deep cycle batteries (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Nautilus Marine batteries made by Exide are sold at CdnTire, and are a good deal for the money.
Exide Technologies Orbital Deep Cycle
this is the type I'm using.
Canadian Tire
You can buy three of them for the cost of one Optima, and from my experience they will last a lot longer.
FWIW, common lead-acid batteries are 99% recyclable; it's all reused to make new batteries. Dead gel cells are just more hazardous landfill.
 
Last edited:
So, I searched around online and couldn't find a link specifically but here's the specs.

Energizer Marine Deep Cycle/Starting

700dc-24M (or something like that)

700 Marine Cranking Amps
550 CCA
140 reserve capacity

$90 bucks at walmart.

So they're group 24, not 34 like I mentioned before. My old ones were 34s. These new ones are a perfect fit, though. I was able to throw out the little wood filler blocks that I had to use before under the battery hold-down.
 
You could have installed some 27s easy in there with room to spare for battery warmers, that's what I had in my old BJ60. 850CA, 180 minutes reserve capacity. $99 now at Walmart in Canada (US$60 at Walmart in the US for group 31, which are a bit larger and a very tight fit).

OH and tested the 31s when I got them. Specs for 875CA, but tested at an actual 1050 CA (ambiant temp approx 20C). Not bad at all. I should test them next really cold day to see how they do in those condition. But as I said, no noticeable loss of cranking power even at -30C (with synthetic US Rotella 5W40 diesel oil, that is)
 
I am looking into using the Deka AGM batteries in my diesel swap. They were used in a solo winter expedition to the arctic circle by Expeditions West I read about in Overland Journal.(IIRC down to -50 degrees farenheit cold start.)
I have heard from a number of people theat they are higher quality than the Optima's. IIRC around $120 for a battery that will fit in the stock fj60 location with no modifications. Have read some good reports from some mudders as well, if you feel like searching for DEKA AGM batteries you should find more info.
 
My .02 on battery technology:
Deep cycle batteries will work if you purchase and install a batteriy that meets or exceeds the "Cold Cranking Amps" (CCA) and "Ampere Hours" (AH) ratings specified for the vehicle.
These batteries work well for boats, golf carts, motor homes and electric cars. They are more heavily constructed to resist internal damage due to vibration and shock.
Deep cycle batteries are not better than the normal car batteries for delivering power. They are constructed differently and for a different purpose. Deep cycle batteries are made to be drawn way down and replenished without harm to the plates. This is the opposite of how we usually use our diesel batteries. Our usual routine is to start our vehicle and drive it around for awhile, replenishing the battery.
If your diesel is a daily driver, you might as well save your money and continue to use the normal lead/acid battery that you are familiar with. Normal batteries have greater potential to supply full power for cranking or winching.
I only recommend deep cycle batteries where where is a need to use one, as the delivered energy potential is lower in the deep cycle batteries and they are more expensive. If you use your starting circuit battery to operate your camping gear, then it's a good choice.

Rick

Although deep cycle batteries have the potential to be drawn down does an altenator replenishing the supply actually effect overall performace?
Boats have altenators! They use deep cycle batteries....

Alot of people would think we are nuts paying for the deep cycle batteries, but we drive trucks that lasts forever, why would you buy the same battery as someone that throws there car/truck out every 5 years.....
 
The use of DC batteries for marine use is simply because boats generally have far more electrical ancillaries (int/ext lighting,radios,navigation equipment etc...) which are used when the engine is not running.If you do a lot of expedition work/camping with your LC then OK.

IMO fitting DC batteries to a vehicle that is used every day as a run about or even for general off roading they are unnecessary.I've always stuck with good quality 'standard' batts and never had a problem.
 
FWIW, common lead-acid batteries are 99% recyclable; it's all reused to make new batteries. Dead gel cells are just more hazardous landfill.

Optimas are not gel cell if that is what you are suggesting. They are just sealed better than most.

I have spent way, way too much money on them though and won't do it again. I don't know anybody in cold country who likes the Red Tops. They simply don't last. All the guys who love them live down south. I just bought a yellow top because it fits where I need it to as my accessory battery and I'm not the least bit impressed. As bad as they were, it seems they are even worse now that they are made in Mexico.

I'd have no problem recommending a deep cycle but find a good one.
 
Well it's far from winter still, so I won't have fresh winter condition figures for quite a while (hopefully, I hate winter...) but this subject being of particular interest to me let me add this:

Recently I gave my spare 3 year old Walmart Canada acquired Energizer Marine Start and Troll (group 27) battery to my buddy Pierre for use in his trailer, while being off grid a while (failure of the electrical mains at the campground where his trailer was located). It failed after a couple weeks of deep discharges which were apparently caused by a charger malfunction (the charger was later found to have a no load charge of only 12V). He had used the battery to power all his electrical apliances, which in his trailer run on 12V (lights, propane fridge blower, TV, propane furnace fan motor and whatnot).

Although judging from just one event is probably not statistically significant enough to draw a broad conclusion about them, it does seem to suggest that, although they will survive some complete discharges, they really don't like to be truly deep-discharged, especially several times in a row for days on end and are probably just as difficult to rescusitate once sulphated as standard car batteries are.

