Do I Need a Special Battery for My ATV with a Winch?
The short answer is that ATV batteries and Powersports batteries are just not designed to handle the amp draw of a winch. They are not made for deep cycling, only for starting. That being said, in the real world we have winches. Having a higher CCA is a bit helpful, but what you really want is higher storage amps, and a battery capable of deep cycle. 
Odyssey makes a battery that is suitable, but they do not have direct size drop-ins, so your best bet is to figure out what your maximum dimensions can be, and then size a battery from our powersports battery list. The Odysseys are the red ones. If you go with a standard battery, find the largest one that will fit, highest amps, highest CCA.
3 people commented, Michael Lefebvre, Tech, Mick
This article is rated 4.0 out of 5
Michael Lefebvreis it a particular odyssey battery(s) that is “suitable” for a typical atv winch or is it their general design?
Reply • February 21, 2014 at 9:38 pm
Reply • February 21, 2014 at 9:38 pm
Mickit‘s standard practice to run the engine at fast idle when using a 4X4 winch and only winch for 30-40 seconds at a time.
Reply • Rated article 4 • December 23, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Reply • Rated article 4 • December 23, 2012 at 7:22 pm
BatteryStuff TechIt helps, for sure. That way, the battery isn‘t the only source of power. Otherwise, winches can really take a toll on battery life.
Reply • December 24, 2012 at 9:14 am
Reply • December 24, 2012 at 9:14 am
