Ben Norton builds custom motorcycles under the moniker 10 ’til 12, because those are the nighttime hours he dedicates to his hobby. During the day, he’s a designer at a works Formula 1 team. Which explains why his supercharged BMW R100RT is so damn mental.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe in southern Africa, Ben now lives in Oxfordshire, UK, where he wrenches out of a single home garage. He’s spent enough time in F1 to know how to make clever choices in manufacturing and materials, and what to outsource. He also has enough equipment in his home workshop to handle most things—but jobs like CNC machining, upholstery, paint and coating are all farmed out.
It’s hard to believe, but this BMW is only Ben’s second build. The first was an R80RT café racer, which he started at the same time as a friend who had a Ducati Monster project. Ben finished his first, so decided to rub salt in the wound by kicking off a second build—an R100.
“As a dare, the same friend suggested I should add a supercharger in an attempt to slow me down and buy some time for him to finish his project,” Ben jokes. “I enjoy a challenge, and the R80 cafe racer build was over too easily!”
Aiming for an aggressive street tracker style, Ben nicknamed the project the R107K. The 107 references the 1,070 cc Siebenrock kit he’s dropped into the motor, and the ‘K’ stands for Kompressor—the usual German designation for supercharged vehicles.
To call Ben’s work on the 1992-model BMW extensive would be a gross understatement. The engine work extends far beyond just the big bore kit, with modifications to the block itself to lighten it. Ben has also added low compression copper head gaskets and twin spark heads, and revised the breather system. The engine’s even been rotated nose up, so that the drivetrain runs in a perfect line.
Taking center stage is an Eaton M24 supercharger—but Ben tells us that he didn’t just install it for extra power. “The intent rather was ‘aero engine’ nostalgia,” he says. “The challenge, the sound, and having tons of low end torque, of course.”
Most of the setup consists of custom made pieces, a lot of which were CNC-machined by a friend of Ben’s: Fred, a fellow F1 engineer at Aximech in Sweden. Fred milled out new timing and front engine covers to accommodate the supercharger belt drive, which works with a custom-made brushless alternator. He then created the custom carb duct, inlet plenum, and a pair of ‘knuckle duster’ valve cover retainers.
Ben also installed a Setrab oil cooler with a remote filter sump from Motoren-Israel, and a Toyota starter motor. The clutch was converted to a hydraulic system, with a custom billet actuation arm. Ben credits Jochen Siebenrock for his endless advice on the internal mods.
The engine breathes in through a single Mikuni HSR carb with a DNA air filter, because “fuel injection would have been too easy, and would not be right on an airhead.” Ben also installed a methanol injection system to keep the engine cool, because he couldn’t fit an intercooler into the mix. It uses a DIY ignition and methanol control computer.
The exhaust is custom too, with mandrel-bent (and tuned) stainless steel headers, terminating in a TYGA MotoGP-style muffler.
Mixing petrol and methanol meant that Ben needed reservoirs to hold both, so he fabricated separate aluminum tanks for each. Then he mounted them underneath a carbon fiber skin that mimics the classic R100 shape, but with lines to match his build. There’s a methanol pump and level sensor under there too, and the filler caps and breather valves are from Newton.
Further back is a custom seat, wrapped in Alcantara and leather by Scottish artisan Tom Hurley, with subtle bronze and charcoal accent stitching. It uses a CNC-molded foam insert to hold its unusual shape, with a stainless steel seat pan, and the subframe underneath is custom. The rest of the frame has been slightly modified with brackets and mounts for various bolt-on items, and powder coated in satin black.
It’s the swingarm and rear suspension that’s really intriguing, though. Ben started with the final drive assembly from a BMW R nineT, modified it heavily with a custom driveshaft, and built his own underslung, multi-link rear suspension setup. It includes a Ducati Panigale shock, and a ride height adjustment system to fine-tune the bike to the rider.
The front forks came off a first generation BMW S1000RR, and are held in place by custom triples from Aximech, with an integrated Motogadget dash, hidden bolts and internal wiring. The wheels are also R nineT units, wrapped in Metzeler Sportec M9 RR supersport tires. The brakes are a combination of Brembo and R nineT components, with custom lines and Atec motorsport fittings.
