First off let me start with that I live in a cold climate (western NY), so I know that automatically puts me on the path for selecting a battery. I am kinda unimpressed with the factory battery that came with my '09 XL. I've got an aftermarket stereo system, but nothing that is over the top. This past weekend, after listening to the radio for only about 2 hours, the battery didn't have enough juice to turn the truck over, and I was force to ask for a jump *shame*.

So, I am looking for suggestions for replacements. I am not looking for any high performance specialty brand, I am looking for people's opinions on regular 'store' batteries. I've had a Diehard from Sears in the past, and it was OK. Does anyone have any other suggestions for brands you've used (good or bad)? ACDelco? Bosch? Optima? NAPA? Duralast?

 

My '03 came with the smaller battery that it would fit the space..When that died I replaced it with the larger size one.
Optima batteries are AGM type which should withstand repeated charge/discharge cycles much better.
I thought the F150 had a system which would shut down with enough power to start the engine ?

 

My '04's died at a customers house while I had the radio on....fortunately they had a battery charger.
I replaced the origional battery with a Kirkland from Costco.
650CA, 800CCA---$48 bucks
They carry the Optima "6-pack" style sealed battery for around $90....
(I'm not positive of that price, it's been a while since I was there)

 

MotorCraft, Sears DieHard Gold, NAPA Gold, AC Delco, & Interstate are all top-line batteries made by Johnson Controls. JC also makes the craptastical Wal-Mart & zone batteries (& Optimas - junk), but not to the same standards. Just go to Ford & tell the parts guy you saw your battery online for $80+tax, and he'll sell it to you for that (if it's not already that price). If he won't, go to Sears, or NAPA, or... Just stay OUT of the zone.

 

Well, I just went through my 3rd Advanced Auto Titanium battery in just over 4 years. Yesterday I was able to get the remaining store credit balance on the pro-rated for the battery and apply it towards a different one. I went with the red top Optima battery and I'm pretty excited about it. Completely sealed battery / maintenance free with a gell cell...I guess I give reviews in a few years down the road.

 

I have had great luck with the top of the line Interstate batteries from Sam's Club. Cost about $76. I have them in both my Expedition and my pickup.

 

Like most batteries nowadays, the Optimas are maintenance-free. But it's not sealed, and it's not a gel-cell. It has a vent right on top where it's easy to see, and it's an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) which works exactly the same as every other lead-acid battery on the road.

It also has LESS reserve minutes, LESS CA, LESS CCA, & LESS warranty than batteries that cost 1/2 as much.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...4-f-150-a.html


Thread on this...

Optima's are POS now BTW.

 

I put an Exide battery in mine about 6 months ago when the factory one crapped out. My sister works at a parts supply place so I got it for cost but I have no complaints so far and they have a good warranty. I would make sure that whatever you get it has at least 800 CCA. The stockers had 700 and as your truck and its wiring ages it is preferable to have more juice. I think my Exide is 900 CCA.

 

I like my DieHard Platinum, it was around $200 though.