Hello all,
99 F250 7.3 needs new batteries. Anyone running "Interstate MTP-65?"
If so, how are they as far dependability and use in cold weather? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
XLRS

 

I only run the SEARS Diehard with the 60 month warranty...think they're the 885CCA model

 

You need two group 65 batteries. No matter which brand you get you'll probably see "65" in the model number. I was able to get them through a Trojan battery distributor that I work with for $55 each. these were 850cca but a 650cca is available.
I work on floor scrubbing machines that are battery powered. Someone near you works on the machines for cleaning companies. You can get a decent deal through them if they are reputable.

 

Yes I have one ambulance that has one MTP-65, the other two batteries are Group 31 MHDs. They seem to last fine, replaced every two years for reliablilty

Birken

 

the 65 stand for the group size of the batt, and now days I really don't know about which brands are the best, it is sort of like filters. Only a few companies make batts and others put their names on them. The longer the warranty the longer the life span. But as with all things there is always a chance that you can have one bad off the shelf. It is always best to go with what is easiest. Do you stay in one place all the time? or do you travel frequently? If you get an Interstate then you need to be sure that you always have the paperwork in the truck incase you have a warranty claim with someone other than the original seller. On the other hand, if you go with a national chain then your warranty is with them and you will have better luck getting a replacement than from a place that only sells batts and only sees you everyonce in a while

 

I have the interstate MTP-65's, they lasted five winters in colorado, not too cold but the truck would fire up well even when I forgot to plug it in....

 

I've gotten better service from Interstate batteries than any others I've used. Seem to last a minium of three years in all my vehicles. I'm sure there are other good ones too.

 

I've had one in my 2007 Sport Trac (V8) for 2.5 years and yesterday it didn't start the truck. I left something on that drained enough to not turn over the engine.
I put a charger on it for a few hours and all was well. I had the place I bought it check it and the system and it was good but still charging.
This morning I tested it and the charging system with my tester and all seems well.

BTW I'm in SW Idaho, Boise area, not too cold in the winter but pretty hot in the summer! I also have an Interstate battery in my Harley.

 

I like my interstates. Don't know what model they are. 800CCA I believe. Awesome customer service too.

 

I buy blems (take outs/returns) at the Interstate warehouse and have gotten 4 years out of most of them. They don't publicize this, but they sell these returned or lightly used batteries for about 40% of retail. They frequently have Group 65s, due to all the Super Duties running around.

 

On my second set of interstate batteries. Have had the best luck with these batteries. Got my first set in Wyoming and they lasted just over 6 years. Had motorcraft the last time they went out in three years. Bought another set of interstate and they just been in over a year. Work great. Just make sure you get the mega tron series/

 

Adding to this thread kinda feels like carving my initials on Newspaper Rock.

X2, Interstate Megatrons are good. I use them in the wife's car, whatever it may be at the time. Tried Autolites and barely got 2 years, but that was on a car not driven much. For the truck I use Walmart Everstart Maxx or Maxx Startwhatevers, the name changed. Group 65 is common so they are always fresh. I just replaced my set, got 5 years out of them. They old ones were just starting to show weakness. The GPs usually drag down the voltage around .8 -.9v but it was up to 1.2v, and cranking voltage was down to 9.6v on a cold day. Never failed but why wait. Made by Johnson Controls which has a good rep, also makes Kirkland from Costco and others IIRC. Primary reason for choosing Walmart was warranty replacement help in most every part of the country, good feature when you are on the road.

 

Ive had two sets of MTP-65's in 10 years, second set almost 5yrs and going strong.

 

Save your money! Have had interstate Batteries the last two times. First set lasted 24 months n they were 84 month batteries. After testing both of them it was confirmed that both were bad. So took prorate n bought two more 84 month interstates again. What a mistake. These last two lasted almost 4 years. Needless to say I will not be making this mistake ever again!

 

Panman2, there's lots of different Interstate batteries. Sounds like you got the green tops not the megatrons. Anyway I ran mine down two times when my alternator went out and re charged from another truck twice. Changed the alternator and they still lasted over 6 years.