Car batteries have a mind of their own. If you’re out of one, you have to make sure the replacement is the perfect candidate.
This gets a little hard for 17TF group batteries since they’re heavy-duty. But don’t worry, there are always replacements and alternatives. For 17TF, the closest matches are the 85R group and 49.
Any car enthusiast knows how hard matching up batteries can get. Heavy-duty batteries are even harder to match.
That’s why here in this article we have compiled a list of 17TF battery alternatives to help you out, in case you were wondering.
Alternatives To 17TF Batteries
Well, here we go. 17TF batteries are heavy-duty and are used for heavy-duty power sources. So when you’re getting replacements, you have to make sure you’re getting something that can handle it.
The first thing you should remember is to match the specifications. Your alternatives should have the same post type, date code, and hardware type.
Then you have to consider the reserved time and CA you’ll get from it. But of course, there are more things to consider.
Which alternative you’ll go with will definitely depend on how easy it is to find it. But for now, here’s a list of alternatives for 17TF batteries.
- Group 85R/86
Group 85R is one of the closest matches for the 17TF group battery.
It has everything you’ll need – a similar post type, good reserve minutes, and a good CCA tag. The only problem you might encounter is the price.
First things first, 85r isn’t a universally used BCI model.
A lot of manufacturers list it under group 86. So if you can’t find group 85r batteries, look for 86 ones.
And make sure to match the description for it too.
85r (or 86, whatever you call it), is compatible with 17TF running equipment in almost every way. You get 540 CCA on average and 675 CA.
The posts are SAE type so you won’t have to worry about compatibility. The only thing you’ll have to consider is your battery tray size.
Usually, the tray for 17TF group batteries is suitable for holding the replacements too, but make sure to match the hardware figure configuration anyways.
The only downside of the 85r/86 group batteries is the reserve capacity minutes. The RC minutes in this group is pretty low. It only stands at 85 minutes on average compared to 17TF’s 140 minutes.
Other than this, everything else makes this group a pretty good alternative candidate for 17TF batteries.
Also Read: Reasons For Battle Born Batteries Being So Expensive.
- Group 49
Group 49 batteries are pretty much the most suitable candidate for 17TF group battery replacement.
You have a better CA and CCA output, better reserve time, and a post type match.
If that’s not perfect, nothing probably is.
Group 49 batteries are pretty much the perfect solution for 17TF group batteries.
It matches everything you need to look for in replacement batteries.
You get a good 975-1150 CA on average and 850-950 CA (on average). That itself is a good enough number, but it gets better.
Group 49 batteries have SAE post type. So compatibility won’t be an issue. All you’ll have to do is check the battery tray size and hardware configuration. If they match, you have nothing to worry about.
What makes group 49 better than group 85r/86 is the reserve time capacity. Unlike 85r/86, 49 has a higher RC time than the original 17TF. The RC for group 49 is 160-170 on average. That’s a pretty impressive number. The best part is, group 49 batteries are easier to find.
- 4DLT Battery
4DLT is one of the go-to batteries for the Ford thousand series. The use scope for this is a little limited but if you’re in a pinch, this is a good alternative option for 17TF.
4DLT batteries are pretty good. You get a whooping 1045 CA on average and 850 CCA (on average). 4DLT batteries can be SAE post type or automotive so there’s versatility.
The RC time is also pretty good; 240 minutes is a very impressive number.
Unfortunately, the usage scope for 4DLT batteries is limited. You can only use them for diesel-powered engines and equipment. Considering pretty much everything runs on gas now, that cuts the compatibility down by a lot.
But other than that, if you have diesel-powered equipment then 4DLT is a very good alternative for the regular 17TF group battery.
Also Read: Should You Get A RV Lithium Battery Or Generator?
How Good Are 17TF Group Batteries?
Well, you know all about alternative options now. But what about the OG 17TF? Do they hold up well against everything?
The answer is yes. group 17TF batteries are versatile and heavy-duty, which is why you see them in mostly heavy vehicles.
Agricultural accessories, heavy-duty bus, industrial equipment, trucks- anytime the source needs a heavy kick for power, 17TF batteries are go-to sources.
17TF batteries also hold up well for long-term performances.
The average 12V 17TF group battery comes with 650 CA and 530 CCA.
The RC minutes are pretty impressive too, which usually stand at around 140 minutes.
This may not look much but once you start working it out, you’ll see how smooth it actually goes (and for a long time too).
The only problem is, when it goes down it goes down. If you have more than one battery connected in parallel, if one goes down then the other will go down too.
The best part about 17TF batteries is their easy availability. You can pretty much get them anywhere and the base price is affordable too. And if it goes down, you have lots of replacement options.
So, is the OG 17TF worth it? The answer is very much yes. If you can go without having to replace it, the wise decision would be to just enjoy the experience.
Final Verdict
And once again, car batteries are tricky elements. You have to make sure you match everything (or at least clear the minimum requirement bar).
Thankfully, in this case, 17TF battery alternative options are pretty easy to find and there are a good number of them too. So, you won’t have to sweat about it!
Make sure your batteries match your engine type and offer at least the same output you got from 17TF and you’ll be good.
