Best Battery for Diesel Truck: Top Picks for Long-Lasting Performance 2023

Diesel trucks are powerful machines that require a reliable battery to start and run smoothly. A good battery not only provides the necessary power to start the engine but also ensures that the electrical system runs efficiently.

However, with so many options available in the market, finding the best battery for your diesel truck can be a daunting task.

When looking for a battery for your diesel truck, there are several factors to consider.

The first and most crucial factor is the battery’s capacity, which is measured in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). CCA refers to the number of amps a battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds without dropping below 7.2 volts.

A higher CCA rating means that the battery can deliver more power to start the engine in cold weather conditions.

Another critical factor to consider is the battery’s reserve capacity, which refers to the number of minutes a battery can supply a constant 25-amp load before dropping below 10.5 volts.

A higher reserve capacity means that the battery can power the vehicle’s electrical system for a longer time in case the alternator fails.

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Best Batteries for Diesel Trucks

We understand the importance of having a reliable battery for your diesel truck. A good battery can ensure that your vehicle starts smoothly, even in the coldest weather conditions.

After extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best batteries for diesel trucks on the market. These batteries are known for their durability, reliability, and long-lasting performance. Check out our top picks below.

Odyssey PC680 Battery

If you’re looking for a reliable battery for your diesel truck, the Odyssey PC680 Battery is definitely worth considering. With its rugged construction and non-spillable AGM design, this battery is built to take the constant pounding that comes with the territory.

Pros

  • With a longer service life of 3-10 years, the Odyssey PC680 Battery saves consumers time, money, and aggravation.
  • The battery’s high stable voltage for longer periods of time means it has a 70% longer cycle life compared to conventional deep cycle batteries.
  • The Odyssey PC680 Battery has the highest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead battery on the market, capable of 100% recharge in 4-6 hours.

Cons

  • This item is not for sale in Catalina Island.
  • The battery is Hazmat and non-returnable.
  • The Odyssey PC680 Battery may not be the most cost-effective option on the market.

In our experience, the Odyssey PC680 Battery is an excellent choice for a complete range of powersports applications, including diesel trucks.

Its construction consists of pure virgin lead plates for maximum surface area and optimized recycling. Plus, it also has an AGM (absorbed glass mat) design that eliminates acid spills.

Other features include the following:

  • High conductivity,
  • Corrosion-resistant tin-plated brass terminals,
  • High integrity terminal seal,
  • A sealed design resulting in gases recycled internally during operation or charging,
  • A safety relief valve per cell, and
  • Robust intercell connections to prevent vibration damage.

Overall, we highly recommend the Odyssey PC680 Battery for diesel truck owners who want a reliable, long-lasting battery that can handle the toughest conditions.

Optima Batteries Dual Purpose and Starting Battery Combo

We highly recommend the Optima Batteries Dual Purpose and Starting Battery Combo for diesel truck owners who want a reliable and long-lasting battery.

Pros

  • The unique SpiralCell design provides a strong and clean power source, ensuring the safety of you, your family and the environment.
  • The batteries are fifteen times more resistant to vibration for durability.
  • The high reserve capacity gives you a longer shelf-life to give you the power when you need it, where you need it.

Cons

  • The batteries are a bit expensive.
  • The batteries are heavy.
  • The batteries are not compatible with all diesel truck models.

The Optima Batteries Dual Purpose and Starting Battery Combo is an excellent choice for diesel truck owners who want a battery that can handle a lot of accessories like running lights, high-performance stereo/AV system, winches, or hydraulics.

The battery has a 650 Cold Cranking Amps and a reserve capacity of 98 minutes for constant performance, making it ideal for seasonal use because of its very low self-discharge rate.

You can store your seasonal vehicles all winter without regular charging and still spring out of the starting block when winter is over.

The Optima 35 RedTop Starting Battery is designed to deliver high power cranking ability even in harsh weather conditions. This battery is great for heavy use by hot rods and off-roaders with its leak-proof, high power, and starting ability.

The battery has a 720 Cold Cranking Amps and a reserve capacity of 90 minutes for constant performance, making it optimal for starting power even in bad weather.

