If you are able, using a battery maintainer/tender when the truck is parked in cold temps can avoid a lot of problems. Should help the battery last longer before it's performance drops AND should help avoid the symptoms of a weak battery when it's performance does drop.

A lot of people focus on the fact that "a good battery should be able to do this without being plugged in!" which is correct, but still, you can save yourself some headaches, which seems easier to me. I use an onboard Noco 2d, and have a plug in the bumper so I don't need to pop the hood, and plug it in when I think of it, which is usually only on the coldest nights. I think it's helping.

 

First batteries that I put in my truck after buying in in 2008 were NAPA batteries. They lasted 8 years of daily driving in Alaska with no problem. Since then I have gone through two sets of batteries, each lasting two to four years. Am thinking of picking up another set of NAPA batteries as my current ones are dying. I don't have the model of the ones that I picked up long ago. Wondering if anyone here has had similar luck w/the NAPAs and could share which ones these are/were. Thanks in advance.

 

I suspect gradual degradation of the General Electronics Module (GEM) causing parasitic drainage, that may be shortening battery life (by increasing depletion cycles) compared to how batteries may have previously lasted longer.

 

Interesting. Thanks.

 

Well the Motorcrafts gave out completely this week and I bought the Costco Interstates for $119 each. Kind of an experiment, I am really curious if they can last as long as the Motorcrafts. FWIW I weighed a Motorcraft and a Costco Interstate and the weight was the same. Truck is not used much anymore and I do keep a Deltran Battery Tender connected when parked. I have it set to come on once a day for 2 hours.

 

turning the Deltran OFF, is not helping at all.
Leave it ON full time, never turn it off,
it will charge the battery to 14.4ish volts and equalize the cells.
( assuming you buy one with enough Capability, like a 4 to 5 amp version )

once that is done, it will then drop back to 13.3 and keep the batteries there.

I have a 4.5 Amp Deltran battery tender on my Excursion.
it is always on.

 

My last set of Costco Interstates lasted from April 2021 to February 2024. The warranty was still in effect and I only had to pay $43.35 which was the difference in price between now and 2021.

 

I'm not sure my old Deltran is smart enough to do an equalization. I'll have to check my float voltage, but I used to keep it plugged in 24/7 but it seemed it was cooking my batteries over long periods. I was thinking of replacing the onboard Deltran with a Victron 4 stage that has a storage mode, I've been using that on my Sprinter 24/7. It charges BULK>ABS>FLOAT>STORAGE and on storage it monitors the battery periodically and goes back to charging when necessary. The issue is I can't find room for the larger Victron under the hood.

 

Know this is old, but since I was looking to replace my batteries

NAPA has batteries for 20% off, ends today 05/28/24

 

Thanks for the reminder. Getting ready to pull the bed and replace supports. Bought a welder to do this as well as replace a cab corner while I am at it. Truck budget is empty for the month. Perhaps Labor Day? Best regards.

 

2001 PSD 7.3 EX 4X4 purchased brand new

I have only used Ford OEM batteries and Costco Interstate batteries over the years.

Original pair of Ford batteries lasted the longest.

Ever since then my batteries last just less than 3 years. For me the batteries from Costco and Ford have lasted almost the exact same amount of time.

I only buy the batteries from Costco now since the 2nd set is always NC. (3 year warranty no questions asked)

I have not tried the AGM batteries but might the next time!
I live and drive in S FL. The hot weather is hard on batteries.

I have heard the reason for modern batteries not lasting is that they use recycled lead. I understand the AGM batteries do use virgin lead, so they last longer. IDK for sure.

Costco now sells Interstate AGM batteries for about $200.

I use a voltmeter plugged into the power point. No surprises as you will know when the batteries are almost done! When cold starting a failing battery will pull down the voltage below 11 volts.

By the way I don't get more than 3 years of battery life in any of the vehicles I have owned. In the old days they lasted longer. (hot S Fl weather)

Ever wonder why most lead acid batteries do not have long warranties anymore. We now know why.

 

I think you'll find Costco no longer offers free replacement, at least here, they have gone to pro rating after the first month. They also do not carry the AGM in a group 65, at least in my area.

 

Make sure to check your water levels if it is a wet cell, low water levels will kill a battery. I will stick my battery maintainer on mine every quarter and run the maintenance mode on it so it shakes off the sulfites, once a year I will pull them from the truck and stick them on the DC welder to clean them up as well.

I am running 7 year old deka batteries on mine that still test at 92% SOH.

 

I have experienced this too.

 

Above information is correct. I just checked. Costco Interstate batteries are 36 month prorated warranty!

Could not check the availability of AGM online. Have to visit Costco store.