Batteries -- what is the dif?

DrRod · Mar 8, 2020

With three ATVs it seems I'm buying batteries with unsettling consistency. The dealer has plenty of options for $120 but Amazon and Rocky Mountain ATV have plenty of options at $40. I've bought some of the cheaper batteries and found that they don't last very long. The following are some choices on Amazon and Rocky Mountain but there are plenty more.

So I'm asking you -- what are the specs I should be looking for to get a good battery at a good price.

Thanks so much.

Weize YTX14AH-BS High Performance - Maintenance Free-Sealed AGM ATV Battery Rechargeable Yuasa YTX14AH Motorcycle

Mighty Max Battery YTX14AH 12V 12AH Battery for Polaris 500 Sportsman HO '96-'13 Brand Product

YTX12-BS iGel Battery - High Performance, Maintenance Free, Sealed Motorcycle Battery

YUASA Standard Battery with Acid YB14AA2

Sawyer Rob · Mar 8, 2020

A sealed batt. cost more, but it won't leak all over if the ATV gets turned over.

I've found YUASA batts to be expensive, but of good quality.

SR

Jimmy Joe · Mar 9, 2020

Sawyer Rob said:
A sealed batt. cost more, but it won't leak all over if the ATV gets turned over.

I've found YUASA batts to be expensive, but of good quality.

SR

I second YUASA sealed also called AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries. There is no chance of leaking plus the battery is usually located in a spot where you have to remove it just to check the acid level. I have had nothing but good luck with the YUASA AGM batteries. I know you will think I am crazy but I have a 18 year old battery that still starts my 1981 Honda goldwing. Spend a little now you will save in the long run I have bought cheaper batteries and only got a year or two out of them one was a sealed AGM by the name of Big Max only lasted 2 years.

DrRod · Mar 10, 2020

Is there a standard code to their names -- similar to tire size. All the options in the ads make no sense to me.

For example, in the following list, does the number [12, 14, 30] refer to power?
What does the BS, LA, AH mean?

BTX14-BS
BTX30LA
YTX14AH-BS
YTX12-BS
YB14AA2

Jimmy Joe · Mar 10, 2020

DrRod said:
Is there a standard code to their names -- similar to tire size. All the options in the ads make no sense to me.

For example, in the following list, does the number [12, 14, 30] refer to power?
What does the BS, LA, AH mean?

BTX14-BS
BTX30LA
YTX14AH-BS
YTX12-BS
YB14AA2

This thread may help What Do Motorcycle Battery Model Names Stand For? | BatterySharksBatterySharks.

dragoneggs · Mar 10, 2020

A little off topic but do you keep them on battery tenders when not regularly using? I have found this really helps with my smaller batteries for my tractor, riding mower, generator, etc.

oosik · Mar 10, 2020

I've have the batteries on my ATV, motorcycle & tractor on battery tenders. They will normally last 10 -14 years. At around 12 years, I get nervous and replace a battery. With my luck - an older battery will die on the coldest day in the winter.

DrRod · Mar 16, 2020

dragoneggs said:
A little off topic but do you keep them on battery tenders when not regularly using? I have found this really helps with my smaller batteries for my tractor, riding mower, generator, etc.

No. My garage doesn't have electricity. I know there are solar trickle chargers but I don't have much faith in them.

Gary Fowler · Mar 16, 2020

DrRod said:
No. My garage doesn't have electricity. I know there are solar trickle chargers but I don't have much faith in them.

I have good luck with solar chargers on my gate opener battery. I would highly recommend them but get one that produces at least 14 watts of power to trickle charge. That would be a little over 1 amp of charge power which is good for continuously charging without burning up the battery.

CobyRupert · Mar 16, 2020

DrRod said:
No. My garage doesn't have electricity. I know there are solar trickle chargers but I don't have much faith in them.

I found that when my ATV sat for a couple weeks, the battery would be weak. Usually this wasn't noticeable when ridden regularly. But after buying 2 batteries in a couple years when the battery would sit for a month and be down to 9-10 volts I did some testing and found my ATV was discharging at about 30milliamps when ATV was turned off.
I believe its through a solid state starter relay (or some diodes)....
Once a battery's voltage gets to low for an extended time, I think it dies and doesn't come back (without serious desulphurization),
Sure a trickle charger could constantly feed the parasitic load draining the battery, but putting a switch on the negative battery cable cuts the parasitic load to zero, and saves battery.