Buying the best truck battery is easier said than done. A good battery not only provides power to crank start your truck but also powers all the electronics in your vehicle. Choosing the right battery becomes even more important so as to have the extra power for cold and harsh weather. We have listed a detailed review of the top 5 best truck batteries with pros and cons, that should be on your list. The recommendations come along with tips for choosing the right battery for your needs.
Best Rated Truck Batteries – Top 5 Reviews and Recommendations
Optima Batteries 8002-002 34 RedTop Starting Battery
The best overall choice, the Optima Batteries’ RedTop Starting Battery has high power cranking up ability, rated at 800 cold-cranking amps. This AGM battery uses Spiral Cell Technology where individual spiral-wound cells made from two 99.9% pure lead plates, coated in lead oxide, offer strong and clean power. Even in extreme weather conditions, sharp corners, uneven roads, the Optima redtop battery starts up with a powerful burst of ignition.
What makes it the best battery for a full-size truck? In terms of numbers, this powerful 12-volt battery has dual SAE and GM ports, and 100 minutes of reserve capacity to keep you assured of AGM battery power anytime and anywhere. This maintenance-free truck battery can be placed in any position as the strong casing can resist upto 15 times more vibrations than an average battery. For optimal performance, the battery has built-in systems to monitor humidity and temperatures.
On the contrary, some users have rated it low for poor customer service and the performance warranty of this battery varies depending on the seller. The Odyssey Automotive and LTV battery is another alternative that is slightly expensive but offers better CCA and reserve capacity ratings. See how fast you can get one from Amazon today!
Odyssey Automotive and LTV Battery
This ODYSSEY 65 LTV and automotive battery are one of the best truck batteries and are highly regarded for their 950 CCA, 145 mins reserve capacity, 12 volts, and the highest recharge efficiency. It can recharge upto 100 % within six hours. With astounding starting power, amazing deep cycling capability - lasting 40% longer than most, including Optima Redtop and Acdelco Professional batteries on the list. With rapid recovery rates, you can use this battery every day or on a need-to-need basis.
The Odyssey LTV battery is also resistant to temperature and vibration. The lead battery comes with additional plates which are good for extra power - accordingly, this battery is targeted for heavy electronics, for all types of vehicles including cars, 4x4, and off-road trucks. The AGM design makes it spill-proof, and corrosion-resistant. It also comes with a limited 4-year full replacement warranty and has 3-10 years of service life.
There is no such complaint or downside reported by users but this truck battery costs a bit higher than other batteries with the same configurations. Though it's not a deal-breaker as the battery offers more power and a longer life span. You may be able to get free shipping if you order now!
ACDelco Professional AGM 94R Battery
Apart from being the best AGM batteries available on the market, the ACDelco brand holds a significant reputation and credibility for being General Motors’ Original Equipment (OE) manufacturer. ACDelco’s line of Professional Automotive AGM Battery comes with high-density negative paste for high-performance and increased battery life. This recommendation offers 760 CCA and 70 AH capacity and offers high cycling capabilities. Designed for vehicles with start/stop functionality, this truck battery has a vent cap design that makes it spill and leak-proof.
The manufacturer uses silver calcium stamped alloy to increase life span and performance. Your peace of mind will be preserved if you opt for this battery as it comes with 36 months replacement warranty. You can be assured that your money is well spent. You can get a great deal on the ACDelco professional line of batteries on Amazon right now!
Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery
The next recommendation is the Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery. The 720 cold-cranking amp rating, means your truck will start in no time, even when in extremely cold weather. It offers a high reserve capacity despite its small size, rated at 90 mins, for constant, and consistent performance. This 12-volt battery features a Polypropylene case and has a heavy-duty plastic exterior, weighing almost 31.7 pounds. It has 15 times more resistance to vibrations, making it one of the most durable batteries on the market.
To keep you out of trouble in case of a leak or spill, the battery uses SpiralCell technology for more control and precision. Like other Optima batteries, this AGM battery has a longer lifespan than most available in the market. Code names 8020-164 35, this RedTop Starting Battery is good to use in harsh weather conditions and offers excellent starting power.
Thanks to its small size and lightweight, this battery is easy to install. Some of the User's pain points highlighted poor customer service and dishonored 3-year warranty and replacement warranty by the sellers. Also, some users have reported inconsistencies with the lifespan of the battery. Get an awesome Optima RedTop battery for your truck today!
Delphi BU9094R MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery
Another quality AGM battery designed to provide a long life-cycle and fast recharging, the Delphi MaxStart is one of the best buys in 2021 for today's demanding electronics. This battery offers 800 CCA, 12 volts, and 140 RC to power your pickup truck, along with other electronics. Another highlight is a higher resistance to vibrations - almost 20 times more resistant to vibration than a conventional battery, making it the most durable pick.
Delphi says the MaxStart adheres to OEM AGM requirements for an identical fit replacement. Rated high for durability, and corrosion resistance features, the battery boasts a 36-month free replacement warranty. Though the quality of the battery is a bit questionable, but shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Check out the selection of Delphi batteries on Amazon today!
What to consider when buying the best battery for a pickup truck
Each battery type has its place, and your selection depends on the application, the operating environment, and the budget.
