I need to replace my 2017 LD engine battery which is on the Ford E450 Super Duty chassis. A person has recommended the NAPA Legend Professional 7565 battery. He said that the original battery, which is now corroded, was 650 CCA. The suggested battery is 850 CCA. What is your opinion about the NAPA Legend Professional 7565 battery? Do you have recommendations for a different battery? Thank you in advance for any advice.
Monica
2017 Mid-Bath
Monica, I installed a North Star battery a couple months ago; it's pricey, but it does have a good specs, including 135 minutes of reserve capacity. My second choice battery was the Odyssey; very similar to the North Star and with 145 minutes of reserve capacity.
Amazon.com: Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00249GW9S?tag=batterysavvy-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1)
NSB-AGM65 (https://www.northstarbattery.com/product/nsb-agm65)
Most lead-acid batteries, regardless of brand, are made by just a few companies.
My observation has been that warehouse clubs (Sams Club or Costco) offer a pretty good battery for less than what a similar battery costs at an auto parts store.
I don't have any experience with the particular battery you're looking at, but I would expect a NAPA Legend Professional to be just fine. It's a reputable brand with nationwide warranty service.
An AGM battery would be a premium choice.
Rich
I expect the chassis battery to have enough juice to start the engine which starts darn quick. I put whatever Costco has in it. So what does one do with lots of reserve capacity?
I looked it up - reserve capacity is the number of minutes a fully charged battery can sustain a designated constant load — usually 25 amps — before it is fully discharged. What would one do with 25amps for two hours? Roast peanuts?
It says it is Lead-Acid, AGM. I don't keep up, the last I knew they were two different animals.
Hi Don, maybe you could roast peanuts, but people do leave headlights on accidently, often for hours, and then still need to start the engine again.
For Monica, More CCA the better. 850 would be better than a 650 rating. Corrodedness of the terminals doesn't affect the internal capabilities of the battery. You might have a poor connection, which will deter the battery from charging when it should, and also affect it ability to deliver the high amperage needed by the starter motor. Try cleaning the terminal(s) and externally charging the battery. Your 2017 battery may be just fine. Mine generally last about 8-9 years. As Don said, once they start the engine there isn't much load on them.
I wouldn't pay extra for an AGM battery. RonB
"It says it is Lead-Acid, AGM. I don't keep up, the last I knew they were two different animals."
AGM batteries differ from flooded leaded-acid batteries in the physical arrangement of the electrodes and electrolyte, which gives them some advantages. But AGM, gel, and flooded lead-acid batteries are all types of lead-acid batteries, using the same basic chemicals (lead and acid) to store and deliver power.
Leaving the lights on. I excel at that. Darn western states that require you to drive with your lights on in full sun. They claim it's for safety, but I don't see it. I have a kit that will sound an alarm if the lights are on and the ignition is off. I have had it for years, a slim chance I will ever twist my body in the shape that is required to install it.
I used to carry an ac powered battery charger for the times I left the lights on. Always have the generator to run it. 2-3 minutes on boost and you are good to go.
In the last few years, I started carrying a lithium-ion jump starter in the Jeep in case we need it when we are 40 miles from a paved road and no cell signal. The lithium-ion in the Jeep is always close to the LD if the latter needs a jump. I know it will work as I disconnected the LD battery and connected the lithium-ion to the battery cables. Fired right up. That sucker has plenty of power to charge laptops or run a peanut roaster.
Good thought Ron B about the battery terminals getting corroded and preventing charging. I am finally getting into using the features on an iPhone. I set up reminders at six-month intervals to check the terminals on all the vehicles and squirt some of that red goop on the positive terminal.
I did not know that AGM's are lead and acid. Thanks Andy.
Reserve Capacity has become more important recently with all the gizmos on modern cars which draw power even after the ignition is turned off. It’s a constant topic on the Subaru Outback forum because of the wimpy specs of the factory battery Subaru puts in their cars. Many owners have upgraded their engine batteries with more CCA and Reserve Capacity.
Hopefully the engine battery in the new Ford chassis is a beefier one.
The "everything battery" site:
Car and Deep Cycle Battery FAQ 2020, Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names... (http://www.jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/)
Leaving the lights on. I excel at that. Darn western states that require you to drive with your lights on in full sun. They claim it's for safety, but I don't see it.
We have driven in all the Western State and I can't remember having to leave the headlights on in the full sun except for a few construction zones and the handful of narrow two-lane roads considered to be so dangerous, that headlight use is required for a specific area.
I'm buying a new starting battery today, our LD's seven-year-old battery died two days ago.
It will be replaced with Costco's finest, the same that has been used in both of our LDs for over twenty years.
