The Deep Cycle Marine Battery – Slow and Steady does It

Whereas the  car battery starter is a sprinter, designed to provide the large surge of power needed to turn over the engine, the Deep Cycle Marine Battery is the marathon runner of the battery world, diffusing its power over steadily over an extended amount of time. In RVs, it is used to power the lights, water pump, furnace and other basics. Just as it operates at slow, steady rate, this kind of battery also requires a slow steady rate of charge. Indeed, converters may need up to two days to fully recharge it.

After the engine has started, the vehicle alternator takes over as the car’s main power source. This means that up to 80% of a car battery’s resources remain untapped, for the length of its life, and it therefore lasts for many years. This kind of battery is also charged by the alternator while on the road, but may be recharged in several ways. While plugged in at an RV stop, the convertor will top up your Deep Cycle Marine Battery, as well as power your appliances. The use of solar panels will consistently keep your Deep Cycle Marine Battery charged. Unlike the Starting car battery, however, the battery is designed to be completely depleted, the recharged, and it is able to do this over and over again several hundreds of times.

The battery is usually an FLA- or VRLA- type lead acid battery. Gel Cell batteries, however, are the ideal Deep Cycle Marine Battery, because they do not leak. Still, they are also more delicate than the others, and must be carefully maintained. Finally, there is the AGM battery which is more expensive, but may considered worth the investment, as they do not leak, do not freeze, and require almost no maintenance.

The battery is available in several sizes typically categorized into Groups, notably Groups 24, 27 and 31. Basically, the larger the battery the more current you may be able to draw from your Deep Cycle Marine Battery. No matter your wants, however, you must buy the battery that best fits your battery tray, which is something you must check.

How you maintain your battery is key to its longevity. Top tips for optimum use of your Deep Cycle Marine Battery include:

• Charging methods: Your battery may last up to twice as long as expected, if you consistently recharge it once it has run down to 50%. In fact, the earlier you recharge it after use, the longer it will last.
• Checking your battery regularly will ensure that you are always prepared, and remain aware of how the battery is functioning. If you want to check your Deep Cycle Marine Battery charge level, wait for at least three hours after charging.
• Try to check your Deep Cycle Marine Battery’s water levels once a month, and top them off if needed, with distilled water. Ensure that you do not overfill it, as this may result in the loss of vital electrolytes.
• When charging your Deep Cycle Marine Battery individually, do it in a well-aired venue. Stop charging immediately should you notice that is it overheating, or emitting gas.
• Should your Deep Cycle Marine Battery be very cold or appear frozen, never attempt to charge it, as it may explode.
• While your RV is in storage, it is advised that you remove the Deep Cycle Marine Battery and preserve it in a cool, dry place.
• Keep your Deep Cycle Marine Battery nice and clean to help it function smoothly. Simply run a moist cloth over the battery’s surface, getting rid of any crusting. There are special battery-cleaning products available, for the more fastidious RV owners.