Is it really necessary to invest in a deep cycle battery? And if you decide to buy one, what factors should you put into consideration? Well, a deep cycle battery is basically a high-performance battery capable of handling numerous discharge cycles. These batteries are capable of giving a constant current and high performance up to the very last minute. Indeed, this type of battery will transform your life.
Finding the best deep cycle battery entails understanding the features that make such a battery stand out. In our review, we look at the weight and the dimensions of the battery. These features determine the portability of the battery and space it will occupy. Another feature we have looked at is the type of battery, which can be AGM, lithium-ion, lead-acid, and gel. The voltage and the duration a battery can supply you with power have also been explored. This review gives you the best understanding of deep cycle batteries.
More features: maintenance-free, universal fit, spill-proof, recyclable
Anytime you go shopping for the best AGM deep cycle battery, think of Interstate Batteries DCM0100. Interstate has been making high-quality batteries since the 1950s. This reliability, innovativeness, and durability are some of the things the company has invested in to ensure the brand remains relevant over the decades. This battery weighs 67.5 pounds and measures 12.99 x 6.81 x 8.35 inches, making it one of the larger batteries you can go for.
This AGM battery maintains 12 volts of power supply with a capacity of 110 Ah. The maintenance-free, rechargeable battery will work to perfection when installed on an electric scooter or wheelchair. The manufacturer has used the latest technology that ensures no spills and overpressure are experienced when using the battery.
To get the best value for money with this deep cycle battery, invest in this product that regularly discharges power to almost any heavy mobility instrument or machine that you can think of. The battery takes a short time to charge and boasts of long years of service to the user.
More features:120 min reserve capacity, 3-year limited warranty, polypropylene case material, 750 cold cranking amps
Optima is a renowned manufacturer of top of the range batteries. The Optima OPT8016-103 is one of the best cheap deep cycle batteries when it comes to performance and versatility. It weighs 43.5 pounds and measures 10 x 6.8 x 7.6 inches making it the best deep cycle marine battery today. It boasts of 870 Amps with the voltage remaining above or at 12V. These features make the battery ideal for heavy-duty usage.
When you buy this deep cycle battery, you can rest easy knowing that any machinery you have could be easily charged, even your motor vehicle. The battery’s capacity rating is 55Ah, which makes it not last for long when under heavy load.
Unlike many batteries that refuse to crank under very cold weather, the OPT8016-103 does this with ease and without fail. As stated earlier, this makes it ideal for RVs and marine escapades. The battery is fifteen times more resistant to any vibration making it more durable. The other feature that makes it stand out is the 120 minutes reserve capacity for consistent performance.
More features: 1100 Amp max discharge current, maintenance-free, ABS container
It should never reach a point when you get stranded about picking the Best Deep Cycle Battery for an RV. The Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery weighs 63.9 pounds and comes with two handles that allow you to handle it with ease. The battery measures 8.6 x 13.1 x 6.9 inches, which is relatively small, making it perfect for RVs.
It is the best deep cycle battery for trolling motors not only because it delivers a constant 12 volts but also because its maximum discharge current is 1,100 Amps. By using the proprietary electrolyte found in the solar battery, you can crank it even in extremely low temperatures such as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, it is the best deep cycle battery for solar in the market because it was specially designed to be compatible with off-grid systems.
Being an AGM battery, no maintenance is required on it. Because the manufacturer has employed the latest separators and advanced valve regulated technology, the battery will never leak acid. You will also enjoy low internal resistance and high discharge currents, which reach ten times the battery’s rated capacity. The battery boasts of a maximum 3% at 77 degrees Fahrenheit reduction in monthly self-discharge. This is five times lower than the other flooded batteries.
More features: built-in battery management system, 10-year limited warranty, nontoxic
There are quite a number of reasons why the Battle Born LiFePO4 is the best deep cycle battery for camping. This battery has been designed with the needs of a camping enthusiast in mind. It weighs only 31 pounds and measures 12.775 x 6.88 x 9 inches making it easy to carry around and taking only the least necessary space.
