If you’re buying a boat or RV, it’s well worth knowing how their batteries differ from a typical car battery. Most gas-powered vehicles contain lead-acid batteries, whereas those generally used in a boat or mobile home are called deep-cycle batteries. They both serve a different purpose and have contrasting strengths.
The team here at Bretz RV & Marine has identified some of the key features of these batteries and explained them in a way that’s easy to understand for your benefit. Should you have further questions about the batteries in our RVs or boats, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
What Is a Normal Lead-Acid Battery?
Most people are familiar with lead-acid batteries. You’ll find them in most cars, SUVs, and trucks. They’re designed to produce a lot of power in a short period of time to start your vehicle’s engine. Once you’re on the go, the alternator recharges the battery so that it never loses all of its charge. In fact, most lead-acid batteries won’t lose more than 20% of their charge over their lifetimes. Producing a short burst of power to start a vehicle’s engine typically uses up only a few percent of the battery’s total charge.
What Is a Deep-Cycle Battery?
Deep-cycle batteries are designed to produce power over a long-term period at a steadier pace than lead-acid batteries. This strength helps explain why they’re used in boats or for electric vehicles. You can empty the battery of its charge many times and recharge it without causing major damage.
By contrast, using up the entire charge of a lead-acid battery and recharging it manually would cause significant damage and reduce its lifespan. The fact that you can recharge a deep-cycle battery repeatedly makes it ideal for a long-term power source for your boat or camper.
If you’re interested in purchasing a camper or boat from our extensive range, you’ll be relying on a deep-cycle battery to provide power for many of the appliances and lighting you’ll find inside. Let’s take a closer look at some of the differences between the two different types of battery.
Cold Cranking Amps
Cold cranking amps (CCA) is a rating used to measure a battery’s ability to produce a short, sharp burst of power. This rating is measured by the amount of amps a battery can produce in 30 seconds when the temperature is zero degrees Fahrenheit. Unsurprisingly, lead-acid batteries have a much higher CCA rating than deep-cycle batteries, which, as we’ve explained, are designed specifically to release power more slowly. In fact, a typical lead-acid battery will have a CCA that’s around two times greater than an average deep-cycle battery.
When you purchase a new battery for your car, it’s important to ensure that it has a sufficient CCA rating to start it. Recommendations for battery types to purchase are typically provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer or a reliable dealership.
Reserve Capacity
Reserve capacity is a different measure of a battery’s power that focuses on its durability. This measures how long a battery can produce 25 amps of power at a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit without dropping below 1.75 volts per cell. As a general rule, a deep-cycle battery will have a reserve capacity that’s two or three times greater than a lead-acid battery. This fact underscores that if it’s long-lasting power you want, the battery to go for is a deep-cycle model.
Battery Maintenance
Due to the different ways these two batteries operate, you’ll need to be aware of the contrasting approaches to maintenance. You don’t generally recharge a standard lead-acid battery manually. The vehicle’s alternator will replenish the battery’s charge whenever you’re driving. The main battery maintenance concern for you will be to make sure the terminals remain free of grime and corrosion, which can be a sign that acid is leaking from the battery.
On the other hand, deep-cycle batteries are built to cope with being regularly recharged. Their ability to hold a charge may gradually decline over time, but this process is part of a battery’s lifespan and won’t be significantly accelerated by regularly recharging it. Regularly recharging a lead-acid battery manually can significantly deplete its capacity.
Design
Some design features of lead-acid and deep-cycle batteries point to their contrasting strengths. For example, the metal elements in a lead-acid battery tend to be much thinner, which allows the battery to transmit a short burst of power more effectively. On the other hand, the thicker elements in a deep-cycle battery help the battery to sustain the production of power over a longer period of time at a slower but steady speed. There may also be different amounts of electrolyte fluid in the battery, depending on its power rating.
Choosing a Lead-Acid or Deep-Cycle Battery
The decision on whether to choose a car battery or a deep-cycle battery is usually quite straightforward. If you’re buying a battery for a road vehicle with a combustion engine, such as a lightweight truck or crossover, you’ll need a lead-acid battery. Shopping for a new fishing boat or recreational camper from our great selection of inventory? Then you’ll be looking for a deep-cycle battery to provide a longer-term supply of power to meet your needs.
If you need a more specific recommendation about the exact type of deep-cycle battery you require, our knowledgeable sales and service teams will be delighted to offer their assistance. You can learn a lot about the battery requirements of your boat or RV by consulting the owners manual. You may find a variety of options to choose from, which we can help you sort through. We can also assist with installing a new battery in your boat or RV.
Choose Your New Boat or Camper at Bretz RV & Marine Today
Now that you know a bit more about the differences between a standard car battery and a deep-cycle battery, why not check out some of the boats and RVs that rely on deep-cycle batteries for their power? If you need assistance finding the right boat for your recreational needs, we’ve got a selection of our offerings online for you to browse. Alternatively, feel free to contact us today to speak with an expert from Bretz RV & Marine about your requirements. We’re looking forward to helping you, whether you’re a new or returning customer.
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