Are you planning to purchase a deep cycle marine battery? We’ve got a few recommendations for you. If you continue reading, you’ll learn more about this particular battery and its difference with other types of batteries. We’ll also present three of the best deep cycle marine batteries available in the market.
Deep Cycle Marine Battery
First of all, we should talk about deep cycle marine batteries. What makes them different from other types of batteries such as the starting battery?
To begin, let’s talk about two types of batteries: starting and deep cycle. Starting batteries are exactly that. Basically, they are the batteries that starts and runs the engine of your vehicle. On the other hand, deep cycle batteries are used to power up appliances, water pumps, and other motors. In fact, deep cycle batteries are also known as house batteries.
Starting batteries provide short but high current bursts of electricity. Thus, a small percentage of a starting battery is discharged. By contrast, deep cycle batteries are designed to supply currents steadily over a period of time. As a result, most of its power capacity – about 45% to 75% – needs to be discharged. Starting batteries cannot be used as deep cycle batteries. However, deep cycle batteries can also function as starting batteries.
Types
There are two main types of deep cycle batteries: flooded lead-acid (FLA), and valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA). FLAs are further divided into flat plated and tubular plated, while VRLAs can be classified into gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM).
Each type has its advantages over the other. For instance, FLAs are more cost-efficient and more popularly used for RVs. However, they also have their down sides. For one, they need to undergo constant maintenance. In contrast, AGMs are more expensive, but they need no maintenance and last for a longer time. Therefore, they are usually the better option for motorhomes.
Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery
Now that you’ve gained more knowledge about a deep cycle marine battery, we can proceed to some products that come highly recommended. In particular, we’ll discuss the following models:
- Optima Batteries BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery
- VMAX AGM Marine Deep Cycle Battery
- Odyssey Battery
Optima Batteries BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery
First on our list is the Optima BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery. From its name, you can infer that this particular battery has two functions: starting and deep cycle.
According to Optima, this battery is prized for its longevity, efficiency, and fast recharging. In fact, they claim that this battery can “withstand more than 5 times the deep cycles of traditional batteries.” In other words, compared to traditional batteries and other marine batteries, you can recharge up to three times more.
What’s more, their vibration resistant qualities contributes to their durability. For context, Optima claims this BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery has more than 15 times the vibration resistance of others. In essence, it can endure more before its components break down. In fact, this touted vibration resistance was tested by two monster trucks.
Another key point is its flexible and maintenance-free characteristics. To illustrate, this battery is spill-proof and can be mounted in any position. All of these capabilities are made possible through its SpiralCell Technology, which enables it to weather harsh conditions and corrosion.
All in all, this battery is a winner when you think about its life expectancy and durability. As a matter of fact, more than 400 people concur with its positive attributes, giving it an average rating of 4 stars on Amazon. Indeed, this battery is perfect for your RV, especially if you have extensive systems that need a ton of power.
VMAX AGM Marine Deep Cycle Battery
Second, we have the VMAX AGM Marine Deep Cycle Battery, which will surely give you your money’s worth. Similar to the previous product, this battery is also maintenance-free and vibration resistant.
What sets this apart though, is its design. Rather than having spiral cells, this deep cycle marine battery has tin and alloy lead in a grid structure. As a result, its performance in terms of lifespan and ability to provide power is assured. Moreover, its AGM design ensures this battery is spill-proof and non-hazardous.
Additionally, the VMAX AGM battery is capable of recovering after deep discharges. Furthermore, it can handle quick charging without experiencing any damage. The icing on the cake, so to say, is the tough tank with a hard seal that encases it.
To put it another way, the tank enclosing the battery adds to its longevity by protecting the plates inside. Moreover, it contributes to the battery’s ability to weather vibrations and shocks. Equally important is it function as a deterrent to spilling.
Nearly 200 people have bought this particular battery from Amazon. Its reviews speak for itself, having an average rating of 4.2 stars out of 5. Truly, this heavy-duty battery is one you should consider purchasing.
Odyssey Battery
Last, but certainly not the least, is the Odyssey Battery. This sturdy battery is great if you’re constantly on the move and passing through rough terrain. Comparing it to the previous batteries we’ve discussed, this one holds up quite well.
For one, it also has a non-spill and vibration resistant design. In addition, it’s an AGM battery that it touted for its lifespan and power. Specifically, Odyssey claims it can provide twice the power and thrice the longevity of other AGM batteries in the market.
In other words, the Odyssey Battery is capable of withstanding extreme vibration and shock. Moreover, the way it’s designed means it won’t sustain any damage from fast recharging or high temperatures. If you’re looking for a high quality and long-lasting battery that won’t break the bank, then you should consider this model.
Another thing to mention about this battery is its capability to provide stable voltage, owing to its tightly packed lead plates. Close to 500 customers have signed off on the veracity of the Odyssey Battery’s claims as demonstrated by its 4-star rating on Amazon. Without a doubt, this battery is worth checking out.
Conclusion
A deep cycle marine battery is a great source of power for your recreational vehicle. Because it is a central part of your motor home’s electrical system, you should really take the time to select the best one.
There’s a wide range of options available in the market. However, the ones we recommended above are reliable, affordable, and most of all, long-lasting. Go ahead and take a look at them.
Since you’re already reading about batteries, why don’t you check out our article about battery box vents?
