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The 5.9L Cummins engine has a configuration of six inline cylinders in total and weighs nearly 1,150 lbs. Moreover, this diesel engine operates at 235-325 HP (horsepower) at 2900 rpm (rotations per minute). No ordinary batteries can be clubbed with the high-performance Cummins engine.

Top Batteries For 5.9 Cummins Reviewed

The 5.9 Cummins diesel engine operates at 235-325 HP (horsepower) at 2900 rpm (rotations per minute). This engine is one of its kind and appreciated by buyers worldwide.

Thus, one should go for batteries that fit the requirement. As per the rule of thumb, it’s good to go with those batteries that promise more output than the engines need. This will help you sustain the battery a bit longer than in the last case.

Odyssey 65-PC1750T

The 5.9 Cummins diesel engine needs a robust battery that supports the engine to its full power and falls within a reasonable price. The Odyssey 65-PC1750T battery is overall the best compatible battery for your diesel engine.

This battery is known for generating high energy to kick start the engine. What makes these batteries stand out from their competitors is their virgin lead plates that are the powerhouse of the battery.

On the other hand, batteries of different brands use an alloy of lead and not pure lead, which puts a stark barrier of difference between the two.

Because of its fabulous performance and unique lead plates, buyers can use Odyssey batteries in most available vehicles. You can use it in numerous cars, especially those with significant power requirements.

The AMG design of the battery provides a spill and leak proof service, guaranteeing long life. These batteries are not only convenient to use, but also durable.

The manner in which manufacturers developed this battery makes its terminals resistant to corrosion, therefore, creating good conductivity. The internal system of this battery guards it against any vibrations.

It consists of an internal gas renovating system, an auto relief valve, internal cell connections, and flame retardant cell containers.

Because of the above, the battery can stand well in extreme weather. The 950A rating of the battery ensures that no matter how low the temperature gets, there will be no compromise with the performance.

Pros:

It has high cold cranking power to deliver the optimum output.
The battery has tin-plated brass terminals for better functioning.
It is highly durable and works for n number of hours.

Cons:

Some customers complain about poor after-sales service.

Deka 9A65

The electrolyte suspension functioning of the Deka 9A65 AGM Intimidator Battery has been improved from its previous models, which ensures its all-rounder performance. The pad of the Deka battery makes sure that the battery absorbs more electrolytes to produce more energy.

The resistance of the Deka 9A65 AGM Intimidator Battery against disturbances and corrosion ensures the best delivery performance of the battery, which gives it an upper hand over its competitors. The DIN auto-post design of the DEKA battery allows it to generate the required BCI.

It also offers a very decent battery life and a huge reserve capacity. The CCA or cranking amp reading of Deka batteries is inevitable. It implies that the battery is robust enough to help start your 5.9 Cummings diesel battery even in very cold weather.

The producers say that this battery can withstand the most severe circumstances.

These batteries are pretty versatile, which means owners can use them with a wide range of vehicles. It is all because of its compact design and excellent electrolytic suspension that makes it worth more than its commercial value.

Hence, it is robust enough to handle the electrical demands of your 5.9 Cummings diesel engine and several other cars.

Pros:

Least maintenance is required which makes it truly valuable.
You don’t have to add water to the battery.
Spill-proof; keeps everything in place and tidy even after multiple use.

Cons:

Under or excess charging can damage the battery.

NORTHSTAR NSB-AGM65

The NSB-AGM65 from NorthStar is one of the most straightforward batteries on the market. It features copper-clad connections as well as a developed handle that makes it simple to carry it around.

One of the key selling aspects of the NSB-AGM65 is its potential to equip your 5.9 Cummins diesel car with significant reserve capacity. It also delivers exceptionally high cranking power.

As a consequence of these characteristics, it will operate properly to start and stop the automobile. It will also function flawlessly in harsh weather conditions.

The shell of this battery maintains the acid within the battery. It implies there is no worry of leaks or spills even in challenging terrains. It also suggests how this battery is resistive to vibrations.

The high backup power of the NORTHSTAR Pure Lead Automotive Group 65 Battery provides the engine high uninterruptible power supply. The UPS allows the system to run on even if the main supply falls short of service. Moreover, the freezing amp of the NORTHSTAR battery is 930A which is very high compared to its competitors.