Ben fitted a plethora of Motogadget parts, including the turn signals, mirrors, a keyless ignition and their mo.unit control box. The custom wiring harness was built to race standards, as you’d expect, and runs off an Antigravity battery hidden under the tank cover.
Up in the cockpit are a set of ‘fat bars’ with a custom clamp, a Domino racing throttle, switches with color-coded LEDs from Rebelmoto, and Magura HC1 brake and clutch controls. There’s a Koso Thunderbolt LED headlight out front, and a set of Tarozzi foot pegs lower down, with custom linkages for the brake and gear shifter.
Pro-Kustom handled the paintwork, wrapping the carbon fiber tank cover in an exquisite livery that emphasizes the brutal mechanics of this build. It’s complemented by a host of Cerakote’d parts, courtesy of Tactical Coatings. And if you’re wondering why it looks so cohesive, it’s because Ben mapped out the entire build with CAD software, updating it as he went.
The BMW’s dry weight sits at around 188 kilos (415 pounds) now—about 30 kg less than stock. Ben hasn’t put it on the dyno yet though, because he’s still running it in. “I’m only running 0.5 bar boost,” he says, “but I plan to run more boost and methanol in the future, once confidence is gained.”
It took Ben 18 months to wrap up the R107K, and frankly, we’re surprised he did it that quickly. It’s a remarkable build for a hobbyist, and we can’t wait to see what he’s got planned next.
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo owners can now earn rewards for their travel through a free app called Stellantis Miles. As part of the program, vehicle owners earn miles each time they get moving, be it driving or walking. Those miles can then be exchanged for exclusive rewards from over 250 different retailers.
Our editor Carl Anthony provides a quick overview of the Stellantis Miles program. Hit the play button above to hear more. And you own an eligible vehicle; this is something you should sign up for! The app is available via the App Store and Google Play.
“You actually earn more miles for biking and walking, which is good for me because I need to lose a few pounds,” Anthony joked. “In all seriousness, this looks like a fun program for drivers to take part in.”
Compare 10 of the best car insurance providers and their scores in different categories.
See our top six car insurance recommendations and their pros and cons.
Read our tips for finding the best car insurance for you.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Finding the best car insurance company can be a long and frustrating process. Every company claims to provide the best services at the lowest prices. But who actually provides the best auto insurance on the market? And of those providers, who does so at the best rates?
To help you answer that question, we have done extensive research on the top 32 auto insurance companies in the industry to see how they compare. We’ve narrowed our selection down to the 10 best choices for car insurance. Our methodology is based on factors such as availability, customer service, affordability, coverage, industry standing, and online experience.
Keep reading to see a breakdown of our top choices, and use the form below to get free, personalized car insurance quotes.
Who has the best car insurance plans? We compared 10 providers and listed our top six, based on different factors.
We chose GEICO as our top pick because of its high scores across all categories and availability to most drivers. With low premiums and a long list of discounts, GEICO is an excellent choice for anyone on a tight budget. Car insurance coverage options from GEICO are well suited for young drivers, military members, and those who prioritize safe driving habits. Those looking for high liability coverage limits should also consider a policy with GEICO.
GEICO makes it easy to sign up by offering all of its services online, whether you are applying for a car insurance policy or going through the claims process. Based on our research, GEICO is one of the best car insurance providers on the market.
GEICO car insurance discount opportunities include:
Military discount
Safe driver discount
Multi-policy discount
New vehicle discount
Multi-vehicle discount
Safety device discount
Good student discount
Anti-theft device discount
Defensive driving discount
Federal employee discount
Driver’s education discount
Emergency deployment discount
Years in Business: 85 years (since 1936)
Market Share: 13.78 percent, based on the 2019 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) report
Good rates for teens/students and those involved in at-fault accidents
Highest-rated mobile app
Does not offer guaranteed asset protection (GAP) insurance
Average customer service
GEICO Insurance Cost
According to our rate estimates, good drivers can find annual rates of about $1,352 with Geico. This is cheaper than the national average of $1,732 per year. This rate estimate applies to full coverage insurance for 35-year-old drivers with good credit and driving records.
