I have a 2001 F250 4x4 Lariat PSD that has it's original Batteries (Build date 10/00). Feels like they are starting to slow down. I think I am on borrowed time here. What I would like to know is

1. What batteries will fit (I am looking at Optima's so far, but will concider any battery makers)

2. What is the biggest size/rated battery that will fit.

3. Anyone have an Optima Battery, and have an adapter plate to fit in our trucks? and if so, was it $$. Or was there another way to cinch them down securly?

With what my finances are doing these days, I do not have that much to spend (All went to past PMS projects), but would like to get the best that my money can get.

I can't believe my Batteries have lasted for over 8 years. Hopfully I can find another set that will last just as long (trouble free).

Note: The reason I am looking at the Optima is that I would like some extra space in the engine compartment to place a battery minder, so that when I plug in my engine heater (Both AC cords are on a switch, Heater, Battery charger, or both), the batteries gets charged, then once it is full, go to a maintenance mode charge. I have a dual battery charger for boats and just can not find the space for the charger in the engine compartment. It's environmentally sealed and can go anywhere, but would prefer to have it on the top half, away from the road.

Anyway, I would like your opinions on the better batteries that can fit. And anyone who has the Optima Batteries, how are they and if you had to get a different tray.

Thanks in advance...

Dave..

 

Your originals that have lasted so long are Motorcrafts.

Very often, the dealers have pretty-good deals on those batteries, and they are competitively priced.

When mine go (they are the second set), that's what I'll be doing.

I realize you want to free up some space, and this suggestion won't help you in that regard, but I'm only suggesting what I believe to be good batteries.

Pop

 

I would agree on the Motorcraft batteries. I just put a pair of the motorcraft max 750 batteries in my 02 Ex a couple of months ago. I am very happy with these and they have a good warranty.

Alf

 

my vote is for Optima's. I have red-tops and have never had a single problem, and I have TONS of electronics and lights running off of them. I have heard a few probs with the reds, the yellow top ones are a nice upgrade. Mine have a little clamp fastener that holds the batteries down on the bottom near the tray. I do lots of 4wheeling, and have never had a battery pop loose. Optima is high dollar, but in my opinion....they are worth every penny!

 

The Optima is a great battery. I especially like the no off-gassing characteristic, no rotting steel around battery is a beautiful thing. IIRC, the battery part of stock airbox won't work w/Optima in there.

I travel alot, so I use the walmart 3yr free-replacement batts. Last set lasted about 4 yrs and cost very little to replace... You are never far from Walmart and if wifey needs batts - they'll change them out for her.

Want more room? Run a 6637 air filter!

 

Optima was a great battery. I will no long pay $100, let alone $180 for a battery that only last 2-3 years.

I would get a Motorcraft or 'crap with a warranty' from 24hr chain store with locations everywhere (wally/checker...)

 

I knew I should have been looking for the Optima Battery sooner. I just missed the $25 rebate that finished last month.. That would have brought it down around the cost of a Stealership supplied Motorcraft battery. At this point I can get the Optima Battery at Sam's club for $140. And will still be looking for a lower price.

 

Optima's are nice, but pricey, and dont seem to last as long. The batts on my 01 went out last winter during a cold spell. I picked up a set of motocrafts from the dealer. They have 650, 750, and 850 cca versions for the same price. I went with the 850's of course for a little over $200 with tax. Wait till you get a new set in there. You'll be shocked how fast the engine turns over.

 

Hard to beat the Ever start n-65 from Wal-Mart. 3 year free replacement and 1000cca for about 65.00 - 70.00 bucks.

 

I have to agree, with the exception of wally world. They may be better now, but I never had any luck w/ wally world batteries in the past.

With the texas heat here, you are lucky to get 2 years out of any battery.

I currently run oh-rye-lees brand Super Starts 850CCA batteries. First set I had lasted ~ 1 year and gave out. I took them both in and walked out with 2 new ones without spending a dime.

 

Been looking and calling around. Lowest are $139 for Red Top Optima's, $100 for Motorcraft (850CCA). SO, I can save $80 by going Motorcraft, but would have to find another way of installing the Battery Minder (charger) and running a long cable to the Batteries.

Does anyone know who makes the batteries for Wallyworld or OhRyeLees or the other big store brand?

Dave..

 

I just put in two yellow top's, had to get battery trays for them from ITP, but they seem to work great. They were pricey but seems to be the best choice out there and they are smaller.

 

Can't go wrong with Optimas, if you don't mind paying for 'em and/or need the space. I put in DuraLast Golds from AutoZone a year and a half ago for $70 per and they're holing up great!

 

What $ did you get the Yellow Top Optima's for? If I may ask. Did you have to get the battery tray to get the battery to fit, or for the looks? How much smaller were the batteries & how much room did you get back?


Dave..

 

It was like 180ish from Advanced Auto, I don't have the receipt so I don't know the exact price, total came to 437 with Tax.