give good service it helps to use fresh stock. All the batteries on a rack are supposed to be rotated first in first out, and periodically charged, but that doesn't always happen. If you divine the date code just look at the batteries at the back of the rack, they should be younger.

Then even if it really is brand new battery from last month, charge it up good overnight before installation at a slow rate and bring it up to full capacity. New batteries don't reach their full capacity till they get 10 or 20 starts under their belt, so another boost charge won't hurt.

Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup

 

Well I am currently using the Sears Platinum batteries & really have had great luck with them. Many say they are the same as Oddessy AGM's. They are not cheap, but I run them in everything from my company service vehicle, plow trucks (which as you know are major battery killers), to our off road jeep with no issues...

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...batteries.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...batteries.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...batteries.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-choices.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...batteries.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...otorcraft.html

This should be enough reading material for you to make an educated choice

 

when my motorcraft batteries failed i switched to duralast gold. They have a 5 year warranty. havent had any problems with them.

AJ

 

I am using a motorcraft in mine. Got it January of last year and works great. After reading a bunch of threads on here I will stick with it or the Kirkland brand.

 

I'm running the same with no problems. Very happy with my purchase

 

Had problem with the last Optima in our car, lasted one year with no charging problems.now have Oddesey batteries in truck in signature,only been in for a year,will keep Everbody informed on performance as it ages.

 

I'll put in another suggestion for Costco batts. I have no complaints about them.

 

Still running my original Motorcraft's and they test out strong. They will be my first choice when the time comes and Costco will be my second choice if need be. On my last truck I changed out the Motorcraft's after 10 years, cause I was starting to feel a little guilty. Maybe the cooler weather up here makes them last longer?