I have a 2004 3.4L xtracab. I’ve been using an Interstate battery from Costco for years, and it has worked great. But should I stick with it, or go for a stronger battery? My truck’s electrical system is all stock for now, but I might add a brush guard with fog lights, maybe a light bar, winch, and possibly a backup camera. Money is not an issue, but I just want to get the best battery. I don’t want to overspend if I don’t need to.
The Costco battery is fine, and even Walmart has decent ones. The cheaper ones often come with a 3-year warranty, which should be enough to catch any defects. I wouldn’t spend extra on a high-end battery for a regular car. Parts store batteries are usually the same as the ones at Walmart, but at a much higher price. I think in the U.S., there are really just three main battery makers, excluding EV batteries, of course.
I’ve used Optima Yellowtops, and they’ve lasted me more than 5 years without issues.
If you’re in a colder climate, gel-start batteries are a good option. They usually cost just $100 more than regular lead-acid batteries. If you’re adding accessories that draw a lot of power, I’d suggest investing in a better alternator instead. But a light bar doesn’t really use much power, and usually, electrical upgrades like amps or subwoofers draw more power.
For me, I’ve had good luck with the cheapest ones from TSC. I’ve put them in several cars, and none of them have failed me. Plus, they’re only about $70 each.