Diesel Batteries---$150-$200 . . . X2---ouch!!

[otrfun]

Yes, I was aware my truck had two batteries when I bought it, but honestly, never gave it much thought at the time. Kinda just made a mental note about the $100-$150 fuel filters, larger E-rated tires, and the 3-4 quarts of extra oil.

While helping a friend (with a diesel) shop for batteries the reality hit me---it's going to cost approx. 3X more to replace the batteries on a diesel vs. a typical 1/2 ton gasser !

Curious, how long do diesel batteries typically last? I usually get 3-5 years out of my gasser batteries.

[Cummins12V98]

"The rear fuel filter is a major pain in the butt though... "

Please explain. I have changed mine twice with no issues at all.

[Grit_dog]

Since we are now in to fuel filters in a battery thread. IMO there should be no complaining about additional fuel filtration. That's what most mfgs suffered from in the earlier days of high pressure injection light duty diesels.
Now the cost of those filters is re tarded. When you can buy 2 micron quality spin on filters for well under $20 a pop, it's obvious that it's simply another profit center for mfgs of passenger vehicles.
However, it's pretty easy to drop $200 on an aftermarket filtration system or build one for considerably less and be able to use the same economical filters as the big boys use in commercial applications.

[Charlie_D_]

otrfun wrote:
Hate to get off topic too much, but I'm curious. Do late model Ford & Chevy diesels also use two fuel filters like the Ram?

2006 and 2013 D/A have only one filter

[billyray50]

Crambo wrote:
The dual OEM filters for the ram can be found for less than a hundred sometimes on eBay and Amazon. It seems like the price fluctuates some from day to day. Takes about 20 minutes to change them both and the dealer will charge $300 bucks for the filters and the labor to change them.

The rear fuel filter is a major pain in the butt though...

[billyray50]

agesilaus wrote:
I just replaced one in my 2012 F350. I got one at Autozone with a higher rated cranking amps 800 instead of 700 on the OEM batteries. Cost about $115 each. What truck do you have that costs $150 for fuel filters?!

My previous truck was a 2006 Ram CTD SRW. Both batteries lasted me 5 years and I reside in Dallas, Texas. The fuel filter for the 5.9 Cummins was only 15 bucks and I changed it. My new Ram 3500 DRW CTD has 2 fuel filters. One in engine compartment and one mounted under frame in rear of truck. Both new filters cost near 60 bucks a piece. Dealer wants over 300 bucks to change fuel filters.

[hotpepperkid]

agesilaus wrote:

time2roll wrote:
As long as you are spending money consider an AGM for superior cranking amps, faster charging, higher resting voltage, lower maintenance, etc. One brand is Sears Platinum.

Yeah they are what, $250 or so? I don't know what maintenance you do on a modern no fill battery. Keep the cables clean is about it.

So at almost twice the price of a regular flooded cell battery do they last almost twice as long?

[Crambo]

The dual OEM filters for the ram can be found for less than a hundred sometimes on eBay and Amazon. It seems like the price fluctuates some from day to day. Takes about 20 minutes to change them both and the dealer will charge $300 bucks for the filters and the labor to change them.

[Grit_dog]

otrfun wrote:

Bedlam wrote:
My dual batteries in the Ford with the PSD lasted eight years. The single battery in my VW with the TDI lasted over 10 years. Batteries are a small percentage of vehicle maintenance costs.

Wow, that's some great longevity. Can't say I've ever had a vehicle battery last that long. I might add I always watch water levels and voltages closely.

Before I moved to AZ I do remember batteries lasting much longer. Here in the desert SW, extremely low humidity, 7-8 months of 90+ temps, and 110-115 degree summer temps, all take a serious toll on batteries. From my experience batteries here last 3-4 years, 5-6 years if I'm real lucky. I would venture to say batteries are probably a higher percentage of maintenance costs here than in the PNW.

You are exactly correct. Heat is horrible on batteries. I lost more newer batteries in the 2 years we lived in Phoenix than anywhere else.
By comparison, I've got a pair of 9 & 7 year old batteries in the truck right now that are still going strong, most of all of their life in the PNW and AK. Knock on wood!

[thomasgunnar]

otrfun wrote:
Hate to get off topic too much, but I'm curious. Do late model Ford & Chevy diesels also use two fuel filters like the Ram?

My 03 F350 uses two. I think they do from the 6.0 until present. I believe one is more of a water separator though.

[otrfun]

Hate to get off topic too much, but I'm curious. Do late model Ford & Chevy diesels also use two fuel filters like the Ram?

[cummins2014]

otrfun wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
There is nothing special about the batteries in a diesel truck vs a gas vehicle. When I replaced batteries in my truck I got the best deal from NAPA on their 84 month batteries. Mine are going on 5 years old and I may replace them next spring.

That may be so, but Ram calls for a pair of 94R/H7 batteries which typically sell for $150-$200 each at most battery sources

Not sure if has been mentioned here about AGM in the newer Rams. I know from having an AGM for my electric trolling motor I had to buy a charger with the AGM charging capability.

Would there be a problem replacing the OEM AGM with standard batteries. Is this going to cause a charging problem ?

[Cummins12V98]

minnow wrote:
As long as my Ram is under warranty, I'll be sticking with OEM oil and fuel filters. Might save a few bucks with aftermarket but if something goes wrong I don't need an argument at the dealership that aftermarket parts caused the issue.

Good call! Per factory reps they will take note of filters used if any type of filtration claim is being considered. They don't "F" around anymore.

Fleetguard by Cummins, Mopar or Raycor for the frame mount location is the ONLY filters one should use while under warranty. I would still recommend even after!

Batteries? I would buy whatever Costo has to sell. Seems they have gone to Interstate lately.

[Charlie_D_]

Something to watch for when changing batteries. This is what happened on the first battery change on my 2006 D/A. Went to local battery dealer to have both changed. He disconnected one at a time. When complete I noticed that my engine hours had went to "0". I went to DieselPlace looking for answers but no one had an answer on what happened.

I always reference hours along with date and mileage when performing any maintenance. Fortunately I had just changed oil a few days before and knew the current mileage. For the remained of ownership I added the new hours to the old to get an accurate total f hours.

[tinner12002]

otrfun wrote:

Helmsey wrote:

otrfun wrote:
Kinda just made a mental note about the $100-$150 fuel filters

WHAT?!? What kind of fuel filters do you have? :?

'16 Ram CTD. Engine and chassis OEM Mopar fuel filters (as a set) typically sell discount on Amazon and eBay for approx. $100. $150-$200 at the dealer. If anybody's finding them cheaper somewhere else (not counting one-time great deals), please let me know, thanks!

Just ordered a set, 2 fuel filters and 1 oil filter all OEM from Avondaleautomotive on ebay for $107 free shipping.

[minnow]

As long as my Ram is under warranty, I'll be sticking with OEM oil and fuel filters. Might save a few bucks with aftermarket but if something goes wrong I don't need an argument at the dealership that aftermarket parts caused the issue.