Are you one of those adventurers interested in getting a deep cycle battery? You might have heard of this power pack from fellow outdoor lovers or seen it online and got a hint of how efficient they are. Well, the rumours are trueit is indeed an impressive battery. However, you might want to learn more about it to better understand its composition and types just before you buy your own. This way, you get to maximise it and pick the best kind for your power needs.
First off, deep cycle batteries are mainly known for having an increased capacity. While other batteries in the market can only be discharged down to 50%, a deep cycle battery has a usable capacity of 80%, meaning you can safely use it down to 20% of its charge. This is equal to a longer runtime without requiring a recharge, which is handy to have in certain situations such as off-grid camping.
Deep cycle batteries can either be lead-acid or lithium-based. If you're after affordability, you could get the conventional, lead-acid type such as AGM deep cycle batteries. These fare well outdoors and have a decent lifespan of about 4 to 5 years. However, avid campers or those who need the battery for the long term are better off going for a lithium deep cycle battery. A good example of this would be the popular LiFePO4 batteries.
LiFePO4 batteries lean more on the expensive side but are better in almost every aspect. For one, they have a safer, non-toxic composition that does not explode or catch fire. These batteries also have a built-in BMS that optimises cells for superior performance. You no longer have to worry about common issues with charging and short circuits so you get to power your essentials with extra peace of mind. Backed with 7 to 10 years of service life, this is sure to give you the best value for your money.
Where Can Deep Cycle Batteries Be Used?
Marine applications: Boats use two types of marine batteries: a starter battery for cranking up your engine and a service battery. The latter should ideally be a 12V deep cycle battery since you will use this to run the appliances you have on board. Longevity is a priority here and there's nothing better than deep cycle batteries when it comes to runtime.
Solar systems: Whether you're using your solar power battery at home or outdoors, opt for a deep cycle. They're more efficient and will give you extra power output especially in favourable weather when your solar panels can generate maximum energy from the sun.
Backup power: No one wants a battery that goes dead within a few hours during a power outage. You need something that can keep your essential appliances powered for a good number of hours and a deep cycle battery is the best power pack for that.
4x4 vehicles: A 4x4 dual battery setup has the same concept as boat batteries. You need an auxiliary battery to power your electronics since your starter battery is not designed for this functionsomething that a deep cycle battery would be able to do well. Most of the time, 4WD owners use a 100Ah deep cycle battery while others who need more output go for a higher capacity.
How Much Is a Deep Cycle Battery?
AGM deep cycle batteries usually start at around $300. Lithium-based types range between $700 to $3,000 depending on capacity and specs. If you're interested in going for lithium but worried about the price, resist the urge to get a cheap deep cycle battery. Chances are, these would be inferior in quality and will decline or even malfunction after a short period of timeeven with the appropriate deep cycle battery charger to top it off.
Affordable lithium deep cycle batteries are not impossible to find, though. Here at Outbax, you can get top-quality ones available at budget-friendly costs. We specialise in camping equipment including portable power sources, so visit our website for an entire range of premium batteries for sale. Be it deep cycle batteries in Adelaide or deep cycle batteries in Brisbane, we'll have them delivered for you as soon as possible!
