Battery: Deep Cycle vs non-Deep Cycle?

[class87]

From: Beatty1950  (Original Message)
Sent: 8/11/2004 5:26 PM

I just added last night the 3rd battery to my now full and tight D19 1975 Classic Winnebago slide out battery box.  The new Exide Battery is a rated at 800 CCA and works well.  Then I connected the 2 old Sears Diehard deep cycle marine batteries together and plan to use the pair as the source to power our lights and other minor stuff when no shore power is available.

My question is:  What is the real difference between Deep Cycle and Non-Deep Cycle.  I am considering the purchase of 1 or 2 more of the same Exide 800 CCA batteries to make a matching set but the Exide battery is not a deep cycle type.

Happy WinnebaGOING  to all

and thanks for the help.

Website with more info about the high CCA (800) Exide battery ....

http://www.electrobattery.com/automotive.htm

The battery I am using to start the engine is a 65-LTV ...  This charts show the CCA as 870 but the battery is labeled as 800 CCA.

Dave Beatty



From: Enigma960080
Sent: 8/11/2004 8:27 PM

Dave,  The  deep cycle battery  will withstand many  more deep discharge/recharge cycles than a regular  car-type  battery  which is designed  to deliver a  high amp load for starting.



From: DaveVa78Chieftain
Sent: 8/11/2004 11:20 PM

House deep cycle batteries are designed differently from chassis starting batteries.

Chassis battery is designed for high current (starting) with a quick recharge.  Has many more plates per cell but each plate is thin.

House battery is designed for low current draw (lights, etc.) with a slower recharge rate.  Plates are larger.

Constant use of a deep cycle (house) for starting will result in very short battery life.   They are not designed for starting.   I forget why, but constant use of a starting battery for house will also result in shortened life.  Basic rule of thumb is, use the proper battery for the application.  Use 2 group 24 or 2 group 27 deep cycle batteries connected in parallel for the house.  If you have room, two 6VDC  deep cycle golf cart batteries connected in series are said to be the optimum setup.

Dave



From: Beatty1950
Sent: 8/12/2004 9:42 AM

Thanks for the info. 

When my dual 1999 Diehard deep cycle marine batteries die, I will look into the purchase of a pair of Golf cart 6 volts to connect in series....   My new 800 CCA Exide engine battery appears to be a good choice.  I plan to setup a emergency cable with a positive to positive switch to make quick way to jump the house batteries into the engine battery.  My dual/mom switch on the dash appears to be bad or disconnected by the PO.

Dave Beatty
 


From: stevesro
Sent: 8/14/2004 9:36 PM

Before you buy check out the new Gell Batteries.  They are not cheap, but check it out.
Steve



From: Liv42dayOK
Sent: 8/14/2004 10:08 PM

You'll find all you want to know and waaaaay more on this link, found on the home page: "Smart RVing".  In summary, the 6v golf cart provide significantly more usable power because they are designed for an item which needs to run solely on electic for extended periods of time, under load.  They have larger, thicker plates which hold more juice (remember, I'm a techno-moron so I talk simple).  I have 2 of these in my rig and I've yet to drain them but, they are large and heavy and barely fit in my '74 battery tray.

The gels are reported to be considerably better than the golf cart batteries as well.  They are the preferred  item for frequent boondockers.   Please check this out:

http://www.phrannie.org/battery.html  you'll be glad you did!

- Sob