WIth an added, built-in battery jumper switch, the coach battery can be connected to the starting battery, to start with a dead starting battery.
I have tried expensive batteries in the past, the performance and lifespan have not increased enough to justify the expense.YMMV. We receive six to eight years of battery life from Costco batteries.
Also carried is a large lithium battery jumper.
Our Sky Blue 3000i solar controller has an extra output used for charging the starting battery when the sun is out and the panels are producing sufficient output..This helps prolong the life of the starting battery.
Larry
My choice of engine battery replacement was decided not only on brand and specs, but because a friend picked up the battery from the distributor and installed it. I can't heft 55-60 pounds into the engine compartment any more!
YMMV, as ever.
"I can't heft 55-60 pounds into the engine compartment any more!"
It's getting to be be harder and harder for me as well. I wonder whether we'll ever see lightweight LiFePO4 starting batteries?
Joan and Andy bring up an important consideration for some. Those batteries are HEAVY.
AFAIK, Costco won't install batteries, but Sams Club will (no charge). Most of the auto parts type places will too (Autozone, Advance Auto).
All of that does no good if you can't get the RV to a store.
CoachNet members can get a free jump start. Most of the CoachNet service providers will also bring you a new battery and install it for a fee.
In some cases, it makes sense to replace your starting battery based on age (4-5 years?) or before a big trip to remote locations.
Rich
Larry, what battery did you get from Costco? I’m 96 months into my 100-month warranty on my Costco Kirkland brand battery. But apparently Costco doesn’t offer its own brand any longer, and the Interstate line that it now carries has, from what I can tell, only a maximum 36-month warranty. 🤨. I was hoping for better. — Jon
"Joan and Andy bring up an important consideration for some. Those batteries are HEAVY."
---
For me, and for many others, I'm sure, it still comes as a surprise - an annoying one! - when some physical action that used to be done without thinking, and/or with little or no effort or consideration of possible post-move consequences, becomes "challenging", painful, or no longer possible to do. We can adapt to a certain point, of course, pace ourselves, and come up with work-arounds by using our heads instead of "brute strength and awkwardness", as my mother used to say, but reminders of "that was then, this is now" do seem to come along a lot more frequently these days! ;)
A few years ago, before I went to Victron LiFePO4 batteries, I installed a pair of Lifeline GPL-6CT AGM batteries in the Airstream. I had reasons, based on the space I had to put them in, but...! Those suckers weighed 92 pounds apiece. I managed to do it without giving myself a hernia or injuring my back, but I swore "Never again." When I switched to lithium, I had to take them out. Ugh! No more heavy batteries for me. (Well, there is still a group 27 AGM in the back of the car, powering the car fridge at night, but that's manageable--barely--and shouldn't need to be changed for another five years or so.)
Earlier today I asked whether we'd ever see LiFePO4 starting batteries. It belatedly dawned me that they probably couldn't take the heat in the engine compartment. :: sigh ::
Earlier today I asked whether we'd ever see LiFePO4 starting batteries. It belatedly dawned me that they probably couldn't take the heat in the engine compartment. :: sigh ::
But... no law says it has to be there. There are vehicles which locate it under the back seat or in the trunk.
Steve
True. I once owned a 1973 Audi 100LS with the battery under the back seat--a typical VW design quirk. Looking back, I wonder now what gauge wire they used to connect it to the starter and alternator. It would have had to be fairly heavy, I'd think. Yes, you can put the battery in the passenger compartment, but you do have to think about voltage drop if you do so, and copper costs money.
"I can't heft 55-60 pounds into the engine compartment any more!"
It's getting to be be harder and harder for me as well. I wonder whether we'll ever see lightweight LiFePO4 starting batteries?
They are already here... Antigravitybatteries.com/productline/starter-batteries (https://antigravitybatteries.com/productline/starter-batteries/automotive/)
Charles
Larry, what battery did you get from Costco? I’m 96 months into my 100-month warranty on my Costco Kirkland brand battery. But apparently Costco doesn’t offer its own brand any longer, and the Interstate line that it now carries has, from what I can tell, only a maximum 36-month warranty. 🤨. I was hoping for better. — Jon
Costco never offered "its own brand" battery, they have always sold Costco-branded batteries that are manufactured by one of several battery large battery manufacturers.
I just replaced a 48-month warranted Costco battery and all they now offer are 36-month batteries with lower CCA. Costs go up and capacities and warranties go down. >:(
Charles
The Antigravity starter batteries are interesting. As far as I can see, they don't say what lithium technology they use--lithium polymer, LiFePO4, or something else. (Their jump-starter packs, which a number of us have, are lithium polymer based, but I don't know whether that technology can withstand high temperatures, and it's more prone to fires than LiFePO4.) I wonder how their "WIRELESS Remote-activated Jump-Starting" feature works. How can a dead battery jump-start itself?