Remember, there are not much different from car batteries. Like Towpack said, they are simply designed to power more stuff when the engine is off, but they are not really meant to be completely discharged like true stand-alone deep-cycle power supplies batteries.

Also, be advised that they MUST be disconnected from their load once voltage reaches below 10.5 - 11V (at a draw of 1/10 to 1/20) the AH capacity) or you risk irreversible damage. It's OK to bring them down to even 6V for a few seconds, like during starting, but a steady state drop to below 11V for any length of time is bad news as it indicates sulfuric acid depletion and buildup of potentially damaging, irreversible sulphates.
 
I am surprised no one has mentioned Odyssey batteries....Odyssey Drycell Batteries They are a combination of AGM and cranking batteries.
I have been using them for some time now and find them excellent. Many of the law enforcement fleets are switching to them now because of the inherant problems they have with their Crown Vicies charging systems...accident scenes where their cars idle or are shut off for four-eight hours at a time with all the lights and laptop on, these batteries hold up. They are not cheap, however.
FWIW

Gord
 
They are not cheap, however.

Hmmm... Prices aren't even mentioned on the webpage you linked to... Sorry, but if I have to CALL someone so that they will give me their "confidential" price, you can be sure I won't be buying. I distrust marketing like that. A good product will always sell itself no matter its price.

In a vehicle, a battery that does well starting and does withstand 50% depth of discharge ten times (versus the 20% and twice for standard starting battery), at a comparable price, is still the best choice for me and probbaly for most folks.

To paraphrase a famous TV show... "but it gets very low marks for production value, so it misses on getting the number one spot..." ;)
 
Sorry, but if I have to CALL someone so that they will give me their "confidential" price, you can be sure I won't be buying. I distrust marketing like that. A good product will always sell itself no matter its price.

I think no prices on their webpage is to stop comparisons by people who know the price of everything and the value of nothing....Odyssey is a quality product for people who are not obsessed by the 'bottom line'.

Cheers,
Gord
 
Anyone have experience with deep cycle batteries on a 12V system? I have a 40 with the B engine and was having problems with the battery that came with the vehicle. I replaced it with a marine battery from wal-mart that seems to maintain approx 13V with the vehicle off. I am in the process of replacing my starter contacts, just rebuilt my alternator and was wondering if I would have any problems starting her up once the starter is back in. I followed some advise on the battery specs from an old post on mud but do not remember if I paid attention to 12V vs 24V.
 
I think no prices on their webpage is to stop comparisons by people who know the price of everything and the value of nothing....Odyssey is a quality product for people who are not obsessed by the 'bottom line'.

Cheers,
Gord
I'm not going to indulge into a philosophical war about why it's wrong to refuse posting prices, but this is pure BS and proves once again that prices have nothing to do with actual manufacturing costs, in other words, that prices are probably going to be overinflated, with lots fo intermediaries taking their cut.

Here's a few prices I was able to dig up:
Odyssey Battery - Wholesale Odyssey Batteries

This size (group 27) would be almost the largest one could fit in the tray of an 80:
odyssey battery group 27 - Google Product Search. Between $250 and $300 each.

For regular folks, if the battery lasted 4 times as a regular battery it would probably be cost effective, but at their price point they are definitely not designed for such users.

On the other hand, for expedition use they would have a huge advantage if they can indeed withstand deep discharges. That being said, the 400 discharge cycles is for 80% capacity, which means roughly 240Wh per 100Ah 12V battery, not bad but far from allowing someone to use electricity for hours on end without recharging.

Comparative tests with 'inferior' batteries would have been useful instead of 'designer' marketing hype, like how many times the battery can be recharged if really run down like a deep discharge battery. Such a battery would fit expedition use to a tee, imagine being able to camp somewhere in the middle of the bush and enjoy light and entertainment and, who knows, why not even satellite internet for many hours without fear of not bieng able to start the engine the next day. If these bateries would actually be able to do that, paying 4 times the price of a standard battery would actually be quite a bargain.
 
Anyone have experience with deep cycle batteries on a 12V system? I have a 40 with the B engine and was having problems with the battery that came with the vehicle. I replaced it with a marine battery from wal-mart that seems to maintain approx 13V with the vehicle off. I am in the process of replacing my starter contacts, just rebuilt my alternator and was wondering if I would have any problems starting her up once the starter is back in. I followed some advise on the battery specs from an old post on mud but do not remember if I paid attention to 12V vs 24V.

What type marine? Regular of combined Start/Troll? The regular kind is not much different from the standard automotive battery; the combination start and troll has heavier, coarser plates that can withstand more and deeper discharge cycles. In any case these batteries survive best if they are recharged once a month when not in use. Otherwise they sulphate irreversibly in just a few months. Also keep in mind that larger batteries require more current to actually recharge. A 2A charge is only good as float, to maintain a battery fully charged, but it's not enough to actually recharge it. You need at least 1/20 of its rated amp hour capacity to get it off its discharged state.
 
