So I need to buy a new battery for my FX4; here are my choices, which would you guys choose? I have the factory subwoofer and also some first responder lighting and radios. The aftermarket equipment turns off 2 hours after the truck does.

Motorcraft, Interstate, Optima Deep Cycle

 

Interstate. The optimas don't do well in cold weather. Get the biggest one you can fit under the hood.

 

I believe you need a special charger to charge an Optima.

 

I voted Motorcraft with the caveat that you simply add a kill switch to all the aftermarket stuff so you can turn it off when the truck is off. Interstate are suppose to be good, but my last two Interstates lasted less than two years so I'm kind of soured on them. Since Optima's changed hands a few years back I've heard the quality is lacking.

 

No, a stock alternator is fine. They have a spiral cell technology and rather than a lead/acid use a gel. They are great unless they get cold, then they can have issues.

 

Wow Are you kidding me...... Wish I would have seen this thread 3 days ago. I just bought a brand new optima yellow top for my truck. But so y'all say they don't do good in cold? What do y'all define as 'cold'? I live in Alabama and it gets down to the 20 maybe 2 weeks out of the year. Will my battery be ok with that?

 

I have an optima in my boat. I've had it for almost 3 years and it hasn't let me down yet. That's saying a lot since it sits in my garage all winter and I only charge it once a month.

 

Let me rephrase, they don't like Minnesota winters.

 

I've had Optima yellow tops in two vehicles and never had an issue with them or cold weather.. They are top quality in my opinion..

Georgia cold..

 

Optimas dont like cold. I had them in my 7.3 and added 2 battery heaters to keep em starting strong.