Opinion on Deep cycle batteries...?

[Sharp]

i can't afford an optima yellow top so i looked into a cheaper energizer and Douglas battries, both are deep cycle,
and have 675CCamps and 800CCamps respectivly,
are deep cycles for boats and diffrent then the yellow top?
will these work, is there any reason not to go with either of these battries?
thanks

[pcorssmit]

Are you looking for a dedicated deep cycle, or a combination deep cycle/starting?

I've used the Exide deep cycle batteries, they worked OK, but didn't last as long as I'd hoped. Anyone know of a deep cycle with more than a 3 year warranty on them?

Pete

[Sharp]

well it's to start the jeep daily, and to run my winch, KCs and sterio...
i need it to do both, starting and deep for winching.

[pcorssmit]

In that case, make sure you get one that is designed as a combination starting/deep cycle.

Also, for winching, you want a starting battery, not a deep cycle.

Pete

[Jason R]

Originally posted by pcorssmit

Also, for winching, you want a starting battery, not a deep cycle.

Pete

Why?

[Busto]

Originally posted by pcorssmit

Also, for winching, you want a starting battery, not a deep cycle.

Pete

Because starting batteries are designed to flow a lot of current, accept higher charge rates (faster to recharge) and are a lot less picky about how they are charged (temp compensation etc). This makes them perfectly suited for electric winches which demand an unholy amount of current (upwards of 400 amps), and if you discharge your batteries during a long winching bout, you want to recharge them as quick as you can to unstick yourself. Most starter batteries really will not tolerate many deep discharges (<50% capacity) before you trash the battery.

True deep cycle batterries (Optima yellow tops really are not true deep cycle batteries) are designed to support slow current draws over time, deep discharges without failing, and accept slower recharge rates. In fact, if you have a really hot alternator that can flow a lot of amps, you need to make sure your deep cycle battery can accept the charge rate (make the salesman check - do not accept "yeah sure" for an answer!). Deep cycle batteries are perfect for boats and RVs because these applications typically present modest electrical power loads for many hours without the engine running. As an example, you do not want to shut off your anchor lights, communications systems or navigation systems in a boat just because your engine isn't running.

IMHO, Pete is right - buy two starter batterries and be happy. Most 4x4s do not need a deep cycle battery; so buying one is a waste of good $$$. BTW, Optima and Hawker batteries kind of blur the traditional distinction between stater and deep cycle batteries because they do accept deeper discharges, but also accept much higher charging currents as well.

[pcorssmit]

FWIW, I run a starting battery that is hooked to the engine (starter, pluter, coil, etc) and winch, and a deep cycle/starting battery that is hooked to everything else (lights, stereo, etc), with a continous duty solenoid between them. Works out pretty well, I can run the accessories till they're dead, and it starts right up in the morning.

Pete

[BillaVista]

Busto nailed it.

In short, deep cycle batteries are only any good for running stuff in camp with engine off.

Read this:

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/

[Supergper]

Originally posted by pcorssmit
Anyone know of a deep cycle with more than a 3 year warranty on them?

Pete

Yep Trojans have atleast a 7 year warranty maybe even 10...but they are not a sealed battery

[Sharp]

so if i had to spend the money, i should go for a yellow top?

and if i go with 2 starters how do i hook them up?

[budr]

You might want to look at some of the other alternative brands like the Exide Orbital. Same technology, specs and less $. I have one in my truck and while the winch sits on the bench, the plow motor is the same kind of draw in the frigid cold. Works awesome. Got a good deal on mine at Rocklogic4x4
Even with shipping to NY, it was a good deal. HTH

[misfitcj]

why don't you give steve a call at spec. parts he can give you the 411 on batt's by the way costco sells red tops for 99.00 bucks ..............ltr