A deep cycle battery is a lead battery designed to produce energy for a long time. They are suitable for RV uses and they allow you to use your appliances off-grid. In this article, we will be reviewing some of the best deep cycle batteries you could possibly find and also giving you some useful information about them.
Table of Contents
- How To Choose A Deep Cycle Battery?
- Types of Deep Cycle Batteries
- Reviews and Top Pick Of Best Deep Cycle Battery
- 1. Vmaxtanks SLR125 AGM Deep Cycle Battery
- 2. Mighty Max ML35-12 12V 35AH U1 Deep Cycle AGM Solar Battery
- 3. Universal UB121000-45978 12v 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- 4. The Battle Born 100Ah LiFePO4 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery
- 5. ExpertPower Deep Cycle Battery
- 6. Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100Ah For RV, Solar Marine and Off-Grid Applications
- 7. WindyNation 100 amp-hour 100AH 12V AGM Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Battery
- 8. Optima Batteries 8027-127 D27M Blue Top Deep Cycle Marine Battery
- Charging Deep Cycle Batteries
- Tips To Get The Best Performance From Deep Cycle Batteries
- Conclusion
How To Choose A Deep Cycle Battery?
Looking for one of the best deep cycle batteries? Then you need to consider the factors we have highlighted below before making your purchase decision
Hours of Use/Amp Hours
When trying to purchase a deep cycle battery, you should consider how long the battery will last before it needs to be recharged again. If you are going to need the battery for high-end purposes, then you should go for batteries with a higher Amp hour rating.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the battery are also important because the smaller the battery, the easier it is to move about. Also, when batteries weigh less, they do not add unnecessary weight to your vehicle.
Volts
Volt rating shows how much power the battery has available for use. If you are going to be using the battery for bigger jobs, then it is advisable to go for a battery with a higher volt rating.
Charge Time
This is the amount of time that will take the battery to recharge after use. The lower the charge time, the better because this means that you can get to use the battery quicker when it is down. This information is usually available on the manual of the battery you are looking at.
If you are Rvers, you should read more: How To Choose Best RV Solar Kit?
Types of Deep Cycle Batteries
There are different types of deep cycle batteries and we will be writing about each of them below
Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
Sealed lead batteries are one of the most popular batteries you could possibly get. As their name implies, they are totally sealed making the battery airtight. Although, they must have valve regulators to reduce the pressure. When we think about this literally, then we can say the battery isn’t entirely sealed up. This is why the battery has a second name which is VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid). A VRLA battery produces energy through the use of oxygen and nitrogen and most of them have a gel inside which makes them shock or vibration resistant.
AGM Batteries
The Absorbed Glass Mat constructed battery is often known as the AGM battery. This battery is very efficient as it improves the discharge and recharge capabilities of the battery. The batteries are very similar to VRLA batteries and the only difference is that they are more advanced and are generally used in powering high-performance engines.
The AGM batteries have a voltage absorption range of 14 volts to 15 volts and a float voltage range of 13 to 13.8 volts. It is important to note that for you to get the best out of AGM batteries; you should recharge them before the battery goes below 50%. This helps to maintain the battery’s cycle and also ensures that it holds a charge longer.
Flooded Lead Acid Batteries
Flood lead-acid batteries are different from the batteries we have explained above because they are unsealed and come in a container with acid and distilled water. Unlike the AGM and Sealed Lead Batteries, they require maintenance and you have to ensure that the distilled water level is not low. If you are not someone that can do the not so rigorous task of filling the battery every time, then it is best you avoid the flood lead battery
One good advantage of this battery is that it generates immense power which makes it ideal for high-end uses. Also, the flooded lead-acid batteries are cheaper which makes them a more attractive option. The batteries are also easier to diagnose as most times when there is an issue with the battery, it is because of the acid and water level. In addition, the flooded lead-acid batteries are the most durable of all deep cycle batteries which means it combines efficiency, power, and durability. On the downside, the batteries must be placed in an upright position to prevent the battery’s acid and distilled water from spilling.
Gel Batteries
Gel batteries are very expensive and this is due to different reasons. The batteries are very strong and they are mostly shock and vibration proof. This makes them ideal for marine and aircraft use because they do not turn off due to the turbulent movement that can be witnessed on the sea or air. In addition, the batteries require little or no maintenance and this is because they are filled with gel and not water. Although refilling is not something that will be done frequently, you must note that whenever refill is needed, professionals are required to have it done.
