One of the most common replacements needed for any vehicle is its battery. This is something that tends to lose its charging ability every few years and is just an expected expense of owning and using your ATV (similar to owning and using a car).
Are ATV batteries 6v or 12v? The most common label size of an ATV battery is 12v with sizes also (occasionally) coming in 6v and 24v depending on the ATV needs. The actual voltage of a 12v battery is usually between 12.6v and 12.8 – and can go all the way to 13.1 volts.
This is a great general rule of thumb, but, of course, with any general rules, there are always exceptions and nuances. ATV batteries can be more complex than just a voltage.
It is important to check with the make and model of your ATV to ensure that you are using what is appropriate for your vehicle. Continue reading to learn more about ATV batteries so that you can ensure you are using what is best for your favorite ride.
ATV batteries vary about as much as any type of batteries. Just like cars, you will find that many batteries that look similar offer similar components. The most important concept to understand is that there are two major types of ATV batteries: conventional (flooded) batteries and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries.
Conventional (flooded) batteries are the most standard batteries on ATVs. They get the name “flooded” because the plates are covered in distilled water. There are removable caps, so you regularly inspect the water levels and refill as needed in order to keep your battery operating at full capacity. This will ensure longevity and efficiency for your ATV.
Conventional batteries are going to be a lot more affordable than absorbed glass mat batteries, but they are also going to be prone to experiencing more issues.
Due to the nature of ATV riding (jolts, turns, bumps, etc.
), conventional batteries are prone to leaks. The caretaking of them is a lot more intense (with included monitoring and refilling), and they are less durable than AGM batteries.
Absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are also known as “maintenance-free” batteries. These ATV batteries have closed caps, and instead of the water that is traditionally inside of flooded batteries, they have fiberglass pads around the cells of the battery. The pads are responsible for taking care of the acid that forms on the battery.
AGM batteries are going to be the top pick for most ATV enthusiasts. While they are a bit more expensive up-front than conventional batteries, they come with a lot of benefits. Most users find that these benefits pay off not only financially but in the long-term satisfaction in using them on their ATVs.
The first benefit that most users report is that there is no maintenance for this type of ATV battery- they are good to go, and you never have to worry about water levels or spillage regardless of how rough or smooth your ATV ride is.
On top of this, they are made in a more durable, shock-absorbing way that allows them to hold together longer when riding on trails and doing climbs.
For experienced and adventurous ATV riders, using an AGM battery is the way to go. Of course, you will need to ensure that your ATV can use this type of battery, but as long as it can then you are good. You will likely find that the initial purchasing cost yields a higher cost-benefit analysis for ensuring a highly satisfactory purchase.
Here’s a quick video example showing the ATV battery types.
As mentioned above, the most common size of ATV battery is going to be a 12v battery.
AGM 12v batteries are commonly going to sit between 12.5v and 13.1 (on the high end). If you ever dip below 12.5v, then you should talk to a specialist about your battery.
With this in mind, I wanted to list some of the most common, and best batteries for your ATV. Hopefully, you can use this list to help ensure the best and most appropriate purchase for your vehicle. Of course, you can always speak with a specialist or someone who works at a local ATV sales shop to provide more information and resources on where to buy the best battery for your ATV.
Yuasa is one of the leading manufacturers for ATV batteries. Their products are high-quality and durable making them a great choice for your new ATV battery. One of the top features about this is its safe fill feature for emptying the acid. This is an absorbed glass mat battery as opposed to a conventional battery option for your ATV.
The Yuasa YUAM620BH found here on Amazon, is the top recommended battery for cost vs performance.
On top of the safety features, there are also many people who have had this type of battery last them 10+ years. That is certainly on the long end of any vehicle, but, particularly for an ATV battery, this is impressive. The up-front cost is pretty reasonable, too, at around $100 depending on the site of sale.
The ThrottleX MX30L (link to Amazon) is going to be the most expensive on the list – but for good reason. These are solid batteries, and while marketed primarily for motorcycles, they fit and work wonderfully in ATVs. When I first used this battery, it was amazing how much more power it felt like I had as compared to the stock battery.
