2012–2018 Ram 1500 Battery Size (BCI Group and CCA)

Which Ram 1500 model years does this cover?

These battery specifications apply to every Ram 1500 built from 2012 through 2018 — the DS (4th generation; sold 2019–2024 as Ram 1500 Classic), full-size half-ton pickup (regular, quad, crew cab). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

What changed during the 2012–2018 Ram 1500

• 2012Carryover powertrains: 3.7L V6 (4-spd), 4.7L V8 (6-spd), 5.7L HEMI; hydraulic steering; HOAT coolant
• 2013Major refresh: 3.6L Pentastar + ZF 8-speed arrive, electric power steering, optional air suspension, RamBox and 8.4-in Uconnect expand; coolant switches to 10-year OAT
• 20143.0L EcoDiesel V6 added (first half-ton diesel of the modern era); 4.7L V8 dropped after 2013
• 2015Off-road-focused Rebel trim debuts mid-year with a factory-tuned suspension, off-road tires, and unique styling; interior/trim options broaden
• 2015–2018Rebel added (2015, 285/70R17 tires); Limited becomes flagship; mechanical specs otherwise carry over
• 2016Essentially unchanged: redesigned center console standard across the lineup; Rebel (introduced mid-2015) gains new interior color choices including Radar Red
• 2018DS production continued after 2018 as the 'Ram 1500 Classic' (2019–2024, Tradesman/Express/Warlock/Big Horn trims) sold alongside the new DT. This generation's data applies to those Classic trucks; the DT generation below covers same-year 'new body' trucks

What size battery does a 2012–2018 Ram 1500 take?

BCI group 65, rated at 730 cold cranking amps from the factory. Group size is a physical dimension and terminal-position standard, so a battery from a different group may not clamp down or may put the terminals on the wrong side.

How many CCA does a 2012–2018 Ram 1500 need?

At least 730 CCA. Going higher is harmless and helps in cold climates; going lower is how a vehicle that started fine in October stops starting in January.

Does the 2012–2018 Ram 1500 need an AGM battery?

The factory battery is a conventional flooded type. AGM is a valid upgrade, but never downgrade from AGM to flooded.

Where is the battery on a 2012–2018 Ram 1500?

Engine bay, driver side.

Does a 2012–2018 Ram 1500 need the battery registered after replacement?

FCA's spec sheets list a Group 65, 730-CCA maintenance-free battery for gas DS trucks. EcoDiesel models use an H7/94R instead (see engine entry). No registration/reset needed after replacement.