Furthermore, the gel batteries can withstand colder and hotter temperatures well and they can work well in any weather condition without reducing performance. Also, the batteries can be installed in any position you deem fit and it doesn’t have to be in an upright position like the flooded acid battery. One bad attribute of these batteries is that they have a lower amount of power. However, this disadvantage can be offset by the fact that the battery has a slower energy discharge.
Lithium-ion Batteries
These are the newest set of batteries produced and they happen to be one of the best when it comes to energy-saving and power output. They are very durable and they can thrive in any weather condition and this is due to the fact that they are temperature resistant. Another thing we like about lithium-ion batteries is that they are lightweight and can be installed in any position without worrying about spilling. The disadvantage of this battery is that they are very expensive and quite hard to get.
Reviews and Top Pick Of Best Deep Cycle Battery
| Rank | Image | Product Name | View Product |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |  | Vmaxtanks SLR125 AGM Deep Cycle Battery | Buy on Amazon |
|
2 |  | Mighty Max ML35-12 12V 35AH U1 Deep Cycle AGM Solar Battery | Buy on Amazon |
|
3 |  | Universal UB121000-45978 12v 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery | Buy on Amazon |
|
4 |  | The Battle Born 100Ah LiFePO4 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery | Buy on Amazon |
|
5 |  | ExpertPower Deep Cycle Battery | Buy on Amazon |
|
6 |  | Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100Ah For RV, Solar Marine | Buy on Amazon |
|
7 |  | WindyNation 100 amp-hour 100AH 12V AGM Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Battery | Buy on Amazon |
|
8 |  | Optima Batteries 8027-127 D27M Blue Top Deep Cycle Marine Battery | Buy on Amazon |
In order for you to make the right purchase decision, we have selected some of the best deep cycle batteries and reviewed them for you. All you need to do is to read them below.
In order for you to make the right purchase decision, we have selected some of the best deep cycle batteries and reviewed them for you. All you need to do is to read them below.
1. Vmaxtanks SLR125 AGM Deep Cycle Battery
Editor’s Choice
Vmax’s Vmaxtanks SLR125 is possibly one of the best deep cycle batteries available for sale. This battery is strong, requires little or no maintenance, and can stand the test of time. It is a 12 volt AGM deep cycle battery with a total capacity of 125AH which makes it a good choice for RV use. The battery is constructed with military-grade custom plates which improve the durability of the battery. Also, the battery has 99% recombination capabilities that help to eliminate the emission of dangerous gas leaks.
Furthermore, the battery has temperature-resistant capabilities and it can withstand temperatures between -4° F to 140° F. This means that regardless of the weather, the battery’s performance will not be reduced. Moreover, the battery is also vibration resistant which is another advantage of the SLR125. In addition, the battery has a lifespan of 5 to 7 years which is one of the highest you can get for deep cycle batteries.
Another reason we like the SLR125 is because of its low self-discharge rate which is 1% to 2% in a month under room temperature. Also, with this battery, you can get over 3,000 cycles when the battery has a depth discharge of less than 10%. To charge the battery, you need to use a high-grade smart charger or AGM charge controller. Finally, we can confidently say that this battery is one that you won’t regret spending money on.
Pros + Key Features
- It has a lifespan of 7 years.
- It is temperature and vibration resistant
- It has a capacity of 125aH
- It doesn’t leak
2. Mighty Max ML35-12 12V 35AH U1 Deep Cycle AGM Solar Battery
The Mighty Max ML35-12 12V deep cycle AGM solar battery is a great option for powering trolling motors. The battery isn’t very powerful and with its 35 aH rating, it means the battery is capable of running 5 amps for seven hours. Regardless of the small rating, the battery will power Kayak trolling motors effectively. Also, the battery has a low self-discharge rate which means that it can hold a charge for a long time. Another good feature of the battery is that it has a fast discharge rate.
Furthermore, the battery was designed to withstand different temperatures which means no matter how hot or cold the weather is, the battery will still work as it should. The battery’s absorbable glass mat technology is quite impressive too and this gives it an edge over some other trolling batteries. Another feature we admire in the Mighty Max ML35-12 battery is that it is spillproof.
