Deep cycle battery recommendations

[fzsk4p]

From this thread
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29435

I`ve made a couple decisions.

Going to go with a deep cycle stand alone mounted on the trailer tongue. Add a fuse box with several power ports. Also a small charger mounted in the same box for an all in one power station. Just don`t want to compromise my vehicle starting batteries.

Can power up the Edgestar while traveling/camping. Have power for an electric water pump and aux. lighting. If and when I come across 110 while traveling. The on broad charger can add a bit of boost back to the battery.

Any recommendations for a good deep cycle ? A Yellow Top is not my favorite choice. Anyone have any experience with Deka or Interstate ?

 

[wikid]

I really like the Sears Platinum http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850131000P It has identical construction as the Odessy, but is less expensive. I think I paid $249.00 Its a group 31M 1150 CCA and 205 minutes reserve. 3 year warranty and has help up well keeping my Engel cold during our 110-115f temps.
I research them for awhile and read several reviews before I pulled the trigger on purchasing one. I am happy with it so far. I have been running it steady for about 4 months. But the reviews are really good.
thanks
Don

 

[fzsk4p]

I really like the Sears Platinum http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850131000P It has identical construction as the Odessy, but is less expensive. I think I paid $249.00 Its a group 31M 1150 CCA and 205 minutes reserve. 3 year warranty and has help up well keeping my Engel cold during our 110-115f temps.
I research them for awhile and read several reviews before I pulled the trigger on purchasing one. I am happy with it so far. I have been running it steady for about 4 months. But the reviews are really good.
thanks
Don

Don, thanks for the advice !! The Die Hard does look good but you have bought up a good question for me.

In a starting battery I have always looked at the CCA rating. For the deep cycle and what I want to use it for. Is the reserve time/amps more important then the CCA ? Kinda think it is as the 12 volt stuff we run doesn't need a bunch of amps. Just a long reserve capacity, correct ?

 

[C Red]

I really like the Sears Platinum http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850131000P It has identical construction as the Odessy, but is less expensive. I think I paid $249.00 Its a group 31M 1150 CCA and 205 minutes reserve. 3 year warranty and has help up well keeping my Engel cold during our 110-115f temps.
I research them for awhile and read several reviews before I pulled the trigger on purchasing one. I am happy with it so far. I have been running it steady for about 4 months. But the reviews are really good.
thanks
Don

I bought the same one. Tons of reserve with two on a dual setup. And you get the Sears warranty!

 

[jp0863]

What dont you like about the yellow top? just wondering cuz i bought one recently and want to know if this was a "not so good choice".

Secondly, have you considered using two 6 volt batteries? It seems to be catching on with the rv/trailer crowd. They seem to last quite a bit longer than 2 12 volt deep cycle batteries.

 

[wikid]

Don, thanks for the advice !! The Die Hard does look good but you have bought up a good question for me.

In a starting battery I have always looked at the CCA rating. For the deep cycle and what I want to use it for. Is the reserve time/amps more important then the CCA ? Kinda think it is as the 12 volt stuff we run doesn't need a bunch of amps. Just a long reserve capacity, correct ?

You are correct sir. I think the CCA in some respects goes hand -n -hand with the large reserve capacity.

jp0863
As far as the Yellow tops. I haven't had very good luck with optima's lately. I think something has changed in the manufacturing. I have heard that from others as well. My start battery is an Optima red top and its been replaced because of failure within the first 16 months I decided I wouldn't get another one and try something that seems to have rave reviews.
I have heard something about the 6 volt option but I am not familiar with these set ups I heard the same thing as you did about 2 6 volts lasting longer than a 12 volt again I am not an expert in that. Because it isn't made of wood

thanks
Don

 

[jp0863]

That seems to be fairly accurate about the manufacturing process. my dad replaced two red tops on his truck within 2 years, but i had a red top years ago and had no issues at all. Guess i'll have to wait and see if my yellow top holds up.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

This is a good discussion to have, I was just about to pose a similar question.

First, for a trailer, you should care a lot more about how many Amp-Hours it has, rather than CCA. CCA is for staring. Ah is for running loads. Ah often isn't specified for starting batteries, and CCA often isn't specified for true deep cycle batteries.

That being said, you also have to consider that starting batties shouldn't be drawn down below 80% of their capacity regularly, or they will get damaged. A mixed marine starting/deep cycle battery shouldn't be taken below 50% capacity regularly. A pure deep cycle battery can be taken down to 20%. I'm not sure where an Odyssey battery falls on this scale, but I have heard it can be taken very low. In fact, I was trying to resucitate and old Odyssey, and they told me to cycle it by taking it down very low, below 10V, and then charge it up several times.

For example, a 6V battery like this http://http://www.usbattery.com/usb_us2200xc_sol.html would have a 232 Ah capacity, and I think about 60 lbs. You need to use two to get 12V, but you don't get double the capacity since they're wired in series. This one http://http://www.trojanbattery.com/Products/T-145Plus6V.aspx is a little taller, and 260 Ah, 72 lbs.

A PC2150 Odyssey has only 100 Ah, and is 77.8 lbs.

I was about to pull the trigger and get two 6V batteries, but I'm wondering how they would hold up in off-road conditions. They are intended for golf carts, so one would think they could take some abuse. Those can be a bit bumpy.

 

[fzsk4p]

Good reply.
Laying in bed last night thinking on how 2 6 volters might double the reserve. Forgetting you have to wire them in series to get the 12 volts...

Going to Google golf carts and see what voltage most seem to run at and what kind of batteries (brand) they use. Another good idea by Mr. Lefebvre

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Yes, but don't forget, that two 6V batteries in series will still have more capacity (232 Ah) than 2 Group 31 batteries (2x100Ah=200Ah). Not to mention a true deep cycle can be drawn down further than most Group 31 batteries (save maybe the Odyssey).

You should see this thread as well:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28667&highlight=battery

 

[wikid]

Great thread everyone. I really like this place. Thanks for posting the link to the other thread with 6v info. I like how everyone adds a bit of info to the mix.
Thanks everyone. I learn lots when I come here.
Don

 

[ScottBailey]

Deep Cycle

These guys are a good source AND resource: Arizona Wind and Sun Battery FAQ. Worth the read.

I run a Deep Cycle AGM from Interstate Battery. It's a true deep cycle, intended for wheel chairs, rated 90AH at 20 hours. And it's $$$, because it's sealed AGM. I think it was $190. This is a DCM90. Interstate is everywhere.

I think you are going to put your battery where vented gas won't harm you (i.e. the battery is mounted in an outdoor box), then you can buy golf cart batteries. Each 6 volt battery will provide twice the AH at half the cost. Of course you'll need 2... Anyway, for the same cost as a sealed AGM, you get twice the AH out of 2 6volt GC batteries.

Had I had time and tools, I'd have built a frame mounted battery box and run GC batteries.

 

[proto]

If anyone has access to Consumer Reports, they apparently just completed an evaluation of automotive batteries. I'm not sure if they covered any deep cycle-ish types, but I'd be curious to find out what their results were.