Battery Life
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Chino Hills, CA
Battery Life
I am only getting about 2.75 years out of my batteries. I am running the Walmart EverStart Maxx 65S batteries. I have tried Interstate batteries but get the same life out of them, maybe 3 years. I have noticed that the EverStart is 700 cold cranking amps where the Motorcraft is 750 cold cranking amps (I don't know if that would have anything to do with it). Walmart has been really good about it and has now replaced four batteries for free but I don't think they are going to be doing that going forward. So what type of life are you getting out of your batteries? My Excursion does sit for most of the month we use it mostly when we travel so we use it maybe once or twice a month. I am hoping it's not some sort of wiring problem.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
I just swapped out my original Motorcraft battery this year. After 10 years...I figured I was simply out of luck. I bought another Motorcraft battery....
I had a number of Interstate batteries in my 2006 Lincoln that all failed just about at the time their warranty ended. They were still covered, but who wants to deal with it? My local shop swapped to Deka...so far so good....
EDIT>>>I should add that since my Ex is not my daily driver, I hooked up a battery tender type device. I hard wired it to the battery and have a pigtail next to one of the foglights. I unit itself stays in the garage and when I pull the truck in...I just reach into the bumper opening and plug it in..
I had a number of Interstate batteries in my 2006 Lincoln that all failed just about at the time their warranty ended. They were still covered, but who wants to deal with it? My local shop swapped to Deka...so far so good....
EDIT>>>I should add that since my Ex is not my daily driver, I hooked up a battery tender type device. I hard wired it to the battery and have a pigtail next to one of the foglights. I unit itself stays in the garage and when I pull the truck in...I just reach into the bumper opening and plug it in..
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 351
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From: South Texas/RGV
In very high heat conditions the 7.3L batteries' life is closer to 2 years. I've discussed this recently with another 7.3L Excursion owner and his experience matched mine. We have tried just about every brand out there. The better brands last longer but it isn't a huge difference. Think 2.5 years versus 2. A 25% improvement but that only means 6 months.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
You want a battery maintainer not a trickle charger. Big difference
Mine sits ( 4-6k a year ) and temps vary from low 30* to 105* throughout the year.
My last set of motorcrafts lasted 7 years and I only replaced them because I was going to Baja and did want to push my luck any further.
Mine sits ( 4-6k a year ) and temps vary from low 30* to 105* throughout the year.
My last set of motorcrafts lasted 7 years and I only replaced them because I was going to Baja and did want to push my luck any further.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
Agreed. This is what I meant.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
I figured, just didn't want anybody reading it to mistakenly buy a "trickle charger"
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 4
From: North Texas
My 4am word comprehension is lacking as well. A float charger/maintenance charger is what I read that as also. Thinking about it though, if he wants to bring a dying battery back for a little while, an old school trickle charger with a bit of overcharge (after making sure the battery is topped off with distilled water) can sometimes get a bit more life out of a battery. However if it's under warranty, just get a new one. I am currently experimenting with an Optima red top to see if it can best the 4 year mark. I am doubtful.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
Looks for a agm. They last alot longer even if u dont use them and avoid optima they are not what there were years ago. Also alot of batterys rebadge so if a battery looks like another 8 out of 10 times its the same.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Chino Hills, CA
What do you guys think about the solar battery maintainers like this one. This should be a little cleaner than running a cord from the garage to my driveway where I keep my Excursion.
Coleman 2-Watt 12-Volt Solar Battery Maintainer-58012 - The Home Depot
Coleman 2-Watt 12-Volt Solar Battery Maintainer-58012 - The Home Depot
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
I don't think that will be enough for a dual battery setup, which I assume you have. It will fall well short of keeping the batteries topped off. Several of the reviews on the item you linked state that very same thing based on buyer experience.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 427
Likes: 5
From: Central Pennsylvania
You want a battery maintainer not a trickle charger. Big difference
Mine sits ( 4-6k a year ) and temps vary from low 30* to 105* throughout the year.
My last set of motorcrafts lasted 7 years and I only replaced them because I was going to Baja and did want to push my luck any further.
Mine sits ( 4-6k a year ) and temps vary from low 30* to 105* throughout the year.
My last set of motorcrafts lasted 7 years and I only replaced them because I was going to Baja and did want to push my luck any further.
Any suggestions on which battery maintainer to purchase? I only use my ex once a month or so and it sits in the garage when not on the road. Is there a specific brand that would work best? Having to jump the battery with the jump pack every month is a PIA.
Thanks!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
FYI.... lead batteries self discharge at about 2% a week so unhooking them does not eliminate the need to maintain them with a full charge.
Here, this covers the basics
How Lead Acid Batteries Work: Battery Basics