Batteries - Diesel Forum

iachild · 12-29-2007, 12:37 AM

What are ya all usin for batteries? I have 88.7k on the ticker and the stock batteries are starting to fade. I was thinking of optimas, but I remember a post on here a while back saying they don't hold up to heat. Inputs would be great.

Texrob1 · 12-29-2007, 08:47 AM

Both of my original's Crapped out at 26K,the dealer replaced them under warranty with More Motorcraft's (Of course) My last truck a 98 F150,the Motorcraft lasted 5 years & never did die,I finally replaced it because I felt I was on borrowed time.

iachild · 12-29-2007, 11:09 AM

What did you replace it with?

Texrob1 · 12-29-2007, 11:28 AM

The F150 I replaced with a Sears Die Hard,it was still in the truck when I traded it for my 05.

iachild · 12-29-2007, 03:07 PM

I am getting on the borrowed time part of my batteries also. I am thinking of putting Interstates in rather than go back with the Motorcraft.

PSV8TD · 12-29-2007, 08:56 PM

I still have both original motorcraft. My truck is a 2003 and have had good luck. I will put motorcraft back in this truck. AJ

william_04_X · 12-30-2007, 01:06 AM

i just put 2 Motorcraft Max 850 batteries in my truck last night..the originals lasted 3 1/2 years here in the desert heat..

3 year free replacement and 100 month pro-rated warranty..at least i know where to go if they crap out on me..

warrenpouyer · 12-30-2007, 04:45 PM

I too was thinking of getting Optimas.. My 03 just turned 170K and I think I should get new Batteries before I get stranded in the Woods.

Does anyone here have the Optimas and if so, How are they working for you.

Thanks

JR44

jtobbe · 12-30-2007, 07:13 PM

If you go to Optima's web site there is not an option to see what batteries a diesel needs. That to me is saying that they will not hold up to a diesel.

QtrHorse · 12-30-2007, 07:33 PM

They hold up fine in a diesel. I have had mine for 3 years now with no problems. If I only needed replacement batteries for my stock truck with no large qty of aftermarket lights, winch, 12V compressor or demanding audio, I would just get the Motorcraft 850's. They have the same warranty as the Optima Red Tops, more CCA amps than the Red Tops and are much cheaper. I believe you can get them from Autozone or O'Reileys (I cannot remember) for $80 each.

lemans454 · 12-30-2007, 10:01 PM

I'm using Interstates, second set of batteries over 180 000km

iachild · 12-31-2007, 12:04 PM

QtrHorse, what would you use if you had a winch or other accessories. I don't have any yet, with "yet" being the key word. I called the dealer and the 850CCA Motorcraft are $115 each.

sduncan · 12-31-2007, 12:23 PM

Try anywhere but the dealer....unless you feel like getting screwed....

loghomeman2 · 12-31-2007, 12:39 PM

I just installed 2 red tops and they work great!!

QtrHorse · 12-31-2007, 06:57 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: iachild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">QtrHorse, what would you use if you had a winch or other accessories. I don't have any yet, with "yet" being the key word. I called the dealer and the 850CCA Motorcraft are $115 each. </div></div>

If I were going to use any high amp draw item, I would get The 750 CCA Red Top Optims, the big Yellow tops, big Odyssey or a big Powermaster battery. They all do well when it comes to being drained and recharged and most of them will have longer reserve times than the wet cells.

Read my post again, it was either Auto Zone or O'Reileys that had them for $80 or $90. When I priced them at the dealer, they wanted $125.