Hey guys. My truck has been sounding a little weak during cranking lately. My 2005 only has 21k miles so it's pretty sad to think that these OEM batteries are going already...junk if you ask me. Being a long time Ford owner, I'm used to 4-5 years minimum out of my OE batteries. Anyway, I'm not about to keep going on these batteries with the starter sounding weak every time I crank her up. SO, what suggestions do you guys have for a GOOD replacement? Just the mega warranty battery from a local auto parts store or maybe optima red tops? Since I have incredible service out of Motorcraft batteries, I may just go grab the motorcraft gold from my local dealer. What suggestions do you guys have?

 

For my money Optima batteries are the way to go.

 

Just a quick question...what have the night time/early morning temperatures been looking like down that way? If it is getting pretty chilly out, it will slow the crank down (mine is a bit in the mornings these days as well)...just a possibility.

If it's been staying warm, then yeah, new batteries might be in your future...as stated Optimas are great.

 

Anyone can get a bad battery so don't get to upset that they have not held up like them Ford batteries your use too!

 

Those batteries are probably 4 years old. The originals in my truck were manufactured in 2003. My OEM passenger side battery self-destructed last Friday. I replaced both with Duralast Gold for under $200. Optimas are great batteries but at double the cost, they were not worth it to me. A 2005 with 21K? Wow.

 

I didn't know that Dodge or Ford made batteries.

There are only about 3 or 4 battery manufacturers out there any more. Battery life has little to do with miles on a highway use vehicle. First thing I'd check is the batteries. Have someone run a load check on them before you spend a couple hundred dollars. More times than not I thought it was the batteries giving up when it turned out to be something else. (A bad starter, alternator, starter relay, corroded terminals causing the alternator to not charge them completely are just a few things that could be wrong)

When I need new batteries, I'm going to try the red top Ultima batteries. I'd better start saving my pennies now.

 

Yep, still warm...slow cranking even when it's 75-80 out.

 

Yeah, I was leaning towards red tops, but the cost kills me.

I will go over other possible problems, but this truck is immaculate so corrosion issues are unlikely. I never let an ounce of corrosion develop on my batteries.

The truck is only used for towing my 21' toy hauler and a few other truck only needs around town a couple times a month.

As for Motorcraft batteries, I don't know who makes them, but they have always outlasted every other battery I have ever used. I've blown through duralasts, die hards, and interstates in 2-3 years. I've gone 5.5 years on a motorcraft gold.

 

FYI, anyone interested in good optima prices, http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/

They have the 34 model for $165 shipped each!

 

You havent had batterry problems yet. 2006 1 ton 52000 miles and i am on my third set. I dont have anything aftermarket to draw much but I cant seem to get them to hold a charge decent. Last set was bought in march and had to be repalced in september. I have optimas now and so far they are worth the money.

 

ones in my 03 are still good to go.One in my 1998 in my sig.lasted 7 years.Optimas are good for race/off road but a big waste in these trucks.Lots of good batterys out there for far less money.

 

If you think you can afford optima's then spend 10-20.00 more and get Sears diehard Platinum. Same battery made by Odessey that make Military batteries for Hummer's etc. Best warranty you can get in a battery. I just put 2 in a week ago and they spin that Cummins like a top. I have heard as many bad stories about optimas as good and if you look at their warranty it really isn't much better than good batteries at half their price. I agree sears platinum is not cheap, but you are talking about a 6-8 year battery here that is FULLY warranted for 4 years. In this case you get what you pay for..... I believe these batteries would be especially good if you were snow plowing with high demands on your system.

My OE batteries were 5 yrs old and just didn't want to chance it thru another cold winter here.......

 

I like the Odyssey batts. I bought two group 65's but im sure they were much more expensive the anything in the sears line. I will take a look at sears today.

The starter spins like its on steroids and the truck kicks over and starts in less then 1/2 second. No corrosion.

 

Is the truck REALLY ONLY used a couple times a month? Are you at least starting it and letting it come up to full operating temps? If you are only starting it a couple times a month, that would be plenty reason for your truck to turn over a little on the slow side...just a thought.

 

Yes, on average, I use my truck 2-3 times a month, not just start it up 2-3 times a month. Typically 25 miles round trip to pick up the toy hauler, then 200-300 miles round trip to my race, and finally another 25 miles to drop off the T-H. Other times are 5-20 mile trips around town running truck related errands. The starting has gotten weak at every start-up, not just that first crank after it's been sitting for 7-15 days.