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Ford F-Series: Ford Trucks Battery Review

By Joseph Coelho - May 6, 2019

This article applies to Ford F-Series Trucks (All year models).

A vehicle battery is arguably one of the most important components of not only the electrical system but the entire car because if the car or truck is unable to be started due to a bad or underperforming battery, you will be left stranded. Fortunately, battery technology has continued to improve over the years, and while individuals may still experience the occasional dud, the vast majority of today's batteries are typically a safe bet. Batteries are sold in all shapes and sizes that can range from economically-priced units all the way up to costly exotic selections. That said, the biggest contributing factors to battery pricing include the size, type, cranking amps, reserve capacity, and warranty (refer to battery terms below for additional info). This article will examine six popular battery brands that are suitable for Ford F-Series trucks.

Battery Terms

  • Type: Most automotive batteries are either Lead Acid or AGM type units. Lead Acid is the traditional battery that uses lead plates flooded with an electrolyte solution whereas an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery uses fiberglass-soaked mats between the lead plates to suspend the electrolyte solution. In general, AGM batteries are more expensive because they support higher electrical demands, resist vibration and shock, and are totally sealed (non-spillable).
  • Cranking Amps: The number of amperes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit a battery can deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts total). Simply put, this is the amount of power a battery has available to start the engine. A higher cranking amp (CA) number indicates a more powerful battery. Batteries are also given a cold cranking amp (CCA) rating that is especially important if you live in a cold climate because battery output is reduced in cold weather. This CCA rating is determined the same way as the CA rating but at a temperature of 0°F.
  • Reserve Capacity: The rating that indicates how long a fully charged battery is able to deliver 25 amperes (@ 80°F ) while maintaining 1.75 volts or more per cell. This rating is important because it specifies how long a battery can continue to provide power to important electrical components required for vehicle operation in the event of a charging system failure.
  • Warranty: As with just about anything you purchase today, batteries come with various warranty lengths in which they can be exchanged for a new one or partially refunded for the amount of the remaining warranty if the battery fails.

Battery Brand Comparison
Motorcraft
Exide
Duralast
EverStart
Optima
Interstate
Price $140-$199 $165 $135 $120 $289 $115
Type

Lead-Acid or AGM

Lead-Acid

Lead-Acid

Lead-Acid

AGM

Lead -Acid
Cranking Amps 700-850 (CA)
610-760(CCA)		 910 (CA)
760 (CCA)		 765(CA)
610(CCA)		 850 (CA) est
730 (CCA)		 928 (CA)
800(CCA)		 910(CA)
730(CCA)
Reserve Capacity 110-120 mins 120 mins 95 mins 115 mins 140 mins 115 mins
Warranty 36 Months 40 months 24 months 36 month 36 Months 42 months
Color Black Black/Blue Black Black/Gray Gray/Yellow Black/Green
Best Performance: Optima

Best Value: EverStart

*Specs based on Group 48/H6 batteries

Motorcraft

Price: $140-199
Type: Lead-Acid or AGM
Cranking Amps: 700-850 (CA), 610-760 (CCA)
Reserve Capacity: 110-120 mins
Warranty: 3 year free replacement, 100 month pro-rated
Color: Black

Motorcraft batteries are Ford branded units that are readily available at Ford dealerships nationwide. Made by Johnson Controls, Motorcraft batteries can be of the Lead-Acid or AGM variety and offer quality performance with excellent warranty packages up to 36-month free replacement if the battery were to fail and a lengthy 84-100 month/unlimited mileage pro-rated warranty. Although Motorcraft products are typically foolproof, some community members have experienced premature battery failures, but the extended warranties covered a portion of the cost of replacement. Recommended for individuals who want to keep OEM parts in their vehicle.

Exide

Price: $165
Type: Lead-Acid
Cranking Amps: 910 (CA), 760 (CCA)
Reserve Capacity: 120 mins
Warranty: 40 months free replacement and roadside jumpstarts
Color: Black/Blue

Although they have had some controversial environmental impacts near their production facilities, Exide batteries are sold at a wide variety of distributors including American Tire Depot, Home Depot, Jiffy Lube, Tractor Supply, and Discount Tire Centers. Exide has proven to provide excellent cranking amps and reserve capacity in their Nascar Extreme Series of Lead-Acid batteries that rivals competitors higher-priced AGM units. Its 40-month free replacement warranty with roadside jumpstart program makes Exide a serious competitor. Recommended for those looking for a well-rounded battery/warranty.

Duralast

Price: $135
Type: Lead-Acid
Cranking Amps: 765 (CA), 610 (CCA)
Reserve Capacity: 95 minutes
Warranty: 2 years free replacement
Color: Black

Duralast branded batteries are offered by Autozone stores across the nation, but can actually be manufactured by Johnson Controls, Exide, or even East Penn, thus the quality may not always be consistent from location to location. The standard Duralast line is the economy-level Lead-Acid batteries that may not have a lengthy warranty, nor the performance of other brands, but the cheaper price point is reflective of what is being offered. Overall, they are decent batteries that are typically always available when you need one. Recommended for individuals on a budget or in immediate need of a battery.

EverStart

Price: $120
Type: Lead-Acid
Cranking Amps: 730 (CCA)
Reserve Capacity: 115 mins
Warranty: 3 year free replacement, 2 additional years pro-rated
Color: Black/Gray

Walmart's EverStart Maxx battery series is another brand produced by Johnson Controls that are readily available at every Walmart location. These batteries have excellent reviews not only for their performance but the price at which that level of performance is available. The warranty is fairly standard, but the EverStart Maxx is hands down the best bang for the buck out there. Recommended for those wanting the best performing battery at the most affordable price.

Optima

Price: $289
Type: AGM (spiral-wound cells)
Cranking Amps: 928 (CA), 800 (CCA
Reserve Capacity: 140 mins
Warranty: 3 years
Color: Gray/Yellow

Although the quality of Optima batteries has dipped a bit since moving their production to Mexico, they are still considered the king of performance batteries in many circles because of their spiral-wound cell design that is non-spillable and capable of deep-cycling as well as churning out high cranking amps with extended reserve capacity. The warranty is a bit lacking considering the premium price of the battery, but for all-out performance to run any extra accessories, Optima is your best bet. Recommended for individuals looking for a high-performance battery.

Interstate

Price: $115
Type: Lead-Acid
Cranking Amps: 910 (CA), 730 (CCA)
Reserve Capacity: 115 mins
Warranty: 42 months free replacement
Color: Black/Green

Costco's ever-popular Kirkland batteries (with its lengthy 100-month warranty period) are now a thing of the past as they have been replaced with the Interstate battery product line. While both batteries are produced by Johnson Controls and boast the same specifications, the Interstate battery now offers a respectable 42-month free replacement warranty that is among the best in its class. Unfortunately, it looks like consumers are having to take Interstate up on the included warranty with reports of numerous premature battery failures. Recommended for those wanting the longest free replacement warranty.

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