Electric winch batteries are essential to power winches and ensure their smooth operation. In this article, we will explore the seven best electric winch batteries available in the market. From high capacity AGM batteries to lithium-ion batteries, we will provide a comprehensive overview of each product’s features and benefits.
Which is Best battery for electric winch?
Odyssey PC925L-P Powersport is the best electric winch battery due to its high-quality construction, durability, and ability to deliver consistent power over time. Its ability to perform well under extreme weather conditions and resistance to vibration and shock also make it a top choice
Thorough multi-level testing is done by my team to ensure the highest product standards before I recommend anything. Learn more about our process here.
Scorecard: To curate a scorecard, I considered the Battery capacity of the battery, reliability of the batteries used and the compatibility to know how easy it shall be for different models. Only products that scored more than 7 were chosen.
Best Batteries for Electric Winch
Odyssey PC925L represents the potential of craftsmanship through rigorous testing and integration of high-quality parts. The service life for this battery is around 3 to 10 years with optimal maintenance and routine checks. Thus, it saves a lot of time and money for consumers without letting them change the batteries frequently every couple of years.
You can store it on an open circuit and might not need to recharge this battery for at least 2 years of continuous use. It recharges faster at a rate of 100% charge within 4 to 6 hours. The best thing about this battery is that it is a combination of two units that work together for providing high cranking power.
My Opinion
Battery capacity
Reliability
Compatibility
Odyssey PC925L-P Powersport Battery is an exceptional electric winch battery. I was impressed by its durability, high cranking power, and deep cycle reserve capacity. It provided consistent and reliable performance during my off-road adventures. It is definitely worth the investment for anyone looking for a reliable electric winch battery.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on May 20, 2011 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Better tolerance at high and low temperatures
- Non-spillable battery for improved safety
- Easy to mount on any side of the vehicle
- Enabled with 5-second cranking power
CONS
- Makes noise while maintaining battery life or being charged during winters
- Low CAA, which is meant only for lighter vehicles
It is a dual-purpose battery that supports deep-cycle functions. You get an increased resistance towards vibrations and it also has the feasibility to operate in any position. The design is spill-proof[1] and consists of two different types of terminals. Among all of the other Odyssey batteries, this lies among the heaviest 31 group batteries.
If this battery is fully charged or in the new state, it can store the charge for up to 2 years at 25 degrees Celsius. Hence, it means that the self-discharge rate is low for this battery by Odyssey. It serves a service life of 3 to 10 years with proper care and routine checks. The recharge efficiency is high at 4 to 6 hours for recharging 100% of the battery’s capacity, which is the same for all Odyssey batteries.
Looking for a battery for your trailer winch ? Check out my post on best trailer winch battery
My opinion
Battery capacity
Reliability
Compatibility
I found Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and durable electric winch battery. This battery is specifically designed for marine use, making it perfect for boat owners who also want to use their electric winch. The battery has a high reserve capacity and provides consistent power, making it an ideal choice for heavy-duty applications.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on April 2, 2009 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Optimal vibration resistance
- 3-year limited brand warranty
- 4-year full replacement warranty
- Extreme tolerance at high or low temperatures
CONS
- It is on the expensive side
In the era of maintenance-free batteries[2], Yuasa stands out with impeccable specifications. It delivers better cranking amps for the vehicles to help them with optimal starting power. And this is what makes it efficient to be used on electric winches. It is probably the best battery for electric winch, depending on its 50 years of expertise in implementing quality construction and efficient functionality.
It is embedded with advanced lead-calcium technology[3] which is responsible for holding specific gravity for a longer time span than any standard lead batteries. Hence, it means that the charge in the battery will last for a longer time when it is used in standby mode or winter storage. a 30% hike in the cranking amps[4] makes it one of the best electric winch batteries available in the market.
My opinion
Battery capacity
Reliability
Compatibility
I had the opportunity to test the Yuasa YUAM620BH YTX20HL-BS battery and I was impressed with its performance. It provided a reliable and consistent power supply for my electric winch, even in cold weather conditions. The battery’s durability and long lifespan make it a great investment for any off-road enthusiast.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on February 1, 2007and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Packs high power and supports less discharge while the battery is in storage mode
- Embedded with a spill-proof design
- Vibration and pressure resistant
- 6 months manufacturer's warranty
CONS
- Manufacturer doesn’t ship out charged batteries
XS Power is undeniably a reputed brand that has been making winch batteries for customers for ages. This battery consists of 1070 CCA and an RC potential of 150 minutes. Hence, these are the exact values that prove the efficiency of this battery for your electric winch. This battery is made with a pure lead that has a super absorbent glass mat for ensuring high performance.
