Everstart Es20Lbs

After spending the last decade tinkering with everything from vintage motorcycles to modern ATVs, I’ve learned that the humble battery can make or break your riding experience. Today, I’m diving deep into one of the most versatile compact batteries on the market—the Everstart ES20LBS. Whether you’re a weekend warrior hitting the trails or simply need reliable power for your lawn equipment, this comprehensive guide will help you determine if this battery is your perfect power partner.

My Journey with the ES20LBS

The first time I encountered the Everstart ES20LBS was during an emergency situation with my ATV. Stranded on a remote trail with a dead battery, a fellow rider came to my rescue with this compact powerhouse. The quick swap and immediate start-up impressed me enough to investigate further, leading to this exhaustive guide based on my personal experience and extensive research.

Understanding the Everstart ES20LBS: Specifications and Compatibility

The Everstart ES20LBS isn’t just another battery—it’s a purpose-built power solution designed for specific applications. Before diving into a purchase, understanding its specifications and compatibility is crucial.

Technical Specifications That Matter

The ES20LBS is a 12-volt battery with a capacity of approximately 18 amp-hours, making it ideal for smaller engines and vehicles. Its physical dimensions are approximately 7 × 3.5 × 6.5 inches, with a weight of about 20 pounds—hence the “20LBS” in its name. This compact size allows it to fit in tight spaces where larger batteries simply won’t go.

What sets this battery apart is its sealed lead-acid (SLA) absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology. This design means the battery is maintenance-free and can be mounted in virtually any position without risk of leakage. The spill-proof design of the Everstart ES20LBS makes it an exceptionally safe choice for a wide range of applications, from powersports to home backup systems.

In terms of cold cranking amps (CCA), the ES20LBS typically provides around 240-270 CCA, which determines its ability to start engines in cold weather. While not the highest in the industry, this rating is perfectly adequate for most small to medium applications.

Vehicle Compatibility: What Can This Battery Power?

From my experience, the ES20LBS shines in the following applications:

1. Motorcycles: Particularly suited for cruisers and medium-sized bikes, though some larger motorcycles might require more starting power.
2. ATVs and UTVs: Perfect for most recreational four-wheelers under 500cc.
3. Personal watercraft: Ideal for jet skis and small boats.
4. Snowmobiles: Works well for small to medium models, though larger engines in extreme cold might need more power.
5. Lawn equipment: From riding mowers to garden tractors, this battery provides reliable starting power.
6. Small generators: Many portable generators use batteries of this size for electric start functions.

I’ve personally tested the ES20LBS in my 350cc ATV and 250cc motorcycle with excellent results. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for larger cruiser motorcycles or vehicles with high electrical demands unless you’ve verified the compatibility.

Real-World Performance: Lifespan and Reliability

When investing in a battery, longevity is a primary concern. Based on my usage and discussions with other owners, the Everstart ES20LBS typically lasts between 3-5 years with proper maintenance and usage patterns. Several factors affect this lifespan:

Factors Affecting Battery Life

1. Usage patterns: Frequent short rides that don’t allow for full recharging will shorten battery life.
2. Storage conditions: Extreme temperatures can dramatically reduce lifespan. I store mine in a climate-controlled garage when not in use.
3. Charging habits: Proper charging using an appropriate battery tender during off-seasons is essential.
4. Electrical load: Vehicles with aftermarket accessories drawing constant power will place additional strain on the battery.
5. Vibration exposure: Excessive vibration can damage internal components—proper mounting is essential.

During my three years of ownership, I’ve found that using a battery tender during the winter months has significantly extended the life of my ES20LBS. The battery shows minimal capacity loss even after multiple seasons of use in my ATV.

Cold Weather Performance

Living in an area with harsh winters, I’ve put the ES20LBS through some challenging cold starts. While its 240-270 CCA rating isn’t exceptional compared to larger automotive batteries, it performs admirably in temperatures down to about 20°F (-6°C).

For extreme cold weather applications (below 10°F/-12°C), I’ve found that additional measures help:

1. Keeping the battery on a tender until just before use
2. Using a battery blanket in extremely cold conditions
3. Ensuring all electrical systems are off when the vehicle is stored

The ES20LBS has started my snowmobile reliably down to about 15°F (-9°C) without additional help, which is impressive for a battery of this size and capacity.

Installation Guide: Getting Your ES20LBS Up and Running

Installing the Everstart ES20LBS is straightforward, but attention to detail ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

1. Safety first: Always disconnect the negative (black) terminal first when removing an old battery, and connect it last when installing the new one to prevent shorts.
2. Verify fit: Before disconnecting anything, confirm the ES20LBS matches your required dimensions. In some applications, spacers or foam padding may be needed for a secure fit.
3. Prepare the battery: While the ES20LBS typically comes pre-charged at about 75-80% capacity, I recommend fully charging it before installation for optimal performance.
4. Clean connections: Use a wire brush to clean the terminal connectors on your vehicle before attaching them to the new battery.
5. Secure mounting: The ES20LBS should be firmly mounted to prevent vibration damage. I use the original mounting brackets or straps designed for my vehicles.
6. Connect terminals: Attach the positive (red) terminal first, then the negative (black). Ensure connections are tight but not overtightened, which can damage the battery posts.
7. Apply anti-corrosion spray: I apply a thin coat of battery terminal protectant to prevent future corrosion.
8. Test operation: Before closing everything up, test all electrical systems to ensure proper function.