A highly reliable battery delivers 200 Amps for up to 30 seconds when there is a sudden demand for energy. It is also the best 12 deep cycle battery considering that it boasts a high capacity of 100 Ah, which is frankly high compared to its peers. It is a lithium-ion deep cycle battery whose usable capacity is between 80% and 100%.
The manufacturer has included a 10-year warranty that helps at making it a trusted brand. Moreover, a built-in battery management system makes the battery a no-maintenance product. Given that it provides you with a minimum of 2000 and a max of 5000 charging cycles, this is the best deep cycle battery for camping because it will serve you for years.
More features: maintenance-free, 1-year limited warranty, 3–5-year lifespan
For the best value deep cycle battery, look no further than the Universal Power Group UB121000. This 12-volt battery will give you quality service for at least 3 years. Because the latest technology and materials have been used in making the battery, it will serve you for up to 5 years.
Being an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery means that you get to enjoy a charging efficiency of up to 95%. The battery’s capabilities are not affected by cold weather, and you will never experience gassing and spills. It is a battery that boasts a current rating of 100 Ah. You needn’t worry for a minute about how to mount the battery as it can be mounted in any position. It resists shock and vibration, making it a good power source for your RV and other heavy-duty machinery.
The weight of the battery is 63.93 pounds and measures 12.1 x 6.61 x 9.1 inches. Though not the easiest battery to carry around, it is bound to give you excellent service for a really long time without the need for maintenance.
More features: maintenance free, non-spillable, 4-9 hours running time
Picking the best AGM deep cycle battery can be a tedious process. But not until you come across the Vmaxtanks brand. The VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 AGM battery is an ideal pick if you are looking for an entry-level battery. This battery comes with a maximum power rating of 115 amps. Even though you get the standard 12V in voltage rating, the capacity rating is 35 Ah. This capacity can be seen to be low. It is not disappointing given the price tag that the battery carries.
At just 25 pounds and measuring 6.6 x 7.7 x 5 inches, it is safe to say that this is an ideal cycle battery that you can consider using in your RV. This is further made possible by the battery’s capacity to withstand very cold temperatures and also because it doesn’t emit any gases. The battery doesn’t require any maintenance and affords you a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 9 hours of continuous usage. Given that the manufacturer has backed the battery with a 1-year warranty and considering the pretty low price tag it carries, it is safe to say that this is one of the best value deep cycle battery options you have today.
More features: built-in battery management system, 10-year lifespan, ABS case, M8 terminal
The Ampere Time LiFePO4 is a lithium 12V deep cycle battery that boasts of its portability as it weighs a mere 25.3 pounds. It is a great battery to have with you on your fishing trip as it also measures 6.8 x 8.5 x 13 inches hence taking little of your precious space. The manufacturer has installed a Battery Management System that guarantees protection from low temperatures, overheating, overloading, or short circuit.
With a voltage capacity of 12 volts, the battery is guaranteed to help you power your RV for 10 years with a 100A continuous discharge current. This means you should be able to enjoy at least 2,000 life cycles from this battery. The battery can maintain a voltage supply of above 12V up to 90% of its usage capacity. This makes it an ideal investment to make if you love RV trips and camping.
The manufacturer has used ABS casing to ensure that you get to sap maximum power out of this battery for as long as possible. The 5-year warranty backing the battery further serves to make it a worthy product to buy.
Now that we know the best deep cycle batteries in the market, we will take a deeper look at the various features and factors that one must consider when they want to get the very best out of these batteries. A few FAQ questions that seem to nag many battery users have also been answered to help you make an informed decision when buying your deep cycle battery.
A deep cycle battery can be defined as one designed to provide sustained power over a given time rather than offering a burst of energy for a short time. This type of battery can be used in RV coaches, marine operations, and powering of golf carts.
A deep cycle battery will often discharge up to 80% of its stored power. At times, it can discharge even more. Even though you can discharge up to 100% in lithium batteries, manufacturers recommend not going below 45% to help extend the battery’s life. This type of battery will power your RV and other things for many hours, unlike other types of batteries that only discharge between 2% and 5% before they demand a recharge.
