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.

[cummins2014]

FishOnOne wrote:

billyray50 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"The rear fuel filter is a major pain in the butt though... "

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

No need to explain when we have a video.

Ram Fuel Filter Change

There are MUCH easier ways to accomplish that task!!!

I watched this video after buying the new truck. Watched another video too regarding rear filter. Cummins12v98 I had a issue with the front filter cover being a bear to loosen from the factory regarding first front filter change. Also noticed it was little harder for my 5'9" frame to reach the front filter compared to my previous 2006 ram 5.9 CTD which I changed for 9 years. The rear was just a pain because of where it is located. Also can be messy since there is still more diesel in the canister after draining. Please show me easier ways to do this. Pics and or video would be great.

Cummins probably removes the bed to access the fuel filter just like he removes the intake duct to access that pita oil filter. :B

Now thats funny ,but so true on the oil filter, just crazy having to do that :R

[FishOnOne]

billyray50 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"The rear fuel filter is a major pain in the butt though... "

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

No need to explain when we have a video.

Ram Fuel Filter Change

There are MUCH easier ways to accomplish that task!!!

I watched this video after buying the new truck. Watched another video too regarding rear filter. Cummins12v98 I had a issue with the front filter cover being a bear to loosen from the factory regarding first front filter change. Also noticed it was little harder for my 5'9" frame to reach the front filter compared to my previous 2006 ram 5.9 CTD which I changed for 9 years. The rear was just a pain because of where it is located. Also can be messy since there is still more diesel in the canister after draining. Please show me easier ways to do this. Pics and or video would be great.

Cummins probably removes the bed to access the fuel filter just like he removes the intake duct to access that pita oil filter. :B

[billyray50]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"The rear fuel filter is a major pain in the butt though... "

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

No need to explain when we have a video.

Ram Fuel Filter Change

There are MUCH easier ways to accomplish that task!!!

I watched this video after buying the new truck. Watched another video too regarding rear filter. Cummins12v98 I had a issue with the front filter cover being a bear to loosen from the factory regarding first front filter change. Also noticed it was little harder for my 5'9" frame to reach the front filter compared to my previous 2006 ram 5.9 CTD which I changed for 9 years. The rear was just a pain because of where it is located. Also can be messy since there is still more diesel in the canister after draining. Please show me easier ways to do this. Pics and or video would be great.

[transamz9]

Grit dog wrote:
Yes the OE batteries typically are a bit higher aH rated than a single battery gasser truck, I think, but even that is not really needed save for cold weather.

Especially if you have a Cummins............

[cummins2014]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"The rear fuel filter is a major pain in the butt though... "

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

No need to explain when we have a video.

Ram Fuel Filter Change

There are MUCH easier ways to accomplish that task!!!

And what would that be, yes he could of drained it first with a hose, and yes he could have been in a little different environment, but not everyone had a nice garage to do it in. Other then that it looked just like the PITA when I did it.

[Grit_dog]

Just like any other product you can find a deal or you can pay big bucks. Nothing magical about "diesel" batteries.
Yes the OE batteries typically are a bit higher aH rated than a single battery gasser truck, I think, but even that is not really needed save for cold weather.

[rhagfo]

transamz9 wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

transamz9 wrote:
I replaced the batteries in my 2005 Ram after nine years just for peace of mind on a trip. They never gave me any trouble. I give them to my FIL and he still uses them on his tractor. They will be 12 years old in Jan. My truck is garaged though.

Who makes the batteries for Chrysler?

I'm not sure but I think Johnson Control made them at that time. There are only a handful of companies that actually make the batteries. I believe also that the different batteries for the different model vehicles are made by different suppliers. It depends on who has the contract for a particular battery. I put Walmart batteries back on it.

Replaced mine with MOPAR dealer had them on sale for $99 + a 10 percent discount $189 out the door.

[Cummins12V98]

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"The rear fuel filter is a major pain in the butt though... "

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

No need to explain when we have a video.

Ram Fuel Filter Change

There are MUCH easier ways to accomplish that task!!!

[coolbreeze01]

I put Motorcraft MAX batteries in my Ram a few years ago because they were on sale and have a good warranty. My dealer sells Mopar and Ford products.

[transamz9]

FishOnOne wrote:

transamz9 wrote:
I replaced the batteries in my 2005 Ram after nine years just for peace of mind on a trip. They never gave me any trouble. I give them to my FIL and he still uses them on his tractor. They will be 12 years old in Jan. My truck is garaged though.

Who makes the batteries for Chrysler?

I'm not sure but I think Johnson Control made them at that time. There are only a handful of companies that actually make the batteries. I believe also that the different batteries for the different model vehicles are made by different suppliers. It depends on who has the contract for a particular battery. I put Walmart batteries back on it.

[FishOnOne]

transamz9 wrote:
I replaced the batteries in my 2005 Ram after nine years just for peace of mind on a trip. They never gave me any trouble. I give them to my FIL and he still uses them on his tractor. They will be 12 years old in Jan. My truck is garaged though.

Who makes the batteries for Chrysler?

[FishOnOne]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"The rear fuel filter is a major pain in the butt though... "

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

No need to explain when we have a video.

Ram Fuel Filter Change

[gwalter]

The batteries are definitely expensive. I had to replace my original ones yesterday after 6.5 years. I called all over the Springs and everyone was with $5 in price for a Group 94 battery. They were $184 each.

On the other hand I can't complain because I get my fuel filters for free. My brother in law is Onan/Cummins certified and works on large generators for care homes and hospitals and keeps them in stock. He gives me one when I need it because I help him out from time to time with installations.

[ktmrfs]

otrfun wrote:
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.

hardly. on my duramax new delco batteries were about 100 each, and they are not a unique battery, just two of them.

[cummins2014]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"The rear fuel filter is a major pain in the butt though... "

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

For the average person laying on their back draining diesel fuel out of the filter ,and removing, is just a blast, hell ya its a PITA . The cummins compared to other motors is more difficult in the maintenance side of thinks. Taking turbo hoses off, buying special tools, just the awkwardness of changing filters is a PITA.

How many threads on other trucks do you see on just the subject of removing the engine bay fuel filter cap, or what way is better thru the fender or taking parts off the motor to remove the oil filter, no other truck comes to mind other then the Cummins.

Why try to minimize the fact it is not that pleasant to do some of the maintenance on the Cummins , but a necessary evil . 😞