Below, you can see a few more rate estimates for different driving profiles. Notice that Geico is reasonably affordable for most drivers except those who have DUIs.
Driver Profile
Geico Annual Cost Estimate
35-year-old with good credit and driving history
$1,352
24-year-old with good credit and driving history
$1,627
35-year-old with recent car accident
$2,427
35-year-old with poor credit
$2,077
35-year-old with recent DUI
$3,359
USAA: Best for Military Families
USAA enjoys an outstanding reputation and for good reason. In the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction StudySM and U.S. Auto Insurance StudySM, the company had the highest scores. From AM Best, it received the highest possible rating of “Superior,” indicating financial stability and thereby making it one of the best auto insurance companies available today.
While USAA tied for the highest overall rating in our industry review, the provider comes with a limitation. To be insured through USAA, you must have either served in the U.S. military or be the spouse or child of someone who has USAA membership.
USAA offers the following discounts:
Family discount
Military discount
Safe driver discount
Multi-policy discount
New vehicle discount
Multi-vehicle discount
Good student discount
Driver training discount
Vehicle storage discount
Annual mileage discount
Defensive driving discount
Military installation discount
Years in Business: 99 years (since 1922)
Market Share: 6.01 percent
Availability: All 50 states, but limited to military members and families
USAA Pros
USAA Cons
Highest score in J.D. Power’s 2020 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
A++ financial strength rating from AM Best
Suited for individuals traveling or living abroad
Instant service through website or app
Excellent claims service
Limited to U.S. military members (enlisted, active, honorably separated, or retired), candidates in commissioning programs, and spouses and children of USAA members with an auto or home policy
Does not offer GAP insurance, interior vehicle coverage, or new car replacement coverage
USAA Insurance Cost
Our average rate estimates show USAA is generally the most affordable company overall. Good drivers can find annual rates of $1,113 for full coverage insurance with the company. USAA is also affordable for different types of drivers, including those with DUIs according to our rate estimates.
Driver Profile
USAA Annual Cost Estimate
35-year-old with good credit and driving history
$1,013
24-year-old with good credit and driving history
$1,422
35-year-old with recent car accident
$1,428
35-year-old with poor credit
$1,807
35-year-old with recent DUI
$2,209
State Farm: Best for Student Drivers
State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the U.S., accounting for just over 16 percent of the market in 2020, according to the NAIC. The insurer has what is arguably the best financial strength among the auto insurance companies on this list. However, what most people associate with State Farm is not its size or financial strength, but rather its customer service agents. If you apply for State Farm insurance, you will be assigned a local insurance agent, with whom you’ll work closely to customize policies or file a claim.
If you don’t want to work with an agent in person, you can visit State Farm’s website or use one of State Farm’s four apps, including the State Farm App, Drive Safe & Save™, Steer Clear®, and the State Farm Pocket Estimator. Steer Clear is a safe driving program that is a great way for drivers under the age of 25 to save money, making State Farm the best car insurance option for college and high school students.
State Farm policyholders can take advantage of the following discounts:
Anti-theft discount
Multiple line discount
Good driving discount
Accident-free discount
Multiple auto discount
Vehicle safety discount
Good student discount
Driver training discount
Passive restraint discount
Defensive driving discount
Student away at school discount
Years in Business: 99 years (since 1922)
Market Share: 16.14 percent
Availability: 48 states (excludes Massachusetts and Rhode Island)
State Farm Pros
State Farm Cons
Largest auto insurer in the U.S., currently servicing over 83 million policies
Average customer service and claim handling ratings
Mixed reviews
Does not offer accident forgiveness
State Farm Insurance Cost
State Farm is another affordable provider compared to the industry average. Good drivers can find full coverage rates of about $1,339 per year with the company. State Farm is also affordable for young drivers, but it can be expensive for those with poor credit.
