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I have a 2016 F-350 and have about 40K miles on it.
In my previous 2006 F-350 I would get 4 years out of a pair of batteries like clockwork.
So far so good but I will be going on a 15,000 mile trip from VA to AK and back next summer with my truck camper and I definitely don’t want to be out in the boonies somewhere and have battery issues.
So my question is how many years/miles are you guys seeing out of your batteries and do you have any recommended upgraded batteries to go with if necessary?
Battery life is all over the place. I'm on my third set in 9 years which I think I've had for two years now. Others have run their OEM Motorcraft's 7 years. I'm currently using the Interstate MTP-65.
I use a hydrometer to test the batteries in my RV trailer. That's a good gauge of the status of each cell. I used that test to clearly determine that a battery was indeed bad. In a couple years I'll start checking the batteries in the Superduty with the hydrometer. You could also have a battery stress tested.
OP this is a good question. Batteries are all over the place for longevity. I had my stock batteries leak before they were 3 years old. They would still start the truck but If you let them leak the ruin the battery cables ant to replace them isn't cheap. It does seem like your batteries are old enough to just replace them for cheap insurance. I had mine replaced at Ford because I got a coupon on line. If you don't go there I suggest Walmart Autozone or a place that sells a lot of batteries. Some places have new batteries but they sit on the shelves for long times and you want the freshest battery you can get. Have a safe trip.
As we have stated before go to your Caterpillar dealer, however that being said, normally i would wait until they die.
But due to your long trip, preemptive strike could be justified.
As we have stated before go to your Caterpillar dealer, however that being said, normally i would wait until they die.
But due to your long trip, preemptive strike could be justified.
Well since I own a construction company and have a few CAT pieces this sounds like a good idea. Those batteries are very good.
I replaced the batterys in my 2015 at the beginning of 2019. Not because they were bad but they were gassing enough that I got tired of cleaning the top of the batterys and I didn't want the cables to corrode. 95 bucks each at Costco for Interstates.
I replaced the batterys in my 2015 at the beginning of 2019. Not because they were bad but they were gassing enough that I got tired of cleaning the top of the batterys and I didn't want the cables to corrode. 95 bucks each at Costco for Interstates.
I've been told that excessive gassing that causes quick corrosion is a prime indicator that the battery is bad. That was my first clue that my batteries in my RV were toast. The next clue was having to add water every couple of months.
I've been told that excessive gassing that causes quick corrosion is a prime indicator that the battery is bad. That was my first clue that my batteries in my RV were toast. The next clue was having to add water every couple of months.
I rarely ever had to add water. Just a damp look that had to be cleaned off. Batterys are cheap compared to the cables.
3 sets in 18 years in my 02 crew 7.3. All stock Motorcraft batteries. Just traded Bessie for a 2016 F-250 with the 6.7. Hope this one serves me as long as Bessie did.
Just did mine in my 2013 last month. No real warning, one day after work it started slow, next morning it wouldn't crank at all. 6.5 years and about 53k. Not an easy life, truck could sit for weeks for the first 4 years. DD for the past 2.5. Replaced with the 850CCA Motorcrafts.
