Replacing OEM battery with larger capacity, Canada based options?

Looking for recommendations on a replacement battery with availability in Canada. Looking for a direct drop in replacement for existing harness but something with higher capacity to the OEM one.

 

I think we have a size 27F battery. I believe the limiting factor from simply dropping in a larger size is the OEM battery tray and tie down. Iv read about sourcing 2nd gen tray and going up a size on battery.
Do you have a lot of draw that necceitates a larger size?

 

Factory spec 27F battery has some pretty good CCA's. Why do you think you need more?

 

There are same size physical batteries with a variety of specs. Very likely you can up your specs within the same class.

 

I suggest not over thinking batteries. Go to the closest auto parts store and buy the one specced for a taco.

 

My factory Battery lasted 6 years. I've had lights on, fog lights on at the same time, heater with defrost on full, seat heaters on, wipers going in ice storms, stereo w/Subwoofer blasting. Never an issue. I never saw a need to replace it with any bigger.

This truck was built for Canadian winters as well as hotter than hell third-world driving conditions....

 

Mainly so I can run my camp lights in my truck

was mainly to have more piece of mind running bed lights and other electronics for a bit at camp when engine is off.

 

Understood. Then you want to find one with a higher amp-hour rating for that purpose. CCA's represent the power to turn the motor over during starting.

 

Ever consider a solar bank? My Yeti-400 will power ( via 12v ) my CPAP Machine for days. And it powers the camper lights as well.
My Jackery 1000 Pro powers ( via 12v ) my Dometic.
When they need charging, bring out the solar panels.

Then all you gotta worry about is your standard battery - Walmart Everstart is a decent battery for less money.

 

Not sure about tray size for a 27F (I just replaced my 24F with a 24F) but SDHQ sells a hold-down strap that expands up considerably more that the OEM foldover bracket ... installed one of those just for grins and giggles.

 

This is what I'm running in my 3rd gen, it's been fantastic. Cranks a bit faster with the AGM. Also won't spill when you're offroad. I've had it in both -40 and +40, never even noticed it.

5 year free replacement at any Canadian Tire nation wide, and you don't need to carry the receipt for that, you just walk in with the battery, they scan the barcode on it and if you're within 5 years, you walk out with a new battery. It's nice to have if you're on a road trip away from home and it gets weak.

 

Don't know where you live in Canada.
I'm in Alberta and find Costco lead acid standard size works for 5 years.
Just replace every 5 years before it quits.
No use or point in spending any more for something with a fancy package or name and certainly no need for AGM.

 

Honestly- if you're running a bunch of stuff when the engine is off (camp lights etc) I would use a secondary power source (house battery, power bank) to make sure you save your starter battery.

I currently use smaller LifePO4 batteries for camp stuff, and use a DC-DC charge controller to maintain them. They fit in the space behind the rear seat pretty well.

Or use a low-voltage cutoff between your camp lights and the battery so you maintain a min voltage on the starter battery (Amazon has them for less than 20 bucks.

 

I got a 2nd gen battery tray which drops right in with no issue. I replaced mine wit a 27F Toyota TrueStart by Interstate from the dealer. The tray is for a 2nd gen Tacoma with the towing package. I think I paid $150 total and the specs were better than the 24F.

 

NAPA Legend batteries are great. Bought a few of them over the years. 850 CCA

 

There's no getting around basic chemistry. Higher capacity (more watt-hours) means a heavier battery, which exasperates the inner fender cracking issue on this platform. Better to run a second battery at a different location, on the passenger side of the engine bay or in the bed.

If you want more cranking amps for a given size, AGM battery helps.

 

Some have suggested AGM. Do a search. AGM have a problem charging fully unless mods like a tune are done.
I still say get a standard lead acid at Costco or Canadian Tire.
With $ saved vs AGM, put it towards getting a relatively inexpensive generator to run your camping gear.
Good investment and you can use it as a backup at home in case of power failure.

 

Some people roll their eyes, but I've had good luck so far with Toyota replacement batteries from the dealer. While I can't confirm or refute this, I don't believe they're the same as the box store batteries with just a "Toyota" sticker slapped on. Maybe the Toyota batteries undergo further quality control at the plant. Or maybe I just take care of my batteries. Either way, I initially chose Toyota batteries for good fitment and have been surprised at how long they last.

 

Most batteries in US and Canada are made by 2 or 3 manufacturers with cases and stickers applied for merchant

 

Note that a typical car battery is not intended to be run low on charge. Running it low on charge will shorten its life considerably. A better fit for that use case is a deep cycle battery.

Also, if you really are running your camp equipment long enough that you are worried about a dead battery, you should use a second battery for your camping equipment.

That or buy a jump box and throw it your truck.

https://no.co/gb20

My former boat had a normal battery for starting the main gasoline motor and a deep cycle battery for running the electric fishing motor. Both were charged by the alternator on the main motor.