I

Comparative tests with 'inferior' batteries would have been useful instead of 'designer' marketing hype, like how many times the battery can be recharged if really run down like a deep discharge battery. Such a battery would fit expedition use to a tee, imagine being able to camp somewhere in the middle of the bush and enjoy light and entertainment and, who knows, why not even satellite internet for many hours without fear of not bieng able to start the engine the next day. If these bateries would actually be able to do that, paying 4 times the price of a standard battery would actually be quite a bargain.

You are better off having a deep cycle battery for camping and and a separate starter battery for the vehicle.
My 105 amp deep cycle battery runs the 50 litre fridge and lights for 2-3 days.
I have had up to 8 days power for the fridge only in a house with the temp on zero,no kids opening it.
The shop says my deep cycle is good for over a 1000 charges.
Its bigger than the biggest battery that will fit in the factory battery tray
 
On the other hand, for expedition use they would have a huge advantage if they can indeed withstand deep discharges. That being said, the 400 discharge cycles is for 80% capacity, which means roughly 240Wh per 100Ah 12V battery, not bad but far from allowing someone to use electricity for hours on end without recharging.
Comparative tests with 'inferior' batteries would have been useful instead of 'designer' marketing hype, like how many times the battery can be recharged if really run down like a deep discharge battery. Such a battery would fit expedition use to a tee, imagine being able to camp somewhere in the middle of the bush and enjoy light and entertainment and, who knows, why not even satellite internet for many hours without fear of not bieng able to start the engine the next day.

Just looking into the comarison between 'automotive' and 'deep cycle' definitions and according to Magnacharge About Batteries on their website they say: "If discharged 80% and then recharged fully, deep cycle batteries can handle from a few hundred to 1000 complete cycles, where an automotive battery might be able to last for only 30 to 50 cycles."
So by Magnacharges own definition, they use a figure of 80% of discharge.
That corresponds with what Odyssey is saying about their battery being both a starting battery and a deep cycle battery combination, '400 charge/dischage cycles' would put it somewhere in the middle of a normal automotive and a deep cycle battery....so in other words, it is an excellent combination of both....without changing to a two battery system.
As far as the pricing on their website goes, could that be because the distributors have the freedom to charge whatever they want? Free enterprise! What a concept!

Cheers,
Gord
 
What type marine? Regular of combined Start/Troll? The regular kind is not much different from the standard automotive battery; the combination start and troll has heavier, coarser plates that can withstand more and deeper discharge cycles. In any case these batteries survive best if they are recharged once a month when not in use. Otherwise they sulphate irreversibly in just a few months. Also keep in mind that larger batteries require more current to actually recharge. A 2A charge is only good as float, to maintain a battery fully charged, but it's not enough to actually recharge it. You need at least 1/20 of its rated amp hour capacity to get it off its discharged state.
Ill have to check the spec. Since I have not owned a cruiser before I was also asking to ascertain if 13V seemed sufficient to crank the starter. I've read posts from other members with 12V cruisers that seem to have a slightly higher starting voltage when their vehicle is off? I'm trying to establish a basline. I have new starter contacts to be installed shortly and if I still have a starting problem post repair, I'd like to narrow it down a bit.
 
You are better off having a deep cycle battery for camping and and a separate starter battery for the vehicle.
My 105 amp deep cycle battery runs the 50 litre fridge and lights for 2-3 days.
I have had up to 8 days power for the fridge only in a house with the temp on zero,no kids opening it.
The shop says my deep cycle is good for over a 1000 charges.
Its bigger than the biggest battery that will fit in the factory battery tray
Indeed, that is the ideal arrangement... If you don't mind the extra weight in a truck that already has TWO 75lb batteries overhanging the front axle...

But 1000 full discharges? That's fantastic! What brand/technology is it? What are its CCA specs? Have you tested it with a large load to see whether it could be used as a starting battery? Most important of all, will it fit in the existing battery tray, and how much does it weigh?

You've got me seriously interested!
 
As far as the pricing on their website goes, could that be because the distributors have the freedom to charge whatever they want? Free enterprise! What a concept!

Cheers,
Gord

Touché, Gord ;)

Just looking into the comarison between 'automotive' and 'deep cycle' definitions and according to Magnacharge About Batteries on their website they say: "If discharged 80% and then recharged fully, deep cycle batteries can handle from a few hundred to 1000 complete cycles, where an automotive battery might be able to last for only 30 to 50 cycles."
So by Magnacharges own definition, they use a figure of 80% of discharge.
That corresponds with what Odyssey is saying about their battery being both a starting battery and a deep cycle battery combination, '400 charge/dischage cycles' would put it somewhere in the middle of a normal automotive and a deep cycle battery....so in other words, it is an excellent combination of both....without changing to a two battery system.

OK I must have understood it all wrong. It would seem we are talking discharging the battery of 80% of its initial charge, NOT down to a level of 80% of full charge like I thought. Coming to think of it, that does correspond to the Reserve Capacity figures whereby a load of 25A is drawn for so many minutes, usually 180 minutes or so for a 29 group battery (that has around 100Ah capacity). 3 hours at 25 amps is already 75Ah, which does add up. My mistake...

So 400 deep discharges is definitely very attractive... Would be great to have actual test figures comparing actual automotive with marine start and troll...
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom