Deep Cycle Batteries

They last until they no longer hold enough charge to do the job you want them to do. I've seen them last 10 years or more, sized well to the job, properly maintained, no excessive discharge, no charging mistakes.

I've been getting 3-4 years in RV use, a pair of batteries that don't work very hard, but spend a lot of storage time self-discharging, and are charged only by a two stage on-board converter-charger. I could probably do better if I could do maintenance charging in storage.

I have friends who have difficulty getting two years use, because after their batteries discharge in storage, they are worked too hard when already at a low charge state, in the process of getting the RV out of storage.

Mine lasted 10 yrs but the last year they wouldn't hold a charge very long but I always use a campgroung w/ shore power.

This is a decent link regarding lifespan for old-school lead acid, gel and agm batteries to give you an idea of what to expect:

http://www.vonwentzel.net/Battery/01.Type/

We all have questions, and not sure anyone knows EVERYTHING about these grand machines we spend so much time with :)

Jim

Thanks everyone for responding. I'm still learning the ins and outs of taking care of the MH on my own. And I'll probably have more questions in the future. :)

Mine are over 5 years, always been on solar, and I cannot tell any difference from new.

Have never "deep cycled" my Trojans. Never equalized either, though I do use a BatteryMINDER fairly often to get rid of any sulfation.

Exide E-3500 lasted four years, replaced with Trojan T105's (specs very nearly the same). Trojans are now seven years old and going strong. Bet I get ten years at least from them.

Hi,

No, you do not need to "deep cycle" the batteries. Doing so will shorten their life. You may need to equalize them (carefully) every 30 days.

down home wrote:
As I understand it I need to cycle them way low on charge and recharge once in a while. Be careful on equalizing or desulfating them i boiled them dry and swelled the cases, on the old ones. The cycle wasn't adjusted properly on the controller apparently.

Mine usually last 7-10 years with desulphation. :)

Last ones were let get dry, by Dealer and no telling if they were ever properly filled and charged. They gave up after 7 years, in the chasis. They were T105 Trojans. New ones are well maintained and rarely get any juice drawn from them.
As I understand it I need to cycle them way low on charge and recharge once in a while. Be careful on equalizing or desulfating them i boiled them dry and swelled the cases, on the old ones. The cycle wasn't adjusted properly on the controller apparently.