The off-road life is full of adventure, and you need a battery that’s reliable and powerful to ensure a smooth ride. If you want to upgrade or switch to a new 4X4 battery and don’t know where to start, this guide will help you pick the best 4WD battery in Australia.
Marshall Batteries is one of the leading battery suppliers and roadside assistance providers in the nation, and we have been proudly serving Australia Since 1935.
Here you’ll find information on the basics of 4WD batteries and how to find the best battery for your car.
First, let’s get into the basics of 4wd batteries and what they are
Table of Contents
What are 4×4 batteries and how do they work?
Unlike standard car batteries that are made to travel on sealed, smooth roads, 4×4 batteries are designed to resist the hard wear and tear of off-road driving within Australia’s harsh weather conditions and be compatible with today’s accessory-laden, four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Repeated impact and vibration from rough, bumpy roads can lead to cracks and damage in the battery’s outer case and within the internal plates and other components.
This results in electrolyte leaks, accelerated corrosion, shedding of active materials and ultimately, battery failure.
Types of Car Batteries
Standard car batteries are designed to deliver concentrated bursts of power to start the engine. The engine alternator then replaces the capacity used by charging the battery during the journey.
4×4 batteries on the other hand, not only have the power to start and crank over much larger high compression engines but also provide the reserve capacity needed to run auxiliary equipment such as winches, spotlights, and GPS systems.
Why use a 4×4 car battery?
They can withstand high temperatures- They are designed to resist extreme heat.
They are stronger than a standard car battery – 4wd batteries will last longer than standard batteries.
Regular car batteries are made for smoother driving conditions and can’t handle the pressure of repeated bumps and vibrations from rough terrain.
High Capacity and Design for remote areas – They are made with a higher inbuilt capacity, that has enough starting power to handle the toughest weather conditions.
WHAT DO A BATTERY’S DIFFERENT SPECS MEAN?
How to choose the best 4×4 battery for you
Here are some things to consider when buying a 4×4 car battery.
How many AH is a 4WD battery?
Usually, a 4×4 battery has between 55AH- 95AH (Amp Hours)– AH is one of the three measurements to consider when buying a 4×4 battery and refers to the amount of current available for a specific time.
The other two measurements to consider are,
- Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) – For a heavy-duty battery such as a 4×4 battery the CCA should be in the 600s or higher.
This would make it easier to start even a big-turbo diesel engine on a cold winter morning.
- Reserve Capacity (RC) –refers to how long (in Minutes) your 4wd battery can supply usable power when the engine or alternator are not running.
4×4 batteries should have a RC of 130 minutes and over. The higher the RC is the longer you can drive even with a damaged alternator.
Is a lithium battery better than a lead acid?
The choice of lithium or lead acid depends on quite a few factors such as the conditions of the areas you travel in. For example, lead acid batteries are well suited for hot climates as they resist higher under bonnet temperatures.
There are two types of 4×4 batteries out there: lead-acid and lithium batteries (we are lumping AGM into lead-acid, AGM Batteries have traditionally not been used under-bonnet).
We’ve broken down the pros and cons of each below to help you decide which type works best for you.
| Parameter | Lithium 4×4 Battery | Lead-acid 4×4 Battery |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Charging | Faster- needs a specialised charging system | Takes longer to charge – can be charged using the car’s alternator |
| Temperature | Less resistant to high under bonnet temperatures | Resists higher under bonnet temperatures |
| Starting power | Not for cranking – Auxiliary power only | Higher starting power |
| Cycle | Longer cycle life | Lower cycle life, |
However, your choice of lithium or lead-acid 4×4 battery should depend on factors such as
- The AH, CCA and RC specifications and dimensions of your 4wd vehicle
- How much starting power you need
- How intense are the temperatures and vibrations of the terrains and areas you intend to travel in
- Your car’s compatible polarity terminal type
- The available space under the bonnet or in your vehicle or camper trailer or Caravan.
What are the best 4×4 batteries in Australia?
Marshall Batteries’ deep cycle and starting battery range is your ultimate on-the-go battery for camping and running 4WD accessories, providing long-lasting continuous charge over years of recharging and service.
Whether you’re on land or sea, our deep cycle and cranking batteries go the extra mile to power your electric fridge, screens, lights, and communication equipment.
If you have a dual battery system, we recommend high CCA cranking/ starting battery with a robust Marshall Deep Cycle Battery.
There are Marshall Hybrid battery options that can do both (crank and provide auxiliary power), depending on your accessories current draw levels.
Marshall Batteries has a nationwide warranty, so you have peace of mind, no matter where you roam.
Premium
A range of batteries specifically designed to supply extreme starting power under harsh rugged conditions for a wide range of 4×4 and Light Commercial applications.
Available in a choice of three technologies.
- Maintainable
- Sealed maintenance-free
- AGM sealed maintenance
Supported with a 30-month nationwide warranty offer.
Heavy-Duty
A range of batteries to supply reliable starting power under harsh rugged conditions for a wide range of 4×4 and Light Commercial applications.
Available in two technologies,
- Maintainable
- Sealed maintenance-free
Supported with an 18–24-month nationwide warranty offer.
Deputy
An economy range of batteries to supply reliable starting power for a wide range of 4×4 and Light Commercial applications.
Proven Calcium/Calcium maintainable technology.
Supported with an 18-month nationwide warranty offer.
Orbital range
The choice of Australia’s greatest adventurers.
For continuous discharging and recharging over years of service, the orbital Deep Cycle battery is our best option for powering your accessories over extended adventures on land or at sea.
Shop Premium SUV/ 4WD batteries @ Marshall
Got more questions about 4×4 batteries? Get in touch with one of our reps to get free advice on how to choose the best battery for you.
Call 1300 627 742
Or find out your local battery store by visiting this page
More guides on car batteries
HOW LONG SHOULD A CAR BATTERY LAST?
WHAT IS A START/STOP CAR BATTERY?
COMPARE THE BEST CAR BATTERY REPLACEMENT PROVIDERS IN AUSTRALIA