With the exception of lead-acid batteries, deep cycle batteries require little maintenance. The plates of lead-acid batteries must be submerged in distilled water every month. A new battery will be needed if the plates are not replaced. Trickle chargers keep lead-acid or AGM batteries charged for long periods of time. Batteries with lithium management systems don’t need it. Each type of deep cycle battery has its pros and cons:
1. Lithium Pros & Cons:
Pros
- There is an 80 to 100 percent capacity remaining
- A very high rate of charging
- Batteries do not contain memory
- Maintaining it is not necessary
- Lightweight and compact
- Charge cycles of between 2,000 and 5,000
Cons
- It’s the most expensive deep cycle battery
- Low temperatures prevent charging
- Batteries need maintenance (usually internally)
- Using Victron inverters and Battle Born lithium batteries
- Batteries and inverters from Victron
2. Lead-Acid Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Trustworthy sources
- Overcharging tolerance
- High-current capacity
- Accessible worldwide
- It has no expiration date
Cons
- There is a 30% to 50% usable capacity
- Weight plays a significant role
- Maintenance is required monthly
- The atmosphere is filled with gases
- 70-85% charging efficiency
3. Gel Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Spills are not present
- There is no need to maintain
- There is no off-gassing
- Tolerance to heat
- 85% to 90% charge efficiency
Cons
- AGM and lead-acid batteries are more expensive
- Charges that are fast are not tolerated
- Overcharging can ruin it
- Each profile/setup has its own settings
4. AGM Pros & Cons:
Pros
- 60-80% usable capacity
- Lead-acid or gel have lower rates
- Spills are rare
- Gas-emitting
- Maintenance free
- 95% efficiency charging
- It doesn’t get cold
Cons
- Lead-acid batteries cost more
- High prices can ruin deals
