6 Best Truck Batteries – Buying Guide And Reviews

Introduction

Normal power sources of conventional vehicles can not supply enough energy to powerful trucks. Only the best truck batteries can do this work! With a suitable battery, your truck will receive enough energy to support multiple big tasks that standard cars can’t.

The problem remains that power sources for trucks come in many shapes, styles, capacities, and features. It may be difficult for beginners to choose a suitable battery for their vehicles.

What are the best truck batteries? How to choose a good power source? We answer all these answers in this article! Scroll down to see our reviews of the top 6 best batteries and learn some useful buying tips!

What You Need To Know About Truck Batteries

Many beginners can not distinguish between car and truck batteries. This section will explain all the essential things you need to know about this power source of trucks.

An Overview Of Truck Batteries

As you know, trucks have a more powerful operation than ordinary cars do. That’s why you have to install a suitable battery for this large vehicle.

The truck batteries deliver high energy to crank the starter and bring the vehicle into work. They also run many components and liftgates, allowing the drivers to easily drive the trucks to the desired destinations and deliver their payloads.

The biggest difference between the power sources of cars and trucks is the rating of current delivery. Although it is not recommended, a truck battery can still give enough power to run a car. However, not all trucks are compatible with car batteries.

We have summed all the benefits you can get when using a truck battery instead of the power source of a regular four-wheeler:

• High performance: Truck batteries deliver high energy to start up large-sized vehicles at high efficiency. They also transfer high amps to make the trucks run powerfully.
• Fast recharge: The truck batteries can be recharged swiftly. After one charge, they can discharge for an extended period.
• High durability: Truck batteries have solid construction and a longer lifespan than car batteries.

Operation Of Truck Batteries

Compared to car power supplies, truck batteries have a different operation.

Current Delivery

The car batteries work by delivering a high amount of current quickly in a short duration. After the vehicle gets into work, its alternator will give most of the power. The power source of a car features thin plates, offering a wide surface of electricity production.

On the other hand, truck batteries can powerfully start the motor and supply a steady current to the vehicle for a longer period. You can repeat discharging and recharging a truck battery multiple times.

Unfortunately, this work will ruin the durability. Unlike car batteries, truck power sources are designed with thick plates.

Battery Ratings

Car and truck batteries appear with different ratings. You can easily notice that car power sources are usually rated in CCA, and truck batteries are rated in Ah.

CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps. This rating describes the highest amount of amps a car battery can deliver to start the vehicle’s motor. The high CCA rating is ideal for starting cars in cold weather.

Ah stands for Ampere Hours. It explains how many amps the battery can discharge in 60 minutes. For example, a battery with 50 Ah can discharge 50 amps to the truck in one hour.

Basic Types Of Truck Batteries

There are many trucks of different sizes and shapes. Each vehicle can accept a specific number of battery types.

Every type of battery has its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to consider carefully to choose the right battery for your truck.

You can find 5 common types of truck batteries on the market nowadays:

SLI Batteries

Each letter in the SLI shows the specification of this battery type. In detail:

• S: Starting
• L: Light
• I: Ignition

An SLI battery can support all the basic requirements of a trucker. It is specially designed for starting, running, and igniting a truck.

The Starting Light Ignition batteries do not cost an arm and a leg. But compared to other types, an SLI battery does not last long.

SLI batteries have high CCA ratings, ideal for starting cars, light trucks, and automobiles in cold weather conditions.

There is a limitation to the power supply of this battery. Its capacity is only enough to run the lights, wipers, radio, or run some light trucks and small car models.

VRLA Batteries

VRLA is a short way to describe the term: Valve Regulated Lead Acid.

This kind of truck battery has 2 sub-types, which are:

• AGM: Absorption Gas Mat
• Gel Cell

If you look for a durable battery, feel free to go for the VRLA type!

• Absorbed Glass Mat Battery (AGM)

The name has said everything. This type of battery is designed with a special absorbed glass mat, which can use a capillary action of the plates to divide an electrolyte solution.

In further detail, a battery liquid is absorbed into a glass matte throughout the capillary process. This technology allows the batteries to recharge quicker.

The best thing about AGM batteries is, you don’t have to maintain them. An AGM battery is always securely sealed. The electrolyte will never spill or escape, even when the case or cover of the power source breaks or tips.

• Gel Cell Battery

All VRLA batteries are completely sealed, which means you will not see any spilling issue when using both AGM and Gel Cell power supplies.

