What truck batteries do you use and how long do they last?

I delivered a load of lead to Toledo from Detroit on a Triple Crown Roadrailer Trailer around 25 yrs ago. I assembly line at the end every other battery was tagged Die Hard Gold And Interstate ? I had a Diehard Gold, high cca battery.Lasted through a few cars about 7 yrs. Before that I’d get trade ins for $5 from my brother in law who worked at Murray’s auto ( oreillys now). Last time I was stranded I said no more!! I buy from either Freightliner or Peterbilt/ Kenworth. (3) On sale about every 3-4 yrs. Just saw some $90 ea.Use them in pick up truck too. Cheaper than Wal mart

 

Got 4 yrs from my last set of Interstate batteries. At a little over $100/each, don't really see much value in AGM's.

 

There are only a few battery manufacturers, the rest is branding. The most important factor is getting the battery most suitable to your use. (CCA/ Amp hours)

AGM are worth the money if you want a sealed battery.

 

we use gel batteries here at wm

 

My Volvo came with 4 Exides (same ones as OP). They were 4 years old this year and I didn't thought they were on the way out so I replaced them with 4 more. The new ones are no better, meaning I didn't really have a problem. I just have a big inverter and AC fridge that takes them down quick.

I've got the 4 OEM ones sitting on a bench. Every now and then I walk by them and put a meter on them. They've been sitting at 12.8 for 3 months. SOLID batteries.

 

Would you be thinking of going with different kind next time around? I worry my three will go out pretty fast since I don’t have that 4th battery. Only good thing is I do have an APU so that will help.

 

Not exactly. They have a larger battery bank and lower cranking amps.

 

They make batteries so cheap anymore , I keep em clean and the terminals coated and at 24 months ..truck or car I pitch em good or bad .
Isn't worth the hassle of a service call , lost time , insane road parts pricing and hassle ...not to mention bad batteries will take out an alternater.
24 and gone !

 

I got mine from a Freightliner dealer. I remember they had at least two different cranking amps of the “dual” batteries. I wanted the highest cranking amps, but they didn’t have enough batteries in stock. So I went with the lower amps.

 

I've had the worst luck with AGM batteries. They work great when new but when they start to go they go downhill fast.

I've had the best luck with GM AC Delco brand batteries.