Best High Quality, Most Dependable Battery Brand(s)?

[AzScorpion]

Was that before or after damper was installed? ?

Pre damper. ? It was another truck when I lived back east. I could've been a fluke which I'm sure it was but ever since then whenI've needed a new battery I bought Interstate and had good luck with them. But I will add I'm not one that keep anything (cars, trucks, toys) a long time so I can't deny these others aren't as good or better than Interstate.

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[Friday yet?]

My only thing is they have a Diehard listed as #2. I've had so many problems with these batteries before I'll never trust another one again. The last time I tried using them I had to bring it back 3 times within 1 year.

First, I didn't even know Diehard was still a thing. Who is going to warranty that? In another 15 minutes or so it won't be Sears. Or is it no longer a Sears brand? I don't know. Maybe they sold that like they did Craftsman.

Second, all I can think about is the Diehard fiasco from the mid-70's (?). That brand battery dropped off my radar then.

 

[Friday yet?]

The Ahole at Ford that made these decisions was forced into retirement, December 1.

Far too often that is NOT the case. Kudo's to Ford.

 

[NeilP]

First, I didn't even know Diehard was still a thing. Who is going to warranty that? In another 15 minutes or so it won't be Sears. Or is it no longer a Sears brand? I don't know. Maybe they sold that like they did Craftsman.

Second, all I can think about is the Diehard fiasco from the mid-70's (?). That brand battery dropped off my radar then.

Advanced Auto Parts purchased the DieHard brand name and the batteries are readily available. I don't recall who is building them for Advanced Auto, but when I was comparing the DieHard AGM to the Odyssey, the specs show they have almost the same CCA ratings. The Diehard is a bit cheaper than the Odyssey.

 

[Rene Michaels]

Thanks to all for the feedback!

I may be over-analyzing this, but I always strive to make the best purchase decision for my particular needs/use. Being close to retirement age and on a fixed income, I plan to pay-off and keep my Ranger for a long time to come. It will probably be one of the last vehicles I buy.

I appreciate all the posts referencing battery manufacturers, but we should remember that just because a battery *brand* is made by the same manufacturer, doesn't mean it's the same battery. MFGs make different brands and models within a brand to suit a variety of specs, consumer uses, and price points, so not all are created equal.

With regard to batteries, with your help I am learning that many factors impact overall durability (age, temperature, driving style and number of peripherals, frequency of use, and maintenance). Climate appears to have the most impact. The area where I live in Texas has a wide range of temps, so "Operating Temperature Range" of the battery is spec I am paying most attention to.

I also respect the research, testing, and decisions of our military. Based on my research, there appears to be 5 battery brands used on military and commercial vehicles. They include (in alpha order w/links to OEM models for the 2019 Ranger if one exists):

ACDelco - MFG: Johnson Controls (no OEM direct-fit for Ranger)
Bosch - MFG: Johnson Controls
Odyssey - MFG: EnerSys Energy Products Inc
Optima (yellow top) - MFG: Johnson Controls
XS-Power - MFG: The Loxus company (no OEM direct-fit for Ranger)

The Bosch battery claims "Extreme Heat and Cold Reliability" but I could not find published operating temps spec. On the Optima, the only temp spec I found was here: https://www.thebatterygenie.com/odyssey-vs-optima-battery-comparison-recommendation/.

With that, of the three OEMs above, it seems the Odyssey has the highest "Operating Temperature Range" (-40°F / -40°C to 140°F / +60°C) and will likely be my choice. The Odyssey Spec sheet is attached to this post.

If you do not have a need for a wide range of operating temps as I, or want to consider less expensive alternatives other than those above, here's a "group size" reference that may be helpful for fitment (look at the cross reference chart ...the Lariat has an BCI Size Group 94R Battery which is an H7 DIN Code). I'm not certain about this, and I'm sure other members can verify, but I think the XL and XLT Rangers use an H6 DIN Code:
https://batterygroupexpert.com/battery-group-size-chart-and-cross-reference-table/

 

[Beez]

Interesting..... Project Farm had a comparison of different batteries - 4 lead acid and 2 AGM - and the DieHard performed better than the Optima. The other interesting thing was that the WalMart battery he tested performed very well and was one of (if not the) cheapest options for lead acid batteries.

Here is the link to the Project Farm Battery Comparison. Walmart and Costcos Interstate won the day:

 

[Skit hjälm]

Fwiw,
Deka battery has won my favor. Primarily for customer service and variety available right on hand.
Quality wise, none I ever had failed prematurely.
Average 9 years on their maintenance free series. That's not really at failure either.
Just out of prudence. And load testing noting the capacity dropping off but otherwise working fine. We feel 9 years on is pretty good service getting moneys worth.

 

[btsmith52]

The only battery that I've consistently had bad service from is Motorcraft. Don't replace with another Motorcraft battery.

 

[Frenchy]

Choosing a high-quality and dependable battery is crucial for the reliable performance of your 2019 Ford Ranger. One brand that often stands out for such requirements is Optima. They are known for their durability and long-lasting power.

Lol Optima used to be known for that before they were bought by Johnson Controls. Then that durability went down the drain and now many people waist their money on them

 

[MountainGoat]

Lol Optima used to be known for that before they were bought by Johnson Controls. Then that durability went down the drain and now many people waist their money on them

It's a butt you are responding too.

Er I mean a bot. Don't know why I thought butt.

 

[JDCinVA]

I found this article while researching this topic and though it might be helpful to other 2019's here who plan to relace the battery themselves:

2019 Ford Ranger Replace a car battery

Is that for real? Does the dealer really do it that way when they replace batteries?!

 

[Radioman]

Is that for real? Does the dealer really do it that way when they replace batteries?!

When I changed the battery, the only thing I had to reset was the driver's window auto up feature . The tire pressure monitor reset after driving just a short way. The presets of the radio remained. I didn't notice any difference in driving, the truck seemed normal to me. I haven't seen anyone on here have major issues on the battery replacement.

 

[JaysOnTheEDGE]

I've always used NAPA batteries they have lasted the longest for me out of all the parts house batteries. i think only 1 or 2 manufactures for the majority of battery's johnson controls and cant think of the other.

 

[Frenchy]

I've always used NAPA batteries they have lasted the longest for me out of all the parts house batteries. i think only 1 or 2 manufactures for the majority of battery's johnson controls and cant think of the other.

There are 3 manufacturers. Johnson Controls, Enersys and East Penn Manufacturing. Most Auto Parts stores are made by Johnson Controls. Napa I believe uses East Penn. Can't speak for Motocraft. I know Batteries Plus uses Enersys.

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