Maybe it was just due to the other battery being old, but I think this batter is a perfect step up for anyone taking ATV riding more seriously. For me, using this absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery was well worth its cost in the power it provided as well as the safety and maintenance-free qualities and contributions.
We consider the Odyssey PC545 (link to Amazon) essentially a step down from the ThrottleX listed above. If you are looking for a solid upgrade that still gets your ATV cranking harder than any big box store battery – this will be your battery.
It has specs to match any of the best, and while a bit on the pricier side, it is worth the investment to have a battery that will last and keep your ATV running at its full potential. This is another absorbed glass mat (AGM) model that has spill-proof technology enabling a safe and easy-to-maintain battery experience.
If you are looking for a more affordable option for your ATV that still outperforms many of the common store brands, look no further than this option. The Weize YTX20L-BS (link to Amazon) is a solid ATV battery that will replace (and probably outperform) your last battery. This is especially the case as it is another absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery option that is maintenance-free and easy to install.
While it is not the most powerful ATV battery included on this list, it is definitely a great option to get a solid battery at an affordable cost. The only downside to this option is that the wiring was a bit more difficult to install, but that could simply be due to the ATV I was attaching it to as opposed to the battery itself, it’s tough to say.
I have been reading on forums that some people’s first (original) battery is running out of charge and they are not positive about what to do to resolve this issue. One of the things I saw asked about was switching a 6v battery for a 12v. It was not clear exactly which way they were going to do (replacing a 6v with 12v, or vice versa), but I am going to talk about both.
Can you swap a 12v battery with a 6v battery on your ATV? When it comes to using a 12v battery in a vehicle intended for 6v, it’s not recommended. If you are trying to use a 6v battery for a 12v vehicle, this will not work by itself, you will have to wire two 6v batteries in series to a 12v vehicle.
In essence, you need to make sure that the batteries you are using have enough voltage to power the ATV that you are attempting to drive. Modifying a 12v battery to work for a vehicle intended for a 6v would mean that you are intentionally overpowering the vehicle which can come with some risks. However, using a 6v battery for a 12v vehicle would be like using one AA battery on a toy that requires two- it simply is not enough to power the vehicle for operation.
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The battery’s nominal voltage is 12.6 to 12.8 Volts when fully charged. If the voltage falls below 12.5V, charge it immediately or the battery runs the risk of sulfation. Polaris recommends using a BatteryMINDer® 12V 1.5 AMP Convertible charger.
What is the voltage of a Polaris battery? The battery’s nominal voltage is 12.6 to 12.
8 Volts when fully charged. If the voltage falls below 12.5V, charge it immediately or the battery runs the risk of sulfation. Polaris recommends using a BatteryMINDer® 12V 1.5 AMP Convertible charger. Charge the battery with a charging output no larger than 1/10 of the battery’s amp/hr rating.
How much voltage can a battery hold? If the battery is healthy, you should be able to charge it so that it holds at least 12.4V (about 75% charged). If you can’t reach 12.4V, the battery is not taking charge properly. Then let the battery sit for a day or two, and read the voltage once more.
What is the nominal voltage of a battery? The battery’s nominal voltage is 12.6 to 12.8 Volts when fully charged. If the voltage falls below 12.5V, charge it immediately or the battery runs the risk of sulfation. POLARIS recommends using a BatteryMINDer® 12V 1.5 AMP Convertible charger.
How often do you charge a Polaris battery? If the voltage falls below 12.5V, charge it immediately or the battery runs the risk of sulfation.
Polaris recommends using a BatteryMINDer® 12V 1.5 AMP Convertible charger. Charge the battery with a charging output no larger than 1/10 of the battery’s amp/hr rating. Recharge the battery to its full capacity every 30 to 60 days.
Table of Contents
The majority of ATVs operate on a 12-volt battery architecture system (at rest). Conventional, or flooded, ATV batteries use a voltage range of 12.6 to 12.8 volts on a fully charged battery that’s at rest. An AGM battery, may have a voltage range that starts at 12.8 volts but can reach as high as 13.1 volts.
