Battery Upgrade Qs

I’ve been thinking about upgrading my battery. I’ve seen some lithium options which are lighter and longer lasting but also read that they can’t charge and discharge properly with the alternator.

I really just want a battery that’ll last a while.
I have a bunch of lights and accessories but aren’t using them that often so it’s basically just for starting the truck and powering a fridge sometimes.

does anyone have any recommendations ?

thanks

 

Spend (way) more if you desire fancy "designer" volts. Otherwise buy a plain old Wally World battery and call it a day.

 

Don't overthink this ( like I did ).
Go to Walmart. Buy the NeverStart ( haha: EverStart ) I think it's the 24F.

I get the 36-month version and replace it every 2 years and fogettabout it.

I power my Dometic via a 12-port ignition-only dongle rigged to the back and continue to power it
with a Jackery 1000 Pro when we park for long periods of time.

 

I put a Deka battery in my 2006 to replace a very good Interstate. the Deka is having a rough life since I don't drive that truck very often anymore. but it keeps on starting and on a multimeter, it holds the charge after a long hiatus.

I loved that Interstate. it took me all over the country, with extreme tempuratures on both ends of the spectrum repeatedly. I only changed it after 8-9 years of service just because I was going into Idaho in a blizzard..and wanted the peace of mind.

 

Last a while? Are you talking about battery life time (years) or run time (hours) for your fridge?

In my experience, most car batteries last about 4-5 years. This probably falls into the “don’t over-think it” category.

If you’re talking about accessory run-time, then this does fall into the “you need to think about it” category. How much amp-hour capacity do you need to run “X” load for “?” hours. Also, you may want a dual battery set-up (starter/house batteries) so you don’t accidentally drain your only battery (even if it’s lithium) while enjoying a cold one out in the boonies.

Lost of threads here. I’ve not installed extra batteries yet, so I’ll let the other experts assist.

 

Dealer batteries are generally the best of a regular kind of battery without getting into other different kinds.

previous local dealer only sold bigger than stock OE battery option. Had that for a while now without issue. Used to have a fridge.

 

All batteries are made by less than a handful of manufacturers. They just put different cases and labels on them for the seller. Suggest just getting the proper size lead core from a store with a good warranty and price. Costco, Sams are examples. As others have said replace every 4-5 years. Use a battery maintainer.

 

This!

quality or capacity?
Quality? there is little difference, buy a name brand from a local store that can and will support.
Capacity for doodads? Get your manuals and calculator out.

 

Unless you need an extended reserve capacity. I suggest Walmart/Sams or Costco. Whatever is cheapest and has the best warranty.

 

Northstar. 6th year stock OEM charge system.

 

Costco sells Interstate. Interstate sucks. Probably not something to do.

 

Not my experience in many very cold Canadian winters as well as others in various places.

 

Great assessment and answers, thanks everyone.
I just use my fridge when transporting food, so the truck is on the entire time = I don't really need larger capacity.
When I get to camp, I have a bluetti for maintaining the fridge while parked.
That NorthStar battery looks good.
I am on year 4 I think with my battery without replacement. But sometimes it seems to have a hard time starting my truck and Im thinking its on its way out. Planning ahead.
Cheers

 

4 years and slow starts? It’s past done, in my book, go get one when the store opens. I carry a jump pack, but still not trying to eke out another two dollars of life, at the risk of getting stuck or trying to jump it late at night in single digit temps.

 

I’m in the minority on this but my stock battery gave up the ghost around 7800 miles in a ton of rough stuff in Saskatchewan. Started leaking.

As I’m running starlink, a fridge, and about 2 million chargers for gps, iridium phone, and everything else known to man, and don’t want any more leaks, I went with a yellow top Optima. Has worked awesome in all temps and has good reserve with a lot of stuff running. Bought it in May. Only need it to last till I get back home in April.

 

I'm amazed that I'm the first to recommend this thread. All of the advice you seek is spelled out clearly within...

Credit @crashnburn80

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-northstar-agm-battery-voltage-booster-upgrade.604478/

 

CCA
Pick one based on highest CCA per $ amount that you can afford or want to pay

 

My Group 31 AGM write up is over here I may have gone with the Dakota Lithium battery, but I don't think it was out yet.

 

4 years and acting up? hope you have the phone number of a tow truck in your wallet

 

Same here.... I've bought nothing but Interstates for the last 30 years and never had a bad one once.