There are many advantages to using a deep cycle battery so you naturally want to do all you can to extend its life so you can get the most out of it. One of the major perks of using this type of battery is that it is so low maintenance yet has a pretty long life. However, a little TLC can extend the battery’s life even more.
How many years does a deep cycle battery last?
Most deep cycle batteries can last as long as six years when cared for properly. Charging is key to ensuring that it lasts as long as possible. The wrong charging routine can damage your battery thus shortening its life. Taking care of it will save you some money as well so it definitely pays to extend the life of your battery as much as you can.
Should you trickle charge a deep cycle battery?
While you definitely want to allow your battery to complete a full charging cycle every day, trickle charging can be better because it does not cause the battery to heat. Standard charging increases the battery’s internal temperature. The outer surface may be safe to touch, but the inside is slowly breaking down due to the sustained increase in temperature. A trickle charger does not create excess internal heat.
How do you store deep cycle batteries?
When your deep cycle battery is not in use, it should be fully charged at all times. This type of battery is designed to last so when they are idle they do not lose much charge. Fully charging your battery before you put it in storage should suffice, just make sure you check on it every three or four weeks. If you find that it has discharged, just top it off so it stays full.
It is important to note that when a battery is stored in extreme temperatures like very cold or very hot, it will break down faster when compared to other batteries. When you are storing a deep cycle battery, your best bet is to store it indoors in a cool, dry place so you can avoid damaging it.
At LifeLine, we have a full line of deep cycle batteries. Shop our site today to find great deals on the batteries you need for RVing, boating, racing, and more.