Driver Profile
State Farm Annual Cost Estimate
35-year-old with good credit and driving history
$1,339
24-year-old with good credit and driving history
$1,765
35-year-old with recent car accident
$1,671
35-year-old with poor credit
$3,616
35-year-old with recent DUI
$1,998
Progressive: Best for High-Risk Drivers
Everyone knows Flo, the fictional salesperson from Progressive, but did you know Progressive has a history of being a step ahead of competitors, including being the first to allow people to purchase insurance plans online in the 1990s?
Since then, Progressive has only improved its online experience by adding features such as the Name Your Price® tool that allows you to start with your desired payment and view the best car insurance plans based on your budget.
Progressive also sets itself apart by being more affordable for drivers who have a DUI/DWI on record. While many auto insurance companies double or even triple payments, Progressive merely increases the premium an average of six percent.
While it may be the best choice for drivers with a history, it should be noted that the average Progressive customer pays about $1,500 to $2,000 per year, which is more than the national average.
Our estimates show Progressive offers annual full coverage rates of about $1,397 to good drivers, which is cheaper than the national average of $1,732. With Progressive, rates also don’t increase too much whether you are a young driver, have poor credit, or have an accident or DUI on your record.
Driver Profile
Progressive Annual Cost Estimate
35-year-old with good credit and driving history
$1,397
24-year-old with good credit and driving history
$2,029
35-year-old with recent car accident
$2,471
35-year-old with poor credit
$2,514
35-year-old with recent DUI
$2,106
AAA: Best Membership Perks
Most of us associate AAA with roadside assistance, but the company offers much more – including car insurance. AAA stands out because of its unrivaled benefits to its members, including discounts on insurance, automotive, bicycle, and locksmith services, as well as select retailers, dining outlets, rental cars, and more.
While the company has over 60 million members, note that its services are regionally focused and therefore not available in all zip codes. Another thing to keep in mind is even though the company offers a wide range of discounts, you have to be a member of AAA, which requires you to pay an annual fee, to qualify for insurance and other benefits. If you do qualify, AAA is one of the best car insurance options in the industry.
Discount offers from AAA vary by region, but common AAA discount opportunities include:
Loyalty discount
New car discount
Pay-in-full discount
Safe driver discount
Homeowner’s discount
Multiple policy discount
Safety features discount
Multiple vehicle discount
Paperless billing discount
Professional association discount
Years in Business: 119 years (since 1902)
Market Share: 0.81 percent
Availability: All 50 states, though coverage is regionally focused
AAA Pros
AAA Cons
A financial strength rating from AM Best
Good range of discounts available, especially for members
Local expertise
Need to be a member to be eligible for insurance
Not available for all zip codes
No rideshare insurance
Liberty Mutual: Best for New Drivers
Liberty Mutual is one of the best car insurance companies in the U.S. and also sells property and casualty, health, and life insurance policies. Though the company started over 100 years ago in the U.S., it has a large international presence and now operates in 17 countries.
We recommend this auto insurance company particularly for new drivers, as it has the highest new driver discount out of our compared brands. Other auto insurance discounts include an online purchase discount, a bundling discount when also purchasing other insurance products, and up to 30-percent off for drivers with a good record.
As with most car insurance companies, rates depend on your geographic location. This is especially true for Liberty Mutual’s car insurance rates, so make sure to get an accurate quote.
Claims process ranks below average in customer satisfaction ratings
Higher premiums
You never know when you will need it: we provide six tips below to help you find the best car insurance.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance
As you call around and get auto insurance quotes from providers, consider these tips to help find the best car insurance for you.
1. Shop around and compare rates from many auto insurance companies.
Be aware that no single insurer is the lowest-priced option for everyone, and the best car insurance for you might be different than the best provider for someone else. Your premium is dependent on several factors, which is why the cheapest car insurance company for one driver in one location can be the most expensive option for another driver in a different state. Because of this, the best way to find cheap car insurance is to get car insurance quotes from different providers to compare their prices.
You can get a head start by filling out the form at the top of the page.