Along with the package, you get two M6 terminal bolts and two split lock washers along with the kit. You need to charge this battery before you can use it. You must preferably use an XS Power battery charger that is embedded with a microprocessor to monitor the charge levels. Hence, this also protects the battery from overcharging damages[5]. You need to buy it separately.
My opinion
Battery capacity
Reliability
Compatibility
XS Power D6500 XS Series 12V battery is a powerhouse of energy. Its impressive reserve capacity and high cranking power make it a reliable choice for powering electric winches. The durable design ensures long-lasting performance, while the ease of installation and maintenance make it a user-friendly option.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on 1 October 2017 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Easy to carry, install and remove the battery
- Vibration and pressure resistance
- Consistent performance and power
- Can be mounted on any specific position
CONS
- Expensive but is worth the money spent
Odyssey is one of the best brands in terms of electric winch batteries. Therefore, this is the third Odyssey battery listed in this post. And all of these products are worth buying! It consists of absorbed glass mat material which is incorporated with pure lead technology (thin plate)[6]. These plates are made up of 99.99% pure lead and not any standard lead alloy.
It has a 15% higher surface area to implement more power and deliver longer life and high reliability. You get massive deep cycle reserve power which lasts 3 times more than other conventional batteries. It is free from maintenance needs as you don’t have to add water to it.
My opinion
Battery capacity
Reliability
Compatibility
I found Odyssey Batteries 34R-PC1500T an exceptional battery. Its high cold cranking amps and deep cycle capacity make it a top performer, even in extreme weather conditions. Its rugged design and long lifespan also make it a reliable choice for powering various applications. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-performance battery, the Odyssey Batteries 34R-PC1500T is worth considering.
Need a battery for your 2500 lb winch ? In this post I have covered some of the important point to help you choose the right battery for 2500 lbs winch, go check it out
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on October 1, 2010 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Reserve capacity of 135 minutes
- High tolerance at extreme temperatures
- 3-year limited warranty and 4-year full replacement warranty
- The self-discharge rate is low
CONS
- Hard to reach the customer support team
Optima is yet another popular brand that competes with Odyssey and its products. It has a good reputation in the market for making high-quality batteries. This 12-V battery is especially for vehicles that have winches attached to them. The significance of the yellow top Optima battery is to represent its suitability for working with winches.
You also get red and blue top batteries that are meant for serving various other workloads. You get around 620 CCA and 100 minutes RC to ensure consistent use. You will get a pure lead and cylindrical design. You get a sealed case construction that contributes to the seamless performance quality of this Optima battery. This battery emits faster electricity and provides you with enhanced starting power.
My opinion
Battery capacity
Reliability
Compatibility
I asked a dear friend who uses this battery as a regular with his winches and heard that It’s a reliable battery. Its unique spiral-cell design provides a strong and consistent power source, even in extreme temperatures. Additionally, it has a longer lifespan compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on January 18, 2007 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Sealed to prevent damage due to debris, water, or other outside elements
- Light in weight than other usual batteries
- Non-spillable design
- Fast recharging
CONS
- You don’t have handles on it to carry it easily making the installation process complex
- Expensive in comparison to other batteries with these specifications
To end this list, Northstar is probably one of the best brands that ought to be here on the list. It is in the affordable window and has all of the essential specifications to power your winch efficiently. It has a low self-discharge aspect and functions with 880 CCA and 134 minutes RC.
This battery projects longevity and performance. This battery cycles over 900 times at the rate of 50% discharge depth. It is embedded with AGM construction which means you don’t have to worry about cleaning the terminals or checking the water levels. It will help you with a quick start of the winch every time you ignite it.
My opinion
Battery capacity
Reliability
Compatibility
A battery is key to the whole working of a winch. After my testing I can say that NORTHSTAR Pure Lead is a top-performing battery. Its pure lead design provides a reliable and consistent power source, even in harsh conditions. Its maintenance-free and non-spillable design also make it a convenient choice for automotive applications.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on January 4, 2017 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Price is affordable and reasonably tagged
- Extreme tolerance to high and low temperatures
- Easy to carry, install and remove the battery
- Highly durable and vibration resistant
CONS
- No such downsides reported so far
Buyer’s Guide
If you are confused between the seven options listed above, then here are a few of the things that you should consider to help you choose the best battery for your electric winch. Knowing these factors will help you refine your selection to narrow it down:
1. Choose the Right Battery Size
You need to check for the size of the battery to ensure that it fits well onto your off-roading rig. You cannot just blindly go for bigger batteries with an expectation of higher power. Smaller batteries with optimal specifications can deliver even higher power than the ones with a bigger size.
