Best battery replacement options for off roading?

I was looking to get an AGM battery but doing some research there is a vocal group of people saying our Tacomas can't charge them properly.

Is that real or BS?

If it is real, I don't want to mess with doing anything special to a battery. Any other options brand/size for someone who off roads a lot?

Thanks

 

Off-roading won't determine what battery you choose. If you camp a lot and deep cycle your starting battery, I would look into dual battery systems. Yes, AGM needs a higher charge voltage that you can change with a tune. Otherwise, I'm a fan of Deca and Interstate lead acid batteries.

 

I've been running my Northstar AGM 27F for the last 4 years no issues, not a 3rd gen rig but I'd say you would be fine.

 

AGM is better for off-roading in the sense they are sealed.

lead acid standard batteries don’t like vibrations and bouncing. My last regular battery constantly leaked

agm prefers higher voltage, so they typically sit more discharged when in a standard charging system. We just recommend charging it once a month or so if you remember.

 

Why are there so many recommendations to get a AGM for people that are constantly vibrating and tipping to the side in their vehicles? Not questioning you just trying to educate myself thanks

 

What happens if you don't charge your AGM battery in the Tacoma and just let it ride like a normal battery?

 

It is not BS. Our smart alternators don't put out high enough voltage to fully charge an AGM. People run them without modifications/tunes but they aren't getting the full capacity out of the battery (assuming a deep cycle AGM). 2nd gens required a voltage booster that tricks the computer into cranking up the voltage from the alternator, 3rd gens have the option of a tune that ups the output voltage.

The voltage booster made a BIG difference in my house batteries (I had a triple battery system).

As for your need for an OFFROAD battery... that makes zero difference in what type of battery you want. If you want something with higher capacity (without dual battery), and deep cycling capabilities for a fridge or lots of lights, that is different.

 

I'm not concerned with charging accessories. Just vibrations and excessive tipping of the battery when off road.

 

Decayed performance and storage. Suboptimal.

 

There is a KDmax tune for AGM batteries. Works great for all the people who have had that tune option

 

I think you are over thinking this. A regular battery will do just fine IMHO.

 

Yeah, a normal battery will do the job you want.

 

I've had regular flooded batteries spill acid from the vents just transporting them a few city blocks in the footwell of a car. I strongly recommend an AGM sealed battery for off-road use. The flooded battery would still work after spilling acid, but your inner fender area may get heavily corroded.

The white plastic tray under the battery is Toyota's solution to spilled acid...

 

There are tons of actual wheeling rigs in the real world, shit boxes on 40s with an old Autozone battery that run laps all day long

Way overthinking this

Off-roading has been a thing for many years, it's not a new hobby

 

AGM is more for awkward mounting. If you need to mount it on its side or upside down, AGM is the way to go. If you will be rolling your truck often, yes, I would go AGM. But your engine will run out of oil before your lead acid battery spills all over itself in off-camber rock crawling and typical off-roading. I've never had an issue with lead acid when it comes to vibrations.

 

Get the 12v kind!

 

It's maintenance either way.

Flooded- towel off the top every time you pop the hood, clean and grease the terminals, and check the water levels once in a great while.

AGM - check the charge once in a while, put it on a trickle whenever you have a quiet weekend.


Off Road- I'll say the opposite of the campers. Go as small as light as possible. Stick with the 24F so that you don't stress the undersized tray that's in these vehicles.

 

search for longest warranty and best price on standard drop in, and be done w it in less than an hour.

It's funny how many seem to over think this, but many seem to wait until their battery dies before replacement.
I just buy a name brand drop-in battery, and replace it a year sooner, rather than going with fancy shit.

as mention- camping and such is a different story,, I am referring to stock battery for stock demands.

 

Good point. I replaced mine at the first slow start, which is far better than the first no-start. I got 5 years out of the stock battery, that ain't bad.

Took it to the VatoZone, and not only did they take off the core charge, they offered to discount the AGM just because. And then they said "I know you have the tools to do it, but let me. It's a nice day outside and I need a break from the counter." Damn, can't say no to any of that.

 

ahh,,, the fake chrome fender vent capital of the world!