Every vehicle has specific needs when it comes to batteries. While some don’t really need a powerful battery, the Ford F150 is different as it requires a top-notch battery that can crank its engine even when the temperature drops.
This truck needs a good battery to keep all its electronics in good shape, especially since the Ford F150 has a powerful V6 engine with advanced features.
Fortunately, there are tons of choices in the market. But before getting one, you should know what’s best for your truck based on its specs.
Some of the latest models of F150 have features that must be powered by the battery. The amount of load you normally carry and the road condition also matter when picking a battery. So, to help you with your search, we’ve decided to review some of the best batteries for the Ford F150.
Keep reading to find what’s best for your truck…
Top Pick
Our top pick is the ACDelco Gold 94RAGM battery, as it is affordable and can power all the electric components in the truck. It is spill and leak-proof and can never disappoint you even in extreme weather conditions.
Reviews of the Best Battery for Ford F150
1. ACDelco Gold 94RAGM Battery
While it’s less pricey, ACDelco 94RAGM has the features that your F150 needs. With about two hours of reserve capacity and a CCA of 850A, you won’t have to worry about your truck failing to start even on chilly mornings.
Another thing that makes this battery a great option is its high-density paste. The high-density negative paste improves performance and prolongs battery life. It’s got a silver-calcium stamped alloy that also helps it perform better and prolong its lifespan.
ACDelco 94RAGM is perfect for Ford F150 because it has high conductivity, thanks to its calcium lead grid. The envelope separator guarantees proper acid exchange, thus helping improve the battery’s life. The envelope separator has a puncture-resistant back that prevents shorts while increasing circulation.
To ensure it is leakproof, this battery also has a vent cap that prevents leakages. Its unique absorbed glass matt (AGM) design keeps the electrolytes locked in the separator instead of allowing it to flow freely.
The oxygen recombination capability lowers water loss. But some users have complained that the battery is too low to crank the engine when new and has to be charged before being used.
Specs
- Brand: ACDelco
- Weight: 51.6 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Reserve Capacity: 140 minutes
- CCA: 850
Pros
- It comes with a 36 months warranty
- Leakproof
- Affordable
- High CCA (cold cranking amps)
Cons
- Must be charged before being used when new
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
Conclusion: ACDelco 94RAGM is a reliable and powerful battery that can crank up your F150’s engine even in extreme conditions. Plus, the fact that it’s designed to serve you for a very long time is a bonus.
2. ACDelco Gold 48AGM Battery
ACDelco batteries are charge-receptive and have high cycling features, and this one is no exception. Like most ACDelco batteries, ACDelco Gold 48AGM comes with the AGM design. Therefore, you will never have to worry about leakages or spillages. The electrolyte in this battery is held permanently in its glass-mat separator to prevent spillages.
To deal with water loss, which is common with other brands, ACDelco added an oxygen recombination mechanism. This guarantees you a very long service life with no maintenance. This battery has a longer life when used in cars. That is because the pressure exerted on the cells will prevent the loss of vast amounts of active mass from its grid.
Its unique envelope separator design improves acid circulation, extending the battery’s life and keeping it cool.
Specs
- Brand: ACDelco
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Weight: 45.5 pounds
- Battery cell composition: silver-calcium
- Vehicle service type: trucks
Pros
- Durable
- It has a longer service life
- Maintenance-free
- Leak and spill-proof
Cons
- Some folks have complained that it’s a tad heavy
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
Conclusion: ACDelco Gold 48AGM is a powerful battery that can crank your engine even when the temperature is low. Plus, its oxygen recombination mechanism prevents water loss.
3. Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 Starting Battery
Optima 8004-003 is an AGM battery with a reasonable CCA rating that can bring the strongest cranking power to your F150. With resistance to some of the factors that damage batteries and fast recharge technology, Optima 8004-003 is perfect for an F150. In fact, Optima claims that they designed this red top to be 15 times more resistant to vibration than all the batteries in the market. This, combined with its leakproof design, shows you why this battery is perfect for off-road adventures.
With a reserve capacity of about 100minutes and a CCA of about 800A, this battery will start your F150 even during the cold winter months. This battery has similar features as the yellowtops from Optima.
The fact that it’s leakproof shows that it can be mounted in any position and still function. It can withstand extreme corners, hard launches and is race-proven. Therefore, it is perfect for streetcars, hot rods, trucks, and SUVs.
This battery has spiral cells with negative and positive lead plates; so, you are guaranteed better starting power. After all, it has more energy than a considerable percentage of its rivals. The fact that it has a 3-years warranty is a bonus. The downside is that this battery is not perfect for electronics-heavy usage.