Looking at their "battery finder" compatibility checker, I see that the only Ford models listed are the Focus and Mustang. (And for Subaru, they don't list the Forester or Outback.) But this could just be a problem with their compatibility checker; you'd have to look up the battery numbers to see whether they have something that matches your vehicle.
Fair warning: you're looking at $600-$900 for one of these. I'd like to have a lithium starting battery, but I don't think I'm willing to go that high.
Costco never offered "its own brand" battery, they have always sold Costco-branded batteries that are manufactured by one of several battery large battery manufacturers.
I just replaced a 48-month warranted Costco battery and all they now offer are 36-month batteries with lower CCA. Costs go up and capacities and warranties go down. >:(
Charles
I didn’t say Costco built it. They did, however, put their Kirkland brand on it back then. Costco doesn’t make clothing either, but still sells a lot of Kirkland-branded garments. They simply no longer put Kirkland on the batteries they sell. — Jon
Costco currently sells Interstate Batteries. They have a 3 year no questions asked warranty.
I’ve replaced my first Interstate battery in the LD. I’ve read that some Costco battery customers replace their batts at the two year mark. Your original purchase is linked to you membership.
The replacement battery comes with its own 3 year warranty. I’ve also read (maybe here) that the date dots on the battery should remain left intact. If all these ‘top tips’ are true, you may never have to purchase another chassis battery. 🧐
Regarding a dead 2017 chassis battery it’s advisable to remember that the dash 12 volt outlets are powered by the chassis battery (our ‘15 outlets are) I have drained the chassis battery at least twice in the past by using these outlets without the engine running. 😖
Kent
I didn’t say Costco built it. They did, however, put their Kirkland brand on it back then. Costco doesn’t make clothing either, but still sells a lot of Kirkland-branded garments. They simply no longer put Kirkland on the batteries they sell. — Jon
Sorry for the misunderstanding. Costco has been selling Interstate labeled batteries with "distributed by Costco" on the label for at least the last 4 years. Been a Costco member since 1993 when they merged with Price Club. Was a Price Club member since they started in San Diego in 1976 and a FedMart member before that.
Charles
Something has changed during the last few years concerning battery warranties, it's hard to find any battery with more than a 36-month warranty.
Our LD's 2013 Costco Series 65 battery has a 100-month warranty. The old battery still has 18 months on its warranty.
Costco's $99.99 battery shown below has the same specs as the old battery except it has a 36-month warranty.
Costco | Interstate Batteries (https://costco.interstatebatteries.com//home/results?key=auto&ZipCode=91307&l=91307&Program=100500&choice1=1691551&choice2=1692101&choice3=1692170&choice4=1692171&choice5=1692175&Country=US)
For a AGM replacement, ACDelco's AGM might be a good replacement.
Amazon.com: ACDelco 65AGMHR Professional AGM Automotive BCI Group 65... (https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-65AGMHR-Professional-Automotive-Battery/dp/B01K8BH0R6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Series+65+agm&qid=1602457863&sr=8-1)
Larry
The Antigravity starter batteries are interesting. As far as I can see, they don't say what lithium technology they use--lithium polymer, LiFePO4, or something else. (Their jump-starter packs, which a number of us have, are lithium polymer based, but I don't know whether that technology can withstand high temperatures, and it's more prone to fires than LiFePO4.) I wonder how their "WIRELESS Remote-activated Jump-Starting" feature works. How can a dead battery jump-start itself?
I reached out to Antigravity, here is their response.
"We only use the latest in Lithium technology, so all our Re-Start batteries are LiFePo4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate). They are also equipped with a full Battery Management System which includes over-charge, over-discharge, thermal, and short-circuit protections."
"Our one-of-a-kind Re-Start Technology intelligently monitors its voltage and will put itself to sleep if it senses over-discharge, yet amazingly saves just enough reserve energy to start your vehicle. For example, you left your lights on overnight – normally a dead battery emergency, but not with the restart function. Simply press the RE-START Button located on top of the battery to start your vehicle and drive away. No need for Jumper cables, Booster Pack or assistance."
Charles
Thanks for passing along that info, Charles. The idea of holding some power in reserve sounds like a good one for a starting battery.
I do still wonder about temperatures. For example, Battle Born batteries shut down automatically when the temperature exceeds 135° F. Other manufacturers specify maximum charging temperatures as low as 113°. Seems to me engine compartment temperatures could easily exceed that. Antigravity says their starting batteries have thermal protection, so perhaps like Battle Born, they shut down if it gets too hot. I wonder how that works in practice on a summer day in Phoenix...
I do still wonder about temperatures. For example, Battle Born batteries shut down automatically when the temperature exceeds 135° F. Other manufacturers specify maximum charging temperatures as low as 113°. Seems to me engine compartment temperatures could easily exceed that. Antigravity says their starting batteries have thermal protection, so perhaps like Battle Born, they shut down if it gets too hot. I wonder how that works in practice on a summer day in Phoenix...
Engine bays can easily exceed 135 degrees on a summer day, with this limitation, they should be mounted far away from any sources of heat.
I can imagine at times our entire cars can get to and exceed 135 degrees, in July or August, when sitting in the sun all day.
I'll stick with a lead bases battery for a while.
Larry
Our LD's 2013 Costco Series 65 battery has a 100-month warranty. The old battery still has 18 months on its warranty.
Costco's $99.99 battery shown below has the same specs as the old battery except it has a 36-month warranty.
Costco | Interstate Batteries (https://costco.interstatebatteries.com//home/results?key=auto&ZipCode=91307&l=91307&Program=100500&choice1=1691551&choice2=1692101&choice3=1692170&choice4=1692171&choice5=1692175&Country=US)
[quote ]
Picked up a new Series 65 battery today from Costco.
With18-months remaining on the 100-month warranty, it cost $90, out of the door including taxes.
I'm happy.
Larry
Thank you all for your informative replies. When I posted my question I knew hardly anything about batteries. Now I have a much better understanding of them. Thanks again.
Monica
2017 Mid-Bath
"I'll stick with a lead based battery for a while."
You know, way back when I was young and stupid (three days ago), I thought a LiFePO4 starting battery would be good, mainly because I was thinking of the pain of hoisting a battery into place in the engine compartment. Now that I'm older and wiser, I'm asking myself "Other than ease of installation, what problem does this solve?"
LiFePO4 batteries accept charge faster than lead-acid batteries, but in a starting battery that's irrelevant. LiFePO4 batteries can be used over a wider range of charge (20% to 100%), but starting batteries are never deep-cycled, so who cares? LiFePO4 batteries can deliver heavy currents because they don't suffer from the Peukert-based limitations of lead-acid chemistry, but lead-acid starting batteries can deliver heavy currents regardless.
Antigravity claims that you'll "Enjoy better starting and handling, shorter braking distances, better acceleration, better gas mileage, and many other benefits." But if you seriously believe that saving 30 pounds of weight in a 14,000-pound vehicle will do that, I have a bridge I'd like to sell you.
Meanwhile, I'm thinking about the drawbacks...
LiFePO4 batteries can't be charged at normal rates in temperatures below freezing. Built-in thermal protection can prevent charging, but what happens in winter if it stays that cold for several days in a row? The battery just gets lower and lower. Yes, the Antigravity batteries have "Re-Start" reserve power, but how many times can you use that if the battery isn't being recharged due to low temperatures?
LiFePO4 batteries can't be used at high temperatures, and we all know engine compartments get HOT. Again, built-in thermal protection can disable the battery, but what happens if you drive for a few hours on a summer's day, letting the engine compartment get nice and hot... then stop for gas, and find that you can't restart the vehicle?
And about that built-in protection... I don't know about cars and trucks, but in many marine engines if you disconnect the battery, the alternator's diodes will be instantly fried. So it's possible that if the Antigravity battery's thermal protection disables the battery due to high or low temperatures, you could be facing alternator replacement, and that ain't cheap.
Finally, these batteries cost five to six times as much as equivalent lead-acid batteries. Given that I can't think of any benefits (at least in RV and truck applications) and plenty of drawbacks, why would anybody spend that money? Just so you can be cool, with cutting-edge technology?
I'm with Larry. For this application, I'll stick with lead-acid.
Finally, these batteries cost five to six times as much as equivalent lead-acid batteries. Given that I can't think of any benefits (at least in RV and truck applications) and plenty of drawbacks, why would anybody spend that money? Just so you can be cool, with cutting-edge technology?
It costs less to pay someone to lift the heavy battery for you than it does to buy one you can lift on your own.
I think the target uses for Lithium starting batteries are very weight sensitive, like aviation or auto racing.
Rich
I think the target uses for Lithium starting batteries are very weight sensitive, like aviation or auto racing.
Rich
And I'll add motorcycles, ATV's, and other assorted powersports.
Charles
"I'll stick with a lead based battery for a while."
"I'm with Larry. For this application, I'll stick with lead-acid."
No question about it. Next starting battery for our LD will be lead-acid.
Charles