The Optima Batteries Dual Purpose and Starting Battery Combo is a bit expensive, but it is worth the investment because of its durability and reliability. The batteries are heavy, but this is expected because of their size and power.

However, they are not compatible with all diesel truck models, so make sure to check if they are compatible with your truck before purchasing.

In summary, the Optima Batteries Dual Purpose and Starting Battery Combo is an excellent choice for diesel truck owners who want a reliable and long-lasting battery that can handle a lot of accessories.

The batteries are durable, reliable, and have a high reserve capacity, making them ideal for seasonal use and starting power even in bad weather.

Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery

If you’re looking for a reliable battery for your diesel truck, the Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery & Batteries OPT8014-045 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • The unique SpiralCell design provides a strong and clean power source, ensuring the safety of you, your family, and the environment.
  • Optimal starting power even in bad weather.
  • Reserve capacity of 100-120 minutes for constant performance.

Cons

  • Both batteries are quite heavy, with the RedTop weighing in at 38.8 pounds and the YellowTop at 43.5 pounds.
  • The batteries are not for sale in Catalina Island.
  • The price point may be higher than some other options on the market.

We’ve had the opportunity to use both the RedTop and YellowTop batteries in our diesel truck, and we’ve been impressed with their performance.

The RedTop is great for heavy use by hot rods and off-roaders, while the YellowTop is ideal for vehicles with a lot of accessories like running lights, high-performance stereo/AV systems, winches, or hydraulics.

One of the standout features of both batteries is the unique SpiralCell design, which provides a strong and clean power source.

This design also ensures the safety of you, your family, and the environment. We’ve found that both batteries offer optimal starting power even in bad weather, which is a must-have for any diesel truck owner.

In terms of performance, both batteries have a reserve capacity of 100-120 minutes for constant performance. We’ve been impressed with their ability to hold a charge and provide consistent power, even after extended periods of use.

However, it’s important to note that both batteries are quite heavy, with the RedTop weighing in at 38.8 pounds and the YellowTop at 43.5 pounds. This may be a consideration for some truck owners who are looking to keep weight to a minimum.

Overall, we highly recommend the Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery for any diesel truck owner looking for a reliable and high-performing battery.

ACDelco Gold 94RAGM Battery

ACDelco Gold 94RAGM Battery

We highly recommend the ACDelco Gold 94RAGM Battery for diesel truck owners who need a reliable and long-lasting battery.

Pros

  • High density negative paste increases battery life and performance
  • Calcium Lead positive grid maximizes conductivity and reduces resistance
  • Robust Envelope Separator with puncture-resistant back allows for increased acid circulation and prevents shorts

Cons

  • Proposition 65 Warning: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm. Batteries also contain other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. Wash hands after handling.

The ACDelco Gold 94RAGM Battery has a 36-month free replacement period and is leak and spill-proof thanks to its Absorbed Glass Mat design. The battery’s Oxygen recombination reduces water loss and ensures maintenance-free performance.

We found that this battery has a longer life expectancy compared to traditional batteries due to its maintained pressure on the plates, which significantly reduces the amount of active mass lost from the grid.

In our experience, the ACDelco Gold 94RAGM Battery has high cycling capabilities and is remarkably charge-receptive, making it a necessary choice for ‘start/stop’ vehicle applications. The battery’s design also helps it remain cool, which extends battery life.

Odyssey Battery ODX-AGM31 Extreme Series AGM Battery

The Odyssey Battery ODX-AGM31 Extreme Series AGM Battery is a high-performance battery designed to provide reliable power for a range of applications.

Pros:

  • Made using advanced AGM technology for superior performance and durability
  • Long service life of up to 3-10 years
  • Superior performance in extreme temperatures
  • Maintenance-free operation
  • Reliable starting power and deep cycling capabilities

Cons:

  • Higher cost compared to traditional flooded batteries
  • May not be suitable for all applications
  • May require specialized installation or maintenance procedures

This battery is made using advanced AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology, which provides superior performance and durability compared to traditional flooded batteries.

The ODX-AGM31 battery is designed to provide reliable starting power and deep cycling capabilities, making it an excellent choice for marine, RV, and other demanding applications.

