Per Consumer reports
"
How many companies make auto batteries?


Most aftermarket car batteries sold in the U.S. are made by three companies that build them for retailers: Johnson Controls, which supplies more than half of the market; Stryten; and East Penn. They are sold under various names and built to the specifications of retailers, so performance can vary" Personally I have had decent performance out of the wal mart jobs.

 

I’ve had decent performance out of the WalMart EverStart MAXX batteries too! Made in Milwaukee by Clarios (Johnson Controls). Paid just under $90 ea one year ago and have had no issues. I keep the electrolyte level topped up and keep them on a “smart” maintainer if the truck is going to sit for a few days.

 

When I was looking to replace mine, the mopar batteries from the dealer were actually priced the best, so I went with them.

 

Both my batteries were original 5 years old, I needed one battery earlier this year. Could tell the way it was starting. Cranking was slower. But I replaced both with Interstate’s MTX premium gold MTX94RH7. 850 amps. Cost was about if I remember correctly $450.00. I was more worried about grid heater and lag on the starter if both batteries were not 100% when it is time to get back into the cold weather. Looking to get another 5 years of care free service.
Good luck

 

I never replaced both batteries at same time. LOL One would get "bad/low" and I would buy a new one fore wifes Durango and swap hers to my truck. Mine breaks down, its a PIA. If hers dont start I would hear about it for much longer.

 

If we were talking about a damaged battery I would agree. In my opinion batteries have time intervals. Even if the second battery would last one more season. Would that $50.00 saved at that time of replacing both pay for a service call or the increased cost at a later time? An additional $250.00 over the course of 5 years is a very small price to pay when the truck is down for service. The last thing a person ever wants is to be stuck by the side of the road at any cost.

 

For me it worked. Most of my travel was under 200 miles at the time. Never let "old" battery get to point truck was basically on one battery.