But what makes the Gel Cell different from the Absorbed Glass Matte is the way of electrolyte improvising.

A Gel Cell battery applies Silica to convert the Sulfuric Acid into a jelly substance. This jelly-like substance will then work as an electrolyte to supply power to the truck. With this design, Gel Cell has high versatility and does not need much maintenance.

Deep-Cycle Batteries

A deep-cycle battery delivers low Cold Cranking Amps. But on the bright side, this type of battery offers more constant electrical current than the SLI type.

Many drivers consider the Deep Cycle as the best heavy-duty truck battery. This power source can indeed supply constant energy to run multiple large trucks, including off-road vehicles, watercraft, tractors, and many other heavy-duty applications.

But most deep-cycle batteries do not support high CCA. They may not work to start your vehicle in the cold weather.

Wet Cell Batteries

Wet Cell is also known as flooded batteries.

Wet Cell is another budget-saving solution. Regardless of the low price, this type of truck battery can deliver a high level of CCA and distribute an average amount of energy to your vehicle.

When the lead plates are exposed to the atmosphere, they may deteriorate. Therefore, the battery requires regular maintenance to resist corrosion and remain durable.

Lithium-Ion Batteries 

A Lithium-Ion battery contains electrodes made of carbon and light lithium. You can recharge this battery many times.

The Lithium truck battery delivers a high current and has a high CCA rating. It is ideal for heavy-duty and large trucks.

However, this type of battery does not attract many drivers due to the high price and short lifespan.

Compatibility To Heavy Or Light Trucks

Every truck model requires a different kind of battery, based on the engine size and type.

A small model can get along well with most batteries.  It does not need a high CCA rating or a high current to run. On another side, large motors require high cranking power to start the truck.

Another thing to consider is the type of engine. There are specific kinds of batteries for each motor, which are:

• Gasoline / Diesel truck battery
• Semi battery

Gasoline and diesel trucks are smaller than the semi types. A diesel/gasoline truck usually requires less power than a semi-truck does. But the best battery for diesel trucks still has to have a high CCA rating to start the vehicle in winter.

As the semi-vehicle type is very large, the best semi truck batteries must have a high capacity, high CCA, and withstand shock and vibration.

Related:

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Top 6 Best Truck Batteries Review

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#1: Optima Batteries 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop – Best For Durability

The first product we want to share with you is the Optima ‎OPT8014-045. If you are looking for a battery that lasts over a long period, this Optima truck battery definitely will please you at best!

The manufacturers have designed a solid case made of high-quality polypropylene for the battery. This cover can resist corrosion and any physical impact from weather factors and transportation.

We confirm that the advertisement tells the truth. This battery can resist vibration up to 15 times as other conventional models can do. Just install this battery into your truck and drive your vehicle on any difficult terrain; the case will absorb all the shock to remain durable.

With dual posts (SAE and GM types), the battery can be flexibly mounted into most truck models. You are free to install the battery virtually in all positions you desire. The power source will never fall or wear out while you are driving the truck.

The cool thing is, this battery does not require you to do any maintenance. The case is so solid to keep the battery safe under all impact and temperature.

Although the 750 CCA rating of this battery is not the highest, it is still enough to support starting your truck in heavy cold weather. Also, this battery does not self-discharge much, making the model ideal for seasonal usage!

Compared to other models, this battery is quite expensive. But as people always say, you get what you pay for. Thanks to heavy-duty construction, this battery can serve you for many years to come!

#2: ODYSSEY Batteries 34R-PC1500-A – Best For Light Truck

In case you require a power source for a light truck, place your trust in this ODYSSEY Batteries 34R-PC1500-A! This model will supply high energy to make all types of automotive vehicles work efficiently.

Instead of lead alloy in conventional power sources, the ODYSSEY company has chosen pure virgin lead to make a wide plate surface in this battery. Thanks to this design, the 34R-PC1500-A can deliver more power for your light truck.

As the manufacturers say, the pure virgin lead plates allow the battery to have an overall power up to 2 times and last up to 3 times as other common batteries on the market.

Believe it or not, this battery can perform a maximum of 400 cycles and have an 80% rating of discharge depth!

The dimension of 10.85 x 6.76 x 7.82 inches is not too large, and the weight of 51.5 is quite light. This compact design allows you to mount the battery flexibly in any position in your light truck.

Don’t worry about the safety in use! The solid case will not break or crack under the impact of vibration when you drive the truck. As a result, the toxins inside the battery will never spill or leak out.

