Short Answer: Group 24 and 24F batteries are not the same. While both are 12V lead-acid batteries, they differ in size, terminal placement, and application compatibility. Group 24F batteries have reversed terminals and are often used in specific vehicles like Japanese imports, whereas Group 24 is more common in boats and RVs. Always check manufacturer specifications before swapping.
What Is a Group Size 24 Battery?
How Do Group 24 and 24F Batteries Compare in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)?
Group 24 batteries typically provide 600-800 CCA, whereas Group 24F ranges between 550-750 CCA. The variance stems from plate thickness and electrolyte volume differences. However, premium AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) variants in both groups can exceed 900 CCA, making them suitable for extreme climates. Always prioritize CCA ratings over group numbers when selecting batteries for cold-weather performance.
Cold Cranking Amps become critical when temperatures drop below freezing. A battery with insufficient CCA may struggle to start engines in -18°C conditions, as oil thickens and chemical reactions slow. Group 24’s thicker lead plates allow better current flow during cold starts, but add weight. For hybrid vehicles requiring frequent engine cycling, the 24F’s slightly lower CCA is often offset by optimized terminal placement reducing voltage drop.
Top 5 best-selling Group 14 batteries under $100
| Product Name | Short Description | Amazon URL |
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|
Weize YTX14 BS ATV Battery  |
Maintenance-free sealed AGM battery, compatible with various motorcycles and powersports vehicles. | View on Amazon |
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UPLUS ATV Battery YTX14AH-BS  |
Sealed AGM battery designed for ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles, offering reliable performance. | View on Amazon |
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Weize YTX20L-BS High Performance  |
High-performance sealed AGM battery suitable for motorcycles and snowmobiles. | View on Amazon |
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Mighty Max Battery ML-U1-CCAHR  |
Rechargeable SLA AGM battery with 320 CCA, ideal for various powersport applications. | View on Amazon |
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Battanux 12N9-BS Motorcycle Battery  |
Sealed SLA/AGM battery for ATVs and motorcycles, maintenance-free with advanced technology. | View on Amazon |
| Battery Type | Standard CCA | AGM Version CCA | Ideal Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 24 | 600-800 | 850-950 | -40°C to 50°C |
| Group 24F | 550-750 | 800-900 | -29°C to 45°C |
What Is the Reserve Capacity Difference Between These Battery Groups?
Group 24 batteries average 120-140 minutes reserve capacity versus 100-125 minutes for Group 24F. This 15-20% difference matters for deep-cycle applications like RV house batteries or trolling motors. Lithium-ion conversions now offer 200+ minutes reserve in both groups but at 3x the cost. Choose based on usage: short bursts (24F) versus sustained draws (24).
Reserve capacity directly impacts how long accessories can run without engine charging. A Group 24 battery powering a RV’s refrigerator (8A draw) would last 15 hours compared to 12 hours with 24F. Marine users should note that saltwater environments accelerate plate sulfation in Group 24F due to its thinner construction. New dual-purpose batteries bridge this gap, offering 135 minutes reserve with 700 CCA, though they require precise voltage regulation.
“The terminal orientation in Group 24F isn’t arbitrary—it’s engineered to match vehicle-specific ground wire routing,” says Dr. Elena Torres, automotive electrical systems researcher. “Forcing a mismatched battery can create ground loops that interfere with onboard computers. We’ve seen alternator failures traced to improper battery swaps in 38% of cases studied.”
FAQs
- Can I modify terminals to fit Group 24F in a Group 24 tray?
- No—terminal extenders risk resistance buildup and arcing. Use only batteries with manufacturer-approved terminal orientations.
- Do lithium-ion versions solve compatibility issues?
- Partially—lithium batteries like Battle Born BB24 allow terminal rotation but require management systems costing $300+ extra.
- How often do these battery groups need replacement?
- Lead-acid: 3-5 years. AGM: 4-7 years. Lithium: 8-12 years, but upfront costs are 4x higher.