Even if the motorcycle is unused, it should be charged within a month, or it can be charged with a smart charger that will not let the battery be overcharged. Like the motorcycle batteries, ATV batteries should also not be left without charging.
The reason why your battery dies is mostly to do from it sitting for too long.
Unlike your car which you drive daily your ATV battery will die if not run often. The battery needs to be smacked alive to keep it going for years.
What Size Battery Do I Need for my ATV or Quad? ATVs and quads usually require 12v batteries that are often suitable for use in motorcycles as well. A power sports battery needs to provide the high output needed to start your four-wheeler. What differentiates these batteries is cold cranking amp, or CCA, output.
ATVs do have a built-in charging system that is powered by the bike’s engine. But the current it provides is not very high.
You can charge the battery by going for a long ride, but it’s not always practical. Instead, you may use an external battery charger.
12 V
Polaris recommends using a BatteryMINDer® 12V 1.5 AMP Convertible charger. Charge the battery with a charging output no larger than 1/10 of the battery’s amp/hr rating. Recharge the battery to its full capacity every 30 to 60 days.
How Often Should I Charge My Motorcycle, ATV or Boat Battery? Any type of lead acid battery should always be left in a fully charged condition.
Having done that, you should either charge your battery every 30 days or so, or consider getting a smart battery charger to maintain your battery all the time.
– Connect the two batteries positive terminals with the red cable lead.
– Connect one end of the negative to the good battery’s negative terminal.
– Wait a minute or two before trying to start your ATV.
– As soon as the ATV starts, disconnect the cables in this order:
When considering which battery to purchase for your ATV, there are three primary types to consider: Lead- Acid (also called conventional), maintenance free batteries (also called Absorbent Glass Mat or AGM for short), and lithium batteries.
An ATV uses what is called a stator system or magneto system to charge its battery. This is a fairly simple and robust system located on the inside of the ATV’s engine.
Any time the engine is running, the stator is continuously generating an electric charge. What’s left is being used to charge the battery.
Try turning on your ATV, if it starts then remove the jumper cables from both ends and let it sit idle for a few more minutes so the battery can build up a charge. If it does not start right away then let the battery keep charging for a few more minutes until your 4 wheeler does start up.
Many of the car battery chargers can push 6 or 10 amps, but these little ATV batteries don’t like to see more than 2 amp charge current. Also, how many amps is a ATV battery? 2 amp setting.
12 volts
3-4 years
12 V
The ATV battery is one of the most important elements in its electrical system.
Given the amount of additional equipment installed on the ATV (winches, additional lights, alarms, heating, etc.), the battery often does not charge to the end. And the owners do not pay due attention to this, which is why they change the battery every season. Believe me, with proper care, the battery can last 3 or more seasons. Let's pay attention to the rules for charging your ATV battery, consider errors and answer questions that arise when servicing the battery.
Warning. The conversation for the most part will be about serviced batteries. Maintenance free ones have no plugs (at the top of the battery) and only need a timely and full charge, and their owners may skip some of the points described below.
Can I use a car charger to charge my ATV battery?
It is possible, in the case when the charger has a charge current adjustment and it is possible to set the minimum current from 0.5 to 0.7.A. There is a simple rule: one tenth of the battery capacity will be considered the normal current for charging (calculation should be made in Amperes).
Of course, it is much easier and more correct to use special devices designed for low charging current. Complete with the charger always comes instructions for use, which contains the basic requirements and rules, do not neglect to read it.
Is charging noise and boiling normal?
Moderate boiling is normal. This is explained by the reaction in which the electrolyte enters with lead plates, in which the acid releases a certain amount of gas. It is worth worrying if the boiling is excessively strong - this indicates that the charge current has been exceeded.
Why does a new battery drain quickly?
What is sulfation?
Sulfation is the formation of lead sulfate (white matter) on the battery plates.
All old and failed batteries are subject to this phenomenon.
What affects the sulfation process?
How to avoid sulfation?
