Why can't I get a TRUE Deep cycle battery anymore?

[pjw73nh]

As the title says. Why can't I get a true deep cycle battery any more? I suppose I could get a $250+ high end one (Optima/Trojan etc), but I am looking in the sub $150 range. I use my trailer 6 times a year and pay close attention to battery maintenance. I consider them disposable after 3-4 years.

I used to be able to get them at Walmart/Sams/Autozone etc... Now all they offer is is deep cycle RV/Marine batteries.

I don't need the starting power or vibration resistance of a marine battery. I want a reasonably priced TRUE DEEP CYCLE NON MARINE battery.

[jplante4]

Interstate GC2s 225 ah six volts go for around $150. I have 4 in the Sahara with 200 watts of solar. I'm expecting these to last 7-10 years.

[Desert_Captain]

Not a problem.... A true deep cycle battery is readily available and in a Group 27 you should pay well under $150. The Big Box stores will probably not carry a true deep cycle 12 volt.

All batteries have a planned obsolescence of 3 years. Anytime you get 3 years of reliable service from ANY battery, starting or deep cycle, you just got your monies worth, {this from a regional Trojan rep back when I sold batteries for a living}, any additional use is just gravy.

Will some batteries last longer? You betcha! It depends on how and where you use them not to mention how they are maintained. Are the people on this and other Forums who claim to have gotten 12+ years out of their batteries delusional.... You betcha!

I got my Interstate Group 27's about a year ago, pure deep cycle, for $100 a piece at Batteries Plus. These replaced identical 4 year old interstates which still worked but were definitely getting tired.

If Batteries Plus has them so do a lot of other retailers. Try your local Interstate or Trojan dealers if there are no Batteries Plus outlets in your area.

:C

[Lwiddis]

Trojan T105s and T125s are not in the $250+ range.

[pjw73nh]

Red31, tnx for the reply, but I guess I don't understand your reply. I understand the chart/data, but my question was Why are they no longer available? Not whether they are better or worse. As I mentioned, I am content with a replacement every 3-4 years. Using the trailer 18 nights a year, the signature line at 250 100% discharges is MORE then enough for me. Why are all the deep cycle batteries RV/ MARINE?

Drew E, Yes, I agree. I am well versed with the dual GC2 setup. I had them on a previous trailer and they were fantastic. IRRC I got them at SAMS for about $82 each, and the pair lasted me 5 years and then I sold the trailer with them still going strong. Unfortunately, I don't think my current battery rails on the trailer A frame are wide enough to contain 2 GC2 batteries. I was hoping to find a decent 12v deep cycle only battery at a reasonable price. I did see a few 12v golf cart batteries, but the AH ratings were very low. Thank you both for the reply.

P.../NH

[BFL13]

How many AH of battery bank do you want? What is your recharging set-up (converter model and size of generator. Also any solar- if so what?)

There are lots of choices, but can't advise without some scenario here.

[DrewE]

The standard answer, of course, is (a pair of) golf cart batteries. You can also get 12V golf cart batteries, but they're a good bit more expensive and harder to find.

[red31]

What is a TRUE deep cycle? are some TRUER than others?