Escapees May-June 2024

“…not all batteries within each major category are the same from one manufacturer to the next, so ‘Always check the specs!’”

How long do you plan to use these batteries and how frequently? If you are only planning to do a few short trips a year with your RV, the AGM or Gel batteries might get you by. But, if you are going to go full-time (or even part-time) and plan to use the batteries for many years, you de fi nitely want to consider LFP. LFP has 5–10x the potential lifespan of lead acid batteries. Are you planning to run higher wattage appliances with your batteries or only some simple 12V appliances? Different batteries offer different discharging rates which can affect those who are planning to run many higher wattage appliances at the same time. The higher the discharge rate, the greater the fl ow of energy out of the battery. What is the lowest possible temperature in which you will use the batteries? Whilemany batteries stop charging when their core temperature drops below freezing, AGM batteries work well down to 5°F and many newer Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries include an automatic self-heating function to handle any cold challenge. What system voltage are you trying to achieve: 12V, 24V, 36V, or 48V? While 12V is the most common voltage for off-grid RVers, to create a battery bank higher than 12V, you’ll need to wire the batteries in series. While all lead acid batteries can be wired in series,

many LFP batteries can only be installed in parallel. Some newer LFP batteries can be put in series, so just be sure to check the specs. Or, you can simply purchase a 24V or 48V LiFePO4 battery. And, fi nally, you’ll want to consider your own budget and, of course, the battery warranty! Let’s Compare Deep Cycle Batteries Our side-by-side comparison chart of the four deep cycle RV battery types will help you make some decisions based on the considerations above. Be sure to dive into the battery chart discussion (see QR code for download) for more information about each of the specs listed below. Also, it’s important to note that not all batteries within each major category are the same from one manufacturer to the next, so “ Always check the specs!” Notes about chart 1: Performance and battery lifespan depend on many factors, including: temperature, depth of discharge, frequency of use, availability of charging source, months in storage, etc.

Deep Cycle Battery Charts and Discussion

Chart 1: Comparison of 4 Types of Deep Cycle Batteries

LeadAcid (Flooded) EverStart

AGM (SLA)

Gel (SLA)

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)

Battery Type (12V)

Company & Model Name

Renogy

Renogy

Renogy

Model Name

Marine/RV Deep Cycle

Absorbent Glass Mat

HybridGel

Smart LiFePO4

Price Tag (as of 2/2024)

$94 12V 109

$207

$200

$599 12.8V

Nominal Voltage Amp Hour Capacity

12V 100

12V 100

100

Watt Hour Capacity (Ah x Nominal Voltage) Depth of Discharge % = usable WH capacity

1308WH

1200WH

1200WH

1280WH

50%=654WH

50%=600WH

50%=600WH

80% = 1024WH

Cycles (based on DoD)

200 - 300

400 - 500

750

4000 10.9

Expected Lifespan (yrs) – 1 full cycle per day

0.68

1.23

2.1

Dimensions (inches)

12.65 x 6.85 x 9.25

13.1 x 6.9 x 8.6

12.9 x 6.8 x 8.7

11.4 x 6.8 x 7.4

Weight (lbs)

50

64

64

26

Storage Temperature (°F)

~50°F

5°F - 104°F 5°F - 122°F 5°F - 104°F

-4°F - 140°F -4°F - 140°F 32°F - 122°F

-13°F - 149°F -4°F - 140°F 32°F - 131°F

Temperature Range (discharge °F) Temperature Range (charge °F)

0°F - 115°F 40°F - 113°F

Self-Heating?

No

No

No

Yes!

Max Continuous Charging / Discharging Current

27A / 750 (MCA)

30A / 1000A (@ 5s)

30A / 1000A (@ 5s)

50A/ 100A

Warranty (yrs)

1

2

3

5

Connection Configuration

Parallel / Series Upright Only Outside Only

Parallel / Series

Parallel / Series

Parallel Only

Battery Orientation Installation Location

Flexible

Flexible

Flexible

Inside / Outside

Inside / Outside

Inside / Outside

37

May/June 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine