Battery Change: Optima Yellow Top AGM or Not?

[dnice_1980]

Peeps, I have a 23’ 1500 Laramie and the other day after pumping gas, the truck wouldn’t start. After a few tries, I got the guy next to me to give me a jump. Started up and not a problem since. But I’m not waiting around to be stranded anywhere so I bought a battery pack jumper to jump myself if needed until I do my research on what battery to get. A lot has been talked about I found with stock batteries. I never knew until I searched. But I see an Optima Yellow Top that fits the truck. What do yall think. I have read many people using the AGM batteries but I’m noticing now, there are several brands of them. Any advice would be great. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PurpleRT]

I wouldn’t pay for an Optima.. they’re not what they use to be. Instead at least for us 19-24… most of us go with the rather cheap Everstart Platinum H9 from Walmart that can fit the stock battery tray once the little spacer is removed.. this may or may not apply for the 2025s. Walmarts are everywhere if a warranty exchange has to happen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stevieb92]

I went with an Odyssey H8 AGM. Super happy with my choice. Optima used to be my preferred option.

 

[dnice_1980]

I wouldn’t pay for an Optima.. they’re not what they use to be. Instead at least for us 19-24… most of us go with the rather cheap Everstart Platinum H9 from Walmart that can fit the stock battery tray once the little spacer is removed.. this may or may not apply for the 2025s. Walmarts are everywhere if a warranty exchange has to happen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for sharing. I did want to cheat myself by not buying higher end but if I don’t have to and end up with same results….count me in!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HSKR R/T]

Thanks for sharing. I did want to cheat myself by not buying higher end but if I don’t have to and end up with same results….count me in!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Walmart H8 AGM battery carries aful four year replacement warranty. One of the longest you will find for a battery. As mentioned, Otia quality isn't what it used to be, and I'd never run a yellow top anyways.

 

[rtxrt]

I agree with the thread that expensive isn't always better. I had real good experience with the AutoZone brand of AGM. The last one I had in my 2014 Limited lasted almost 6 years. Once my 2025 needs a new battery I'll most likely go the AGM route again (at least for the main and possibly Lithium Ion or something similar for the auxiliary battery)

 

[SD Rebel]

Good info, my original battery on my Jan 2019 build truck is still working fine, but I know I have to start looking soon. I notice my alternator charges the stock battery up to 14.5v when it's been sitting a couple of weeks, then drops down to about 14v after a couple of hours of driving, I'm sure that's fine for an AGM.

 

[John Jensen]

I also went with a Walmart AGM, the best warranty, best price.

 

[GMetal]

Another option is a DEKA AGM group 49/H8 battery. Anyone have info who makes Walmart EverStart?

 

[HSKR R/T]

Another option is a DEKA AGM group 49/H8 battery. Anyone have info who makes Walmart EverStart?

Johnson Controls

 

[Mr.Grid]

I put this one in that I have used in my previous truck that was still working after 8 yrs. 94R

 

[n8zcc]

I just put a set of Interstate 94R AGMs in my 2015 Cummins this past summer. I got them from Costco for $174 each. The factory batteries lasted 8 1/2 years; both were just passing the "toaster" test, and it was time.

I have a Deka in my Generac (whole home backup generator), and Everstarts in my tractors. I get 9 years out of the Everstarts from Walmart in my diesel equipment.

 

[dnice_1980]

Good info, my original battery on my Jan 2019 build truck is still working fine, but I know I have to start looking soon. I notice my alternator charges the stock battery up to 14.5v when it's been sitting a couple of weeks, then drops down to about 14v after a couple of hours of driving, I'm sure that's fine for an AGM.