Even when you find an issue with the battery, feel free to contact the manufacturers. The ODYSSEY company offers a long warranty of up to 4 years. You will get full replacements for the battery’s broken parts without paying any additional money.

If you are looking for large truck power sources, this 34R-PC1500-A model is not our recommendation. As you can see, this automotive battery contains light features and compact size, which are only supportive of small vehicles.

#3: Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop – Best For Diesel Engine

Are you looking for the best diesel truck batteries? If yes, you can refer to this Optimal 8004-003 model. This power source contains all the essential features that your diesel-powered vehicle requires.

With a dimension of 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches, the battery can fit most big trucks and does not take much space in a small vehicle. The lightweight of 38.8 pounds allows you to carry and install the battery easily.

Feel free to choose the installation position! This battery also features 2 types of terminals, which are SAE and GM. The dual posts give you flexibility in mounting the battery to any place in your diesel truck.

Like the first Optimal YellowTop, this RedTop model can resist vibration up to 15 times as common batteries on the market do. No matter how fast you drive or which terrain the truck goes on, the battery will stay in its position. It never breaks, cracks, or tips due to physical impact.

Most diesel trucks require the battery to have high Cold Cranking Amps. Of course, with a high CCA of 800, the 8004-003 definitely will please you at best. Regardless of the cold weather, this power source will help you start your engine with convenience.

As the manufacturers say, high power delivery is the best feature for all vehicles that require starting as the primary function. With a rating of 800 CCA, this RepTop model is suitable for all types of stock vehicles, including RV, automotive, SUVs, hot rods, streetcars, and diesel trucks.

On the downside, the battery does not come with a manufacturer’s date. You may be unable to predict the lifespan of this power source.

#4: ODYSSEY 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery – Best For Efficiency

When it comes to high efficiency, the ODYSSEY ‎65-PC1750T will show the advantage. We appreciate the high power delivery of this battery.

The construction of this battery contains pure virgin lead plates for a wide surface area and high recycling. Like the second product on the list, this 65-PC1750T supports a maximum of 400 cycles and an 80% depth of discharge.

There is hardly any complaint about the capacity of this battery. It can support delivering up to 74 amps per hour, allowing your truck to run powerfully on any type of terrain.

When the voltage falls below the limitation, the battery still provides power to run accessories such as lights, speakers, and alarms. The high reserve capacity allows the battery to supply low-voltage power for 145 minutes continuously.

As you know, Cold Cranking Amps are what make truck batteries heavy duty. In this case, the ODYSSEY ‎65-PC1750T deserves the title of the most efficient power source, with the highest CCA rating of 950. Regardless of the weather conditions, you can always start your engine with convenience.

Is this battery safe to use? Our answer is yes! With a special Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) design, this battery can eliminate acid spills for risks of electrical hazard reduction.

We don’t like the plastic handle on top of the battery. It seems to be too thin to withstand the 54 pounds of the product.

#5: Delphi BU9094R MaxStart AGM – Runner Up For Powerful Power Delivery

The Delphi BU09094R is another great battery for large trucks. We give a plus point to the strong power delivery of this model.

Believe it or not, this battery features a high capacity of 80 Ah. Your truck will have constant energy supplies to run powerfully for a long period.

When your truck runs out of power and stops working, you can still rely on the reverse capacity. It allows the battery to supply power to all electrical devices on your trucks, such as lights, alarms, etc., for up to 140 minutes. You can use these devices to draw attention and look for help from other people on the road.

As you know, the type of this Delphi BU09094R battery is AGM. Compared to conventional batteries, the AGM one always has quicker recharging and fewer risks of leakage.

Those are not all the features this product has. The Delphi company has constructed the battery with a manifold venting system. Thanks to the design, this power source can withstand vibration up to 20 times as common models do.

Another great thing about this heavy truck battery is the high Cold Cranking Amp rating. The 800 CCA will support starting any heavy-duty truck after seconds.

What turns this model down is the short lifespan. While most batteries can last from 3 – 5 years, this BU09094R only works properly for 2 – 3 years. After this period, some issues may occur.

#6: ACDelco Gold 48AGM BCI Group 48 Battery – Best For Safety In Use

Most batteries for trucks store chemical substances that are harmful to human health. However, the ACDelco Gold 48AGM has a secure design for leakage prevention. You can rest assured about safety when using this battery.

The power source comes with an Absorbed Glass Mat design. The AGM construction will hold all the electrolytes permanently in the glass mat separator instead of letting them fly between every cell. As a result, the electrolytes will be unable to leak or spill out.

