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Jan 21, 2026 | 11:05 AM

econo93

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More Turbo

Joined: Aug 2017

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From: Tucson

Nice purchase

The EverStart Value (12-mo) battery I bought from Walmart in 2020 is still cranking strong after 5-1/2 years.

Jan 21, 2026 | 03:25 PM

tabijan

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2012

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From: Eastern TN

Is 5 years unusual for these vans? Our 2007 sits unused for months. I keep the battery disconnected but it sits through winter in the open.

Sixto
07 E350 5.4 200k miles

Jan 22, 2026 | 11:41 AM

econo93

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From: Tucson

I've had Interstate batteries last as long as 6-1/2 years but they cost 3 times as much as a WM battery.

Jan 22, 2026 | 03:50 PM

Don Ridley

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Joined: Jan 2023

Posts: 1,328

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Quote:

Originally Posted by econo93

I've had Interstate batteries last as long as 6-1/2 years but they cost 3 times as much as a WM battery.

Interstate batteries at Costco are as cheap as others. But I think Interstate and other historically good battery brands have declined in quality. The high battery use by modern vehicles makes things worse. My 2016 and 2020 vehicles eat batteries compared to my '97 E350.

Jan 22, 2026 | 10:19 PM

econo93

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From: Tucson

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Ridley

The high battery use by modern vehicles makes things worse. My 2016 and 2020 vehicles eat batteries compared to my '97 E350.

I wonder why that is. Maybe the 'smart' alternators on newer vehicles ain't so smart?

Jan 22, 2026 | 10:30 PM

tabijan

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 2,112

Likes: 286

From: Eastern TN

Peak electrical load exceeds alternator capacity more often. Demand and alternators have gotten bigger. Batteries haven’t.

Sixto
07 E350 5.4 200k miles

Jan 22, 2026 | 10:40 PM

Don Ridley

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2023

Posts: 1,328

Likes: 448

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabijan

Peak electrical load exceeds alternator capacity more often. Demand and alternators have gotten bigger. Batteries haven’t.

Sixto
07 E350 5.4 200k miles

Plus many new vehicles have features that use the battery when the engine is not running like auto lift gate, power windows, keyless entry, welcome home lights etc.