Well last year's winter project was new glow plugs and glow plug relay. I think this years project is gonna be two new batteries. Easier to install, a lot harder on the wallet. Here's the "testing" I've done so far:
1. Checked voltage on both batteries while connected with the truck off. Voltage was 12.2...not good
2. Took each battery out of truck and checked voltage. Passengers side was 12.6...good, Driver's side was 10.5...not good
3. Load tested both batteries...BOTH failed.
4. Charged weak battery back up to 12.6 using a 2 amp trickle charger.
5. Put both batteries in the truck and hooked them up. Voltage was now 12.4 at both batteries with truck off.

Now here's the story:
I recently had a shop install some gauges for me simply because I have/had no time to do it. Once everything was done, they called me and said the gauges were installed and working flawlessly. Then they said that I need new batteries. They said they load tested both and both failed. I was skeptical of there analysis until one morning when it was about 25 degrees out when I went to start the truck. It turned over and cut on, but it was cranking very very slow.

Now I'm thinking that new batteries are in order and have a couple questions for you guys:
1. Any specific brand out there that you guys like and/or have had good luck with?
2. What kind of CCA's should I be looking for? (Current ones are 850 CCA and 1000 CA at 32 degrees)

As always, thanks for any help and advice.

 

I bought Interstates from Costco last year. There were under $100/ea out the door. For me they were best bang for the buck. YMMV.

 

 

Recently put in 2 Motorcraft. Upon leaving the store I did notice they weighed about 20 pounds more than the Advance Auto house brand i had carried in for cores.

 

One thing about Costco is that their options are limited (if you could call it that). They have one battery that fits our trucks and it's not the world's best but far from the world's worst and it makes deciding which battery to get easy.

 

I got 6 years out of the last Everstart Maxx's. The truck doesn't move much in the winter, and I hook a battery tender up. I put another set in last summer. Says manufactured by Johnson Controls, but also says made in Mexico.

I just put a Motorcraft BXT-65-850 in the Expedition today,

I'd get 850 CCA of your flavor and not look back.

 

Last year while installing a high output alternator, Denso starter and upgraded battery wiring I decided to go for some AGM batteries from Northstar. They were pricey, but I suspect they will last longer than other options and if they last at least 6 years, they will have evened out the cost. If they last that long, that will have also saved me the time of changing lead acid batteries out due to failure.

If they don't last, well I tried and will have learned my lesson. For now, they are doing great and I have complete confidence in them.

They are available for much cheaper than here, but you can see they are 930 CCA and the other details.

https://www.northstarbattery.com/product/23b61edb-4638-4650-8d03-1d6c76395bce

 

 

Walmart Everstart. Cheap, good battery, easy warrantee.

 

On my second set of Duralast Gold. First set lasted six years. 850 CCA and 1000 CA. AutoZoos everywhere if you need to replace. AZ is not my first choice in a place to go for parts but these batteries have served me well.

 

I have had Costco Batteries in my Truck since August 2011 and keep them on a Battery Charger/Maintainer mounted in the vehicle. Still above 80%. Although, I do quarterly maintenance: Fluid Level, Clean Terminals, etc.

 

 

 

My last set went away at 5 years and were Walmart Fatt Maxx 850cca. I went down to my parts place and asked the long time counterman what type he would choose. He said Motorcraft 850cca all day long.

I asked him why and he said for as many as he sold comparatively that he's only had one returned that was under 6 years old and it was used in an RV.

I opted in and now have 3 years on them. Still doing well, but that's good advice from someone who sells batteries daily.

Denny

 

Yikes. I haven't changed my batteries in over 10 years.





Should I be worried?




Naahhh, just gunna party on!