True Deep Cycle Batteries

[mitch5252]

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Being optimistic here and thinking about Baja...

Where in the world do you find/buy true deep cycle batteries? Not the hybrid marine/deep cycle, but true deep cycle.

Having a hard time online. Can't make phone calls cuz it's Sunday.

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[MelissaD]

Here's a couple of choices.

http://www.solar-electric.com/batteries.html?gclid=CLHe_MHazrkCFbFDMgodJFwACA

Since some will hook up 2 6v golf cart batteries in series to make a 12v battery http://www.trojanbattery.com/ Looks like Sam's sells 12v deep cycles for golf carts. Golf carts batteries are designed to take a very deep cycle and provide a proper voltage of its range.

Semi's also carry deep cycle batteries so a truck dealer's parts department (Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Peterbuilt and Volvo). Sam's, Costco and a few others like this carry batteries for cars, marine, RV and commercial trucks.

[Liz]

This is what I have: http://www.optimabatteries.com/us/en/shop/bluetop/

[JoanE]

Mine are Interstate.

[snowball]

Mine are Interstate.

think mine are as well
sheila

[mitch5252]

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I may have missed something, but I could not find a true deep cycle on the Interstate site...
Of course, I'll have to go look again later.
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[grammynmaggie]

What is the difference ??

[mitch5252]

What is the difference ??

Sorry this is a long read, but the article explains types of batteries FAR better than I could:

Starting, Marine, or Deep-Cycle Batteries

Starting (sometimes called SLI, for starting, lighting, ignition) batteries are commonly used to start and run engines. Engine starters need a very large starting current for a very short time. Starting batteries have a large number of thin plates for maximum surface area. The plates are composed of a Lead "sponge", similar in appearance to a very fine foam sponge. This gives a very large surface area, but if deep cycled, this sponge will quickly be consumed and fall to the bottom of the cells. Automotive batteries will generally fail after 30-150 deep cycles if deep cycled, while they may last for thousands of cycles in normal starting use (2-5% discharge).

Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged down as much as 80% time after time, and have much thicker plates. The major difference between a true deep cycle battery and others is that the plates are SOLID Lead plates - not sponge. This gives less surface area, thus less "instant" power like starting batteries need. Although these can be cycled down to 20% charge, the best lifespan vs cost method is to keep the average cycle at about 50% discharge. Unfortunately, it is often impossible to tell what you are really buying in some of the discount stores or places that specialize in automotive batteries. The golf car battery is quite popular for small systems and RV's. The problem is that "golf car" refers to a size of battery case (commonly called GC-2, or T-105), not the type or construction - so the quality and construction of a golf car battery can vary considerably - ranging from the cheap off brand with thin plates up to true deep cycle brands, such as Crown, Deka, Trojan, etc. In general, you get what you pay for.

Marine batteries are usually a "hybrid", and fall between the starting and deep-cycle batteries, though a few (Rolls-Surrette and Concorde, for example) are true deep cycle. In the hybrid, the plates may be composed of Lead sponge, but it is coarser and heavier than that used in starting batteries. It is often hard to tell what you are getting in a "marine" battery, but most are a hybrid. Starting batteries are usually rated at "CCA", or cold cranking amps, or "MCA", Marine cranking amps - the same as "CA". Any battery with the capacity shown in CA or MCA may or may not be a true deep-cycle battery. It is sometimes hard to tell, as the term deep cycle is often overused - we have even seen the term "deep cycle" used in automotive starting battery advertising. CA and MCA ratings are at 32 degrees F, while CCA is at zero degree F. Unfortunately, the only positive way to tell with some batteries is to buy one and cut it open - not much of an option.

[cnq50b]

Both Interstate & Autozone tried to convince me to purchase the hybrids when I replaced mine before my big trip. It's what they had in the size I wanted/needed, but after my research I was like you & wanted true deep cycle batteries. After lots of comparisons, research, etc I finally decide to just replace the ones in there with the same brand (EverStart from Walmart) - they probably aren't the best (Optimas win that award) - but for the price difference I figure they'll last me the next few years if I take care of them probably & who knows what I'll be driving 3 years from now.

[Bethers]

I'm perfectly happy with my hybrids. But I did prefer the auto zone to the interstate I have currently.

[Nasoosie]

Interesting battery info and discussions. I guess I'd better check to see what I have as I can't remember what I bought last year to replace my old ones.