Speaking of the size of the battery, we can confirm that the battery is compact and lightweight. It has a size of 7.68″ x 5.16 x 7.13″ and it weighs 24 lbs. The battery is also resistible to shocks and vibrations. Finally, there’s a 30-day full return policy on the product in case you do not like what you purchase.
Pros + Key Features
- It has a fast discharge rate
- It is shock and vibration resistant
- It is compact
- It requires little or no maintenance
- It is spill proof
3. Universal UB121000-45978 12v 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery
The Universal UB121000-45978 AGM battery is a high-end deep cycle battery with crank ratings of up to 13.8V. The battery is well suited to different uses ranging from boats, scooters, and even wheelchairs. The battery also has a power of 100aH which is very impressive and ensures that the battery lasts for a long period. Another interesting feature of this battery is its low self-discharge rate which is 2% per month. This means that you can leave the battery on the shelf for a long time without having to charge them frequently.
Due to its AGM tech, the battery is shock and vibration-resistant. This means that the battery will continue to work regardless of how powerful the vibration or shock is. Furthermore, the battery has a spill-proof construction which allows you to be able to mount the battery in any position he/she deems fit without worry. The battery also requires little or no maintenance. Finally, to give the user a level of assurance about the product, the manufacturer placed a one-year warranty on the product.
Pros + Key Features
- The battery is shock resistant
- The battery is spill proof
- One year warranty
- It works in any weather condition
4. The Battle Born 100Ah LiFePO4 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery
At 29 pounds, the Battle Born 100Ah Lithium-ion Battery is one of the lightest batteries on this list. The battery is different from the everyday lead-acid battery and this is because it weighs less and it lasts over 8 times longer. The LiFeP04 batteries are very strong, safe for use, and perfect for UV use. Also, with 100% depth of discharge, the battery can still average about 3000 cycles. In general, the lifespan of the battery can be calculated as 3000 to 5000 cycles which is one of the highest you can get.
Moreover, to attest to the durability of the battery, the manufacturers placed an eight-year full replacement warranty on the product. The battery is very easy to operate and it requires little or no maintenance. The lithium-ion technology of the battery allows the battery to remain charged even after a year. Furthermore, the battery charges faster last longer, and supplies more reliable power.
We will recommend the use of a smart charger suitable for lithium-ion batteries for charging the battery. Also, the charging voltage should be within 14.4V to 14.6V for better performance. Finally, with its temperature resistance and auto cell balancing feature, you are assured of enjoying the battery more.
Pros + Key Features
- It has a 7-year warranty
- It has 3000 to 5000 cycles
- It is durable
- It is temperature resistant
- It can hold a charge for more than a year
5. ExpertPower Deep Cycle Battery
The ExpertPower Deep Cycle battery is a battery with a 33Ah rating. The battery is quite affordable and its affordability doesn’t mean it has its performance compromised. The battery can give users a run time of 10 to 15 hours of energy after a single charge. Also, the battery is made from high-quality non-conductive ABS plastic which makes it resistant to impact. The high-quality material makes it resistant to shock and vibration. The battery’s material also makes it resistant to extreme temperatures which means that regardless of how hot or cold the weather is, the battery will still work effectively.
Furthermore, the battery is spill-proof which means that it is not only safer for use; you can also mount the battery in any position of choice. In addition, the battery requires little or no maintenance and this is mainly due to the fact that the battery is AGM build. The battery is compact and it weighs just 23 pounds which makes it easier to carry around. Finally, the battery has a screw-in terminal and this is a good thing because it isn’t brittle compared to the normal loop terminals.
Pros + Key Features
- The battery is spill proof
- The battery can last for up to 17 hours
- It has screw in terminals
- It is affordable
- It is lightweight
6. Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100Ah For RV, Solar Marine and Off-Grid Applications
The Renogy Deep Cycle AGM battery comes in 3 different sizes which are; 6 volts 260Ah, 12 Volts 100 AH, and 12 Volts 200Ah. The decision of which battery to choose falls on the voltage you need. The 12 volts types are bigger, stronger, and have a higher current capacity. Regardless of the type you go for; the batteries all have a very low self-discharge rate. This low self-discharge rate is evident by the battery being capable of holding a charge for up to 9 months.