Because a deep cycle battery provides a constant supply of power, they are ideal for use in certain applications that demand more than the initial quick start. Some of the more common areas to use a deep cycle battery include;
To pick the right deep cycle battery for your needs, it is important that you first understand the different types available. For example, in marine applications, hybrid batteries work very well. This type of battery will provide both the needed starter burst of power and the sustained power for marine operations. Here are the four main types of batteries you can opt for;
Electronic appliances usually bear writings indicating the voltage and the current it uses. If the voltage indicated on an appliance is 12V, then use a 12V battery. You can have five different appliances written 12V. You still need to use one battery. However, things change when it comes to the current rating. You will find the battery bears Ah writings. This is amperage per hour. In deep cycle batteries, the AH normally means the total rating taken from a battery in 20 hours. This simply means the number of amperes the battery can provide in an hour. The total amperage needs of your appliances should not exceed that indicated on the battery.
There are various features that one must consider when shopping for a deep cycle battery. By understanding these features, you give yourself the best chance of picking the right battery that will not only power your RV or appliances fully but for the longest time. Here are some key features to help you in this endeavor.
There are four different types of deep cycle batteries. They are;
The reserve capacity of a battery is the number of minutes for which a fully charged battery at 80°F battery can run at 25 Amps of current until it drops below 10.5 volts. It can also be defined as the energy a battery can effectively store.
The maximum current a battery can provide is important if you use the battery for functions that require high starting power, such as a vehicle and other engines. In the case of the Battle Born LiFePO4, the maximum current is 200 Amp for 30 seconds. The current will then drop to 100 Amps. The maximum current a battery can provide is also important because you can manage the number of appliances you can power using it.
Voltage can be said to be the amount of electrical potential a battery holds. The standard voltage in deep cycle batteries is 12 volts. These batteries come with 6 cells, each with a voltage of between 2.12 and 2.15 volts, giving 12.7 volts to a fully charged battery.
The durability of a battery is something that you must consider when buying one. You will find that good lead deep cycle batteries can last up to 6 years when proper maintenance. You are bound to enjoy between 3,000 and 5,000 charging cycles from the lithium batteries, which can last anything between 3 and 20 years. AGM batteries will serve you for 6 years while the Gel ones go for 10 years up to 20 years.
Even though a battery’s price can influence your decision on whether to buy it or not, various batteries’ different capabilities also play a big role in helping you make the buying decision. You will find that Universal Power Group battery going for around $180 while the middle range batteries such as the Battle Born LiFePO4 and the Interstate Batteries DCM0100
go for $250 or less. Of course, there are premium picks such as the Optima OPT 8016-103, which will cost you at least $800.
As stated earlier, lithium batteries are very light. This makes them ideal for boon-docking and RVs. The Battle Born LiFePO4 lithium battery weighs just 31 pounds. The AGM batteries, on the other hand, tend to weigh more, about 63 pounds. Some negate this generalization, such as the VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857, which weighs 25 pounds.
For your safety and those using the battery, the manufacturer often includes some basic instructions on the battery such as ‘do not short circuit.
‘ You should observe the battery sides to see if they are swollen, which can lead to an explosion. Overcharging the battery can lead to leakage or damage to the battery or even an explosion.
The extras you ought to look out for when buying a deep cycle battery include comfortable handles. The Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery and the Interstate Batteries DCM0100 battery come with comfortable handles. Other extras to look out for include the ease of fitting the battery and ABS casing, like in the case of Ampere Time LiFePO4.
Our editor’s choice is the Interstate Batteries DCM0100 battery. It takes the top spot because it lasts for a long time and has a credible current capacity to power your RV. This AGM battery boasts of a maintenance-free management system and a universal fit feature, making it possible to affix it anywhere.
The Optima OPT 8016-103 deep cycle battery is our second pick. This battery boasts 120 minutes of reserve capacity and 750 cold-cranking amps, making it the ideal companion for all your marine applications. It doesn’t weigh a lot, and it is not bulky. A 3-year warranty backs it.
For best value, you should buy the Universal Power Group UB121000 battery. This battery is cheap, and it doesn’t compromise on current capacity and durability. It is the best deep cycle battery that a person on a budget should go for. It has a lifespan of between 3 and 5 years.