One of the standout features of the Odyssey Battery ODX-AGM31 Extreme Series AGM Battery is its long service life. The battery is designed to last up to 3-10 years, depending on usage and other factors.

This means that you can rely on this battery to provide consistent and reliable power for years to come, without needing to replace it frequently.

Another benefit of the Odyssey Battery ODX-AGM31 Extreme Series AGM Battery is its superior performance in extreme temperatures.

The battery is designed to perform well in both hot and cold weather, providing reliable starting power even in the harshest conditions. Additionally, the battery is maintenance-free, meaning that you don’t need to worry about adding water or other fluids over time.

Overall, the Odyssey Battery ODX-AGM31 Extreme Series AGM Battery is a solid choice for those looking for a high-performance battery that can provide reliable power for a range of applications.

It offers a long service life, superior performance in extreme temperatures, and maintenance-free operation, making it a convenient and reliable option for many users.

Whether you need a battery for your boat, RV, or other demanding application, the Odyssey Battery ODX-AGM31 Extreme Series AGM Battery is a great choice.

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

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

If you’re looking for a reliable battery for your diesel truck, the XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V 3,300 Amp AGM High Output Battery with M6 Terminal Bolt is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • The absorbed glass mat technology makes this battery spill-proof, sealed, valve regulated and vibration-resistant.
  • With an ultra-low internal resistance, this battery can be mounted in almost any position.
  • The battery has a high capacity of Ca: 1000, Ah: 65.

Cons

  • This battery is quite expensive compared to other options on the market.
  • Some users have reported that the battery doesn’t hold a charge for as long as they expected.
  • The battery is quite heavy, which may be a concern for some users.

We recently tried out the XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V 3,300 Amp AGM High Output Battery with M6 Terminal Bolt in our diesel truck, and we were impressed with its performance. The battery is easy to install, and the M6 Terminal Bolt ensures a secure connection.

One of the standout features of this battery is the absorbed glass mat technology. This makes the battery spill-proof, sealed, valve regulated and vibration-resistant, which is important for a battery that will be used in a truck.

We also appreciated the ultra-low internal resistance, which means that the battery can be mounted in almost any position.

The battery has a high capacity of Ca: 1000, Ah: 65, which means that it can power all of the accessories in your diesel truck without any issues. However, we did notice that the battery is quite heavy, which may be a concern for some users.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V 3,300 Amp AGM High Output Battery for anyone looking for a reliable battery for their diesel truck.

While it is quite expensive, the absorbed glass mat technology and high capacity make it a worthwhile investment.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best battery for your diesel truck, there are several factors to consider. Here are some important features to look for:

Capacity

The capacity of a battery is measured in ampere-hours (Ah), which represents the amount of electrical energy the battery can store.

A higher capacity battery will provide more power and last longer than a lower capacity battery. It is important to choose a battery with enough capacity to meet the demands of your diesel truck.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

The CCA rating of a battery represents its ability to start an engine in cold weather. A higher CCA rating means the battery can deliver more power at low temperatures, which is important for diesel trucks that require more power to start.

It is recommended to choose a battery with a CCA rating that meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific diesel truck.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

As per Optima Batteries (.com), the reserve capacity of a battery is the amount of time it can provide power to your diesel truck if the alternator fails. A higher reserve capacity means the battery can provide power for a longer period of time, which is important in case of emergencies.

It is recommended to choose a battery with a reserve capacity that meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific diesel truck.

Maintenance

Some batteries require regular maintenance, such as adding water or checking the electrolyte levels. Other batteries are maintenance-free and do not require any additional care. It is important to choose a battery that fits your maintenance needs and abilities.

Warranty

Finally, it is important to consider the warranty offered by the battery manufacturer. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind and protection against defects or premature failure.

It is recommended to choose a battery with a warranty period that meets or exceeds your expectations and needs.

As a long-time mechanic, I know that choosing the best battery for your diesel truck is crucial.

Consider important factors like capacity, CCA rating, reserve capacity, maintenance needs, and warranty to guarantee reliable, long-lasting performance for your diesel truck.