Specs
- Brand: optima
- Cranking amperage: 800 Amperes
- Reserve Capacity: 90 minutes
- Voltage: 12 volts
- CCA: 640A
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Leakproof
- Vibration resistant
- Smaller than most batteries
- Has an excellent cranking power
- Faster recharging
- High power deliver
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not ideal for trucks with several electronic components
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
Conclusion: Being leakproof and vibration resistant, Optima 8004-003 is a perfect option for an F150. It has more than enough cranking power to start your engine in both hot and cold weather.
4. Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 Redtop Starting Battery
Another redtop that is perfect for an F150 is Optima 8025-160, thanks to its CCA of about 720 amperes. Just like the other red top batteries, it is 15 times more resistant to shock and vibrations than other conventional batteries.
This battery is perfect for an off-roading adventure, plus it has a reserve capacity of about 90 minutes. Therefore, you will never have to worry about it getting spoiled if you don’t use your truck very often as it has a long shelf life. Optima claims that this battery can provide any car owner with more than three times the lifespan of other brands.
Its vibration-resistant feature suits any truck with high loading capabilities like an F150. If maintaining a battery is an issue, then this is the best option for you. Since it is spill and leak-free, you can mount this battery in any position in your vehicle.
Like most of the batteries from Optima, this battery has a three-year warranty, but there is one thing you must focus on. For one reason or another, some users have complained that getting warranty support can be quite challenging.
Specs
- Brand: Optima
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Weight: 31.7 pounds
- Reserve Capacity: 90 minutes
- CCA: 720 amperes
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Maintenance-free
- Long shelf life
- Durable
- Vibration resistant
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Issues with contacting warranty support
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
Conclusion: Despite having less CCA and reserve capacity, this battery can still serve you in extreme conditions. Generally, it does offer an excellent value for F150 owners.
5. Optima Batteries OPT8071-167 D51 Yellowtop Dual Purpose Battery
OPT8071-167 battery is actually one of the remaining true dual-purpose batteries in the market. With its excellent cycling capability and burst of cranking power, this is perfect for heavy-duty vehicles. It’s also made to power heavy electronics like inverters, winches, and audio systems. Its low internal resistance provides faster recharges and reliable power outputs.
Just like most batteries from Optima, the OPT8071-167 is also 15 times resistant to shock and vibration. Therefore, you will never have to worry about most of the common problems affecting other batteries when off-roading. Even though it has a low CCA of about 450A, it can still power your vehicle even in extreme conditions.
Its reliable spiral cell design provides your car with a clean and strong power source. Therefore it is safe for your family and the environment. Its low discharge rate means that it’s perfect for seasonal usage.
Specs
- Brand: Optima
- Weight: 19.36 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- CCA: 450 amperes
- Reserve Capacity: 66 minutes
Pros
- It has more than enough starting power
- Vibration resistant
- Durable
- Faster recharging
- Spill-proof
Cons
- Some clients have complained that reaching warranty support can be quite hard
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
Conclusion: OPT8071-167 is a great option with deep-cycling and cranking capabilities. It can easily power all the electronics in your Ford F150 and still offer enough starting power.
6. Odyssey PC680MJ Powersports Battery
The PC680MJ is a nice dual-purpose battery with both deep cycle reserve power and cranking power. That’s because it has 99.99% virgin lead flat plates instead of lead alloy.
Pure lead plates are very thin; therefore, you can fit lots of them in the battery, making it possible to supply more power. More pure lead plates mean more surface area, which results in twice as much power as a normal battery.
PC680MJ battery can provide a cranking pulse of about 2,250A within 5 seconds, even in low temperatures. They can also handle discharge to about 80% of their depth. This perfect combination of performance and power makes this battery the better option for an F150. Plus, its AGM (absorbed glass matt) design guarantees you that it won’t spill any acid. Therefore, you can install it in any position except upside down. To prevent vibration damage, it comes with strong intercell connections and a safety relief valve per cell.
Compared to spiral cell options of its size, this battery has more plate surface area, which means more power. Despite being reliable and powerful, some users have complained that it’s a bit costly.
Specs
- Brand: Odyssey
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Cranking amperes: 520 Amperes
- CCA: 170 Amperes
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 15.4 ounces
Pros
- Vibration resistant
- Dual purpose
- Leakproof
- It can be installed in a wide range of positions
- Durable
Cons
- It is a bit costly
Overall rating: 4.0 out of 5
Conclusion: It may be more expensive, but the PC680MJ is more powerful than most conventional batteries. Plus, it is capable of 100% recharge within four hours.
