Best Battery Opinions

[Sharecropper]

I recognize that this topic may have been beat to death but I still feel compelled to ask. I searched older threads but also know that what was considered good a few years ago may not be so good now. So here goes.........

As many of you know, I am nearing the completion of my M1028 rebuild project which has been ongoing since 2010. The Optimas I purchased many years ago are probably at or near the end of their life cycle, so I have a hankering to install a pair of new batteries when I finally get to the point of cranking. So my question is - What is the general consensus of which brand of battery is currently considered to be the best available in the market today?

Thanks in advance for all replies.

 

[CARC686]

You can save 70 pounds running lithium batteries these days. I don't know much about them, but long haul truckers are successfully using them now.

 

[98G]

Hawkers.

You said "best" , not "best value" or "best for the money" or "good enough".

 

[Sharecropper]

Hawkers.

You said "best" , not "best value" or "best for the money" or "good enough".

Yes I would like to have opinions on the "best" battery, not necessarily the "best value" or "good enough".

My own research over the past 24 hours seems to point towards the Odyssey ODX-AGM3478. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this brand or with other comparable brands. ODX-AGM34 78 (34-78-PC1500) ODYSSEY Extreme Series Battery | ODYSSEY® Battery

I believe the Hawker battery is the same as the Odyssey. Same size, same weight, same shape, same output.

 

[98G]

Yes I would like to have opinions on the "best" battery, not necessarily the "best value" or "good enough".

My own research over the past 24 hours seems to point towards the Odyssey ODX-AGM3478. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this brand or with other comparable brands. ODX-AGM34 78 (34-78-PC1500) ODYSSEY Extreme Series Battery | ODYSSEY® Battery

I believe the Hawker battery is the same as the Odyssey. Same size, same weight, same shape, same output.

I had Hawkers that went >12 years. At 17 below, the vehicle equipped with them was the only thing that started.

I have no experience with the Odyssey.

 

[Tinstar]

Second on the Hawkers.

You've spent this much time and money on the truck, don't skimp now.

I know buying Odyssey batteries isn’t skimping, but Hawkers are the Military’s choice and I have had Zero issues with them.
On year 6 on this current set. Bought brand new.
Worth every penny.

 

[Sharecropper]

Second on the Hawkers.

You've spent this much time and money on the truck, don't skimp now.

I know buying Odyssey batteries isn’t skimping, but Hawkers are the Military’s choice and I have had Zero issues with them.
On year 6 on this current set. Bought brand new.
Worth every penny.

Thanks for your reply. As anyone who has been following my M1028 rebuild thread can attest, "skimp" is not in my vocabulary. Although side-by-side images of the Hawker and Odyssey suggest that both batteries come down the same assembly line, I agree with you that having Hawker batteries would be more military authentic. Hawker Mil PC G34/78 with both top and side posts will be my choice so I can run auxiliary systems.

So, can Hawkers be purchased from any outlet besides Hawker direct?

 

[Tinstar]

Good question

I tried to find some for sale and a quick search came up dry, except going through a Hawker dealer.

I’m sure there available somewhere outside the dealer network.

 

[canadacountry]

just had to ask, I know they aren't explicitly for military but still I wonder if any of you have any thoughts on rolls battery?
(and like @CARC686 was saying, theres even 12v-or-24v lfp batteries for existing wiring systems too although of course dod/cranking are quite a different thing with these compared to simple lead acid naturally)

 

[Sharecropper]

Well I have information. The Hawker battery and the Odyssey battery are identical, and both are made by EnerSys Energy Products Inc in Reading, Pennsylvania, with several production facilities located across the nation. The Hawker-labeled battery is sold to government entities, and the Odyssey-labeled battery is sold to the public. The only difference in the two batteries is the label. So unless I can find a source for the Hawker at or below the cost of the Odyssey, I guess I will simply purchase a pair of Odyssey AGM34/78's.

Thanks everyone for contributing to this thread.