UTV/Side-by-Side Battery Upgrade-Complete Guide

UTVs or side-by-side vehicles are popular vehicles on trails.

Adventure lovers opt for these vehicles because the engines are powerful and help them tow and haul heavy loads and carry four to six passengers.

UTVs have also changed the agricultural scenario in recent times.

They have eased the lives of farmers by reducing the time and energy spent in fields.

UTVs operate on battery. Just like your car or truck, UTVs require power from batteries to move.

I am very much fond of off-roading so I have many UTVs in my garage which I used for different outdoor thrilling.

Though they come with the best quality battery possible, these batteries also wear out after a period. It is especially true if you customize your UTV by adding various accessories.

A winch is one of the most common UTV battery upgrade accessories that can drain the battery. The effect is greater if the winches are aftermarket products.

Your battery may also drain due to the wrong battery locations. Not all aftermarket batteries will give you the same power, but the Best battery for your side-by-side upgrade is a good choice.

So, would you like to know the best UTV battery for a UTV battery upgrade? Read below.

Some of the best UTV batteries that you can use are our – Antigravity Lithium -Ion Re-start Batteries, Optima Powersports batteries, Odyssey Extreme, Yuasa Lead Acid Battery – The Stock Option, and Shorai Extreme.

What kind of battery does a UTV use?

UTVs use similar batteries that you can find in snowmobiles, motorcycles, personal watercraft, and various recreational vehicles.

You can avail of father types of batteries – flooded lead acid, AGM (short for Absorbed Glass Mat), and lithium iron phosphate. Below I have provided the details of the Best battery for your side-by-side.

Xtreme Flooded Battery

• Least expensive among the three
• Shortest lifespan among the three
• Not completely sealed
• High chances of self-discharge when stored
• Provides a warranty of six months

Xtreme AGM Battery/ Duracell AGM Battery

• More expensive than a flooded battery but less expensive than a lithium-ion battery.
• Lifespan two to three times longer than flooded batteries
• Complete seal and no maintenance needed
• Slower discharge than a flooded battery when stored
• Faster charging than a flooded battery
• Can resist vibrations and extreme temperatures 
• Comes with twelve or twenty-four months warranty

 X2Power Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery

• Most expensive battery 
• Lifespan three times more than a flooded battery
• Completely sealed and has no maintenance
• Least self/discharge rate
• Fastest charging
• Can resist vibrations and extreme temperatures 
• Lightweight
• Comes with a warranty of thirty-six-month.

I personally take care of all the upgradations in my UTV by watching youtube videos. Here you can see a picture of it.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned the hard way, it’s that you can never be too cautious. I’d urge you to click on this Best UTV 12V Air Compressor, and avoid the same mistake.

How long is the duration of a UTV battery?

Each batteries have different lifespan. The different lifespans of these batteries are already mentioned in this article.

Summing it up it is seen that a flooded battery will last for two to three years. An AGM Best side-by-side battery will last three to five years, while a lithium-ion battery will last for eight to ten years.

These are only averages and the lifespan of a Best side-by-side battery depends on many factors.

For example, maintenance, how you store the battery, and the climate surrounding the battery will affect the lifespan of the battery. 

When I am with my friends I have done trail riding with my Honda Pioneer and due to the upgraded battery it was a comfortable ride.

Comparing with an upgraded UTV battery not all aftermarket batteries will give you the same power

Factors which affect the Lifespan of a UTV Battery

Today I will talk about the factors affecting the lifespan of a battery in this article.. So, keep reading!

• Actual cycle life

Batteries are of three types, and each type has its own lifespan. A battery cycle is completed when it is charged.

If you use a solar system, the batteries will charge during the day and particularly discharge at night. In such a situation, one cycle is equal to one day.

• Effect of Depth of Discharge

Just like anything else, the harder your battery will work, the less time it will last.

A battery with a high withdrawal capacity will fail soon. The below table will give you an idea about the Depth of the Discharge effect.

The batteries also wear out after a period. It is especially true if you customize your UTV battery upgrade by adding various accessories.

I have also done racing and rallying with my friends and due to the battery upgradation it gave enhanced peformance.

VRLA Battery Cycling Ability vs. Depth of Discharge

	Typical Life Cycles
Withdrawal Capacity	Gel Battery	AGM or Flooded Battery
100%	450	200
80%	600	250
50%	1000	500
25%	2100	1200
10%	5700	3200

• Temperature 

The temperature has a major impact on battery performance, lifespan, charging and voltage control.

At high temperatures, more chemical activities take place inside a battery than at lower temperatures. Hence, the capacity of a UTV battery decreases at lower temperatures. 

For any battery, the average recommended temperature is 65-90 F. High temperatures significantly reduce battery lifespan.

In conclusion, I can say that high temperature is fit for battery lifespan whereas cold weather reduces battery performance.

• Recharge Voltage and Rate

Every lead-acid battery will emit oxygen from the positive plate and hydrogen from the negative plate while charging. The value-regulated batteries contain sensitive valves.

If the batteries are not able to retain hydrogen and oxygen inside the cells, they will be lost in the environment, which will in turn dry out the separators and electrolyte. 

I do all my vehicle customizations on my own including the upgradations. Here is a picture of it.

However, a battery can store a specified amount of electricity. The closer it is to complete its charging, the slower it should charge.

