truck batteries

Getting the right battery for your heavy-duty truck can be nerve-wracking. To make the purchase you will need to know your truck better, the climate condition, weather conditions and also the road you drive regularly.

You have to be very careful while you buy the battery. No matter how well-maintained your truck is, it will face a hard time if you choose an unsuitable battery for it.

Heavy-duty trucks owning to their names are pretty heavy and can not be towed in case it has stopped functioning in the middle of the road.

Thus, installing a compatible battery suitable for your truck and regularly maintaining it is a must to avoid such a compromising and painful situation (especially in the winter!)

The winters are here and they can be ferocious to human beings and machines. Thus, it is the correct time to upgrade the truck battery. Keeping your need in mind, this article has some heavy-duty truck batteries mentioned, that are preferred. So get ready to know about the best heavy-duty truck batteries that will take you miles and beyond.

Best Heavy-Duty Truck Batteries Review

The products that are mentioned are among the highest-selling truck batteries. Parameters like price, durability, cold-cranking amps and warranty period of the products are taken into account while listing.

1. ODYSSEY Extreme Series 65-PC1720T

ODYSSEY Extreme Series 65-PC1720T

If you have been dealing with heavy trucks for a prolonged period, you know that ODYSSEY is one of the most trusted brands. And it has come up with yet another premium option, ODYSSEY Extreme Series 65-PC1750T.

It has batteries made with virgin lead plates rather than batteries with lead alloys. For your truck to go a few extra miles, the manufacturers have added more plates within the robust vibration-resistant casing.

The battery offers a 12 standard volt power capacity, making the beast run faster and longer. If you are searching for high CCA, consider your search ending here as if it offers 950 amps.

Features

  • Offers CCA 950
  • Warranty- 3 years limited and four years full replacement
  • Has SAE Automotive terminals
  • Universal fit
  • Works well in extreme weather conditions- 104° Fahrenheit to 113° Fahrenheit.
  • Non-spillable, anti-vibration

2. ACDelco Gold B24R Hybrid Vehicle AGM BCI Group 51 Battery

ACDelco Gold B24R Hybrid Vehicle AGM BCI Group 51 Battery

ACDelco Gold B24R is the second on the list.  If you have not used this battery yet, do not spend time in a dilemma because it will be the value for money. Head towards the internet and peep through the customer review to clarify your grounds.

Car users have been using this battery for a long time. And with time, the company has developed AGM 51, specifically designed for heavy vehicles. This 18.5 x 11.4 x 9.5 battery will easily fit inside your car and make your car run without any hindrance.

This battery is suitable for rugged roads, and further, it functions smoothly within a temperature of 32° Fahrenheit to 70° Fahrenheit.

Features

  • Offers 12 V
  • Warranty period- 2 years
  • Weight- 31.1 pounds
  • Size- 18.5 x 11.4 x 9.5
  • Calcium alloy is optimized to use fine grains
  • The grid is corrosion resistant
  • Lead-acid AGM batteries

3. XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V 3,300 Amo AGM High Output Battery With M6 Terminal Bolt

XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V 3,300 Amo AGM High Output Battery With M6 Terminal Bolt

If you have a giant gasoline engine or diesel-powered truck, choosing this option will keep you on the roads longer. XS batteries have a pleasant racing history with racing cars and car audio competitions.

The 1,000 amps and a high reserve capacity are what make it perfect for heavy-duty vehicles. It has shown good performance in all weather and has an ultra-low internal resistance AGM. This battery is powered with a 65 ampere-hour rating.

Talking about the design, XS Power D3400 is a spill-proof design and has valve-regulated control along with vibration-resistant features.

Features:

  • 12 V battery
  • AGM
  • CCA 1,000
  • Spill-proof
  • Vibration resistant
  • Weight- 52 pounds
  • Size- 12.44 x 6.88 x 7.5 inches
  • Warranty period- 3 years free replacement
  • 140 minutes reserve capacity
  • It could be mounted almost in any position

4. Optima RedTop Starting Battery

Optima RedTop Starting Battery

People who have used Optima rarely want to switch brands. This manufacturer has been in business for a long time and they have been setting goals for their competitors. The Optima RedTop Starting battery will be a suitable choice when you have a heavy-duty truck.

Optima RedTop offers a Cold Crank of 800 amps. Its dimensions are-  10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches. If you are tight on the budget but do not want to make any compromise on the quality, this option will be your lifesaver. It has dual SAE and GM posts with 12 volts capacity.

In case your truck is facing a breakdown in the middle of nowhere, you will get a reserve capacity of 100 minutes. It is enough time to reach a service station or someplace for help. The battery has a compatibility of 13.5 to 15 volts. Further, you have a brownie point; that is, this battery is more resilient to external damage.

Features

  • 12 V capacity
  • Size- 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches
  • Weight- 38.8 pounds
  • Warranty- 3 years
  • Optimal starting power in  extreme weather conditions
  • Mountable in any position
  • Has convenient carry handles that help with easy transportation
  • Spillproof
  • Dual SAE and GM posts
  • The reverse capacity of 100 minutes

5. Delphi BU9035 MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery

Delphi BU9035 MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery

If you are looking for a cheaper option, Delphi works perfectly alright for heavy-duty trucks. However, ensure that you are not using the truck for carrying heavy goods or handling hard tasks.

The Delphi battery has almost all the features that a compatible heavy-duty truck battery has. It is an AGM group 35  battery. It is 9.6 x 10 x 7.8 inches in dimension which makes the installation quite easier. Further, this one has six cells that enable uniform distribution of voltage.

