Batteries
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Batteries
I think I need to replace the batteries in my truck. Currently the primary (drivers side) is an interstate Megatron Plus. The alternate battery is also an interstate
Can you guys give me any advice on replacement batteries? Any leads on the best place to buy batteries? Does it matter what order they are taken out and replaced?
Just trying to do it right and save a few bucks.
Can you guys give me any advice on replacement batteries? Any leads on the best place to buy batteries? Does it matter what order they are taken out and replaced?
Just trying to do it right and save a few bucks.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,408
Likes: 75
From: Plankinton, SD
Batteries should always be replaced in pairs, or the older/weaker one will drain down the stronger one. I put wally world batteries in 2 years ago, then replaced them with motorcrafts. The motorcrafts turned it over faster than the wally world ones. They weren't bad, but didn't work to my satisfaction. They are now in different vehicles. Cost me about 250 at oriellys.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
They aren't "primary" and "alternate". The two batteries are in parallel, and the starter and GPs require both to crank and start the engine. Both are doing the same amount of work.
There aren't that many mfrs of batteries anymore. Most batteries that carry the longer warranty such as 6-7 years are of good quality. I've run nothing but Johnson Controls made batteries, sold at our local Farm & Fleet, for the last 15-ish years. Their group 65 875 CCA 7-year batteries run about $80 apiece.
There aren't that many mfrs of batteries anymore. Most batteries that carry the longer warranty such as 6-7 years are of good quality. I've run nothing but Johnson Controls made batteries, sold at our local Farm & Fleet, for the last 15-ish years. Their group 65 875 CCA 7-year batteries run about $80 apiece.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 0
From: Yreka, CA
I have everstart (walmart) batteries in my 6.0l. When they start slipping I'll reolace them with something else. Not my favorite. I put exides in my 7.3 and I like them so far. Only had them about 9 months so I can't say how long theyll last. They had a 7 year pro rate warranty though.
I would shop around and get them from somewhere that you know will honor the warranty.
I would shop around and get them from somewhere that you know will honor the warranty.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 1
From: Exton, PA
NAPA brand batteries are actually Deka's just re-branded - at least they are out here in PA where Deka's are made - maybe they do something regional with other battery manufacturers...
anyway, its been 2.5 years now and they're still cranking as fast as the day I put them in. I can't remember the price or the CCA rating, but they weren't any more than $10 over the walmart china-made stuff, were rated at least 100 amps higher and they're definitely made in the U.S. of A.
here's their website: EAST PENN manufacturing co., inc.: Lead-Acid Batteries; Battery Manufacturers; Thousands of Different Types of Batteries, Cable & Wire Product if you see 'East Penn Mfg.' anywhere on the battery, then they're Deka's just rebranded, and definitely get my recommendation.
anyway, its been 2.5 years now and they're still cranking as fast as the day I put them in. I can't remember the price or the CCA rating, but they weren't any more than $10 over the walmart china-made stuff, were rated at least 100 amps higher and they're definitely made in the U.S. of A.
here's their website: EAST PENN manufacturing co., inc.: Lead-Acid Batteries; Battery Manufacturers; Thousands of Different Types of Batteries, Cable & Wire Product if you see 'East Penn Mfg.' anywhere on the battery, then they're Deka's just rebranded, and definitely get my recommendation.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,515
Likes: 5,567
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i use kirkland brand from costco.
5 years now in the 02, and 6 years in the 88.
and the one i bought last year for the crown vic was still only $89
5 years now in the 02, and 6 years in the 88.
and the one i bought last year for the crown vic was still only $89
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,408
Likes: 75
From: Plankinton, SD
The reason I went with motorcrafts is the last one I changed in Dad's V10 was 10 years old and still working, and the one in my minivan was 8 years old and still going. Granted they were getting weak, but 8-10 years..
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,515
Likes: 5,567
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
also known as price club.
Welcome to Costco Wholesale
Welcome to Costco Wholesale
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
I will add my vote for the Motorcraft batteries too. I paid about $15 a battery more for them than I could have gotten Deka batteries, but the Deka dealer here told me that they wouldn't warranty the batteries past 18 months if they were going in a diesel truck. I think the Motorcrafts had a 7 year warranty or something. The ones I took out were Motorcraft batteries and they were OLD! Those puppies had been in there a long, long time. The guy at the Ford garage tried to tell me that those were the original batteries because they had no stickers or labels on the sides of them. I don't know if that was true or not, but they had definitely been in there a long time.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,647
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From: Exton, PA
"welcome to Costco, I love you!" what a great scene from a great movie (Idiocracy). it is kind of scary how much in the movie is coming true, though. its what, maybe 10 years old now, but some of the shows and advertisements on TV these days are already reminding me of the shows in the movie - like "Ow, my *****" might as well be every one of those internet video clip shows. ...sad thing is that I watch them all and laugh like an idiot. ...if only my couch flushed and dispensed beer.
great reference, madpogue.
great reference, madpogue.