One installation tip I’ve learned: if your vehicle has additional accessory wires connected to the battery, take a photo before disconnecting the old one to ensure everything goes back in the correct place.

Charging and Maintenance: Maximizing Battery Life

Proper charging and maintenance are essential for getting the most from your ES20LBS investment.

Charging Best Practices

The ES20LBS should be charged with a charger rated for 12-volt lead-acid batteries. I prefer using a smart charger with multiple stages that can detect the battery’s condition and adjust accordingly.

For optimal charging:

1. Use a 2-amp trickle charger for regular maintenance charging
2. For faster charging, a 10-amp charger is acceptable but avoid higher amperage
3. Never charge at rates exceeding 4-5 amps for extended periods
4. Always charge in a well-ventilated area

My personal charging routine includes:

• Monthly checks during the riding season
• A maintenance charge every 30-45 days during off-season storage
• A full charge before the first ride of the season

Maintenance Tips That Work

Despite being marketed as “maintenance-free,” I’ve found that some basic care significantly extends battery life:

1. Regular voltage checks: I use a multimeter to check voltage monthly. A healthy ES20LBS should read between 12.6-12.8 volts when fully charged and rested.
2. Clean terminals: Even with protective spray, I clean the terminals seasonally to prevent power-robbing corrosion.
3. Proper storage: I never store the battery directly on concrete floors, which can cause discharge. I use a wooden shelf or plastic tray.
4. Vibration protection: I check mounting hardware regularly to ensure the battery remains secure.
5. Load testing: Annually, I perform a simple load test using either a dedicated tester or by monitoring voltage during startup.

Following these practices, my ES20LBS has maintained over 90% of its original capacity after three years of regular use in my ATV—impressive performance for a battery in this price range.

Value Proposition: Price Comparison and Warranty

The Everstart ES20LBS typically retails between $45-$65, positioning it as a mid-range option in the small vehicle battery market. This price point makes it approximately:

• 15-20% less expensive than premium motorcycle batteries like Yuasa or Motobatt
• 10-15% more expensive than budget generic options
• Comparable to other major retail brand offerings like Duracell and Energizer

Warranty Coverage

Everstart typically provides a 1-year free replacement warranty on the ES20LBS, which is standard for this category but not exceptional. Some premium brands offer up to 3-year warranties, though at significantly higher price points.

My experience with Everstart’s warranty service has been positive—when I had an issue with a different Everstart battery, the replacement process was straightforward at the retail location where I purchased it.

Where to Buy

The Everstart brand is primarily associated with Walmart, making their stores the most common place to purchase the ES20LBS. I’ve also occasionally found them at:

• Auto parts stores (sometimes under different branding)
• Online marketplaces (though prices can vary widely)
• Powersports dealers (often with markup)

I’ve found that physical Walmart locations typically offer the best combination of price and convenience, with the added benefit of easy warranty service if needed.

Comparative Analysis: ES20LBS vs. Competitors

How does the ES20LBS stack up against alternatives? I’ve tested several comparable batteries over the years, and here’s my honest assessment:

VS. Yuasa YTX20L-BS

The Yuasa is often considered the premium standard and offers:

• Slightly better cold weather performance
• Potentially 1-2 years longer lifespan
• More consistent manufacturing quality
• Higher price point (typically $75-95)

VS. Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS

This popular online alternative offers:

• Comparable performance
• Similar lifespan
• Often a more generous warranty
• Slightly higher price point with frequent discounts

VS. Generic/Store Brand Alternatives

Lower-cost alternatives typically provide:

• Similar short-term performance
• Shorter lifespan (often 1-2 years less)
• Less consistent quality control
• 20-30% cost savings

In my experience, the ES20LBS hits a sweet spot of value and performance. While premium options like Yuasa might offer marginally better performance and longevity, the Everstart delivers 85-90% of that performance at 60-70% of the cost.

Real User Experiences: Collected Reviews and Feedback

Over the years, I’ve connected with numerous ES20LBS users and collected their feedback. The consensus points to several strengths and weaknesses:

Common Praise Points

1. Value for money: Most users find the performance-to-price ratio excellent
2. Reliability: Consistent starting power throughout the battery’s life
3. Availability: Easy to find at most Walmart locations
4. Initial power: Strong out-of-the-box performance

Common Criticism Points

1. Cold weather limitations: Some users in extreme northern climates report difficulties below 10°F
2. Manufacturing consistency: Occasional reports of significant variation between individual units
3. Warranty period: Some users wish for longer coverage
4. Terminal positioning: Can be challenging in some applications

One interesting trend I’ve noticed is that users who properly maintain their ES20LBS report significantly higher satisfaction than those who treat it as truly “maintenance-free.” This suggests that while the battery is technically sealed and maintenance-free by design, proper care still dramatically impacts performance and longevity.

