Ford batteries last longer because they are only cranking a powerstroke not a CTD!

 

haha, that's an interesting question...which engine's starter motor takes more juice to crank the motor?

Back in my mustang days, I'd go through batteries every couple years in my 93 GT until I bought a motorcraft replacement. The battery lasted 4 years without any signs of weakness until the day I sold the car. Since then I've owned 6 Fords between my ex-wife and me....not one motorcraft battery disappointed me. My 1997 F-250 w/ a 351W lasted until late 2003 on it's original battery!

 

For the money Odyssey batteries are the best in terms of long lasting. This is due to the way they manufacture the battery. Most batteries have small traces of calcium in the lead to harden up the matrix. Calcium over time even in small amounts is what leads to failure over time. They are pricey though.

 

Higher compression goes to the Cummins...it's a GOOD deal harder to turn over than both the competition. Ever sit in one of them when they shut down? Don't get that "violent" shake that the Cummins gives when shutting down...ahhh...I LOVE my truck!

 

Yeah, when my wife picked up the Dodge this spring (was used to driving a DMax), she called me the first time she shut it off, thought something was wrong becuz of that "terrible shake!"

3-4 yrs out of your batteries is not THAT bad. You have a couple things against you. 1. The truck isn't driven that often, harder on the batteries just sitting than being recharged every day. 2. You live in a very warm climate. Heat is an even bigger destroyer of batteries than the cold, especially if the truck isn't garaged during the heat of the day...sun baking down on it.

Personally I wouldn't run Optimas. Although Optima warranty has been real good to me, I'm on my 3rd Optima since 2004 in my boat. 1st one (red top) lasted 2 yrs and wouldn't take a charge. Got a new one free, warranty, lasted 2 yrs went dead again. Got a 3rd one free, warranty, it's about 6mo old now. They warranty 100% for 3 yrs, but what if it lasts 3-1/2 yrs????

The factory AC Delco batteries in my old DMax lasted over 5 yrs and I only replaced them because I was going on a winter trip, -20deg and no plug ins available. Otherwise I'm not sure how long they may have lasted. Truck still started fine when I replaced them.

 

I can say at 38 months old mine are so far still going strong even after going through 3 winters with temps down to -25 below zero.