You know we discuss alot of things on this forum, so i decided to throw this one in the mix.
I am going to be purchasing a new Truck Battery soon, any ideas on a good one? Anybody have any opinion on the Optima battery?

 

You know, the pos 04 F-150 I had before the ram came with a 550 CCA batery, it would never start in cold weathier, altenator was replaced every six months, and this truck had the tow package !!!!!

If you have the tow package on the Ram, you get a stronger altenator, 750 CCA batery, which is just fine.

Now if your running Aftermarket lights, into boasting Fords with dead batteries or into the Pre Amp to the AMP and went to install a gold fish tank in the cab of your truck so the fish can play with the ith the Playstation while your running threw the mud, than you need all the CCA you can get.

If you like camping and towing, and want to whinch out MR. Saskqotch from his sleep, more CCA is also good.

No point in in having the power if your not using it, but if the stock battery is toasted, going to a yellow or red optima is a wise thing to do.

 

I have an Optima in my 1980 Jeep. I drive it very rarely and generally have a hard time getting it started if it sits for more than a couple weeks. I am impressed with the battery because I have ran it down so many times trying to get it started and the battery always comes back to life after a quick jump. I would not hesitate to spend the extra $ on an Optima.

 

I guess it all depends on what you want to spend and if you're going to put a lot of electronic goodies on your truck. Optima's are great batteries but costly. Your starter is prewound for a specific cranking amp and a higher cca battery will do you no good so just stick with the factory rating. You need to look at reserve capacity when it comes to batteries.

 

Location is also something to look at when buying a new battery. If you live where it gets very hot during the summer you will dramatically shorten the life of your battery. The battery life for most batteries is rated at about 3-4yrs, here in the desert its more like 1-2yrs. Every vehicle Ive owned, my friends have owned, my parents have owned, my in laws have owned ect. have all had about the same battery life with the maintenance free batteries of about a year and a half to two years. The longest battery I had was one that I had to add water to every other week and it lasted about two and a half years before croaking on me. The gel batteries (optima) will more than likely be my next battery simply because from what I've heard they last the longest out of any battery on the market as of now. I know I will never convince my dad about that but he has a lifetime warranty on the battery for his old blazer that he has had for the past 25yrs+ so whenever it dies he gets a free new one to replace the old one (Checker really hates him because they dont offer that long of a warranty anymore).

 

Any feelings about the Sears Die Hard? especially the Die Hard Gold? And does anybody know what's recommended for the Dodge Ram 1500 QC?

 

I've used Optimas (both red top and yellow top) for many years with very good results. I've heard from others that in recent years, Optima's quality control hasn't been quite as good and there have been some failures, especially with yellow tops. I've personally never experienced any problems with Optimas. For my new Power Wagon, I got a Deka Intimidator, which I've heard very good things about and is comparable in construction to the Optima yellow. It cheaper too, about $120. Odyssey is also supposed to be good. Basically, I prefer a combination deep cycle/starting battery with AGM (absorbed glass mat) construction because they don't drain as easily, can be completely discharged over and over without damage, don't spill or leak, and are MUCH more resistant to vibration, which kills normal batteries. By the way, Optima's, etc. are not gel type batteries. They still use regular battery acid, but it's absorbed in a glass mat fabric instead of in liquid form.

 

I may be wrong, but the Interstate/Diehard/champion/pep boys special are pretty much the same if in cca for the specfic battery's is=. Dodge is going to recamend thier mopar battery just because you have a Dodge and you may take it into a dealer to have the starting/charging system looked at, you don't have to replace the battery witha Mopar brand. and it is a easy do it your self job.