A deep cycle battery does not require any maintenance, with the exception of lead-acid batteries. To keep the plates in lead-acid batteries submerged, distilled water must be topped off monthly. It will be necessary to replace the battery if the plates are not replaced.
Lead-acid and AGM batteries can be kept charged by attaching a trickle charger when you won’t be using them for a long period of time. Lithium batteries do not require it, since they have their own battery management system.
Each deep cycle battery type has its own pros and cons:
1. Lithium:
Lithium Pros
- 80% to 100% of usable capacity
- Charge rates that are extraordinarily high
- Battery memory is not present
- It does not require maintenance
- Compact and lightweight
- Charge cycles of 2,000 to 5,000
Lithium Cons
- The most expensive option for deep cycle batteries
- Low temperatures make it impossible to charge
- Batteries must be maintained (usually internally)
- A Grand Design Solitude RV storage is equipped with Victron inverters and Battle Born lithium deep cycle batteries
- Batteries from Battle Born and inverters from Victron
2. Lead-Acid
Lead-Acid Pros
- A reliable source
- Having a tolerance for overcharging
- High-current capability
- Easily accessible worldwide
- It has an indefinite shelf life
Lead-Acid Cons
- 30% to 50% of the capacity is usable
- The weight is very high
- Maintenance is required monthly
- Releases gases into the atmosphere
- An efficiency of 70% to 85% when charging
3. Gel
Gel Pros
- Contains no spills
- There is no maintenance required
- Off-gassing is not a problem
- The ability to tolerate heat
- 85% to 90% charge efficiency
Gel Cons
- AGM and lead-acid batteries are more expensive
- Fast charging is not tolerated
- If overcharged, it can be ruined
- Each profile/setup has its own settings
4. AGM:
AGM Pros
- Between 60% and 80% of usable capacity
- Compared to lead-acid or gel, it charges much higher rates
- Spills no liquids
- A non-off gassing product
- Maintaining is not necessary
- An efficiency of 95% for charging
- Cold temperature does not affect it
AGM Cons
- Lead-acid batteries are more expensive
- A high price can ruin the deal
