Service life is one of the most important factors to consider when buying batteries, whether they're your typical AA batteries or larger portable batteries like camping battery packs.
No one wants to have their device/appliance out of power when they need it the most. Say, you're waiting for this show for weeks now and all of a sudden, you're remote control is not working, when it's only been a couple of months since you replaced its batteries.
Even worse, you definitely do not want to get stuck in the middle of an off grid camping trip with a drained caravan battery. That cannot be good, especially in a remote area.
So how do you shop for batteries with long life? Well, aside from the obvious like choosing a reputable provider and checking out warranty offers, the first thing to look for would be the battery type.
Each kind of battery has a different lifespan, especially for 12V battery packs that you bring outdoors. This is important to know if you're intending to use the power pack for emergencies or for recreational purposes.
How Long Do The Most Common Batteries Last?
AA/AAA Batteries
Typical AA/AAA batteries found in homes last for 1-2 years but have a shelf life of 5-10 years. This is subject to change depending on how often you use them to power your electronics. If it's something that runs for hours every day like a radio, your lifespan may not be as long.
Car Batteries
A vehicle's battery usually has a service life of 3-5 years. If yours reached its third year, it would be best to test it and see if it's still operating to its full potential. You can either go to a professional for testing or do it yourself. Usually, there are several signs of a declining car battery such as dim headlights and failure to start your engine.
Lead-acid Batteries
These are probably the cheapest 12V batteries you can get on the market but also have the shortest lifespan. Lead-acid batteries are usually good for only 500-1000 cycles, which translates to about 3-4 years. Constant use can also lower this further to about 2 years only.
AGM Batteries
AGM batteries are highly popular among campers and RV owners. They last for around 4-7 years, perform decently, and have a pretty affordable price range too, which makes them a good choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium-based batteries are considered superior in terms of overall quality and performance, including lifespan. Lithium iron phosphate batteries or LiFePO4 batteries are particularly sought after since these are considered lithium deep cycle batteries.
Most battery users would know that a deep cycle battery wins both in longevity and service life, which is why it's no surprise that a single LiFePO4 battery can last for up to a decade! If you're particular about lifespan, this is absolutely your best pick.
How To Prolong Your Battery's Life?
So you got a great battery alreadya LiFePO4-based 100Ah lithium battery for camping perhapsand you're all set to tick those adventures off your list.
This won't necessarily equate to years and years of powerful operation. How you use and maintain your battery also plays a huge factor in how long it's going to last. Battery maintenance is usually pretty straightforward.
For one, proper charging with the appropriate battery charger is a must. As much as possible, try not to overcharge or over-discharge your battery since this is the number one cause of battery decline. This is the standard practice for all power packs, even for LiFePO4 batteries with a built-in battery management system (BMS).
Make it a habit to clean your battery as well, especially the terminals. During the off-season, see to it that you store your battery properly too, preferably somewhere with optimal temperature to prevent corrosion.
Keep in mind that storing your battery for a month requires a temperature between -20 °C to 60 °C, three months of storage should have a temperature range of -10 °C to 35 °C, and anything longer than this should have a 15 °C to 30 °C of temperature in its storage space.
If you're after an outdoor battery that will last for a good number of years, check out our collection of lithium batteries at Outbax. It houses power packs of different sizes and voltage levels so whether you want a slimline lithium battery or a 200Ah deep cycle battery, you'll surely find something here!
