Best Primary Battery - Jeep JK

[nwoods]

It’s been 10+ years since I looked into batteries for adventure rigs. My Jeep JK came with an Oddessy battery dated 2020 and it is no longer holding a full charge and my battery conditioner is reporting a battery error when I try to cycle it. I think it’s done.

I vaguely remember reading that various brands have been bought/sold/discontinued, but I don’t recall any specifics.

What is the current flavor of the month in terms of quality batteries?

Yes, I do run a lot of accessories, with an upgraded alternator and a SwitchPro control pad. I do not have nor am I interested in going to a dual battery set up at this time. Cost is a factor.

What are your recommendations?

 

[Zeep]

I have a Duracell branded AGM, that I believe is made by East Penn. Bought it at Sams Club about 5 years ago. Approximately $120. I have no complaints!

 

[nwoods]

I have heard that East Penn makes very good batteries. Here is their top line model:

Intimidator - AGM - EHP - Valve Regulated

12 Volt AGM Sealed Valve Regulated

dekacatalog.com

 

[NatersXJ6]

I run the cheapest lead-acid deep cycle I can find. Group 27 Marine Super-Start from O-Reilleys. They last about 3-4 years, continuous fridge and continuous solar. I spend about $120 and replace immediately at the first sign of trouble. Before that, i trashed about $800 of Odysseys figuring out that the JK doesnt charge at high enough voltage to keep them happy.

 

[86scotty]

I have been very happy with the East Penn made O'reilley AGM starting batteries. I used get one year tops out of FLA's and I'm at 3 on these, still holding 13v overnight with small stuff plugged in.

 

[nwoods]

Turns out I can't read, my Oddessy battery was dated 2017. I got a solid 7 years out of it. Pretty happy with that kind of performance given how this Jeep is used. Also, the specs for the Oddessy are better than all of them save Optima, and I just keep hearing negative things about Optima lately. I got a good deal on a new one from NAPA, which was $40 cheaper than AutoZone. Score!

 

[AggieOE]

I swapped from the stock sized battery to a slightly larger one with more CCA, Reserve Capacity and Amp Hours.
If I remember correctly, I bought my first one in 2018 after only 2 years with the stock one. So, the last AutoZone Duralast AGM Platinum lasted me ~ 5 years. I replaced it as soon as it started taking more than a second to crank on. I went from an H6 AGM to an H7 AGM. It still fits in the tray without any modifications.

 

[DCH109]

I have the Costco Interstate battery $170 bucks and it is AGM with a 36 month warranty. So far a great battery and I liked it so much I bought the same brand for my Mustang..

 

[Rube2K6]

Has anyone used a marine battery with the additional threaded posts to add accessories or is there a better way?

 

[DCH109]

Has anyone used a marine battery with the additional threaded posts to add accessories or is there a better way?

A better way is to use it as a 2nd battery. I build my own power block for accessories which then attaches to a 2nd battery. Normally aside from my winch, everything runs through the power block (fused with a circuit breaker) and nothing is directly attached to the battery, this goes if I run one or two batteries. I additionally have mine setup to jump the primary battery in the case it is run down.
Do you need a fancy tray for a second battery? Nope. You need some way of mounting it, but you do not need to spend a lot to do so and you can build your own.

While many will tell you no, do not do it. Most will not say why.
Here is the easiest reason why. Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) vs Marine Cranking Amps (MCA). CCA is tested at 0* F (-18* C), MCA is tested at about 32* F (0* C). There are some marine batteries that have a CCA rating, however you would need to make sure it is enough for your vehicle.
Additionally Marine or RV batteries are designed for deep cycle discharge and recharge, not the quick charge discharge and top up that auto batters are designed for.

So can you, of course. Should you long term, probably not.

 

[burleyman]

I've used marine deep cycle (not marine starting) for both starting and house batteries for years with no problems on V8 gas engines. Engine starting currents (amps) have decreased from years ago due to gear reduction starters. Knowing starting amps helps to decide.

Deep cycle batteries also have removable caps to view and test for specific gravity with an inexpensive tester.

Cold climates also are a factor I've not dealt with. About 8 degrees F has been the coldest.

 

[NatersXJ6]

Has anyone used a marine battery with the additional threaded posts to add accessories or is there a better way?

I do this. I added my winch to the top posts and made some copper bus bars for all of the jeep operation plus accessories. This is my 3rd iteration of bus bars, eventually I ended up pulling all of the original battery cables out of the harness because the factory clamps were no longer holding.

A note for anyone trying this… tapping copper is … difficult at best.