Best Truck Battery Overview
|
Battery |
Optima Batteries 8002-002 34RedTop Starting Battery |
ACDelco Professional AGM 94R Battery |
Odyssey Automotive and LTV Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Key Features |
● 12-Volt, 800 Cold Cranking Amps● 100 minutes Reserve capacity● Optimal starting power even in harsh weather● Strong case material● Fifteen times more resistant to vibration |
●High-density negative paste for better performance ●High cycling capability● calcium lead positive grid maximizes conductivity● Design feature Vent cap to avoid acid leakage |
●Vehicle Specific Fit type●950 CCA and a generous 145-minute reserve capacity●Package Dimensions: 7.87 L x 6.66 H x 6.8 W (inches)●Weight: 38.2 lbs |
|
Pros |
●Good for large pickup trucks●High reserve capacity for good performance●Faster charging capability |
●100% Spill-proof ●Maintenance-free●AGM battery with reliable cycling capabilities● Deep cycling battery● Free replacement service |
●Four-year full replacement warranty.●Full recharge in 4 to 6 hours●Resistant to vibrations●3 to 10-year service life |
|
Cons |
● Rated low for customer service● Warranty not honored by sellers in some cases |
● Check the fitment |
● Need replacement earlier than other options. |
Get to know the battery type
Truck batteries are available in two basic types: traditional maintenance-free or absorbed glass mat (AGM).
What to Consider In A Truck Battery
|
Battery Type |
Best Use |
Benefit |
Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Flooded Batteries |
● High starting and minimal cycle service |
● Inexpensive |
● Regular Maintenance required |
|
Dual-Purpose Batteries (High-Capacity) |
● Accessory power requirements plus crank start |
● Can handle trucks with liftgate and reefer units |
● Limited use |
|
Absorbed Glass Mat battery (Instant high-capacity) |
● Premium cycling and starting power ● For heavy-duty trucks |
● Durable● Maintenance Free● High CCA ● Good For extreme weather |
● Comparatively Expensive |
Lead-Acid (Regular) Maintenance-Free Battery
These type of batteries comes with non-removable vented caps which do not require water or frequent maintenance. They are designed with a dual-venting mechanism, and they are fully spill-proof.
Absorbed Glass Mat Battery (AGM Battery)
The AGM or Absorbed Glass Mat battery is a step up from the conventional flooded batteries. AGM batteries deliver a high rate of power, and premium cycling, thanks to a fast reaction between electrolyte and glass mats inside the battery. This also makes them more durable and better to withstand vibration. With quick recharging ability along with plenty of restoring power, AGM batteries obey the no-idling laws but keep their onboard accessories/electronics running, even when the engine isn’t.
AGM batteries are 40 to 100% more expensive than lead-acid type, for which it can tolerate discharging better. The production cost of the AGM batteries tends to be more expensive than the Lead-Acid type but they prove to be cost-effective considering the amount of work they perform. Moreover, they are maintenance-free and spill-proof, thanks to a sealed design.
Get to know the Right Size Of The Battery
Next, the selected battery should have the right dimensions. The battery should comfortably fit inside the battery tray - neither too tight nor too loose.
Get the know the Key Features of The Battery
Cold Cranking Amps
CCA or Cold-cranking Amps tells us about the amount of current the truck battery can make at zero degrees Fahrenheit. The higher the CCA rating of the battery, your truck will start instantly even in cold weather, and will have better drivability. In this case, for pickup trucks, we recommend you a battery that has more than 500 CCA. Among the top 3 picks, the Odessey automotive battery boasts the highest 950 CCA ratings, almost 150 CCA more than the best value Optima RedTop battery.
Temperature
Every manufacturer factors out the optimum temperatures for good and long-lasting performance. A good battery always has a wider range of operating temperatures. So keep in mind the local temperature and how you operate your truck to choose the right unit.
The ideal operating temperature of batteries for best performance is between 68 and 86 degrees. However, a good battery can perform in a temperature range of -40 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reserve Capacity
This metric indicates the maximum running time of a fully charged battery. To ensure that your truck is running well, pick the battery with a good reserve capacity ranging from 80 mins to 150 mins - AGM-type batteries are better as they give starting and deep discharge. Rated at 145 mins, the RC of Odyssey automotive and LTV battery is the best choice and offers the most time for your truck to operate solely on battery power until battery discharge.
Conventionally, RC is a number of minutes a fully charged battery at 80°F will discharge 25 amps until the battery drops below 10.5 volts. Back in the day, 25 amps were enough to keep the vehicle running with an exterior lighting load. Today, that load value has increased to at least 50-amp to power accessories and in-car electronics from heated seats to power windows to DVD players.
Conclusion: What is the best truck battery?
The Optima 8002-002 34 RedTop Starting Battery is the overall best for trucks. The key features include an 800 CCA, 100 minutes of reserve capacity, and 12 Volts. This spill-proof battery offers a fast-charging system. Also for deep cycle batteries, this brand is a good option. This maintenance-free battery comes with vent cap design features, making it spill-proof. However, some customers complain about the poor customer service but this battery offers good value for your money.
Best Truck Battery Frequently Asked Question ()
Why Does My Truck Battery Keep Dying?
What long does a truck battery last?
When should I replace my truck battery?
How Much Should I Drive to Keep the Battery Charged?
FAQ
Q: Why Does My Truck Battery Keep Dying?
A truck battery may die due to various reasons with the most prominent being a defective charging system, fluctuating temperatures, loosened connectors, or battery being used past the service life, etc.
Q: What long does a truck battery last?
5 years or more, a good truck battery lasts this long if you follow the proper maintenance schedule. However, it is advised to replace it every four to five years before it is wholly worn out.
Q: When should I replace my truck battery?
There are some indications that your battery needs a replacement: the engine doesn’t crank start at once, electrical issues cause electronics malfunction, dimming of lights, engine light on the instrument cluster keeps on, the battery case is damaged and etc.
Q: How Much Should I Drive to Keep the Battery Charged?
Drive your heavy-duty truck at least once a week covering decent miles to keep its battery in good running condition.