The study says that within 69% of the charging time, a battery achieves 90% of its charging capacity. The rest 10% will take 40% of the charging time.

Hence, you should use a proper charger that has a controller to perform voltage regulation and charging rate when you charge the battery.

All VRLA battery will fail and dry if it receives constant overcharging. 

A gel-type battery needs 13.8-14.1v to completely charge. An AGM battery needs 14.4-14.6v to completely charge.

 A completely discharged battery falls into the category of 118-13.0 V

When Should You Replace UTV Battey?

It is easy to understand if your battery is not giving the performance it used to. Maybe your battery does not work as long as it used to between two charges.

A dying battery finds it hard to provide power to the engine and headlights, making them look dimmer. A quick look at the exterior of your battery will also tell you if you need to replace your bathers.

For example, if you notice any bulge, crack, or corrosion, you will probably need to upgrade your battery. 

When I do off-roading activities I have gone through many rugged terrains with my Polaris Ranger.

Advantages of UTV Battery Upgradation

So, you have bought a new UTV and are enjoying it in the trails? Maybe you have also taken your friends on your first adventure.

You are getting the luxury and power you need to travel on rough terrains. Nothing is wrong with your UTV. So, why think about upgrading the UTV battery? 

It is because you can always improve your UTV. You can customize your UTV by adding various UTV battery upgrade accessories, but the most important upgrade would be to add a second battery.

A second battery will be helpful both off and on the road and will allow you to perform many things that you will not be able to do otherwise.

I go backcountry exploration with my UTV when I am with my friends.

Benefits

You can benefit in several ways by adding a second battery.

• The sound system of any UTV is pleasing for many people, but maybe, you are different. Maybe, you want loud and better-quality music. A second battery will give you better music quality.
• Are you a night owl? Do you like to ride UTV at night? Or maybe, you need to use your UTV all day long? An electricity system should be capable of pricing more energy than it consumes, and a second battery is what you need for it. You can use more lights and other Side-by-side battery upgrade accessories when you have more batteries.
• Lastly, you should know that every battery has a lifespan. Maybe your first battery is on the verge of dying. It is advisable to add a second battery so that your vehicle does not die out in the middle of the night.

Battey upgrade means you will need less maintenance and worries.

Importance of selecting the best UTV battery

Undeniable, UTV battery upgrade is a good choice, but ensure that you purchase the right battery.

This does not only include ensuring that the battery fits your UTV but also knowing the power ratings.

Excessive electricity can be harmful for the ITV whereas less electricity can harm the battery and the vehicle. This can harm the alternator. 

Purchasing the Best battery for your UTV possible and ensuring you maintain it well will go a long way.

Choosing the Best battery for your UTV may seem like an easy task, but it is not. A wrong battery can cause leakages, breakdowns, and damage to your system.

This is why I have mentioned the best UTV battery for upgradation in the next section. 

While I was doing backcountry exploration with my friends I also experienced mudding.

Best UTV Battery

• Antigravity Lithium-Ion Re-start Batteries

When your original battery is dying out and you need to get a good battery at no time, opt for a lithium battery.

The Re-start series from Antigravity is a well-known Battey for its performance. It is not affected much by weather changes. Plus, they are lightweight.

The best feature of this series is the automatic jump-start feature.

When you do not use your UTV for a long time and the Nate goes down, this will start working itself. 

The only con of this battery is that it is not popular for running several Side-by-side battery upgrade accessories. Occasional usage is okay but regular usage is not recommended.

• Optima Powersports Battery

You can find this battery everywhere- trucks, RVs, boats, and UTVs. These batteries have not been in the market for a long time but are quite popular.

These batteries can run extra accessories, in using winches!

Our recommendation would be to purchase an Optima charger too. You can charge your batteries. You can even use it as a battery tester. 

• Odyssey Extreme

These batteries can run more accessories than you can imagine. Do you want to add extra lighting, stereos, a GPS, and winches? Opt for Optima Extreme batteries today.

This battery cannot only run all these accessories together, but it can also run them over time. 

The biggest con of this type is that they do not come cheap. But I recommend you opt for this battery if you seriously consider running extra accessories and also working overtime.

After all, good things cost you a bit more, but they will offer what you need. 

• Yuasa Lead-Acid Battery – The Stock Option

Okay, you do not need to opt for the most luxurious option all the time. Maybe your original battery has worn out and you are looking for a new one.

Maybe you do not plan on adding excess accessories and working your UTV over time.

You can purchase Yuasa batteries if you are looking for a simple yet good option for best UTV battery for cold weather.

The only thing you need to consider is maintenance time. Like any other lead-acid batteries, you need to take proper care.

Lead-acid batteries also die due to inactivity or extremely cold temperatures.

• Shorai Extreme

Another popular UtV battery is Shorai Extrme. It provides too-notch power and is lightweight, like a Lifhium-Ion battery.

They do not cost as much as other batteries. It is also one of the reasons why people opt for this battery.

When I am with my friends I have also done dune bashing with my UTV.

If you have any doubt related to UTV Battery Upgrade then you can just put it in the comment section.

Conclusion

I hope that this article has explained all you need to know about the Best battery for side-by-side upgradation.

I can always say that a battery upgrade or adding a second battery is always a wise idea. You can read our other articles for more guides on UTVs.

I was in your position once, and trust me, taking a few minutes to check this Best UTV Side Mirrors could save you from a lot of frustration down the road.

FAQs