When you’re stuck in mud, sand, or a tricky situation, your winch is your best friend. But a winch is only as good as the battery that powers it. The immense draw required for heavy-duty pulling demands a reliable, high-performance battery that won’t quit when you need it most. Choosing the wrong one can leave you stranded, turning a simple recovery into a major ordeal.
This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect power source for your recovery needs. We’ve compiled a list of top-tier batteries known for their durability, high cranking amps, and deep-cycle capabilities to ensure your winch has the consistent, brute-force energy required to get the job done safely and effectively.
Top Battery Choices for Reliable Winching
- WEN 20V Max Starter Kit with Two 5.0 Ah Batteries
- RG20L-WS Wicked Start 500+ CCA Battery
- MBTZ26RHD MOTOBATT 12V 585 CCA AGM Battery
- Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop Marine Battery
- ODYSSEY ODYSSEYODYODS-AGM28L Battery
- Weize Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group 35
- Renogy Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
- Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle Batteries
- Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 Deep Cycle AGM Solar Battery
- Universal Power Group UB121000 12V 100AH AGM Battery
WEN 20V Max Starter Kit with Two 5.0 Ah Batteries
This WEN starter kit is an excellent solution for powering compatible 20V winches and tools without interruption. The inclusion of two 5.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries ensures you have a significant amount of runtime on hand. With a combined 10.0 amp-hours of power, you can tackle extended recovery operations by swapping batteries as needed.
The lithium-ion cells are engineered for fade-free performance, meaning they maintain consistent power output until they are nearly depleted. This is vital for winching, where a sudden drop in power can be problematic. The dual-port charger adds convenience, allowing you to recharge both batteries simultaneously and get back to work faster.
RG20L-WS Wicked Start 500+ CCA Battery
Designed for motorcycles and ATVs, the RG20L-WS battery offers a compact power solution with a focus on high cranking amps. Its 500+ Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating provides the initial burst of power necessary to start engines and can support smaller winches on off-road vehicles. The compact dimensions make it ideal for applications where space is limited.
Durability is a key feature, with an impact-resistant case and cover that help protect the battery from the vibrations and jolts common in off-road environments. This robust construction ensures the battery can handle the rough conditions often associated with winching scenarios, providing reliable performance when you need it.
MBTZ26RHD MOTOBATT 12V 585 CCA AGM Battery
The MOTOBATT AGM battery is a heavy-duty option built for demanding powersports applications. With a strong 585 CCA and a massive 1200 Pulse Hot Cranking Amps (PHCA), this battery delivers the serious cranking power required for high-amperage devices like winches. Its four-terminal design offers flexible connection options for accessories.
As an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery, it is sealed, maintenance-free, and spill-proof, allowing for safe installation in various orientations. Backed by a 2-year warranty, this battery is constructed for a long service life, making it a dependable choice for side-by-side vehicles, ATVs, and other equipment used in challenging recovery situations.
Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop Marine Battery
The Optima BlueTop is a legendary dual-purpose battery, engineered to provide both strong starting power and reliable deep-cycle service. With 750 Cold Cranking Amps, it has the punch to handle intense winch loads, while its 55 Ah capacity allows for sustained power delivery during long or repeated pulls. This makes it exceptionally versatile for recovery use.
Its unique SpiralCell design is exceptionally resistant to vibrations and impacts, a common cause of battery failure in off-road vehicles. The battery can be mounted in virtually any position and is completely sealed, preventing acid leaks. This combination of cranking power and deep-cycle resilience makes it a top-tier choice for serious winching applications.
ODYSSEY ODYSSEYODYODS-AGM28L Battery
Odyssey batteries are renowned for their rugged construction and long life. This model boasts a 3-10 year service life, which can save significant time and cost over the long run. Its high reliability is backed by a strong limited warranty, providing peace of mind for users who depend on their equipment in remote or difficult situations.
While it offers 330 CCA, its true strength lies in its robust design that can handle deep discharges and rapid recharging. This makes it suitable for applications where the battery may be used to power a winch and other accessories extensively, recovering quickly to be ready for the next task.
Weize Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group 35
The Weize Platinum AGM Battery is a solid Group 35 option that balances size with performance. With 650 CCA and a 55AH capacity, it provides a reliable burst of power for winching while also offering decent energy reserves. Its maintenance-free AGM design is safe and reliable for vehicle use.
This battery is built to withstand extreme temperatures, maintaining performance in both very hot and very cold climates. With a 36-month warranty and a design that offers up to twice the cycle life of conventional batteries, it represents a dependable and long-lasting power solution for automotive winching needs.
Renogy Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
For those using a winch as part of a larger off-grid or overlanding system, the Renogy Deep Cycle AGM is an excellent choice. Its 100Ah capacity is designed for sustained power delivery, making it ideal for long, slow winch pulls that would drain a starting battery quickly. It can deliver a massive 1100A max discharge current for heavy loads.
The sealed AGM construction is exceptionally safe and stable, requiring no maintenance. It supports parallel connections (up to 4 batteries), allowing you to create a large battery bank for extended operation. This battery is trusted for its reliability and is well-suited for RVs, campers, and other vehicles where deep-cycle performance is critical.
Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle Batteries
This two-pack of VMAX SLR125 batteries offers a tremendous amount of power for the most demanding setups. Each battery provides 125Ah, and when used together, they create a substantial 250Ah power bank capable of supporting intense winching operations and powering other accessories for extended periods without needing a recharge.
