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Old 11-03-2012, 04:24 AM   #1
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Best deep cycle battery

Hi:

About to purchase 2 deep cycle "house" batteries. They will be connected, in parallel, to a TripLite Powerverter. They will be running: microwave, probably 2 house lights and be used for my Ipad, Iphone, tunes when boondocking.

My question: from your experience what do you recommend for a brand and model and why?

Thanks,

jjtwister

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Old 11-03-2012, 07:33 AM   #2
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Best deep cycle battery

Deka by East Penn, here's a link to find them in your area. Made in the good ol US of A, just picked up a new 4D myself at their retail outlet, Hensley. Lots of us are using them as evident on the forum, not sure what SMB is using for OEM equipment these days, but it might be Deka? Anyone?

http://www.dekabatteries.com/default.aspx?pageid=10
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Old 11-03-2012, 12:09 PM   #3
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Re: Best deep cycle battery

i have an AGM deka 4d size. purchased locally in north jersey. paid $380.

i use an iota 45 amp smart charger and i have a tripplite 1250 watt inverter.

havent used the inverter yet as i am fortunate to have an a/c hookup providedbby my host for boondocking. so microwave and computer/laptop use is used via a/c.

typically, i am disconnected from a/c daily for about 8-10 hours (when im out and about or visiting) and during that time i run my fridge and fantastic fan continuously.

so far the battery has performed flawlessly and the charger takes good care of it.

bought charger from arizona wind sun.

i considered using two of these batteries but one suits my needs for now. if i were to experience a loss of my regular source of a/c then i would need the second battery to run inverter for the microwave and computer. i would need to get a solar panel at that time as well. planned on it all along but my situation doesnt currently call for it yet.
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Old 11-03-2012, 05:25 PM   #4
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Re: Best deep cycle battery

I've used Deka and Lifeline. Both are premium batteries but I think Lifeline is rated a little better. Odyssey is also a highly rated battery company. I think any are a good choice and price might be more of a factor. My battery rack is made for a specific size battery and the Deka's are a bit taller than the Lifeline so I use two 4D lifeline 220AH AGM's. You really need to shop around to get a good price. Northern Arizona wind and sun sell Concorde batteries which make the Lifeline brand. In my bass boat I've used Interstate, and Optima with good success. The Sears Diehard PM-1 is a good battery but expensive for a 100AH battery.
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Old 11-03-2012, 06:47 PM   #5
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Best deep cycle battery

Deka 4D fit my tray better than the lifeline. Lifeline lasted 3+ years before it died without solar, replaced it with a Deka just recently and added a panel, this one should last a bit longer. Both are supposed to be tops, see what's available in your area.
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Old 11-03-2012, 06:48 PM   #6
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Re: Best deep cycle battery

Deka too, last time I checked. Incidentally they are 1/8"-1/4" bigger at the bottom than the Lifeline so you may have to modify your tray if you have an SMB Lifeline under your van.
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Old 11-03-2012, 07:13 PM   #7
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Re: Best deep cycle battery

Rolls / Surrette if you want the very best. Be prepared to pay for it, though.
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Old 11-03-2012, 08:43 PM   #8
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Re: Best deep cycle battery

If your road trips take you to central Pennsylvania (Allentown/Reading area), East Penn/Deka has a factory outlet where sometimes they have good prices on AGM batteries (blems, etc.). It's hit or miss, though. Call ahead and they'll let you know what they have. Unfortunately when I needed new batteries they didn't have any blems in stock, although they do have regularly priced ones usually. See http://www.dekabatteries.com/default.aspx?pageid=1099

As I've posted before, for those of us on the east of the Mississippi, Sam's Club carries AGM batteries that are made by East Penn but sold under the Duracell name. I have no idea if they are the same quality as the Deka models East Penn makes, but they are pretty good prices. I replaced my two dead Lifeline batteries with three group 31 Duracell AGM batteries from Sam's @$166 each (http://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-a ... 3590232.ip). Pics of the install at viewtopic.php?f=14&t=9376

The Duracell AGMs are still pretty new at Sam's, so I haven't seen any long-term reports on how they hold up. At $166 each, with an 18-month warranty, I thought they were worth trying out.
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