This battery utilizes quick charge technology, so it recharges entirely within 4 to 6 hours. At a discharge depth of 50 percent, this battery can survive up to 900 cycles, which is commendable.

Pros:

Robust build for protection against outer damaging agents.
High shelf life
Disturbance resistant to ensure best performance.

Cons:

Costlier than most other batteries that offer the same or equivalent specs.

XS Power D3400

XS Power D3400 XS Series AGM High Output Batteries have AGM technology that uses an electrolytic solution of sulfuric acid dipped in a coil mat of fiberglass. The specs of these batteries include a 1000 CCA rating and 3300 amps discharge power, which denotes its high work efficiency.

The market is flooded with numerous batteries that can serve your 5.9L Cummins diesel engine. But if you are seeking a lightweight alternative that makes no compromise in quality, then this is the one.

The removal rate is 65 amp-hours. Moreover, the whole device is spill-resistant due to its sealed construction. The valves are under control and feature vibration resistance.

This battery features a meager electrical resistance, which enables its long-term functioning. You may also install it in virtually any orientation and retain maximum performance, thanks to the strengthened ABS plastic casing. The M6 terminal bolt also includes the battery, making installation a snap.

XS Power D3400 XS Series AGM High Output Battery has two models available in the market. This one has a nominal capacitance of 80Ah while the other has 65Ah. Both of them are similar in use and fit smoothly in the BCI group 34 battery compartment.

The D3400 batteries have a primary power of 2500Ah at maximum in a single battery system, while the secondary power of 4000Ah in the dual battery system. The R version of this battery is also available (34R) that has reversed terminals.

The unique fact about XS Power batteries is their lightweightedness, making them a preferable choice to carry on in any condition anywhere.

Pros:

It is lightweight and easy to transport, especially in emergencies.
The battery has high primary power along with high secondary power.
It has reversed terminals.

Cons:

Not the best choice for power-hungry vehicles.

Features to Consider When Buying a Battery for 5.9 Cummins

It’s best to know what kind of battery your engine will need to meet your desired output before putting down any hard-earned dollar.

Product	Size	Voltage	Reserve Capacity	Type
Odyssey 65-PC1750T	Universal fit	12V	130 reserve minutes	Lead-acid
Deka 9A65	12″ x 7.375″ x 7.625″	12V	150 reserve minutes	Absorbed Glass Mat
NORTHSTAR NSB-AGM65	11.77” x 7.32” x 7.44”	12V	135 reserve minutes	Absorbed Glass Mat
XS Power D3400	10-1/4″ x 7-1/4″ x 6 3/4″	12V	160 reserve minutes	Absorbed Glass Mat

For that, there are several specs you have to keep an eye on.

Here are seven features you must consider when buying a battery for your 5.9 Cummins.

#1 Size

The very first thing to look at in a car or any automobile battery is its size. Even if the vehicle demands high power, you still cannot use an overpowered battery that is quite big as the arrangement of the battery tray won’t permit it.

A battery tray is an area where you keep your battery. But more than that, this tray helps determine that next time your battery runs off the service, ‘this is the size of battery you require.

The Odyssey 65-PC1750T is a universal fit battery, which means size won’t be an issue when using this battery for 5.9 Cummins or any other engine with the same specs.

#2 Voltage

One of the first things you should check before buying a battery is its voltage. On a general note, the average voltage rating of any modern-day battery is close to 12 volts.

#3 Age

Years ago, batteries didn’t come in packed robust coverings but rather in a naked form. They were vacuum sealed that could be removed. Further, the owner could fill the acid or water at his convenience, and everything worked well. Moreover, these batteries lasted very long.

But today, the case is different. Manufacturers fill the batteries with acid for the chemical reaction to take place. Unfortunately, it results in the deterioration of the metal rods/plates inside the battery due to the reaction.

It implies that the minute these chemical batteries are set up, the reaction starts at a prolonged rate, reducing the battery’s shelf life. Today, this is the case in almost every battery that is available in the market.

Therefore, it is advised not to buy a battery older than three months from its manufacturing date. Moreover, if your car batteries are imported, ensure they are fresh and not more than 1 or 2 months older than their manufacturing date.

How To Check The Age Of The Battery?

The age of the battery is a very prominent factor in choosing the correct battery for you. Usually, the newer batteries (that at least look new) tend to last longer than the batteries in use.

