We have a 2012 6.7 F250 psd. We now have a tad bit over 20k on the odometer. Our batteries are the original from the factory when we purchased our truck in 2012. They now are 7 years old, and I am beginning to worry about replacing them. The truck starts and runs fine, but 7 years is a long time on a battery. Today I replaced our 2014 Jeep Rubicon battery because it's battery is five years old. Just preventative maintenance. Our Jeep has 22k miles on it. The battery I purchased was an Interstate Battery.

My question is "Which battery brand and model is a good battery to replace the two batteries in our truck? Quality is primary, price is secondary.

Thanks;

 

You got a lot of good use out of those.

I’ve always replaced mine every three years, whether they need it or not. It’s cheap insurance, in my opinion, to have peace of mind knowing that my truck will start. I’m in snow country, so a slightly weak battery will cause problems when it’s below zero, and I have no desire to deal with a dead battery in sub zero temps. If I lived in a warm climate, I probably wouldn’t worry too much.

I always look for a battery with the highest cca. Two years ago I started using Northstar AGM batteries; very strong battery do far.

 

I can't say I totally agree with changing a battery just because it's X years old without first testing it. If you weren't having problems, I'd just keep using it. Normally batteries don't just go. They start showing signs like hard starts or slow cranking in winter time. The cold weather will wreck havoc on a weak battery. You can get them tested at stores like Advance Auto or Auto Zone.

I think that when I need batteries, I may go with AGMs. Absorbent Glass Mat which is a newer technology. I'm no expert. I just read a lot.

https://www.pepboys.com/auto-care/ma...antages-of-agm

https://batteryuniversity.com/index...._glass_mat_agm

I see you don't put a lot of miles on your vehicles. As long as the batteries are fully charged when parked, you shouldn't have any problems as long as there is nothing wrong with your electrical system such as a short.

Interstate is a good brand but last I heard Johnson Controls manufactures them. Optima, Diehard, Wal-Mart, Advance Auto, etc. Batteries are made by other companies. I tried to make a list for you on who manufactures here in the USA but I did find Johnson Control, Exide Technologies, East Penn.

In my search to educate myself, I found this:

https://www.toptenselect.com/top-ten...car-batteries/

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/car-batteries.htm

I've had good luck with Interstate, Die hards, and the brand's of Wal-Mart and Advance Auto.

I really think don't think you can say there is a best battery. Just like saying there is a best oil. It's all on how you use your vehicle and maintain it I guess. I hope this helps some what. Some one else should chime in at one point. Good luck.

 

Wal Mart is starting to carry AGM batteries. Wal Mart was the most reasonably priced.

 

About four years ago, I had passed the three year mark (maybe at 3.5 years) and forgot about changing the battery. Drove somewhere in the summertime, parked, and about fifteen minutes later it wouldn’t start. Deader than a doornail. No previous symptoms. New battery, no more issues.

For on average roughly $50 a year, I think replacing them every three years is good insurance to not hassle with a dead truck. That’s not even the cost of half a tank of gas.

do the same with my stand by house generator; new battery every two years no matter what.

 

Well I did say "normally". And there are exceptions to every rule. So I do acknowledge that it happened to you.

 

I'd have no problem using a Wally World battery. I have a great relationship with my local Advance Auto and they give me the military discount. I'd have no problem using their Autocraft brand or any other as it's made by the people who make the name brand batteries.

 

My factory Motorcraft's failed after 42 months. Those died quickly once I had my first weak start. The second set were DieHard Platinum AGM. Those lasted 47 months. I'm currently using Interstate MTP-65. Less CCA than both of the previous but have worked fine.

 

oops! Wrong forum!

 

I have a 2013 that had original batteries in it. I’m taking a 2,000 mile round trip later in the year and wasn’t keen on doing it with 6/7 year old batteries.

There are 2 theories on this. Go with the cheapest Wally World batteries and replace them every X years or go with something that is supposed to last and keep your fingers crossed. I suppose there is a 3rd and that’s sorta a hybrid, go mid priced and replace them when their warranty is up.

i went the ‘hope they will last’ route. Did a little research and wound up going Northstar. Supposed to get 10 years out of them, we’ll see. From what I read they primarily make big rig batteries

 

Ive used wally world batteries for years. They last as long as any other battery ive owned. I heard optima makes them but idk. Ive had interstates crap out in less time. So Ill pay half the price and get 4-5 years with walmarts.

 

Johnson Controls makes the Wal-Mart batteries as part of JC's Power Solution business unit. Except JC sold off that unit last year so that could change in the future.

 

That and you are more likely to find a Wal-mart in your travels to swap batteries if you are still in the warranty period.

 

After the he!! I went thru with Walmart batteries, I won't buy a flashlight battery there. Two vehicles and 5 batteries, wasting battery trays and washer pumps and now am done with them. Yes, I did everything possible to make them work. They may be better now, I don't care, but I am sure that their buyers pressure suppliers for every last cent. Yes, I used to subscribe to the theory of batteries being made by the same companies, but are they made cheaper?

 

For whatever it's worth I sill have the original batteries in my 2011 SD with 80k on the odometer. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to Ford for replacement batteries.

Rob