What was your OEM Battery Replacement?

Northstar X2 Power AGM!!!

 

@dkrou , You could always make one. There's not much to it really..

@BrewBabe, you could always upgrade when it gets colder if battery doesn't seem up to the task. As long as its not leaking excessively and starts fine, there is no problem.

 

How old is your current battery? If you have an Auto Zone parts store, they can do a load test on your battery to tell you for sure if it is bad or going downhill.

 

@ NewImprovedRon
" How old is your current battery? If you have an Auto Zone parts store, they can do a load test on your battery to tell you for sure if it is bad or going downhill."

2020 stock battery, so its 3 years old, 30k checkup.
You think the AutoZone test is a different test than the store that specializes in truck batteries?

 

I don’t trust the dealers. My daughters tundra tested at 580 at a independent shop last November and they said it was fine and we get -0 temps here. So this fall I’ll replace it at 4 1/2 old.

 

There are a couple of tests and the more important one is the load test.

You could calm your fears by either getting a new battery and/or by getting a jump box, which everyone should have anyway.

 

And since its Costco anything......ANYTHING happens in the first 3 years and they hand you a new one.

 

Id carry a

$121 JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12 Volt Jump Starter , Blue

JNC660, new battery or not, always good to have a solid jumper pack just incase.

 

My OEM battery was replaced with another OEM battery under warranty.

 

Since I don't know what tests were performed, I can't speculate. If the local battery shop told me it was "good" though' and didn't try to sell me a replacement battery, I would probably believe them more than the dealership.

 

Replaced OEM 17, 30 months after date on battery with another OEM.

Replaced that second OEM from 2020, exactly 30 months after date on battery with the highest level Duralast battery from Autozone.

I have zero complaints with the non-OEM battery. Higher cranking amps and cheaper.

 

Just make sure to keep it charged up. Even from new I had to charge mine every 2-3 months.

I eventually went with a NOCO GB70. Much smaller and lighter, and I check it every 3 months, and top it off maybe once a year. I’ve used it a couple times and it has plenty of power.

 

Most people are just simply too lazy to take the time to maintain their batteries (simple monthly fluid level check and trickle charge).
The original Motorcraft battery in my 92 Ford lasted 11 years (still working when I changed it), got another 12 years out of the Motorcraft replacement (still working), sold the truck with the third battery when it was 30 years old.
Have the original in my '16 Tundra, still going strong, but people on the forum say their junk.

 

Tell me about these terminals please.

 

Duracell (East Penn) AGM from Batteries Plus. 48 month free replacement. I also did the GM diode/7.5 amp fuse mod for AGM charging.

 

Went to Costco and got a 24F AGM. Couldn't find anywhere else that came close to their price.

https://costco.interstatebatteries....91&choice4=2068797&choice5=2068798&Country=US

 

https://gpcaraudio.com/gp-audio-v2-sae-style-6-spot-machined-battery-terminals/

 

I wanted one of these but no Costco in my area had one or would even order one for me.

 

I used to carry a similar lithium pack from Battery Tender. It did work well, right up until it didnt. I dont trust the lithium packs anymore since the cold and heat kills them and eventually the entire thing will expand and stop working. The lead acid battery in the JNC is a little better dealing with temperature swings and i do top it off every three months. If you sign up for their emails they send you a reminder to do so. Plus once the battery inside goes you can just replace it rather than buy an entire new pack like the lithium units.

 

I bought a set of these before they started putting the set screws on them and they were too big for my battery posts. Contacted GPAudio and they would not exchange them for the new style product. I was never able to use the ones I have and they are still sitting in my garage. Swore off GPAudio for any future business because of that.

 

@SD Surfer

Of course..
Got them October 22, so far so good..



Amazon.com: Vgate Lead Acid Battery Terminal Clamps, 8AWG up to 4/0(XL) AWG Gauge, 12-Way Connectors, Positive and Negative (+/-)(Pair) for SAE/DIN/EN Tapered Top Post : Automotive

Certainly better than what I had, there are 2 smaller o connectors on the bottom...

 

Just about everyone has stories of batteries that went well beyond their expected lifespans and also ones that shit the bed well before.

You check your battery's water and put it on a trickle charger every month? Not lazy, also not OCD, but no way am I wasting my time doing that. And shouldn't your battery be charged every time you drive it?

 

You don't need to check water levels every month, I check mine once a year and I have a quick disconnect for my Optimate charger that takes a me maybe an extra 5 minutes to plug in overnight once a month. Smart chargers like an Optimate do more than just charge they also help condition the battery with electric pulses as well and tell you the health of the battery. I have a trolling motor that I already needed the optimate 7 charger for so it wasnt an extra cost but I have also used smaller Optimate chargers for 24/7 storage connected to my motorcycle and I got over 10 years out of my last battery. Your alternator does charge your battery but not all the way. I dont have time to get stuck with a dead battery so I make sure to keep mine healthy and my charger will let me know when its starting to go bad and it's time to replace it.

 

Just coming back since I jinxed myself. My OEM battery in my 2019 with 48,000 just died today. Picked up a replacement interstate from Costco for $109+$15 core charge. So wierd, I had just got home to change and head back out and it died on my way back out but started just fine an hour before. Wouldn't even crank, just nothing when turning the key. Read 8.3 Volts!

 

When my OEM died a premature death my first stop was WalMart. The WalMart where I live quit carrying 27s in the proper post configuration for a Tundra. I went to AutoZone and bought one. My thought on WalMart is a lot of people shop there for the prices so they probably were selling a lot more 24s. Not a fan of Batterries Plus.

 

I learned yesterday that a regular 27 battery is the same size as a 27F but the terminals are reversed

 

2016 here, replaced battery 1 year ago with a NAPA battery.

 

My OEM on the 2018 lasted just beyond the 36 mos warranty. Bought a 24F AGM on sale at Advance on sale for under $200. Has same CCA as 27F flooded. I'm a fan of AGMs after flooded batteries in my old Suburban leak when side terminal fell out melting the pos lead to started and in my Porsche leaked around terminal melting hole in trunk floor. I also bought one of @Coupe's custom hold down. I've use OEM terminals but if you have extra lighting or a big amp get aftermarket billet terminals.

 

I wound up going with the Autozone Duralast Platinum EFB 27F for several reasons

- Didn't want any possible issues with the AGM/GM diode route
- Don't have any extreme loads that would require a AGM battery
- EFB is the same technology as the OEM
- CCA 810A (vs OEM 710A)
- No Maintenance required
- More durable and longer lasting than traditional flooded cell battery. I looked at Interstate but they don't currently make a 27F EFB (MTX in Interstate terms)
- EFB batteries are better suited for off road/rough terrain that I find myself on often
- Previous positive experience with the AZ EFB on my wives Armada
- Battery is readily available and easily replaceable under warranty if I have any issues

The Autozone EFB battery may not be as sexy at the X2 but it fills the gap between traditional batteries and AGM's and overall seems like a more logical for my situation.

 

I replaced the battery in my daughters Tundra with a Napa 27F this weekend as I was putting on the terminals I saw it stamped made in Mexico. I almost took it back.