2. Understand the factors that affect your insurance rates.
As mentioned above, several factors determine your auto insurance rates, so make sure you know what those factors are. The most common include:
Your credit score
Your driving history
Your zip code or state
Years of driving experience
Your age and marital status
The year, make, and model of your car
The number of miles you drive each month
The types of coverage and amounts of coverage you add to your policy
How many cars are part of your auto insurance policy
3. Always ask about possible discounts.
Many insurance companies will offer discounts, so make sure to find out what discounts are available to you to find the best car insurance. Common discounts include those for:
New drivers
Federal employees
Drivers with multiple cars on the same policy
Full-time students with a good academic record
Military personnel, veterans, and family members
Drivers who have taken driver’s ed or defensive driving courses
Drivers who have homeowners or renters insurance with their car insurance provider
Drivers who pay their annual premium in one payment or choose automatic payments
Drivers with clean driving records, remaining accident-free for a certain number of years
Drivers with insured vehicles possessing air bags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft systems, or daytime running lights
4. Set the right deductible.
If you have several years of driving experience and a good driving record, you could consider paying a higher deductible, which would lower your premium. The downside is you risk paying more out of pocket in the event of an accident, which is why we only recommend this gamble for more established drivers. But if you do consider it worth the risk, it could lead to savings of hundreds of dollars a year.
5. Regularly check your credit score, as a low score may impact your premium.
Unless you live in California, Hawaii, or Massachusetts, your credit score is used to calculate your premium. A Federal Trade Commission study conducted in 2007 found that credit scores can be used as a predictor of risk for automobile policies. The study found that, as the credit score decreases, the number of insurance claims consumers file increases, as well as the cost of those individual claims. Because of this, car insurance companies charge higher-risk drivers higher premiums and lower-risk drivers lower premiums. While this correlation is not always 100-percent accurate, this standard is still used by insurance companies today.
It can take time to build credit, but if your credit score has improved since you first purchased your policy, you may want to shop around and see if you can find a lower rate.
6. Consider skipping comprehensive and collision coverage for an older car.
Collision coverage is intended to pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged by another car or an object, such as a fence.
Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs for damages caused by things such as weather, animal collisions, floods, fire, vandalism, and car theft.
While maintaining full coverage auto insurance that includes collision and comprehensive policies is beneficial, the maximum payout for either of these policies is limited by the value of the car. Because of this, if your car is older or has a lot of miles and therefore has a lower market value, it may not make sense to pay for both of these coverages.
Drivers are required to maintain a bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance in most states. Some states also require drivers to purchase personal injury protection, medical payments insurance, and/or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage is not required by law in any state.
No matter which one of the best car insurance companies sounds right for you, always be sure to request quotes from multiple providers to see who offers the best coverage at the best prices for you.
What is the number one car insurance company?
State Farm is the largest car insurance company in the country, but our team rated Geico as the best car insurance company overall. This rating is based on the company’s combination of coverage, prices, and reputation with customers and industry professionals.
What is the best car insurance coverage?
While a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage offers you the most protection, the best car insurance coverage is the set of options that best fits your own individual needs at a price you can afford.
How do car insurance companies pay out claims?
Most of the best car insurance companies offer several ways to pay out claims after a settlement is reached. You can often choose between an eCheck, direct bank deposit, or a physical check.
Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog may receive a commission when you purchase one of the batteries below from Advance Auto Parts. And as an Amazon Associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases, including the batteries featured here. These commissions come to us at no additional cost to you.
With the colder weather approaching, we have rounded up the five best truck batteries. We also listed what you need to know about the many types of batteries and the factors to consider when buying one for your truck. It’s also worth noting the batteries on this list are suitable for SUVs as well. Let’s get cranking (no pun intended).
Design & Performance
Like batteries for cars, truck batteries belong in one of two general classifications: Flooded wet cell and Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries. The former utilizes lead plates and a liquid or gel-type electrolyte solution to produce an electrical charge. Meanwhile, VRLA batteries are sealed, low-maintenance units that typically use an absorbent glass mat (AGM) design, offering better performance than a typical wet cell battery.
When it comes to trucks and SUVs, we usually recommend an AGM battery. AGM batteries have fiberglass separators or glass mats that “absorb” the electrolyte solution inside the battery. On average, AGM batteries can charge five times faster, last two to three times longer, and cycle down to 80 percent of their DoD or Depth of Discharge (a percentage of the battery that can be drained without damaging the cells).