It performs well in a mediate winter, as it offers you 680 cold-cranking amps. If you are set out for a long trip, the 100 reserve capacity will keep you going without causing any hindrance. It offers you 20 times more vibration resistance, which is outstanding at the rate they are selling these batteries.

Features

  • 100 minutes reverse capacity
  • 12 V capacity
  • Size- 9.6 x 10 x 7.8 inches
  • 20 times more vibration resistant
  • 680 cold-cranking amps
  • Number of cells 6
  • 3 years warranty period

Heavy-Duty Truck Batteries- Buying Guide

Heavy Duty Truck Battery

Despite all the experience you have in dealing with a heavy-duty truck, getting a battery that will be the most compatible can sometimes get on your nerves. There are different kinds of vehicles, and each needs a different battery.

To get your hands on the “holy grail” battery, this article has a few tips that will act as a blueprint while you are set on a hunt for buying battery:

1. Price Of The Product

Wet batteries are cheaper than AGM or TPPL batteries. Wet cell batteries work fine on all kinds of roads and are good shock absorbers. However, AGM batteries have more longevity than flooded batteries.

For a modified truck, it is highly suggested that you opt for AGM batteries. The same suggestion goes if you drive in extreme weather conditions or through rough roads. Though it is on the pricier side, it will be more compatible with your purpose.

2. Cold-Cranking Amps And Cranking Amps

best truck battery

CCA refers to the capacity of the battery and what time it requires to start an engine at a very low temperature. If your battery has a higher CCA, that means it needs less time to start the engine of your vehicle.

Whereas cranking amps is the amps, the battery can deliver in half a minute at 32° Fahrenheit while igniting the engine. The size, condition and type of engine affect the parameters.

3. Group Size

There are various group sizes and models that vehicle batteries come in, including:

  • standard top-post,
  • recessed top-post, and
  • side-post batteries

The owner’s manual of your truck will give you an idea about what kind of battery you will require. Choosing the wrong kind of battery might cause various inconveniences to your truck.

flooded car battery for trucks

4. Reserve Capacity

Before the battery is discharged and becomes 10.5 volts at the temperature of 80° Fahrenheit, the time that the battery is required to deliver 26 amps of current – is referred to as reserve capacity.

It is highly suggested that a heavy-duty truck owner purchase a high reverse capacity battery. The higher the Reserve Capacity, the higher will be the power of the battery.

5. Flooded Lead Acid

Flooded lead batteries produce a liquid that floods the space present within the negative and positive plates. The positive plate is made with lead-antimony alloy, whereas the negative plate is made with lead-calcium alloy.

These batteries are low-cost, and if you take good care of them, they will last an eternity. Make it a monthly routine to check the fluids and fill distilled water to keep the engine burning.

6. AGM

AGM batteries have a fiberglass casing that separates each plate. Unlike flooded lead acid batteries, the fluid inside the battery is enclosed and not allowed to move. The AGM or Absorbed Glass Mat makes the battery spill-prove.

Thus, without spillage, there will be no shortage of liquid inside. It refers that you will not have to refill the batteries at regular intervals.

The plates are enclosed more tightly in AGM batteries than in Flooded Lead Batteries. This feature makes them resistant to vibrations and shocks.

7. AGM Batteries With Thin Plate Pure Lead Technology

The AGM batteries with this technology use plates that are made with pure lead and compressed tightly engineered force. It eliminates calcium and antimony and reduces corroding. These batteries use highly concentrated sulfuric acids, which act as electrolytes.

Conclusion

The research within this article is based on the customer review, performance, and sale of the batteries. There are more options in the market you can choose from. In the buyer’s guide, this article has tips that will help you settle down for the right one.

In case you want o buy one of the mentioned products, you have all that you need to know before making a decision.

Take your time while you are decking on getting a new battery for your heavy-duty truck. Consider your work and the usage of the truck before investing. Also, focus on the warranty period of the batteries. Some batteries that are mentioned also give a free replacement warranty.

If you have made up your mind on which product you want, gear up and place your order.

Happy shopping!

Frequently Asked Question

Trucking , how to properly prepare

1. Are AGM batteries reactive to extreme temperatures?

Every kind of battery present under the sky is affected by extreme temperatures. AAA batteries, automobile batteries, cell phone batteries, AGM batteries, and you name it, are affected by temperature.

Extreme heat or cold reacts with the chemicals that are present within the batteries and affects their performance.

However, AGM batteries are the ones that are least affected by the temperature.

2. How many times can I charge an AGM battery?

An AGM battery has up to 500 cycles of charging and discharge. It will be charged for 20% of battery life, and even after the end of 6 years, there might not be a need to replace the battery.

3. Why is the battery of my vehicle losing its charge rapidly?

There are numerous reasons behind battery drainage in your vehicle. Corroded cables often lose the connection between the terminals, or loose circuits can cause battery drainage.

The extreme highs and lows in temperature are also a reason for battery drainage. You might also experience battery drainage due to the malfunction of any parts.

4. How can I understand that my truck battery is dying?

Despite all the maintenance and regular checkups you do, your truck battery might lose its charge rapidly. It is the age of the battery. The chemical properties in the batteries gradually degrade and thus lose their capacity to hold the charge.

However, looking at signs like how long your battery is igniting the engine can indicate that your batteries are not sustaining the charge. Another indication is the headlights, and the tail lights will get dimmed with low batteries.