6v GC batteries vs cheap 12v sorta deep cycle
The more I learn, the less I know. :) Or, a little bit of knowledge is dangerous. So I am wondering if GC batteries are truly better than cheap "Marine/Deep Cycle" Group 27's or 31's for everyo...
Forum Discussion
Snow,
First thing you have to understand is that "Deep Cycle" has all real the value of "Extra Heavy Duty" or "New and Improved". In short, it doesn't actually mean anything. Many of the 12V batteries that are sold as deep cycle are the same as everything else that came off that line, but with a different label, a higher price and lower electrolyte density (that sort of makes them deep cycle - right?).
Golf Cart batteries are built to purpose. As many go to courses and clubs that actually keep records, if they didn't perform (at least when new) they would get them back, and if they didn't last as they were expected, that would be the last that they sold to that shop.
Then there is the issue of paralleling batteries. I won't go there now, I don't have the time. Just believe me when I say it is not the best plan.
I have seen GC's get to be quite old in RV and yacht service. If taken only moderate care of, they just seem to keep on going. Just add water every couple of months. With the heat this year, ours took a beating and seem to be no worse off for it.
Matt
First thing you have to understand is that "Deep Cycle" has all real the value of "Extra Heavy Duty" or "New and Improved". In short, it doesn't actually mean anything. Many of the 12V batteries that are sold as deep cycle are the same as everything else that came off that line, but with a different label, a higher price and lower electrolyte density (that sort of makes them deep cycle - right?).
Golf Cart batteries are built to purpose. As many go to courses and clubs that actually keep records, if they didn't perform (at least when new) they would get them back, and if they didn't last as they were expected, that would be the last that they sold to that shop.
Then there is the issue of paralleling batteries. I won't go there now, I don't have the time. Just believe me when I say it is not the best plan.
I have seen GC's get to be quite old in RV and yacht service. If taken only moderate care of, they just seem to keep on going. Just add water every couple of months. With the heat this year, ours took a beating and seem to be no worse off for it.
Matt