Environmental Considerations: Recycling and Disposal

As responsible vehicle owners, proper disposal of old batteries is an ethical requirement. The ES20LBS, like all lead-acid batteries, contains materials that can be harmful to the environment but are also highly recyclable.

Recycling Process

When your ES20LBS reaches the end of its useful life, recycling is straightforward:

1. Most auto parts stores accept old batteries for recycling
2. Many retailers (including Walmart) offer core credits when purchasing a new battery
3. Dedicated recycling centers accept them, sometimes with nominal fees

I always keep my old battery in its original packaging or wrapped in plastic during transport to prevent leakage of any residual acid.

The good news is that lead-acid batteries are among the most recycled products in America, with recovery rates exceeding 95%. The lead, plastic, and other materials are separated and used to manufacture new batteries, creating a relatively efficient closed-loop system.

Specialized Applications: Beyond Standard Uses

While marketed primarily for powersports applications, I’ve found the ES20LBS suitable for several alternative uses:

Lawn and Garden Equipment

The ES20LBS works exceptionally well in riding mowers and garden tractors. Its robust construction handles the vibration of these applications better than many purpose-built lawn tractor batteries.

I’ve used mine in a 42″ riding mower with excellent results, providing reliable starts even after winter storage.

Backup Power Applications

With appropriate inverters, the ES20LBS can serve as emergency backup power for small devices. I’ve used mine to power:

• LED lighting during power outages
• Small medical devices requiring temporary power
• Charging stations for phones and tablets

While not designed primarily for deep-cycle applications, the AGM construction allows for deeper discharge than traditional starting batteries, making it surprisingly versatile in emergency situations.

Solar Applications

For small-scale solar setups, the ES20LBS can serve as storage, though dedicated deep-cycle batteries are generally better for this purpose. I’ve successfully used it in a small cabin solar setup for weekend use, where its primary job is to start a generator rather than provide prolonged power.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best batteries can develop problems. Here are solutions to issues I’ve encountered or researched:

Slow Cranking

If your ES20LBS is providing less cranking power than expected:

1. Check voltage: Should be 12.6V+ when fully charged
2. Clean connections: Corrosion increases resistance
3. Load test: A properly functioning battery should maintain above 9.6V during cranking
4. Check charging system: A faulty regulator/rectifier can damage the battery

Rapid Discharge

If your battery loses charge quickly when not in use:

1. Look for parasitic draws: Accessories or faulty wiring can drain power
2. Check for sulfation: If the battery has been undercharged, sulfate crystals can form
3. Verify charging system output: Should be 13.8-14.4V when running
4. Consider temperature extremes: High heat accelerates self-discharge

Swelling Case

If the battery case appears distorted or swollen:

1. Stop using immediately: This indicates internal damage
2. Check charging system: Overcharging is the most common cause
3. Replace the battery: Swelling indicates the battery is no longer safe to use

Strange Odor

If you notice a strong sulfur smell:

1. Check for overcharging: Excess voltage causes gassing
2. Inspect for cracks: Despite being sealed, damage can cause leakage
3. Ensure proper ventilation: Even sealed batteries can release small amounts of gas

In my experience, most issues with the ES20LBS stem from either charging system problems or improper maintenance rather than defects in the battery itself.

Conclusion: Is the Everstart ES20LBS Right for You?

After extensive testing and research, I can confidently say that the Everstart ES20LBS represents an excellent value for most small vehicle applications. While not the absolute premium option on the market, it delivers reliable performance at a price point that’s hard to beat.

The Everstart ES20LBS is particularly well-suited for riders who maintain multiple vehicles and need dependable power without breaking the bank. Its versatility across motorcycles, ATVs, watercraft, and lawn equipment makes it a great “universal” option for hobbyists with diverse needs.

That said, there are situations where alternatives might be better:

1. For extremely cold weather applications, premium batteries with higher CCA ratings may be worth the additional cost
2. For vehicles used only occasionally, less expensive options might be adequate
3. For those seeking maximum lifespan regardless of cost, premium brands offer marginal advantages

My personal verdict after years of use: The ES20LBS hits the sweet spot of performance, reliability, and value that makes it my go-to recommendation for friends and family looking for small vehicle power solutions.

Whether you’re replacing an aging battery or stocking up for multiple vehicles, the Everstart ES20LBS deserves serious consideration. With proper installation, regular maintenance, and appropriate charging, it will provide years of reliable service across a wide range of applications.

What has your experience been with the ES20LBS or similar batteries? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!