Coming to the point of a deep cycle battery, it is a special type of battery used by sea boats and navy. The specialty of this battery is its particular maintenance needs. To recharge recycle batteries adequately, a multiple stage deep cycle battery charger should be used.

A large numbers of charge and discharge process required in order to attain its maximum storage level. The deep cycle battery is constructed in such a way that it requires to be discharged to a great extent and then fully recharged again several times in its service periods.

It is advisable to use a multiple stage charger of good quality ranging from 8 amps to 16amps output. With the facility of a built in “float mode”, the deep cycle charger charges the marine battery completely for an extended period of time even when not in use and the service life of the unit increases considerably.

Even a newly purchased deep cycle battery requires an initial first charge prior to put into service. Practically a new battery requires to undergo about twenty to fifty charge/discharge phenomena before attaining full storage capacity. You have to bring the battery under control within this period and take care not to get the battery fully exhausted.

By doing so the service period could be reduced. The cleanliness of the battery is a considerable technique to opt for its maintenance and it should be done. Scientifically, when residues form on the top surface, an electric circuit develops between the +ive and -ive terminals within the battery there by tending it to discharge.

Cleaning of the poles at least annually with a wire brush and greasing the terminals stops oxidation. You should check the battery case properly once in a year. Keeping the battery safely in a battery box on your boat brings a higher level of security for both you and the battery.

At regular intervals you have to perform “equalizing”. This is a special process done by applying a low current for a longer period of time after finishing usual normal charging. The cells of the battery should be kept in balance so that they could perform equally while in use. When boating season comes, this equalizing process should be adopted as part of weekly maintenance schedule.

The full charging process should be done at least after every three weeks. You are advised to connect a low voltage disconnect device in the power circuit to ensure safety of the equipment. This device disconnects the battery automatically from the circuit when the voltage drops below the safe level.

Use of battery with an under voltage state reduces its life. To increase useful life it is better to purchase a battery of a size larger than the nominal size required. When you purchase a battery be conscious about its quality. Always perform maintenance in scheduled time to get its useful life period more and to save your money.

Be particular about using a deep cycle battery charger specifically designed for it and remember even a new battery need to be initially charged and get checked up before connecting to the system. If you care properly your deep cycle battery provides about 15 years of good service and keep you comfortable during its service.

The difference between a deep cycle battery and a cranking battery is quite obvious. The output from the first one is a steady flow of current over a long time, whereas the second one produces a high-level of current for a short spell, normally to crank a motor to start.

There are also dual purpose batteries like AGM batteries which exhibit marine cranking amperes, cold cranking amperes and reserve capacity data. Generally the motors installed on the homemade electric car will exhibit the cranking amperes required for the motor in the starting stage.

The battery of a wet cell operates through a system of regular service by opening and adding water, when the water contents get evaporated during the heat up process. The cells in the battery should remain immersed in water-acid-liquid as otherwise; the battery may dry up and stop operation.

As the acid does not evaporate during the heat up process but the water does, the water level should be maintained through a regular service. In the wet cells, acid water mixture may sometimes run out and any eventual leakage of acid may cause several damages. Therefore the sealed, leak proof wet cell batteries are preferable, as they do not require regular water service.

Leak proof batteries like Gel Cell and AGM batteries can be stored in any position. The AGM battery always has an edge over gel-cell and wet-cell batteries. The battery load itself will indicate the exact type of deep cycle battery needed.

A cranking battery is much ideal for operation, if it is used for starting and maintaining a few electrical functions. A deep cycle battery is useful for powering trolling motor and electronic devices. But the AGM batteries rule supreme in DIY electric cars, as they are sealed and can be stored anywhere.

Two such batteries can also be joined and put in position to draw more power if they are of the same amp. If the amp differs; one of the batteries joined can get damaged easily. Another important factor is hooking of the batteries. Two batteries of the same volts are hooked together by joining the positive to the positive terminal and negative to the negative terminal, which is called parallel wiring.

By doing so the volt remains the same while ampere output doubles. Similarly, by joining the positive to negatives of the other battery and vice-versa as in a flash light, the volts may double but the ampere will be equal to that of one battery. This is called series wiring.

Normally the ampere rating of a 6V battery is higher than a 12V battery of the same size. By series wiring of two 6 volts batteries, 12V power with higher amperage is achievable, unlike a single 12V battery that will have lesser amperage.

Hence as a safe measure, more number of low volt batteries are used in golf carts etc. Charging of batteries too has different options out of which, automatic multistage system is most ideal.

Ruling out the possibility of an over charge. Though a car battery can be used in an EV, a deep cycle battery is superior service as they are manufactured to match the load requirement of a high torque electric motor. They are mostly duel purpose batteries, sealed and made leak proof.

AGM batteries provide high output of power with low internal resistance compared to other batteries. That is why they are widely in use by the DIY electric car enthusiasts.

Many people when taken away from the main power supply depend upon the good battery and charging set. They do not understand the characteristic of the battery which they are using in their caravan/RV/camper trailer and have no knowledge about the power supplied by the battery and its duration.

The worst is that when the battery gets completely drained out and suffers an irreparable damage and cannot be charged again. This blog post deals with certain aspects and will provide information about the use of the battery and its maintenance.

Different Types Of Battery In The Market

One has to clearly demarcate and understand that there are three types of battery which are commonly used. These are wet cell starter batteries, deep cycle batteries and a variation of deep cycle that is AGM. It is very important to understand the differences because each one has specific purpose and the functions.

The starter battery is the one which we commonly under the bonnet of the vehicle and provides strong current to the starter motor for short time. Due to the requirement the manufacturing technique is different than the deep cycle battery otherwise its life will get shortened as the plates get deteriorate fast.

Deep cycle battery is the one which is not designed for providing short heavy loads but is designed for occasional discharge below 50% threshold; this is the rule of the thumb to maintain long life of the battery.

Deep cycle battery can be a wet cell also but the manufacturing is done with the electrolyte which is more of a gel which can be sealed easily. Sometimes these batteries are also called maintenance free batteries. Maintenance free does not mean you will use these batteries the way you want it. Wet cell deep cycle batteries perform better in hotter climate.

Most batteries are manufactured in such a way that they can perform better in the places which has cool climate. AGM, Absorbed Glass Mat, is the best battery when you are camping because of its performance and long life. AGM batteries are quite expensive but even if it is expensive it has many advantages to offer.

These batteries have been designed in such a way that it can absorb the occasional discharge below 50% level, even some cases it is even 20%, but the basic point is that all the batteries need recharging. The batteries suffer maximum damage when these are not properly charged and are allowed to get discharged.

AGM has another property that it gets charged up faster and have capacity to take more charge which is very close to 100%. These batteries are very strong and can tolerate wear and tear as these were originally designed for the use of military. As these batteries are sealed, you can easily store these batteries in your car or a caravan or practically in all possible places.

Even if these batteries are left unattended, you can charge the batteries again faster as these batteries being very tough do not deteriorate faster or lose the efficiency.