Brands: There are very few battery makers, Most companies, IE: Interstate, just re-label other people's batteries (often US-battery or Johnson Controls in Interstate's case. some folks Excide)
Trojan batteries (Flooded wet cell) Do seem to be very high quality (More so than the average) as do Lifeline in the AGM side. They also cost more.
There are a few other companies out there I do not know much about but have read about.. Costco, Sam's. And many other companies buy from JC or US.
Now, Flooded or "other"
Flooded wet cells are the most "Labor intensive" since you need to clean and water (Distilled only) Them from time to time.
The Six Volt GC-2 is usually the most amp hours per dollar of any type. (NOTE you need two of them though,,, And this statement takes that into account).
AGM, is among the least labor intensive (Occasional terminal cleaning, Every few years, that's all),. GEL is seriously NOT recommended for RV use.
Finally Lead Acid batteries come in another 3 (well 4) way division
Automotive starting are designed for short blasts of high current, they are rated in COLD CRANKING AMPS (Amps peak at 0 (f)
Marine Batteries are like the above but rated in Cranking amps (0 Degrees C)
These batteries do not like being run down much and may not recover if you run 'em down too far.
Marine/Deep cycle can be run down a BIT more than the above and may have a slightly better recovery profile.. But not much.
DEEP CYCLE can be run down to 50%, some lower, but most 50%, And if you run 'em down below that they may loose a bit of life, but they stand the best chance of recovery if promptly recharged.
The common GC-2 Six Volt Golf Car battery,,,, IS A DEEP CYCLE, not a marine deep cycle, not an automotove starting (Though a pair of 'em can usually do that job just fine) but a true DEEP CYCLE battery, 230 amp hours worth.
