Best truck batteries 2023 (Review and Buying Guide)

(Last Updated On: March 13, 2024)

While searching for the optimal truck battery, consider several vital factors. You need a reliable battery, one that offers sufficient power for your requirements, and one that will accommodate the dimensions of your truck. What you must understand about diesel truck batteries is that they are available in a wide range of sizes, each having varied cold cranking amps and terminal positions. Ensure that you select one with the requisite power for your truck.

 A lot goes into a good truck battery, but the key thing for a truck battery to be good is one that last and is reliable. All the batteries on this list are durable and tough. You want a battery that can handle shock and vibration. All of the batteries we will look at here meet this guideline. Read on to find out more about each of the batteries we are going to cover below in this guide to find out which truck battery is the best one for you

Best Truck Batteries Comparison Chart

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1. XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V Battery

Now we are moving to another brand of battery, and that is XS Power. The battery we are going to look at from them is the D3400. This battery packs a whopping 1000 cold cranking amps and 65 amp hours behind that. That makes this AGM battery extremely powerful. The terminal bolts on this battery are in the M6 style which is on the side.

The case of this battery is durable. It is sealed tight and spill-proof. The electrolyte is suspended in fiberglass making it so it won’t leak. It also requires little maintenance. It is valve regulated and vibration resistant. Thanks to all this it can be mounted in almost any position. It also is designed to have ultra-low internal resistance to keep it working longer.

The D3400 from XS Power is great if you need a lot of power. If you have a big vehicle or a lot of add-ons, then this is the battery for you. It can run a big sound system and still not drop below 12 volts. If you have a smaller vehicle or don’t have a lot of add-ons though, then this battery might be more than you need. This battery is good for powering a lot, but overkill if you don’t have a lot to power.

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2. Optima RedTop 8004-003 34/78 Starting Battery

The Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop is a powerful battery offering 800 cold cranking amps. It is designed to provide a burst of power for strong start-ups every time. The battery is great in any weather conditions and is reliable. The RedTop 8004-003 34/78 is fifteen times more vibration resistant than most other batteries. This makes it perfect for trucks, racing, or any other automotive need.

The cells inside the battery are made from top quality lead plates that are spirally wrapped. This allows the batteries to last longer. The plates are coated in lead oxide in this AGM batteries, and they are tight and leak proof. On top of everything else, it has a reserve capacity of 100 minutes to keep anything running for a decent amount of time.

The Optima 8004-003 34/78 RedTop is built for anything with an alternator to keep recharging it. With the 800 cold cranking amps, it is designed to start anything that needs a lot of power. It has a reputation for being a top truck battery. Thanks to its vibration resistance though it is also used in the racing world a lot. However, it can go into any vehicle that might need a 12-volt battery.

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3. Optima RedTop 8025-160 25 Starting Battery

Next, we have another battery from Optima. It is the 8025-160 25 Redtop. This battery has 720 cold cranking amps and a reserve-time of 90 minutes. It is very similar to the previous battery. The case is pretty much the same, and it has the same durability. However, this one is designed specifically to provide a strong start in any condition. It is still vibration resistant and also has a longer life than most comparable batteries.

The 8025-160 25 has 44 amp hours of charge and requires little maintenance. The cells are assembled the same way in this Optima battery as the others. It uses the technology of all their years of experience making batteries. This means that it will last a long time and is backed by the 3-year warranty.

The 8025-160 25 Redtop from Optima is built for anyone who needs a good starting battery that doesn’t have all the extra power of a bigger battery. If you have a small or medium vehicle, then this battery will provide the starting power you need. If you have a bigger vehicle or truck, then you might want to consider a battery with more CCA instead of running two of these. This battery also works great for motorcycles as it has the power they need and is lighter than some other comparable batteries.

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4. Optima RedTop 8002-002 34 Starting Battery

Last we will finish this list where we started, and that is another RedTop from Optima. This one is the 8002-002 34. It offers 800 cold-cranking amps and 100 minutes of reserve power. This is backed by a 50 amp-hour capacity. This puts it right in the middle of the other RedTop batteries on this list. Like the other Optima batteries, this one works great in all weather. It provides all the cold-cranking amps it has even when cold or hot.