We give a thumb up for the puncture-resistant back design. It supports increasing the acid circulation and prevents short circuits. Also, the vent cap tube on the battery can resist acid leakage, reducing the risks of flame hazards.

The battery is completely sealed for high safety. If you notice cracks or holes in any component, just get in touch with the manufacturers. The ACDelco brand allows a free replacement within 36 days after you have purchased the product.

How about the operation? Is this battery efficient to use? Of course, yes!

With a high capacity of 76 Ah, the ACDelco Gold 48AGM will deliver high power to help your truck run strongly for hours. You can start your vehicle in cold weather with ease, all thanks to the high CCA rating of 760.

The low lifespan of this battery rather disappoints us. After 1 – 2 years in operation, the power source may not hold a charge anymore.

Buying Guide

This section will share with you some essential factors that decide the quality of a truck power supply. Jot all of them down, and you will be able to buy the best truck battery.

Construction

The first factor to notice is always the construction of the battery. If the product is dropped, broken, or tipped, the chemical components inside it may leak out, leading to risks of flame hazards, sparking, and even explosion.

With sturdy construction, the battery can remain durable under any physical impact. Most modern batteries feature a case made of hard plastic. The cover must seal all the liquid inside.

As you drive the truck, the case must withstand shock and vibration. It should not wear out quickly after time.

Some chemical liquids even get burned under hot temperatures. Therefore, you should ask the sellers how well the case can insulate the temperature between inside and outside.

Size

As mentioned, many sizes of batteries are available for trucks. Your job is to choose the right size group, which is crucial because a small battery can not remain stable in a big truck. And a big battery may not fit well in the tray of a small vehicle.

Most products come up with a label that describes the dimensions of the battery. The size is usually written in Length x Width x Height.

How to know which size is suitable? You can measure the battery tray and height of the room inside the vehicle. After that, choose the battery that is not too small or too big compared to the measurement you have made.

Or, to put it simply, you can directly tell the sellers about the model of your truck to receive expert advice on suitable battery sizes.

Trustable Brand

Please buy products from trustable brands. Many people choose batteries from unknown or unpopular companies due to the low price. But these products are not durable and safe to use. They may break down or become useless after a short duration.

The popular brands may charge a little more, but the high cost is due to the quality material used to construct the batteries.

High-quality products will not wear or break down easily. Even when some technical issues appear, you can fix them for free using the warranty that comes with the battery.

The best truck battery brand names we can recommend are:

• Optima
• ODYSSEY
• Delphi
• ACDelco
• Duracell
• Ford

Duracell truck battery and Ford truck battery are very trustable to use. However, products of these 2 brands do not have as competitive price or outstanding features as the 6 above recommended models.

If you want to try the batteries of these companies, you can refer to the following models:

• Ford F150 battery
• Duracell Professional DP 225 SHD
• Duracell Professional DP 145 SHD

Compatibility

Some batteries may not be compatible with a specific number of trucks. Before making the buying decision, you need to determine the engine type, the size, and some specific requirements of your vehicle.

The best light truck batteries should have a small size, high durability, high lifespan. In contrast, heavy duty commercial truck batteries need to discharge at high voltage, have a high capacity, heavy-duty construction, big size, high CCA ratings, and many more features!

Rating Of Cold Cranking Amps CCA

In cold conditions, batteries always deliver weak electricity. The current is even extremely low in freezing temperatures. As a consequence, your truck may not be able to get into operation.

If you want the engine to start and work properly, you require a battery with a high rating of Cold Cranking Amps, also known as CCA rating.

When a battery model is released, it usually contains a label stuck on the case. This label describes all the specifications of the battery, including dimensions, safety notes, and CCA ratings. When buying, make sure that you read this label to decide the suitable Cold Cranking Amps.

Please choose the battery that has enough CCA, although the higher the rating is, the better. The higher CCA will give additional cost for the battery.

The best truck batteries for cold weather have the CCA running in the range between 700 and 1,000. They will boost up both small and large vehicles in low-temperature conditions.

Voltage

How to determine the performance of a battery? Just read the voltage of it! This factor tells the amount of electrical current that flows in the battery for a constant period.

When fully charged, standard truck batteries will have a voltage of 12 – 12.6 volts. Farm and truck batteries made from the 80s have a lower voltage of 6 volts.

