I think the L16 sized batteries are fantastic if you can fit them. I just load tested my L16s that I bought from NAPA in September 2007. That makes them over 8 years old. They are NAPA branded, so they probably came from the lowest bidder. They still test out at 88% (357 AH) of when they were new (405 AH) at the 20 hour rate. I have never gotten anywhere near that life out of the smaller 6 volt batteries.
Maintenance has been water once or twice a year and I leave them on a PD smart charger. I equalize them every couple of years (I know I should do it more often, but I have to use a manual charger to get the voltage and amperage I need and I am lazy.)