In addition to that, big-sized batteries won’t fit well in your vehicle for connecting with the winch. Along with that, it will also add unnecessary weight to the vehicle which might hamper your off-roading performance. Therefore, check the vehicle specifications and pick the optimal battery size that will work well for you.
2. Reserve Capacity
Reserve Capacity (RC)[7] is measured as how long an electric winch battery of 12V can deliver 25 amps of current and stays above 10.5 volts. To ensure that you are buying a stronger winch battery, make sure that you go for RC above 100 minutes at a minimum.
Your electrical winch’s battery specifications will have this listed for your reference. So, make sure you tally the same before shortlisting your best battery for an electric winch from the list above.
3. Age of the Battery
It is important for you to determine the longevity of a winch battery. If you are a frequent off-roader, then it will not be feasible for you to frequently replace the batteries. The average age of a battery should last for 3 to 10 years with routine checks and timely maintenance (if needed).
4. Battery CCA
The battery must have a larger Cold Cranking Amps (CAA) for juicing the winch motor with optimum efficiency to make it function efficiently even in tough situations. For instance, if you are using a 12000 lb electric winch then you will need a minimum of 650 CAA to operate efficiently.
Check your electric winch’s specifications to determine the CAA rating specified for it. Based on that, you can narrow down your battery selection.
5. Price
Some of the batteries are priced reasonably for the specifications that it has to offer. All of the products listed above are nearly the same in specifications, but the price varies depending on minute technicality changes and the brand value.
So, consider your budget and tally the specifications you need for your electric winch, and place your order for the same.
Faqs
The winch-specific batteries are often sized accordingly to fit onto most vehicle types. The optimal size of the battery should be 6x7x5 inches. Apart from that, it should be of 12V and must have at least 650 CAA, which is considered sufficient for a 12,000lb vehicle.
An average winch of 12 Volts system will use around 50 to 55 amp hours. The winches that are of 24-volt systems will prefer using 30 to 35 amp-hours per day.
Verdict
The best product among this list of seven batteries for electrical winches is the XS Power D6500 XS Series 12V. Based on the specifications and efficacy, it has reasonable and worthy pricing that will help you save a lot of time and money in the long run.
Summary
This is all about how you should pick the best battery for an electric winch. All of the seven options are compared with tons of other options to find their place in this list. Keep in mind the considerable factors before you narrow down your choices. Eventually, you will find the battery that can fuel your off-roading experience.
References
-
The differences between AGM, GEL and FLOODED batteries. (n.d.). Battery Guys. https://batteryguys.com/pages/the-differences-between-agm-gel-and-flooded-batteries
-
Ride On Lawn Mower Batteries – Century Batteries. (n.d.). https://www.centurybatteries.com.au/products/lawn-garden/maintainable-vs-mf#:~:text=In%20comparison%2C%20Maintenance%20Free%20batteries,kept%20clean%20and%20fully%20charged
-
Madhu. (2018, June 21). Difference between lead acid and calcium batteries. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-lead-acid-and-calcium-batteries/
-
Veldboom, B. (n.d.). What are cold cranking amps. https://www.batteriesplus.com/blog/power/cold-cranking-amps#:~:text=Cranking%20amps%20(CA)%20refers%20to,vehicle%20at%20a%20moderate%20temperature
-
Ruof, S. (2021). What actually happens when lithium batteries are over-charged or deep discharged? Jauch Blog-Seite. https://www.jauch.com/blog/en/what-actually-happens-when-lithium-batteries-are-over-charged-or-deep-discharged/#:~:text=What%20happens%20when%20a%20battery,bad%20for%20its%20life%20span.
-
Farrell, S. (n.d.). Why use Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) Batteries? – Quality Power Solutions. Quality Power Solutions. https://www.qpsolutions.net/battery-maintenance/thin-plate-pure-lead/
What is battery reserve capacity? | RELiON. (n.d.). https://www.relionbattery.com/knowledge/what-is-battery-reserve-capacity
