For anyone thinking about using cheap batteries

[novemberdelta]

When I bout this truck about 6 months ago the prior owner had told me that he just replaced the batteries. I could tell they were new but the stickers were gone off the top. This should have been a sign but I never thought much of it. Got in the truck this a.m. after it had been sitting for about 4 days in 5-30 degree weather and it cranked sloooow. Dropped down below 10 volts while cranking. I have dual alternators, so I tested them both and they were charging fine. Took one of the batteries out and found out it's just a 650 CCA Exide. Sooo I'll be buying new batteries this weekend.

Now my question. I haven't seen any recent posts of what people are using for batteries in cold weather. I'm in nothern Maine so it's cold for a good part of the year. What have you guys had good luck with? I've been looking at optima but have seen some mixed reviews for diesel's.

[Mr. Black]

They're expensive but you can't go wrong with Motorcraft batteries.

I don't really get too brand specific on batteries though. It's far more important to know they are the right size and spec for the truck and also replaced in pairs.

If it wasn't, I would highly recommend you plug your truck in when the temps get below freezing.

[Lilpooh]

I use the Deka 1024DT, they are 1000cca with 120 minutes of reserve.

They aren't a exact fit, I had to modify the driver side battery cover, and put a spacer behind the battery for the hold downs to catch.

The best part is, Deka is the largest independently owned battery manufacture, and MADE IN THE U.S.A!!

[travisH3]

I need new batteries too. We run motorcraft in all of our trucks.

[emperorjordan]

The motorcraft batteries in my truck have been good to me, but in the past I have had extremely good luck with Interstate batteries, fully worth the money, and extremely bad luck with autozone crap batteries.

[work&play]

The Die Hard Platinum's are well worth the money.
They are 930cca and a great warranty.
Consumer Reports just rated them top also.

[knostroke]

Originally Posted by Lilpooh

I use the Deka 1024DT, they are 1000cca with 120 minutes of reserve.

They aren't a exact fit, I had to modify the driver side battery cover, and put a spacer behind the battery for the hold downs to catch.

The best part is, Deka is the largest independently owned battery manufacture, and MADE IN THE U.S.A!!

totally agree

[armyguy209]

Originally Posted by work&play

The Die Hard Platinum's are well worth the money.
They are 930cca and a great warranty.
Consumer Reports just rated them top also.

Just put two of these in mine and my truck has never cranked so easy.

If I had the money I would have put a battery re-locator and thrown two of the stinger SPP2250's in there. (A whopping 1420CCA's each with like 273 mins of reserve time)

Still very happy with the Die Hard Platinum's which are actually relabled Odyssey batteries.(Research Odyssey and you will find they are top notch)

Here are the specs on the Stinger

SPP2250
*POWER PLUS 2250
11-3/16L 10-9/16W 8-1/4H 85.32LBS

Seriously kick-butt mobile audio systems require seriously kick-butt power. That's why Stinger created the SPP2250: the world’s most powerful mobile audio battery. This titan of a battery boasts some heavy-duty firepower, including:

o SPP2250 includes offset / removable brass battery posts for installation flexibility.
o 12v Dry Cell Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery (AGM)
o SPP Series Batteries are good for over 400 full discharge cycles.
o Internal resistance: 2.1 mOhms = Ability to quickly deliver power. The lower the number the faster the delivery.
o 20 hour rate: 6.00A/120Ah
o 5 hour rate: 20.4A/102Ah
o 1/2 hour rate:150A/75Ah
o 5 Second Cranking Amps: 2250A
o CCA: 1420A
o Watts: 6000+
o Peak Discharge: 5000+ A
o Weight: 85.32 lbs.
o Dimensions: (8.09”H x 11.18”W x10.55”D)

Plus,the SPP2250’s AGM technology and sealed, non-spill construction make it capable of handling any job or any installation imaginable!

COLOR: Red

WARRANTY: 3 Year Replacement

MAX AMPERAGE: 5000+ Max Amps

WATTAGE: 6000 Watts

[92f150300six]

well i guess i looked in here at the right time. my motorcraft batts just died and less than 3 years old. where can u find deka batts at?

[Rotbody]

I have vatozone batteries in mine. Mine are the commercial bosch brand which is the same as the gold tops just cheaper for commercial customers. They are made by Johnson Conrtrols which is a pretty good company.

My bud has the carquest "gel" ones with the yellow top and those things are not worth the money you throw at them.