Deep Cycle Batteries???

[Greg336]

Hi,

I use 2 deep cycle batteries and 2 power inverters in my cargo van for my accessories. I also use a 120 watt solar panel instead of a generator to help keep them up when I'm standing still. I'm looking for 2 new batteries but instead of marine deep cycles I need something that is user friendly in the cold freezing winter months up north. I think the cold weather is what is shortening the life of my marine batteries. Any suggestions as to what make and model would hold up to the cold?

 

[OntarioVanMan]

with the cost of deep cell batteries, you'd be better to have an Espar installed and run it off the ones ya have now....look long term...

 

[Greg336]

I'm not looking for a heater, I need 2 new batteries as the ones I currently have are just about done and want suggestions as to what to buy? the 2 Deep Cycle "Marine" batteries I currently have are the best that Auto Zone sells.

 

[The Enemy]

Is this for your Sprinter?

 

[Turtle]

Cold weather actually lengthens the life of batteries. It's heat that shortens their life. All batteries will hold up to the cold, as long as they don't freeze. Battery temperature affects available amps and charging time. The colder they are the less amp capacity they have, and the longer they take to recharge, but will have a longer lifespan, while hot batteries over 80° or 90° F will have tons more amps available, and will recharge much quicker, but will have a dramatically reduced lifespan.

What's killing them, most likely, if you're like most people, is a combination of things. One, using marine batteries, which are not deep cycle despite what it says on the label, as a deep cycle battery. Two, not properly monitoring them (with a battery monitor) to prevent discharging too deeply (where lights dim, fans crawl, inverters squeal) and then not fully recharging them when charging.

Best type of battery for out here and deep cycle usage is 6-volt AGM batteries, a good one, like Concord Lifeline, Odyssey, Discover Energy, Deka. Next would be wet cell batteries, also 6 volts, Trojan is the best, US Battery is a close second, all others are wannabes.

 

[Rocketman]

I don't remember exactly what kind they use, but Turtle and ChefDennis are using the same battery. I think it is a Trojan. You can do a search or one of them will probably be along soon.

oops: figured that was gonna happen...lol

 

[mjmsprt40]

From what I understand of it, the problem may be that you're using marine batteries. Turtle recommends using 6-volt golf cart batteries. Use 4 batteries, wire two in series to give you 12 volts, then wire the two banks of batteries in parallel for deeper 12-volt pack.

6-volt batteries give you deeper packs than if you had only a 12-volt battery because of the way batteries are constructed.

 

[asjssl]

My theory is ....with all the $$ you have tied up into batterys and solar panels....dodads..I just use a simple Honda 2000I ...and run it...when I am parked its running...all the power you will ever need...and if you cant afford to run it ...well you have bigger problems...as I said in another thread its about .30 per hour to run it..Also you are not going to run an AC off of batterys...(not for long anyway)....so you will end up with a generator anyway...I have my CPAP for sleeping so I cant have batterys dieing out on me...Just my 3 cents...

 

[chefdennis]

Cant run the frig/freezier or microwave off the generator while i drive down the road...

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Cant run the frig/freezier or microwave off the generator while i drive down the road...

LOL...can't use your cell while driving but you can cook a meal while driving....makes sense...

 

[asjssl]

I dont cook much as I am driving....but to each his own...

Sent from my ADR6300 using EO Forums

 

[OntarioVanMan]

I may make a PB sandwich....

 

[chefdennis]

Pizza pockets in the microwave all hours of the day..and my mircowave and frig sit right where the passenger seat use to be ..and i certainly am not firing up the generator on the side of the road to use the microwave..the batteries and inverter work as intended...and do a good job...

 

[redytrk]

What ever you do be sure to buy them where they sell a lot of them. Learned that lesson the hard way.

I always bought my batteries at the same place Bentz bought theirs. Bentz went out of business and it turned out the dealer couldn't sell enough to keep a fresh stock. Bentz was his only deep cycle customer. The old batteries would only last about six months. when he sold them to me i should have known by the layer of dust that had built up.

 

[RLENT]

I got my mine (Trojan L16E-AC's) at Staab Battery in St. Louis (Hazelwood, MO) - they also have locations in Springfield, IL and Chicago, IL. Good prices (they may discount off the price on their website, depending on how many batteries you're buying - they did for me) ..... they seemed like decent folks.

 

[chefdennis]

I also picked up my Trojan 6 volt batteries at Staab Battery in Hazelwood Mo, as i know Turtle did also...

 

[LDB]

Will Staab do installation and wiring as needed?

 

[chefdennis]

Will Staab do installation and wiring as needed?

They might, it would be worth a call...but i have to tell you Leo, on your Chevy, the wiring and setup is really a easy job for a good mechanic....it easy to the point, i could talk you through it over the phone...

 

[Greg336]

I want to thank everyone for all the good info, I know a Generator would be the best while I'm sitting but I don't have to room to carry it any where inside of my van, about the 6 volts it sounds good but I only have room for 2 full size batteries. I would like your opinions about Optima batteries as I have been looking into them as well.

 

[chefdennis]

Optire great batteries when used for what they were intended for, as a "starting" battery...They are not decided to be used as we use them., for continous steady amp draw with a added high amp draw added for certain appliances (ie, a micro wave) several times a day.....As for room, I use 2 J305E-AC Trojan 6 volt batteries...they have no bigger of a "foot print" then the typicak 12 volt socalled "marine deep cycle" battery..but they are taller....

Now tat being said, along with every thing else that has been said, can you run a "marine deep cycle battery ot a optima? Sure, but their life expectancy will be less then buying a pair of good commerical 6 volts.... As the man use to say, "pay me now or pay me later"....