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burningman's avatar
burningman
Explorer II
Sep 28, 2019

Starting batteries instead of deep cycle

So I’ve got a theory...
Deep cycle batteries are designed to slowly discharge low current for a long time.
Starting batteries are designed to put out high current for short periods.
Generally, people use deep cycle batteries in their RV.
Well, the main work my batteries do is power a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter and run my Keurig K-cup coffeemaker and microwave. Those are short duration, high current loads.
It kinda seems like maybe a set of regular starting batteries might actually be better.

Any opinions from the panel?
Truck Campers

36 Replies

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  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Sep 28, 2019
    Hi Grit dog,

    Most batteries are tested at 25 amps of demand (per cell). I do agree that lower is almost always better.

    Grit dog wrote:
    Youre off by a factor of 10 chief. More like 20A. Or 16.7A to be precise.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Sep 28, 2019
    pianotuna wrote:
    For that application Marine batteries may be ok.

    The best may be an AGM chemistry.

    2000 watts = a draw of 200 amps @ 12 volts. So 8 12 volt or 16 6 volt would be ideal. (that limits demand to 25 amps per cell).

    The problem with using starter batteries is that they may sulphate quickly and they want to be recharged *RIGHT NOW*. Of course, it can be done.


    ^This.
    I think Your best bet is upping the voltage of your DC system. Convert to 24/36V to lower the amp draw. Although idk squat about inverters if they can take any DC voltage or are specific to one type of voltage.
    Series lowers the amp draw per battery or cell.
    Disclaimer, I'm pontificating...and not an electrical engineer, lol.
  • burningman's avatar
    burningman
    Explorer II
    Sep 28, 2019
    work2much wrote:
    or (2) 100Ah lithium batteries. 200 amp discharge no problem. Low current, slow discharge no problem. No full charge cycles, no problem. Fast high current charge no problem. No room for many led acid batteries, no problem. :p

    That would work great.

    For less money I couid have baristas deliver coffee to wherever I am. Maybe even Mars.
  • work2much's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2019
    or (2) 100Ah lithium batteries. 200 amp discharge no problem. Low current, slow discharge no problem. No full charge cycles, no problem. Fast high current charge no problem. No room for many led acid batteries, no problem. :p
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Sep 28, 2019
    For that application Marine batteries may be ok.

    The best may be an AGM chemistry.

    2000 watts = a draw of 200 amps @ 12 volts. So 8 12 volt or 16 6 volt would be ideal. (that limits demand to 25 amps per cell).

    The problem with using starter batteries is that they may sulphate quickly and they want to be recharged *RIGHT NOW*. Of course, it can be done.

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