2019 you say? . Now I’m hoping it was just my battery. I’ve had my truck 16 months now and although I have racked up quite a few miles (50k = long commute to work) I didn’t think that should wear down the battery. But after reading some threads and looking at YouTube, I seem quite a few people talking about the original batteries in the 5th generations not holding up. I really think my situation is weird because I have the mild hybrid version truck which in hindsight doesn’t do anything for me because once I get on the road, I don’t hit the brakes again for an hour or so. The regenerative breaking is nonexistent for me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SD Rebel]

2019 you say? . Now I’m hoping it was just my battery. I’ve had my truck 16 months now and although I have racked up quite a few miles (50k = long commute to work) I didn’t think that should wear down the battery. But after reading some threads and looking at YouTube, I seem quite a few people talking about the original batteries in the 5th generations not holding up. I really think my situation is weird because I have the mild hybrid version truck which in hindsight doesn’t do anything for me because once I get on the road, I don’t hit the brakes again for an hour or so. The regenerative breaking is nonexistent for me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've noticed the same thing, quite a few people posting the original battery not lasting as long, but you have to take that with a grain of salt since most people posting on forums is a small minority of owners, and people with issues looking for solutions.

That being said, my battery is over six years old now, and hasn't missed a beat, seems to be strong still, even considering it could be a week or two between drives, which isn't ideal for batteries. You driving a lot actually is better for battery health. But you could simply had a bum battery.

 

[dnice_1980]

I've noticed the same thing, quite a few people posting the original battery not lasting as long, but you have to take that with a grain of salt since most people posting on forums is a small minority of owners, and people with issues looking for solutions.

That being said, my battery is over six years old now, and hasn't missed a beat, seems to be strong still, even considering it could be a week or two between drives, which isn't ideal for batteries. You driving a lot actually is better for battery health. But you could simply had a bum battery.

Well said. You are right. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Quint]

The original battery in my 2021 is on its fourth Minnesota winter. The stock battery in my 2015 Ram only lasted four winters before needing to be replaced. I'm likely close to needing a replacement.

There is an Interstate Battery distribution center near my house with a tiny retail store on the front. I buy all of my boat/snowmobile/ATV and truck batteries there. I've learned over the years that battery companies sell their watered down versions to the big box stores so that retailers can sell them for the best price. However, if you want the batteries that last then buy them directly from the manufacturer. They last much longer in my experience and warrant the higher price. I put an Interstate 94R AGM in my old truck as well.

The junky stock batteries last four years so I'm not sure what a 4yr Walmart warranty really means. My replacement batteries better last closer to 8yrs and usually exceed that. If I pay $30-$40 more for a good battery and it lasts twice as long, I consider that a win for me.

 

[HSKR R/T]

The original battery in my 2021 is on its fourth Minnesota winter. The stock battery in my 2015 Ram only lasted four winters before needing to be replaced. I'm likely close to needing a replacement.

There is an Interstate Battery distribution center near my house with a tiny retail store on the front. I buy all of my boat/snowmobile/ATV and truck batteries there. I've learned over the years that battery companies sell their watered down versions to the big box stores so that retailers can sell them for the best price. However, if you want the batteries that last then buy them directly from the manufacturer. They last much longer in my experience and warrant the higher price. I put an Interstate 94R AGM in my old truck as well.

The junky stock batteries last four years so I'm not sure what a 4yr Walmart warranty really means. My replacement batteries better last closer to 8yrs and usually exceed that. If I pay $30-$40 more for a good battery and it lasts twice as long, I consider that a win for me.

The Interstate brand doesn't make their own batteries. They just pay other companies to put their name on them

 

[firecadet613]

I'm still on my OEM battery in my 2019.

Now that I rarely drive it, it's on the battery tender a day every other week.

I'll do the H8 at Walmart when it finally dies, that seems to be the best deal.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I replaced my factory battery pre-emptively. I watched charging voltages and it wasn't charging as much while driving. And I did have it due on me every in in ownership. I still using that battery in my 66 D100. The Walmart Everstart H8 has been great. Lots of reserve and definitely feels like it crank the truck over better with the higher CCAs.,

 

[n8zcc]

The Interstate brand doesn't make their own batteries. They just pay other companies to put their name on them

Johnson Controls makes Interstate and Everstart; they manufacture about 2/3s of the batteries sold in the US. East Penn makes Deka and makes up the balance.