Items that operate when engine is off (higher end models) can cause premature battery replacement (IMO):

1. Power running boards (I set this to "Out" before shutting off in the DIC). Those two servo motors must need a lot of juice?
2. Tilt / telescope steering wheel
3. Power adjustable brake pedal
4. Auto Start Stop doesn't help either

Optional turn off items:

1. Headlight - parking light 30 second delay shutoff when engine is off
2. Folding mirrors for those who fold them when engine is off
3. Power window usage for the short time they can be used after engine shutoff
4. Auto dual heating / AC left on when engine is off. This adds a big load when starting engine
5. Power moon roof operation with engine off
6. Remote start, depending on outside temps, either heated or cooled seats will turn on when started remotely
7. Rear sliding window with engine off

I acknowledge there will be some bad batteries that fail prematurely but these trucks are a long way from our father's trucks and many of our old routine practices don't apply anymore. All these options and / or standard features are fun to have but they can take a toll on a battery over time.

IMO this is why some with higher end trucks only get 2, 3 - 4 years from a battery over time. My OEM battery lasted 5 yrs 2 months before I replaced it preemptively because It was giving me a few DMM voltage 'nudges' and DIC messages so I replaced it. This all disappeared with the new battery. I only drive about 3,000 short-run miles per year under the worst conditions for a battery so I turned off everything 'that I could to save battery power.

https://www.f150forum.com/f129/messa...6/#post7509378

 

Same here, I turned all of that off because I only drive 2,000 miles a year. Not all are short-run, mostly about 20 miles every week or two.

 

What might matter more are all the digital systems that run when the truck is off, monitoring conditions, watching for updates, etc. Does anyone know what is really drawing current?

 

Agreed. I'm not technical enough to list those so I omitted mentioning them.

 

add Dashcam, especially if WiFi connected in Parking Mode.