Furthermore, because of the use of fiberglass sheets in manufacturing the AGM battery, the Renogy deep cycle battery is vibration resistant. This means that regardless of how strong the vibration is, the battery can withstand it. Also, for easy carrying, the batteries have a strong handle that makes carrying easy. In conclusion, if you want an efficient battery with high current output, then the Renogy deep cycle AGM battery is for you.
Pros + Key Features
- It is easy to carry
- It comes in 3 different sizes
- It can hold a charge for up to 9 months
7. WindyNation 100 amp-hour 100AH 12V AGM Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Battery
This battery was designed to provide constant power for high RV electric use. It is a 12V and 100Ah deep cycle battery that is more efficient than the majority of the deep cycle batteries around. The battery requires little to no maintenance and it can hold a charge for a very long time. Also, the lead battery is leak and spillage proof and this is due to the fact that the battery is totally sealed. In addition, the battery has a low self-discharge rate of 2% per month. With this, you can rest assured that the energy of the battery will not be expended easily when not in use.
Furthermore, the body of the battery is acid-proof and shock-resistant. It can also resist vibration and thrive under ideal weather conditions of 5°F to 113°F. It also has an average cycle of 300 when fully discharged and a cycle of up to 1300 when discharged up to 35%. The battery has an estimated float lifespan of 10 to 12 years and the manufacturers were kind enough to place a year warranty on the product. This helps to boost the confidence of the customers in the product they want to purchase.
Pros + Key Features
- It is a high capacity battery
- It has a float lifespan of over 10 years
- It has a year warranty
- It is cost effective
- It is lightweight
8. Optima Batteries 8027-127 D27M Blue Top Deep Cycle Marine Battery
The Optima 8027-127 D27M Deep cycle marine battery is a powerful battery with 12 volts and it belongs to group 27. It has a cold cramping amp capacity of 750 and a marine cranking amp of 1000. This makes the battery a perfect choice for extremely cold conditions. In addition, since the battery is AGM technology, it makes it require little to no maintenance. Also, the battery is capable of receiving more recharges than the average lead-acid battery.
Furthermore, the battery is spill-proof which means you can place the battery in any position without worrying about damage. You have to be wary about the mounting stand of the battery because the battery weighs about 44 lbs which is quite heavy. Also, one of the best features of the battery is the ability to withstand vibration and shocks without losing power.
One piece of advice we have for users is that they should avoid overcharging the battery because this can reduce its lifespan. With a low self-discharge rate, the battery can hold a charge for a long time which means you do not have to charge it frequently when not in use. Additionally, the casing of the battery is made with polypropylene which makes the battery very durable. Finally, with The Optima 8027-127 D27M Deep cycle marine battery, you are assured of an efficient, long-service battery that can withstand extremely cold conditions.
Pros + Key Features
- It doesn’t spill
- It is a dual purpose battery
- It has a 2-year warranty
- Requires little to no maintenance
- Resistant from shocks and vibrations
- Suitable for RV and boat use.
Charging Deep Cycle Batteries
Below are the simple steps to follow to charge your deep cycle batteries
Step 1: Disconnect the batteries
Step 2: Wear a pair of gloves and protective eyewear
Step 3: Remove the covers of the battery cells
Step 4: Check the water level of the battery with the use of a hydrometer. If the level is not adequate, add distilled water to the cells.
Step 5: Set your battery to slow or trickle charge and choose the volt option suitable for your battery whether 6, 12, or 24 volts. It is important to note that the batteries charge best when the charge flow is low.
Step 6: Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal post before connecting the negative. The positive is always indicated by red color while the negative is black. After connecting the cable to the terminal post, turn the charger on, monitor the voltage regulator, and ensure that the battery does not get overcharged.
Read more: 8 Best Motorcycle Battery Reviews
Tips To Get The Best Performance From Deep Cycle Batteries
Deep cycle batteries require special care and maintenance to get the best out of them. When used with neglect, you find out that their lifespan is significantly reduced and they do not perform as expected. This is why we have decided to write about tips that will help you get the best out of your deep cycle batteries.
Checking The Charge Of The Battery
Whenever you are using your deep cycle battery, you have to ensure that you keep an eye on the battery’s charge. This is to avoid a situation where there’s an unprecedented loss of power. To ensure that the battery life of the battery is maintained, make sure that you charge the battery when the battery’s charge level is not lower than 50%. If by chance you can’t charge the battery at 50% charge level, make sure that the battery doesn’t go lower than 20%. When you keep to this instruction, you are assured of having a long-lasting battery. To check the battery charge level, you can use different tools like voltage monitors, hydrometers, and amp reading meters.
