Looking for Battery Experience/Recommendations

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 6, 2017 | 06:50 PM

#31

Tedster9

Post Fiend

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 19,311

Likes: 97

From: Waterloo, Iowa

EastPenn is DEKA, they make a great product. All of the US batt makers make a good product. Ya get what pay for, if you're lucky.

Jun 7, 2017 | 07:20 AM

#32

sunuvabug

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,002

Likes: 2

From: SW ON, Canada

Just past the 3 year mark with my Costco batteries. They still crank as strong as a senior who's missed their nap!

Jun 12, 2017 | 09:33 AM

#33

GEugeneS

Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 789

Likes: 16

From: West Coast/L.A. Area

Quote:

Originally Posted by binuya

What is the price of those batteries you listed? A few months ago, I finally replaced my Kirkland/Costco batteries after 7 years. I could've gone longer, but figured I got enough life out of them and might as well get a fresh set. Costco now carries Interstate branded batteries. $180 for a pair, 36 month warranty. If I get 6-7 years out of these, I'm happy.

I been using Kirkland batteries (which were Interstate batteries made by Johnson Controls) and also before that Auto Zone which were also made by Johnson Controls. It's been 10 years now and I have had several battery problems. But it's hard to beat Costco's price and replacement service so I stay with them. I just got another battery last year from Costco under warranty and it now says Interstate. BTW, it says I have a 42 month free replacement down here in LaLa land.

Jun 12, 2017 | 11:03 AM

#34

brian42

Thread Starter

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 7,092

Likes: 145

From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sous

This will be my next set of batteries.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00249GW9S...=IAKMLSJMEIOS4

I find it interesting that the Odyssey website says that our trucks take a Group 65 battery yet many other sites (including Amazon) say that battery does not fit our trucks. My Optima is a Group 34.

Jun 12, 2017 | 11:14 AM

#35

IDI-Charlie

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 1,506

Likes: 73

From: Staunton, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian42

I find it interesting that the Odyssey website says that our trucks take a Group 65 battery yet many other sites (including Amazon) say that battery does not fit our trucks. My Optima is a Group 34.

That is interesting, wonder if the 34s are for the gas engines. The 65 group series fit in the trays perfectly (I believe group 65 is what was in there from the factory but not 100% sure).

Jun 12, 2017 | 03:41 PM

#36

sunuvabug

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,002

Likes: 2

From: SW ON, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDI-Charlie

That is interesting, wonder if the 34s are for the gas engines. The 65 group series fit in the trays perfectly (I believe group 65 is what was in there from the factory but not 100% sure).

+1 ... the group 65 were the recommended ones for my 2001 7.3 diesel and they fit perfectly.

Jun 12, 2017 | 03:53 PM

#37

Sous

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 27,348

Likes: 5,941

From: Lake Hartwell, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian42

I find it interesting that the Odyssey website says that our trucks take a Group 65 battery yet many other sites (including Amazon) say that battery does not fit our trucks. My Optima is a Group 34.

I have seen this from time to time on truck parts that I have ordered on Amazon. This only leads me to triple check after double checking the part for the proper size/number.

I am confident it is the 65's though as that is what I have in my truck now and they fit fine.

Jul 24, 2017 | 08:43 PM

#38

DIESELMXTT

New User

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Optima RED tops on sale!

Batteries also are smaller and give more space.

They also came with the blue clamp that makes the bottom part of the battery wider to fit stock brackets.
I live down in southern California. I have a 2004 f350 6.0 turbo diesel. Had original Energizer max battery in my truck from previous owner. Started leaking and needed multiple jump starts. Just picked up 2 Optima red top batteries with connections on the side. 34/ 78. 4Wheel Parts has them on SALE for $181 each. Not sure how long sale will last. Originally and from other stores i priced at $210-$230. What a difference it has made the way truck starts up now. This battery was also recommended from Optima website for my truck. I saw some of you had mentioned the sears brand but called multiple stores said they only sell gold brand now.

FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Joe Kucinski

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Brett Foote

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Joe Kucinski

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

Brett Foote

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Michael S. Palmer

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Verdad Gallardo

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Joe Kucinski

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Brett Foote

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Michael S. Palmer

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Joe Kucinski

Jul 24, 2017 | 09:42 PM

#39

Colorado350

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 4,807

Likes: 125

From: Colorado Springs

Ever since Johnson Control moved their operations to Mexico the quality of the Optima's went south also. I went through 2 in a matter of 6 months in my Jeep, can't imagine dealing with the demands of a Diesel.

I'm running Sears Diehards in my 7.3L, 60 month warranty. The odyssey's are great batteries. I would not spend my hard earned money on a Optima!

Jul 24, 2017 | 09:55 PM

#40

DIESELMXTT

New User

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Mmmm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado350

must be having a problem with your jeep or you got the wrong battery ment for your jeep cuz those batteries would never do that. I have a 3 year warranty on mine. Sears only carrys gold now. At least in the areas i live

Jul 24, 2017 | 10:32 PM

#41

Colorado350

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 4,807

Likes: 125

From: Colorado Springs

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIESELMXTT

Nothing wrong with Jeep, I gave the 3rd red top to a buddy, lasted him 4.5 months. Their quality has suffered and there's too many other great batteries to waste money on the Optima's. Run what you want...
Sears doesn't carry the diehard platinum anymore, they have the diehard golds now.

Jul 24, 2017 | 10:51 PM

#42

Rikster-7700

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,465

Likes: 17

From: Jacksonville, FL

Sams club carry the energizer batteries. These are made by East Penn (the same manufacturer as Deka) I have used several in my gas vehicles over the years, with the last one purchased lasting 7 years. I have 2 of these in my truck at present and haven't had any issues with them during the past year or so they have been installed. Pricing wasn't bad, as far as I recall, maybe $120ish each...

Jul 24, 2017 | 11:03 PM

#43

Bently_Coop

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 7,460

Likes: 85

From: Kent Station, WA

Interstate batteries at Costco have a 42 month warranty, that's what I'll be using when my Motorcraft is done.

Jul 25, 2017 | 06:33 AM

#44

Walleye Hunter

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 10,750

Likes: 1,065

From: Douglassville, PA

Johnson Controls makes Interstate and DieHard batteries and probably a list of other private label batteries. Did they move all of their manufacturing to Mejico, or just for those Optimas?

Jul 25, 2017 | 10:31 AM

#45

brian42

Thread Starter

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 7,092

Likes: 145

From: San Diego, CA

I decided on a pair of Northstar Group 65 batteries.

They come with a healthy price tag but a 4 year full replacement warranty.

https://www.northstarbattery.com/pro...=Imperial#data

Reply Share

First
Prev
3 / 4
Next
Last

Forum Jump