The case on this one is also the same durable polypropylene. This makes it strong and helps with vibration resistance. It is 15 times more vibration resistant than comparable batteries. The coiled plate technology is also included in this battery like all the other Optima batteries. The 8002-002 34 RedTop is a great starting battery.

The Optima 8002-002 34 RedTop is built for anything that needs a decent amount of power to start-up. It can provide enough power to start most things. If you have a really big truck, then you might need something stronger; otherwise, this should be good for you. If you have a smaller vehicle though, then this might provide too much power. Also, if you are looking for an ATV or mower battery, then this might be stronger than you need. This battery is a great all-around battery though for most people.

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1. Optima YellowTop 8014-045 D34/78 Dual Purpose Battery

Moving along we now come to another battery from Optima. This one is the 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop. This 750 cold cranking amp battery has a decent amount of power. It can also give out that power for 120 minutes at a constant performance. This battery has three times longer life than other similar batteries. Also, it is built well at 15 times more vibration resistant than comparable batteries.

Since it is an AGM battery, it is spill and leak proof making it mountable in any position. The case is a strong polypropylene. It can withstand over 300 discharge and recharges and is a deep cycle battery. It has the power to start your vehicle and keep all your electronics running without any issues. The inside of the battery is the same as the red top with two lead plates coiled. This makes one positive and one negative. This helps the battery last longer and not short itself which makes this a long lasting battery.

The Optima 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop is built for anyone who has a lot of electronics going on in their vehicle. It has the cold-cranking amps to start most things, but it shines with how it discharges itself running other add-ons. If you have a booming sound system, a tow wench, or other things that draw power from the battery, then this is a great option for you. It can also be used in forklifts and other vehicles that draw a lot of power. If you don’t have a bunch of add-ons though and are just looking for a good starting battery, then there are probably better options for you.

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2. Optima YellowTop 8040-218 D35 Dual Purpose Battery

Moving along we have another one from Optima. This one is the 8040-218 D35 YellowTop. Like the other yellow top, this one has a large reserve of power. It has 98 minutes of reserve power. That is a lot compared to the cold cranking amps which are 620. This battery has 48 amp hours of power. The positive terminal is on the right side.

Like all the other Optima batteries this one also offers the top vibration resistance. It also has the same durable case. Inside the case is the same advanced coiled lead plates. The starting power is solid even in cold weather. Optima makes top batteries, and this is another great option from them depending on your needs.

The 8040-218 D35 YellowTop from Optima is a great battery for smaller vehicles that don’t need a lot of startup power. Since it only has 620 CCA, it is best for smaller or medium-sized vehicles. If you have a large truck or something, then you will want something strong. This shines when you have a lot of add-ons in your vehicle that draws a lot of power. If you have a booming sound system in your little car, then this is the battery for you. If you don’t have a lot of add-ons though, then another battery might be a better option.

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Buying Guide

When buying a truck battery, there are a few basic things you should know. You should know how many cold cranking amps your engine needs at a minimum to start. You also need to know what side of the battery the positive post needs to be on. The reason it is important to know the power you need is because you don’t want to get a battery that is too weak. This means you also need to be aware of your add-ons because this will make it, so you need a stronger battery.

The reason it is important to know where the positive post is on your old battery is so you can get a new battery that matches. This will make it easier to install the new battery. That is because it will make it, so you don’t have to run the cords all over the place. Tied into this is trying to find a battery that is a similar size and has mounting brackets in a similar spot. That is because it will be easier to install a new battery that is the same size as the old. Getting a battery that comes with adaptors will help with this. Keeping these things in mind when shopping for a new battery is important to make the transition to a new battery as smooth as possible.

FAQs

1.How does Truck Battery Work?

A truck battery works by taking stored power and providing it to the engine and add-ons when starting the vehicle. The vehicle then uses the alternator to recharge the truck battery as you drive. This is so the battery can store power and start the truck again.

2.What is AGM Battery?

An AGM battery is an Absorbed Glass Matt battery. It holds the electrolyte in suspension inside of fiberglass plates or lead-plates. This makes it, so the battery is completely sealed. Since it is sealed all the way, it is leak-proof and requires little maintenance.

3.What is the Difference Between Red and Black Terminal?

The red terminal is the positive terminal which means that the electrons flow into it. The black terminal is the negative terminal which is the one that the electrons flow out of.

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