7. ACDelco Gold B24R Hybrid Vehicle AGM BCI Group 51 Battery
ACDelco Gold B24R is a perfect choice for F150 drivers looking for flooded batteries. Unlike most flooded batteries, ACDelco Gold B24R’s unique design protects it against road vibrations. So you can tackle all the rough roads with this battery.
This battery guarantees you optimum performance with little to no maintenance. The valve-regulated oxygen-recombination technology prevents water loss.
For longer battery life, this unit features pressurized, lead-proof valves and calcium plates. With its high safety rating, this battery is actually the safest option in the market. A fully charged ACDelco Gold B24R must be installed in an upright position.
Make sure you store it in a place with a temperature between 32 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. When stored, a small chemical reaction occurs between the electrolytes and plate material. This results in a slow discharging process. This means that at high temperatures, the discharging rate can be very high.
Specs
- Brand: ACDelco
- Weight: 31.5 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Cell composition: AGM, lead-acid
Pros
- Vibration resistant
- Durable, long battery cycle
- Long service life
- Maintenance-free
Cons
- Not eco-friendly
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
Conclusion: For a flooded battery, ACDelco Gold B24R is such a powerful and reliable option. It has a long service life and is vibration resistant; therefore, it is the best option for your F150.
8. Optima Batteries OPT8012-021 D34 Yellowtop Dual Purpose Battery
OPT8012-021 is best for the new F150 models, especially the ones with a bunch of electronics components. It can also be used with F150s that are compatible with Group 34 batteries. This spiral-cell battery is way smaller than most batteries but offers better performance. This 12-volt unit has a CCA of 750A; therefore, it can crank your car’s engine even in extreme conditions.
Just like other Optima products, this one also has 15 times more resistance to shock and vibration.
OPT8012-021 battery has a low self-discharging rate, making it perfect for folks who rarely use their trucks. With excellent cranking power and deep cycle, this battery offers fast recharge times. Many users love the fact that it’s leakproof and has a long service life.
Specs
- Brand: Optima
- Weight: 42.9 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- CCA: 750 Amperes
- Reserve Capacity: 120 minutes
Pros
- It offers decent performance, especially when dealing with lots of electric appliances
- Long service life
- Leakproof
- Vibration resistant
- It can be installed in any position
Cons
- Reaching warranty support can be quite challenging
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
Conclusion: With its high CCA and small size, this battery is perfect for the latest trucks. After all, it can easily power all the electronics in the truck and still crank the engine.
9. Optima OPT8042-218 D75/25 Yellowtop Dual Purpose Battery
As one of the industry leaders, Optima always produces high-quality batteries, and OPT8042-218 is no exception. This battery provides the deep-cycling capabilities and extra performance that your F150 needs. This battery is perfect for trucks with lots of accessories, including stereo and running lights.
Optima OPT8042-218’s unique spiral-cell design guarantees you a clean and strong power source. Being a seasonal battery, it has an extremely low self-discharging rate. Therefore, you can store it for a very long time without having to recharge it regularly. Thanks to its CCA of about 620A, it can crank your engine even in winter.
OPT8042-218 is also leakproof and 15 times more resistant to vibrations and shock than most batteries. The fact that it’s spill-proof means that you can mount it in any position in the car. Unfortunately, some users have complained that it doesn’t last for 36 months, but this will depend on usage.
Specs
- Brand: Optima
- Voltage: 12 volts
- CCA: 620A
- Weight: 37.8 pounds
- Reserve Capacity: 100 minutes
Pros
- It can easily start the car and power all the electric appliances in the car
- Has a long service life
- Spill-proof
- Durable
- It has fast recharging capabilities
- High cranking and deep cycling power
Cons
- Like the other Optima batteries, it also has warranty support issues
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
Conclusion: OPT8042-218 is a dual-purpose battery that can power the new model F150s. And with its CCA of about 620A, it can crank your car even in winter.
Buyer’s Guide: Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Battery for Ford F150
The Ford F150 is an exquisite series of pickup trucks that have been manufactured and marketed by Ford since 1948. Currently, there are lots of F150 models that cater to a wide range of payload requirements.
With technology ever-changing, the features and mechanisms of these trucks have also changed. In fact, newer models are more powerful. The latest model has a twin-turbocharged V6 engine which is perfect for off-roading.
