I can't get over what batteries cost now. I remember buying red top Optimas for $100, and complaining when they went up to $125.

 

Depends where you shop. Wal-mart lists a replacement for my 2013 for $93.76 with a 5 year warranty (3 years free, 2 years pro-rated) - MAXX-65N. They want $237.99 for an Optima RedTop, but I wouldn't get that anyway.

Putting in a 2016 (most recent year they show) brings up a MAXX-H6 for $117.93. AGM batter is $137.87 or $164.86.

Costco has an Interstate battery for my truck for $94.99

 

 

I thought about that, but I will just get one that plugs in so I can remove it if the outlet is needed for something else. That, and the dash outlet can easily interfere with the truck's RF for remote lock/unlock/start.

 

Before posting that, I did a Ford search for battery specials and did not see anything as high as you quoted. Interesting!

 

Yup. I'm going on year 4 with my wally world battery after the OEM crapped out 9 months in.
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I disconnected that when I disconnected the BMS sensor, no more issues even with my little 2 mile commute. I do however remote start the truck 10mins prior to leaving to warm/cool the interior as needed.
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Batteries still take the same amount of people, lead and acid to make them. What's changed? The value of a dollar.

 

Most certainly. Lead has become quite expensive, and I would imagine a lot of that is due to environmental fees imposed along all the steps of the mfg process. FWIW we use red top Optimas in much of the farm equipment because they can sit for long periods of inactivity without sulfating like a wet battery. They also don't gas off in hot environments and cause corrosion. I've experienced very good service life with them, often 4-5 years and that's outstanding for a field tractor. I like everything about them except the price. Kinda like new trucks.......