Junk Stock Battery

Went to leave for work this morning at 0530, 23 degrees outside. Turned the key and it took a number of extra cranks to turn over. Left work tonight and battery was dead! Had to have a fellow coworker jump me and straight to AutoZone.
The battery is only 4 years old, I've never had a battery go this fast. I'm hoping it was just the battery and not the alternator. I didn't have them checked because the store was closing in 15min.

 

Well... they are a 48 month battery...

 

I recommend everyone get a portable battery jumper. My wife had to use hers one night after school in the dark with no one around. It’s also great when you want to help someone else out, but don’t want to run the risk of screwing with your own vehicle.

 

I think mine is close too, only 2 years old and 23k on the truck. When it does come time to replace, what the best option on the market? Mechanical knowledge isn’t my strong suit.

 

that's all they last 4 years for my battery in my old Tacoma.purchased a cheap one at local tire shop, worked good, my other vehicle had a NAPA which was six years old and still starts in cold weather

 

mine lasted less than 2 years. our 2017 4runner battery lasted less than 4 months.

 

No doubt 4 years is long! I just replaced my last one it’s been like 10 months. Also, if you trucks runs after you boost it the alternator is working correctly. Cheers

 

I don't know about the best option but I've always had good luck with Deka batteries, they're made either in PA or Iowa. Not sure how big the distributor network is though.

 

Mine stock lasted 30k miles and less than 2 years. I do have AMP power running boards with lights that I contribute to drawing power so I wasn't 100% upset but surprised. It was replaced under warranty.

 

I've always liked the Optima no maintenance yellow top

 

I think a lot of vehicles ship with shit batteries. They can cut corners there because no one even looks at them. Tires also. I know the Bridgestone tires on the gen 2’s were trash.

My daughter’s car is two or three months old, and the battery already messed up.

Not many people, myself included, are going to sweat that kind of thing when they’re buying a car.

And honestly I’d bet not many are even going to take it back to the dealership to get replaced. Too easy to do yourself.

 

This^^^^^^

 

You shouldn't have been surprised that your truck did not start at the end of the day after it had trouble starting that morning.

Batteries don't last forever. Some last less than a year, others last 8. Depends on a number of factors. 4 years is normal. Next time your starter tells you your battery is about to die, replace it right away. And keep a portable jump pack with you. Never know when you might accidentally leave something powered on that drains your battery. You got lucky a coworker was around to give you a jump.

 

Mine lasted 18 months. I replaced it with man X2 Power (Northstar) battery from Batteries Plus. The stock one is absolute garbage.

 

I read too many posts about the factory batteries taking a dump after a couple years. I grabbed a Northstar 27f at 5k miles.

 

My previous truck was a Dodge Ram, had nothing but problems with it. The battery was the only thing with that truck I didn't have to replace and that was around 8 years!
Just for anyone who's interested in jump packs, my coworker pulled out a small little pac that was about the size of our owners manual. I told him it would never jump my truck. We gave it a try and after about 1 min I turned the key and it fired up!
The pack was a DBpower 600 amp pack. It has cables, USB ports and a few other applications. Sells for about $70 on Amazon. Gonna have to pick one up!

 

Optima

 

Another vote here for Optima

 

Sounds like you haven't had to buy a battery in a long time, at least 12 years. I can see how you might be shocked to finally have a dead battery after all that time.

 

My battery was replaced 4 weeks after taking ownership of my 1794.
Sounds like most of you got more out of your's than I did.

 

Four years is not bad for a battery; especially if you live in an area with large temperature changes throughout the year. Odyssey>Optima

 

Optima’s website says they don’t have a battery that fits the Tundra. Do you know which one is a good fit?

 

I wouldnt off top of my head..... just know I have used them in prior vehicles. If I remember our battery wasnt really a different size from normal

 

I would suggest an X2, rebadged north star, as one to highly consider.

I think the fitment problem is due to the lug/terminals shape. Just a guess though.
My current exide battery i just grabbed off the shelf and threw it in. Was a little shorter than the oem but that was an easy fix. Come to think of it, ive never really worried about the size, top /side posts, or the shape of the battery top. $20 for some battery terminals and wire lugs will pretty much solve most problems. Unless the bat is physically way to big then, eh... Id still make it fit some how.

 

I recommend a group 24 from Walmart for 49.99. It is small and light so you should be able to go faster ! lol

 

This

 

I've been lucky so far. Coming up on 6 years for mine. Glad this thread came up, reminds me that I need to go get a new one.

 

Deka or interstate