Therefore, you need a powerful battery that can crank the F150’s engine and support its functionality. With available options overwhelmingly varied, picking the right one can is no easy task.
Remember, the right option has to be vibration-resistant and needs to have a high CCA. So here are a few factors to consider when purchasing the best battery for your Ford F150.
Ford F150 Battery Size
Despite being under the same series of cars, the F150s have evolved over the years; therefore, the engine size and battery size vary. So, before getting the right battery, you should determine the battery size of your exact model. Make sure you measure the length, height, and width of the battery compartment.
Fortunately, the Battery Council International standardized the different batteries into groups. The size of the group indicates the exact dimensions of the battery, type of battery, and terminal location.
Luckily, most F150s fit the group 65 batteries; therefore, you should confirm on the battery section of the owner’s manual. Plus, most trucks can accommodate batteries from more than one group.
Battery Specifications
Other than the size of the battery, there are other specifications that you must consider when buying an F150’s battery. Some of them include:
Cold-Cranking Amperes
The Cold Cranking Amperage is a rate used to show if the battery can crank the engine in winter or when it’s really cold. It refers to the amperes the battery can discharge for 30 seconds at 0°F while sustaining 1.2V per cell.
Therefore, you must get a battery with a high CCA rating to prevent the likelihood of abrupt discharging when it is cold. When picking the right battery, you should match the CCA rating of the battery with what is mentioned in the car’s manual.
Reserve Capacity (RC)
The RC shows the number of minutes a fully charged 12V battery can be discharged at 25A before its charge drops to 10.5V. The higher the RC, the more efficient a battery will be, so make sure you pick a unit with a high RC rating.
Compatibility
The probability that the 2015 F150 uses the same battery as the 2013 model is quite low. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check the size of the battery to avoid wasting cash on the wrong battery. Compatibility also refers to the exact position of the battery’s cells.
Battery Date Code
Batteries tend to lose charge when left on the shelf for too long. If you get a battery that has been in the store for too long, the chances are that you may have to charge it before installing it in your pickup. So make sure you inform the salesperson that you need the newest battery in your group.
Warranty
Most battery manufacturers believe in their products, and in most cases, they offer a free replacement period. Some brands even have a 36-month free replacement period, while others have 24 months. So make sure you read the warranty details carefully when purchasing the battery. Remember, the longer the free-replacement period, the better.
Maintenance Needs
When looking for the right battery, you should always consider the future of the battery. And this means how much maintenance the battery needs to function properly. After all, some batteries require regular maintenance to function properly. Remember, the maintenance services aren’t free, so it’s always a good idea to purchase a battery that requires little to no maintenance.
Batteries that don’t need any maintenance are way more expensive than those that have to be maintained regularly.
Operating Temperature
All batteries have a recommended operating temperature that you should never overlook. The operating temperature range shows the best temperature where the battery can perform at its best.
If you live in a place with hot or cold weather, you must consider these numbers. Or your battery might fail you when you need it the most.
Safety, Resistance Capabilities, and Build Quality
All manufacturers design their products with different lifespans in mind. Some are designed to handle harsh driving conditions and can withstand shocks and vibrations. So if you love off-roading, then you have to consider this extra capability when buying your battery. Also, make sure the battery has handles that you can use when installing or removing it.
FAQs
What Can I Do to Increase the Lifespan of My Battery?
The simplest answer to this question is to follow the instructions in the user manual. Make sure it’s always charged at all times, even when stored. Remember to store it at the right temperature and make sure that you charge it after every few weeks.
What Are the Safety Precautions to Look Out for When Handling an F150 Battery?
Generally, you should always go for a maintenance-free option that can’t spill or leak. With a maintenance-free battery, you will never have to worry about corrosive spills and fumes.
How Often Should the Ford F150 Battery Be Tested?
It’s always a good idea to test your battery at least twice per year. You can test it in early spring and early fall. By monitoring the condition of the battery, you will know when you need a replacement.
How Much Does a Replacement Cost?
Generally, the price of a replacement battery varies depending on the brand and features. But the average price is around $160.
Conclusion
Ford F150 lightweight trucks are powerful trucks with different carrying capacities. With a V6 turbocharged engine, you need a powerful battery that can always crank the engine, especially when it’s really cold. But most importantly, make sure the battery you pick is compatible with your F150 model. Remember, they all don’t use the same battery.
We pick the ACDelco Gold 94RAGM battery as the best battery for Ford F150. This battery has a very long service life. Plus, it can crank the F150’s engine even in extreme weather conditions.
Next up, check our list of the best shocks for your F150.