What Is The Best Battery For Your Truck?
When choosing a new battery for your truck, here are some factors to keep in mind:
Price
Standard wet cell batteries are more affordable than VRLA or AGM batteries. But then again, AGM batteries last longer. Wet cell batteries are good enough for most stock applications if you want the best bang for your buck. Consider upgrading to a more robust (yet costlier) AGM battery if you have a modified work truck or off-road machine.
Cranking Amps & Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
Cranking amps measure the number of amps the battery can deliver for 30 seconds of cranking at 32°F (0°C). It refers to the amount of power required from the battery to start the engine, so the exact number depends on the type of truck and the engine size. For example, big engines need more cranking amps.
On the other hand, the cold cranking amps (CCA) refers to the number of amps that a battery can expel for 30 seconds at 0°F or -18°C. The CCA designation measures how well a battery can start your truck’s engine in frigid weather. In most cases, a higher CCA number means the battery takes less effort (and less time) to start the engine.
Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity refers to the number of minutes a battery can deliver a constant 25 amps of current at 80°F before the battery is discharged down to 10.5 volts. It helps to buy a truck battery with a higher reserve capacity if your vehicle has loads of accessories that require extra power. This can include things like a winch, off-road or auxiliary lights, or an upgraded audio system.
Group Size
When selecting the best battery for your pickup, pay attention to the group size. Automotive batteries come in many group sizes and designs, including standard top post, recessed top post, and side post batteries. For instance, most Japanese and American vehicles utilize top-post battery fitments, while European car brands generally use recessed top-post battery designs.
Check the owner’s manual of your truck to determine the correct battery group size. Choosing the wrong battery size may cause a spark or fire when the battery post contacts a metal part of the vehicle, so keep this in mind.
Leading our list of best truck batteries is the Optima RedTop. Optima Batteries feature the brand’s proprietary Spiral Cell technology to deliver reliable performance in hot and cold weather. With its unique design, Optima Batteries provide the most potent five-second starting power among other truck batteries while offering 15 times more vibration resistance than conventional wet cell batteries.
The Optima RedTop has a 100-minute reserve capacity and up to 800 cold-cranking amps. Like all Optima batteries, the RedTop is mountable in any position without fear of leaks or spillage.
Specifications
Type: AGM
CCA: 800
Weight: 38.8 lbs.
Dimensions LxWxH: 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches.
Operating Temp: Max 125°F
Reserve Capacity: 100 minutes.
Warranty: 36 months personal use, 12 months commercial use.
Where To Buy It
As of this writing, you can grab the 8004-003 34/78 RedTop on Amazon for $255.
It’s also available on Advance Auto Parts, with a refundable core charge of $22. If you are looking at the RedTop battery in general and are unsure which specific model you need, hit the green button below. That will show you all of the current RedTop batteries that are available from Advance Auto Parts.
The Optima RedTop is specifically designed for all types of vehicles and weather conditions with its SpiralCell Technology. Overall, the RedTop delivers more starting power in a shorter amount of time versus a traditional battery.
Every RedTop battery comes with a three-year, free replacement warranty.
#2: ODYSSEY Extreme Series 65-PC1750T
The Odyssey 65-PC1750T is on our list of the best truck batteries for a reason. It may not have the fancy spirally-wound lead plates of the Optima, but it does have pure virgin lead plates instead of the lead alloy plates in most batteries. And since it packs more plates inside its sturdy, vibration-resistant casing, the Odyssey Extreme outputs twice the power while lasting thrice as long as conventional batteries.
The Odyssey 65-PC1750T has a CCA rating of 950 and a 130-minute reserve capacity. Built with a highly conductive AGM design, Odyssey batteries offer massive starting power and deep cycling capabilities to meet the demands of modern trucks.
One thing to note is the weight difference between the Odyssey (58 lbs.) and the RedTop (38.8 lbs.) listed above. If you are concerned about adding extra weight to your truck, this is one potential drawback of the Odyssey Extreme Series.