Monitor the condition of the ATV's electrical system at all times. The battery loses its charge significantly during engine start, and the charge must be replenished when driving, so monitor the health of the regulator and generator relays. When the ATV is not used for a long time, remove the battery and charge it with the charger at least once every 2 months. When the first signs of sulfation appear, charge the battery with low current for a long time (up to 2 or more days).
Amps / hours - what is the characteristic?
This is the unit in which the battery capacity is measured.
For example, a fully charged battery with a capacity of 1 Ah should theoretically provide a current of 1 ampere for an hour.
How and why to monitor the electrolyte level?
The electrolyte is sulfuric acid diluted with water in the right proportion. During operation, water evaporates, and the proportion of sulfuric acid increases, which, in turn, adversely affects the health of the battery.
If the electrolyte level drops (each battery has a normal level mark), add distilled water (available from auto parts stores) to the mark.
How can I tell if the battery is charged?
A charged battery produces 12.8V. If your multimeter measures 12.5V or less, the battery needs to be charged.
Which terminal should be connected first when installing the battery on the ATV?
Always connect the positive terminal first. When connecting the wire to the terminal, a spark may occur, so all flammable liquids must be removed in advance. Always tighten the bolts on the terminals firmly to avoid short circuits. The terminals can be treated with a lubricant to prevent oxidation.
What happens if the polarity is reversed?
Always respect the polarity - wrong polarity can lead to a blown fuse at best and an exploding battery at worst.
How to store the battery in winter?
If you do not use the ATV in winter, the battery must be removed and stored in a cool place, and charged several times during the winter with a small current.
As you can see, there are no difficulties in maintaining the battery, following simple rules will significantly extend battery life and save your finances.
And how to properly charge the battery, we will learn by watching the video.
Electric ATVs are rapidly gaining popularity due to their economy and environmental friendliness.
But many riders still do not know how to charge an ATV on a battery. Improper charging reduces the battery life or the battery loses its capacity quickly. Therefore, let's figure out how to charge a children's ATV and consider the key recommendations of experts.
There are two ways to charge your ATV battery. The first and easiest is to connect the charger to the appropriate connector. All electric cars and scooters are charged in a similar way, although not all quadrics have a similar socket.
If the ATV does not have a charging port, the rider will have to connect the battery directly to the charging station. To do this, you need:
It is important to note that lithium batteries have a charge level control board. This means that after a full charge, the process stops. Although overcharging the battery is still not recommended.
Another important question many riders are wondering is how to charge an ATV battery with an in-car charger. Yes, such a procedure is possible, but you need to properly configure the charger. For recharging, you can only use devices with adjustable charging current and the ability to set its minimum level (0.5-0.7 A).
Important : The optimal current for battery charging is 1/10 of the battery capacity (in Amps).
The instructions for each ATV indicate the optimum battery charging time. On average, this figure is 6-12 hours. The charging time depends on the generation of the battery, its capacity and the characteristics of the charger.
Don't forget to charge the battery, though. If the battery has 30-40% capacity left, the recharging time should be reduced.
But what if you don't know how long to charge your ATV battery? In this case, you need to almost completely discharge the battery and charge it for 8 hours. After that, the battery should be installed on the quadric, and the charge level should be assessed. If the indicator shows 100%, next time you need to charge the battery for 6-7 hours. In this way, you can determine the optimal recharging time.
Also remember that overcharging is the main enemy of batteries. It is strongly not recommended to leave the battery connected to the network for 15-20 hours. This leads to a decrease in battery capacity and, accordingly, a decrease in the operating time of the quadric.
Knowing how long it takes to charge an ATV, you can make a schedule for recharging it. For example, the battery can be connected to the network in the evening or after each trip.
You can also purchase a replacement battery, thereby increasing the riding time on the ATV.
The battery of any electrical equipment must be properly maintained. Violation of the recommendations may lead to a decrease in battery capacity or damage to it. To avoid such problems, it is recommended:
Separately, it is worth mentioning the "buildup" of the battery. Immediately after purchasing the equipment, you will need to fully charge and charge the ATV several times (2-3 times).