Prevent Sulfation
Lead-acid batteries like deep cycle batteries when left uncharged for a long time suffer sulfation. This occurs when the lead sulfate gets crystallized and no matter how long you charge the battery, it can’t hold a charge. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you get the battery charged from time to time even when not in use. This is because when sulfation happens, there is no remedy hereby cutting short the performance of your battery.
Let The Battery Rest
After using a battery for a long time and after recharging, ensure that you let the battery cool down for a while before use. This is because the battery can become hot after long use or after charging. Using the battery immediately after this can create grid corrosion which might eventually destroy the battery.
You can also refer to a few tips to stay safe when using CR2032 Batteries from Top 5 Reviewed
Conclusion
The importance of deep cycle batteries cannot be overemphasized and that is why we have decided to write about some of the best deep cycle batteries available for sale. Out of the numerous deep cycle batteries we reviewed, the Vmax’s Vmaxtanks SLR125 stands out. This is due to its powerful 125 aH capacity, its durability, its shock-resistant, and its spill-proof feature. Also, this battery can stay on the shelf for over a year and it still won’t lose power.
Furthermore, we wrote about the different types of deep cycle batteries available and we are sure you have learned a thing or two from that. Finally, we assure you that every product we reviewed in this article is of the highest quality and you won’t regret buying any one of them.
Amazing post!!
You have shared the huge information about “New Best Deep Cycle Battery”. Keep it up!!
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Take care! Exactly where are your
contact details though?
Therefore, we have developed this article on the best deep cycle battery charger that money can buy. In this post, we will review some of the best units that you can find on the market. Furthermore, we have included our buying guide so that you should know what features to look for when purchasing.
It’s good to know that in order to keep an AGM battery running for as long as possible it’s a good idea to charge them before they go below 50% power. My brother needs a deep cycle battery soon for his truck but isn’t sure what kind yet. I’ll let him know that an AGM might be his best option.
Fantastic post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more
on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
Kudos!
I have an Ingles refrigerator/freezer installed in the back of my 2014 Jeep Grand
Cherokee. It is connected to a 12volt outlet and runs off the Jeep battery. However the refrigerator is set to only run until it draws the battery down to a certain point. Therefore I wanted to install a AGM 100 ah battery in series with the car battery so that the jeep engine charger charges both batteries. Is that possible or will that work so that the refrigerator runs full time when using the car?
No, Running the 2 batteries in series will only increase your voltages, two 12v 100ah will become 24v 100ah.. not run time on the fridge. You need to run in parallel if you want to add amperage(AH). Two 12v 100ah in parallel become 12v 200ah. Which will double your duration while keeping your voltage levels proper. Tho never mix different batteries as a old one paired with a new one will just being your new battery down quicker overall. And don’t mix voltages or AH. If you run 12’s don’t add random 6’s..same with amps. Make sure you AH are all the same on batteries in parallel.
Fantastic article really helps explain why it’s so important to use a good quality battery.
Even if you pay a bit more money for quality, in the long run, the expensive one will normally work out as actually cheaper because a cheap poor battery won’t last half as long as a high-performance battery.
Wonderful review article. I have never seen such an article. Very informative and helpful Especially Best Deep Cycle Battery given me a lot of information
Thanks for sharing such an informative article.
Hopefully, waiting for your more article in the future.
Amazing battery! I’ve been using Vmaxtanks for 2 years now on our camper with a modest 200W solar setup. I also read that AGM batteries charge faster than standard batteries, but I really didn’t believe it as I figured the charging rate must be dictated by the device charging them rather than the battery itself, but I’m starting to think what I read is right. They seem to fully recharge faster than the standard RV deep cycle batteries I’ve used before. Not exactly the most scientific review at this point, just a gut feeling but so far that is good enough for me.
I’ve also bought Universal over a few months for a solar power bank. They always arrive within about 5 days of placing the order. The batteries generally have arrived fully charged and are ready to go right out of the box. The nuts, bolts, and washers are included and I’ve had no problem attaching cables with 5/16″ cable terminals. This is the best source I’ve found for these AGM batteries and the seller (UPG) has been great to deal with.