Is it OK to use a 6 volt truck battery for a standard vehicle? If you only use one battery, our answer is no. If you connect 2 6-volt batteries into a 12 volt one, then the work is possible.

Some special models of truck power sources may have a higher voltage than usual. For example, the average semi truck battery voltage is 24 volts.

Battery Capacity (Ah)

After you charge the battery, it can supply power to your truck for a duration. After the power source runs out of power, it will stop providing electricity, and your truck will stop running.

The capacity (Ah) will tell the maximum duration that a battery can supply power. It describes the number of amps the product can transfer in 60 minutes.

Normal batteries come up with a capacity of 50 Ah. Heavy-duty products, such as semi truck batteries, may have a capacity of 100 Ah.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

When the truck motor is not working, some electrical components may still run. You may notice that the lamps still shine, the radio still plays music. Only the truck does not operate.

The reason is, every battery can supply power until the voltage stays under the required minimum rating for running the truck. In other words, there is still electricity. But it is not enough for your engine to work properly.

The Reserve Capacity describes how long (in minutes) the power source can supply energy when the voltage is below the requirement.

Of course, we recommend you get a battery with a high reserve capacity of 100 minutes or higher.

Lifespan

Batteries do not last forever. The lifespan becomes shorter over time, even when you don’t use the battery. Every product will stop working, or some issues will appear after the battery reaches the durability limitation.

Due to this reason, you should always buy a new battery after a certain period of usage. Many drivers choose used truck batteries because they are cheap. But remember that old power sources can be dead at any time.

A completely new battery has a lifespan from 1 – 5 years. Depending on the weather’s impact, the lifespan may change.

Technically, a battery can last longer for 6 months – 12 months in cold conditions. On the opposite side, it will die quicker for 6 months in hot climates.

Each product is labeled with the release’s date. Please read this tag carefully when buying!

Replacement Warranty Period

Most batteries on the market come with a warranty. But the question is, how long is this warranty effective for?

With a warranty, you can fix issues with your battery or buy a replacement for broken parts without paying any money.

Common batteries have a warranty of 1-2 years. Some brands allow a 30-day refund policy.

Price

It is not necessary to buy an expensive battery. There are many good products with an affordable price that can please you.

Of course, the higher the price is, the more quality features the product will have. If your budget allows, feel free to get them.

The good price of a truck battery is from $50 to $300. A battery in this range is already enough to serve you well.

Replacement

After a time of usage, some components may break down. Although the lifespan is still long, the battery may not work without those broken parts. In this case, you have to find a replacement for them.

Normally, you can buy truck battery replacement from any local store nearby that sells electrical stuff. However, some special batteries are designed with exclusive components from the manufacturers, which means you may have to pay an extra fee to buy the replacement from the sellers.

In the worst case, the components of many old battery models are not manufactured anymore; it will be impossible to find any replacement for the broken part.

Hence, we advise you to choose the battery, whose components can be replaced easily.

FAQs

Below are some common questions you may have while looking for the best truck battery.

#1: How Long Does A Truck Battery Last?

Different batteries have different expiration points. The average lifespan of a standard truck battery is from 1 to 5 years.

Remember that the temperature affects the durability of the battery. Cold temperatures can extend the lifespan to 6 months – 1 year. In contrast, hot climates may reduce 6 months of durability.

#2: How Many Volts Does A Truck Battery Contains After Being Charged?

After you finish charging the battery, the voltage will be about 12.6 volts. If the truck battery voltage is too low, the power supply may be old. In this case, you may consider finding a new battery for replacement.

#3: How Much Does A Truck Battery Cost?

The price range of a truck battery is usually from $50 to $300. This cost is based on features of the battery, such as compatibility, warranty period, amps, type, size, CCA rating, and so on.

Of course, you have to pay extra fees for installation, testing, or diagnostics.

#4: Why Do Some Truck Batteries Fail Prematurely?

As you know, some batteries contain chemical liquid inside them. Due to maintenance, temperature, and repeated recharges, the water level may be reduced. When there is no more liquid, the batteries will fail prematurely.

Some other reasons for this issue are corrosion, shock, vibration, which makes the battery crack or break.

Last Words

What’s the best truck battery in your opinion?

Each of our 6 best truck batteries has its own pros and cons. Please consider what you need from a truck battery before making the decision.

Don’t forget to check all the factors that we have explained in the buying guide. They will help you choose the most suitable product for your needs!

For further questions, please get in touch with us. We will answer you as soon as we can!

And now, our article will come to an end. Many thanks for reading!