Deep Cycle Batteries

Regular car batteries are known as starting batteries and are specifically designed to deliver short bursts of high power to start a vehicle’s engine.  To achieve this the battery contains a high number of plates in each cell to increase the surface area available for the chemical reaction to take place.  Starting batteries only use a small amount of their overall capacity as they are regularly charged by the vehicle’s alternator.

Deep cycle batteries are designed to deliver much lower power levels compared to a starting battery however they can deliver this power continuously.  Deep cycle batteries contain less plates in each cell however these plates are noticeably thicker which increases their durability and dimensional stability.  This more robust construction allows a deep cycle battery to deliver power for extended periods of time without adversely affecting the battery’s health.  If you were to use a starting battery in a deep cycle application it would rapidly deteriorate from the deep discharging and charging cycle.  As a general rule, a deep cycle lead acid battery can be discharged up to 50% of its rated capacity (i.e. 50Ah from a 100Ah battery).  Discharging a deep cycle battery by more than 50% will reduce the number of cycles the battery can deliver.

R&J Batteries supply top quality deep cycle batteries at affordable prices.

At R&J Batteries, we carry a wide range of deep cycle batteries from leading brands such as Delkor, Predator, U.S. Battery, Fullriver, Hardcore, RELiON, Allion and Optima. The best deep cycle battery for your application depends on a variety of factors such as power requirements, usage, environmental conditions, maintenance, budget and more.  Enlist the help of your local R&J Batteries branch to help you decide on the best deep cycle battery for your particular needs.

There is no straightforward answer to this question because the lifespan of a deep cycle battery is dependent on various factors such as how deeply it is discharged, how quickly it is re-charged and how often it is cycled along with other external factors such as temperature.

There are three main types of deep cycle batteries:

Flooded deep cycle batteries are a popular choice.  Their lower cost makes them a good solution for many applications.  Depending on the usage pattern they may require regular maintenance which comprises of topping up the cells with distilled water.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) deep cycle batteries do not require any maintenance.  They can be mounted in any orientation because the electrolyte is suspended in absorbent mats rather than a flooded cell.  Their unique construction increases their durability and allows them to deliver a higher cycle life compared to flooded batteries. 

Lithium deep cycle batteries are able to deliver a significantly higher cycle life compared to lead acid batteries however their purchase price is also higher.  If you intend to keep your caravan or camper for a number of years, the low cost per cycle makes lithium an obvious choice.  Lithium deep cycle batteries can also be 100% discharged without suffering any adverse affects.  Their reduced weight (approx. 50% lighter) gives them a significant weight advantage over lead acid batteries.

Unlike starting batteries, the advantage of a deep cycle battery is its ability to be repeatedly discharged without causing premature damage, provided the battery is correctly recharged in a timely manner.  That’s why deep cycle batteries are ideal for use in caravans, campers, recreational vehicles, four-wheel drives, boats and other applications with high accessory loads such as fridges, lights, pumps and winches.

Selecting the correct charger for your deep cycle battery type and capacity will ensure that the battery is charged efficiently without overcharging, which can cause internal damage. Talk to a friendly R&J Batteries expert today and explain your application so they can help you select the best charger for your deep cycle battery application.