Diesel Truck battery Life?

[Gem99ultra]

So there are no really good batteries anymore? I only have 55k miles on the truck now, how cant I tell if the batteries are weak other than slow cranking ot dead?

I use a hydrometer to check the life on my batteries. If you have a sealed battery though, I suspect you'll need to have a load rating ran on them. Most auto supply stores can run the load test for free - but you'll probably have to take the batteries in for them to do it.

 

[CJONE]

So there are no really good batteries anymore? I only have 55k miles on the truck now, how cant I tell if the batteries are weak other than slow cranking ot dead?

Find somebody with a carbon pile load tester that knows how to use it. Be sure the batteries are recharged after testing also. Get a battery tender junior and leave it on the truck while you are not using it, that is the best thing you can do for the batteries. For Diesels I will go 5 years then replace them. The rest of my batteries will get tested if I get a slow crank when cold, most get replaced. Standard batteries will only take complete discharging a few times before giving out so their past life has a lot to do with how long they last. I have got good results with Interstate batteries and believe it or not Auto value batteries have been good to me also. CJ

 

[3930dave]

So there are no really good batteries anymore? I only have 55k miles on the truck now, how cant I tell if the batteries are weak other than slow cranking ot dead?

Any competent garage can load test the battery for you. If an auto-parts place has a new portable automated tester, they can test it in the parking lot too. If your alternator is working, esp. on a vehicle that sits, make sure you take it for a long drive before getting the battery tested.

If your budget allows, just buying new batteries is a good strategy. Cycle the old ones into solar projects, or donate to a buddy with an old vehicle.

I can usually get 10 years out of standard car (flooded lead acid) batteries by:

1) Keeping battery terminals clean and greased. Even w/o "fur" growing on terminals, surfaces oxidize (turn black) and reduce current flow into and out of the battery.

2) Regular (interval depends on the vehicle, some alternators are more aggressive about charging than others) checks of battery electrolyte level - at least once a year, twice is better.... probably every 3 months if I was in Phoenix.... Top up with distilled water as needed.

3) Ensure that battery hold down assembly is intact, and secure. Extra vibration shortens standard battery life fast.

4) On stuff that sits.... use a good quality battery maintainer, or mark the calendar for regular top-ups with a standard (short term) battery charger.

Rgds, D.

 

[roadhunter]

Odyssey batteries are different and can last much longer than regular batteries.

ODYSSEY battery - Official Manufacturer's Site

 

[JerryK]

I have 2001 dodge 3500 with 61000 miles still has original batteries in it , how much longer can they last?

I have a 2002 [bought in fall of 2001] Dodge Cummins that still has it's original huge batteries tucked under the hood.... I'm with you, bro...... [ must have been a good production run of batteries back then.. ]

 

[dodge man]

I also had a Cummins where the batteries lasted a long time, about 10 years. They were probably shot for a year but the truck stared easy enough that they lasted until the electrical system started freaking out due to the batteries being bad.

 

[wmonroe]

Not sure I want to post how long I've had the original batteries in my truck because sure enough when I go to start it tomorrow they'll be dead. The shortest life I've had from a battery is 2.5 years in a vehicle that doesn't get driven much and due to a couple different things the battery was completely discharged about six times in that span.

 

[tcartwri]

We just replaced the original batteries in our 07 Duramax.

 

[WM75Guy]

I do similar to Diamondpilot except I replace both every 5 years or sooner if one fails. I buy the 7 year AC Delco batteries that have 50 months no charge replacement from the local GM dealer, after that it is prorated. I just had them replaced at 36 months as one failed, no cost to me. They replaced both without question. I am sticking with them as they rarely let me down.

 

[bucktaker]

I do similar to Diamondpilot except I replace both every 5 years or sooner if one fails. I buy the 7 year AC Delco batteries that have 50 months no charge replacement from the local GM dealer, after that it is prorated. I just had them replaced at 36 months as one failed, no cost to me. They replaced both without question. I am sticking with them as they rarely let me down.

I like your idea and the AC batteries...