However, even the new-looking batteries aren’t new enough. As discussed earlier, in lead-acid batteries, the reaction starts the day they are made. Therefore, don’t get deceived by the looks. Check the age of the battery mentioned on the top of the battery over a small sticker.

The age of the battery is in alphanumeric notations. The first character is denoted by any letter starting from capital A to L, which tells the manufacturing month. Meanwhile, the second character is a number from 0 to 9 that depicts the year of manufacturing.

#4 Reserve Capacity

The standing capacity of the battery is shortly referred to as RC or Reserve Capacity. In other words, the reserve capacity is the amount of power your new battery has by default.

If the new battery has a high reserve capacity, your car can run on the battery itself even if the alternator trips off. Don’t randomly choose a battery solely based on its reserved power. Refer to the owner manual and tally the range mentioned in the table.

#5 Type

Batteries come in two forms: one with a removable top to add the battery water and a sealed lid.

The choice depends on you. If you can add battery water to your battery from time to time, then buying an open-top battery could be a good idea for you. But if you don’t like the previous view and prefer to buy a new battery instead, then going for a sealed top would be the best choice.

The open-style batteries have a removable top from where you can check the water level inside them. If the water level is down, you can add distilled water to it, and you are good to go.

Today rechargeable batteries are also available in the market. These batteries run on electricity and can be recharged, bypassing the current from reverse terminals. Because of this, these electrical batteries last longer than the chemically oriented ones.

The only hindrance is their price. Electrical batteries are pricier than chemical-based batteries because of their longevity.

Batteries can also be classified based on how they function and what they comprise:

Calcium Batteries

Lead-acid batteries with antimony-free grids are known as calcium vehicle batteries. Instead of antimony, a calcium component is added to both the positive and negative plates of the automobile battery in these batteries.

Calcium batteries employ lead instead of antimony because lead is readily available and affordable, making them low-maintenance. In addition, these batteries have a design that makes them easy to recharge.

Although most calcium batteries do not require a higher charge voltage, they perform at the same level as ordinary antimony batteries. Therefore, if your car is compatible with an antimony battery, you may not get a full charge while utilizing calcium batteries as a replacement. Odyssey batteries are an example of lead-acid batteries.

Deep Cycle Battery

The other type of automobile battery in the market is a deep-cycle battery. In most cases, these are lead-acid batteries that are engineered to provide maximum capacity when in operation.

The cells can be fully discharged regularly while still utilizing the total power of the batteries.

Most people prefer deep cycle batteries because they outperform most other cells, which give short, rapid current bursts when cranking the batteries. In addition, the plates of deep cycle batteries are substantially thicker than those of conventional batteries.

Wet Cell Batteries

Wet cell batteries are less expensive than other types of batteries. However, there is an issue with these batteries that stems from their restrictions in terms of convenience. The earliest types of rechargeable batteries used in most cars were wet cell batteries.

#6 Location and Category of the Terminals

Don’t forget to check the terminal positions; there is a positive and a negative terminal on every battery. But, they should be in the right place as per the fit. The terminals can be on the top or side-mounted.

It is also possible that they are in their proper place as per the requirement but flipped in positions.

If the latter happens, the cables won’t reach the terminals properly as cables cannot intervene. Furthermore, stretching and straining the wires can damage the entire system. Thus you will end up paying a heavy bill. For instance, in an XS power battery, the terminals are reversed for better results.

Therefore, check the BCI number to ensure that you get a suitable battery for your diesel engine.

#7 The Amperage Output

The CCA or cold cranking amps is the value that describes the battery’s ability to kick start the vehicle in icy conditions. The standard rating is given on the basis for a 12 –volt battery that is tested at 0°F for half a minute keeping the voltage constant (7.2 V) per cell. The numbers of ampere output are then calculated using an ammeter.

If the new battery’s CCA value rating is high, your battery can kick start the engine against the highly harsh cold climate.

The Odyssey 65-PC1750T offers the highest CCA value.

Conclusion

So now you know how to choose a car battery wisely. You can now identify the critical numbers and related statistics you might have ignored earlier by following this guide.

Several batteries claim to be compatible with your 5.9 Cummins but beware, check the specs carefully before concluding. Even if they are consistent, they are not very reliable as there is a rare chance that a battery can suit any engine with the same fuel capacity or similar specs.