The Odyssey Extreme series offers twice the overall power and three times the life of conventional batteries and up to 400 cycles at 80 percentage depth of discharge. In other words, it’s an excellent truck battery!
As an Amazon Associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases.
#3: Delphi BU9094R MaxStart AGM Battery
The Delphi MaxStart has all the ingredients to include it on this list of the best truck batteries. It provides 800 cold-cranking amps and a 140-minute reserve capacity. It also utilizes an AGM design that provides a longer useable life, 20 times the vibration resistance, and faster charging than conventional flooded batteries. In addition, the Delphi MaxStart AGM battery has fortified posts, straps, and welds for added durability.
Specifications
Type: AGM
CCA: 800
Weight: 52 lbs.
Dimensions LxWxH: 12.44 x 6.88 x 7.5 inches.
Reserve Capacity: 140 minutes.
Warranty: 36 months free replacement.
Where To Buy It
As of this writing, the Delphi BU9094R MaxStart AGM Battery is available on Amazon for about $219.
On average, Delphi AGM batteries provide more cycle life, superior vibration and corrosion resistance, and maximum power delivery. They are also a little less money than some of the other batteries on this list.
As an Amazon Associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases.
#4: XS Power D3400 XS Series
XS Power batteries are a solid choice, given their history in racing and car audio competitions. Featuring 1,000 cold-cranking amps and a high reserve capacity, the XS Power D34000 XS Series is a solid choice for big gasoline engines and diesel-powered rigs. Featuring an ultra-low internal resistance AGM construction, the XS Power D3400 is tough enough to withstand the demands you have of your truck, regardless of the season.
Specifications
Type: AGM
CCA: 1,000
Weight: 48 lbs.
Dimensions LxWxH: 12.44 x 6.88 x 7.5 inches.
Reserve Capacity: Between 135 and 160 minutes.
Warranty: 36 months free replacement.
Where To Buy It
As of this writing, the XS Power D3400 XS Series is available on Amazon for about $360. Customer reviews are also high on Amazon, leading us to put the XS Series on this list of the best truck batteries.
XS Power has a battery for every form of racing, including dirt track and boat racing. However, the XS Power AGM design makes it ideal for everyday trucks and SUVs. One Amazon reviewer said this battery fixed the dimming lights on their truck.
As an Amazon Associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases.
#5: Optima YellowTop
Whereas the Optima RedTop is considered a good “all-around” battery by many (including us), the YellowTop is a dual-purpose battery perfect for trucks and SUVs with winches, LED light bars, or expensive audio and video equipment. The Optima YellowTop delivers 750 cold-cranking amps and a 120-minute reserve capacity, making it one of the best truck batteries.
YellowTop batteries are available in many sizes, including DH7, DH6, D34/78, D27F, D51, D31T, D51R, D35, D34, D75/25, D31A, and DS46B24R. They have a price range between $265 and $365 when ordering through Advance Auto Parts.
The YellowTop is designed for vehicles that require additional power. If you’re driving a work truck or service van or have a 4×4 vehicle fitted with accessories like off-road lights and winches, the YellowTop is an excellent choice.
Every YellowTop battery comes with a three-year, free replacement warranty.
Are There Other Good Truck Batteries?
Based on our research, the ones listed above are among the best truck batteries. However, we do have one honorable mention with the DieHard Platinum AGM battery. DieHard batteries are known for their patented Stamped Grid technology, making them more durable, maintenance-free, and resistant to corrosion and vibrations.
It’s a good idea to keep a portable jump starter handy, as even the best batteries will eventually run out of juice. We recently tested the 1200A Shell Portable Jump Starter and believed it to be a solid product (although the jumper cables are a bit short). If you have a truck with a smaller displacement diesel (3.0-liters or less), the 1200A unit will work. If you have an HD truck, take a look at this Shell Rotella unit instead.
One of the best things you can do, regardless of what kind of truck you drive, is to keep up with seasonal maintenance. In this guide, we cover some of the most common repairs by season. Similarly, this winter driving guide will also provide some insight into getting your truck ready for the colder months.