These are true deep-cycle batteries with an impressive float service life of 8 to 10 years. They are ideal for solar, wind, and inverter applications, making them perfect for an expedition vehicle or a dedicated recovery rig where maximum power and longevity are the top priorities.
Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 Deep Cycle AGM Solar Battery
The Mighty Max ML35-12 is a compact and versatile U1-sized AGM battery. Its 35Ah capacity and deep-cycle design make it a good fit for smaller winches on ATVs, utility vehicles, or as a dedicated secondary battery in a dual-battery system. Its sealed, spill-proof design allows for flexible mounting.
This UL-certified battery is known for its high discharge rate and ability to operate in a wide range of temperatures. It offers a long service life and good deep discharge recovery, which is important for winching applications that can significantly drain a battery’s charge.
Universal Power Group UB121000 12V 100AH AGM Battery
The Universal Power Group UB121000 is a workhorse 100AH AGM battery designed for heavy-duty use. Its high amp-hour rating provides a substantial energy reserve, making it capable of supporting prolonged winch operation. This is essential for multiple recovery attempts or situations where the winch must run for an extended duration.
As a sealed AGM battery, it is maintenance-free and can be installed in various positions without risk of leakage. This type of battery is well-suited for deep-cycle applications, reliably providing power through long, slow discharges and then accepting a full recharge to prepare for the next challenge.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Batteries for Winching
When you’re stuck in mud up to your axles or pulling a fallen tree off the trail, your winch is only as good as the battery that powers it. I’ve learned the hard way that not just any battery will do. Choosing the right one is about understanding the brutal demands of winching. It’s a high-amperage, short-duration burst that can drain a standard battery in minutes. So, let’s talk about what to look for when you’re picking out one of the 10 best batteries for winching.
The first and most critical number you need to look at is the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and, more importantly, the Marine Cranking Amps (MCA). While CCA is measured at 0°F, MCA is measured at 32°F and is often a better indicator of performance for winching, which isn’t typically a cold-weather-only activity. You want a high MCA rating—think 800 MCA and above. This tells you the battery can deliver a massive jolt of power to get that winch motor turning under a heavy load.
Next, consider the Reserve Capacity (RC). This is the number of minutes a battery can deliver a steady 25-amp current before its voltage drops too low. A higher RC is your safety net. It means if you’re making a long, slow pull or need a few attempts to get unstuck, the battery has the staying power to see it through without leaving you completely drained. For serious winching, look for a reserve capacity of 120 minutes or more.
Battery technology is a huge factor. The two main contenders are Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4). AGM batteries are the established workhorses. They’re spill-proof, require no maintenance, handle deep discharges better than traditional flooded batteries, and are generally more affordable. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, are the new champions. They are incredibly light, can be discharged much deeper without damage, and recharge lightning-fast. The downside is the higher initial cost, but for pure performance and weight savings, they are hard to beat.
Finally, think about your vehicle’s setup. Do you have space for a dual-battery system? This is the gold standard for off-roaders and overlanders. It isolates your winching battery from your starting battery. That way, even if you drain your auxiliary battery completely while winching, you can still start your engine and recharge it. It’s the ultimate peace of mind when you’re miles from the nearest paved road. Matching your battery choice to your winch’s amp draw and your typical usage will ensure you have the power when you absolutely need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular car battery for my winch?
I wouldn’t recommend it. A standard starting battery is designed to deliver a very high current for a very short time—just to start your engine. It uses thin, porous plates optimized for this quick burst. Winching demands a high, sustained current draw that can warp these thin plates and quickly kill a starting battery. You need a deep-cycle or dual-purpose battery built with thicker, solid plates to withstand the prolonged drain.
What is the difference between CCA and MCA for winching?
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) and MCA (Marine Cranking Amps) both measure a battery’s ability to deliver starting power, but under different temperatures. CCA is measured at 0°F (-18°C), while MCA is measured at 32°F (0°C). Since winching often happens in conditions above freezing, the MCA rating can be a more realistic gauge of the instant power available for your winch motor. When comparing, a higher number in either category is better, but pay close attention to the MCA.
How long will my battery last while winching?
There’s no simple answer because it depends entirely on the load on your winch and your battery’s capacity. A heavy pull can draw over 400 amps. If your battery has a 100-amp hour (Ah) rating, in a perfect world, it could theoretically run for 15 minutes at that draw (100Ah / 400A = 0.25 hours). But in reality, voltage drop and efficiency losses mean it’s less. This is why a high Reserve Capacity (RC) is so important—it gives you more minutes of actual pulling power under a real-world load.
Are lithium batteries worth the high cost for winching?
For serious off-roaders, yes, they often are. The advantages are significant: they weigh a fraction of a lead-acid battery, they can be discharged to almost 100% without damage (compared to 50% for lead-acid), and they recharge incredibly fast. If you’re counting every pound on your rig or you need to make multiple pulls in quick succession, a lithium battery’s performance is unmatched. It’s an investment, but for heavy-duty use, it pays off in reliability and convenience, making it a strong contender for any list of the 10 best batteries for winching.
Do I need a dual-battery system for winching?
You don’t absolutely need one, but it is highly recommended. A single, high-quality dual-purpose battery can handle winching if it’s in good health and your vehicle’s charging system is robust. However, a dual-battery system with an isolator is the safest bet. It completely separates your engine-starting battery from your accessory/winching battery. This guarantees that no matter how much you use your winch, you’ll always have the power to start your vehicle and get home.