Deep cycle batteries are without a doubt one of the best batteries you can go for in powering your adventures. However, they can be expensive which is why a lot of campers, boaters, and RV owners sometimes try to find cheap deep cycle batteries, although this may or may not be a good idea. An AGM deep cycle battery can give you a bit of discount as this ranges from $100 to $900, and you can even go lower if you find a cheap AGM deep cycle battery supplier. The same goes with lead-acid deep cycle batteries because lead-acid are generally considered cheap batteries-the cheapest ones, in fact.
However, the majority of battery users know that if you want the best kind of deep cycle battery, lithium is the most recommended pick for you. Lithium deep cycle batteries are a win in quality and performance. An example of this would be the famous lithium iron phosphate batteries or simply LiFePO4. These batteries are a fusion of a lithium battery's built-in BMS and a deep cycle battery's impressive lifespan. Their only downside would be the cost. These are hardly cheap deep cycle batteries because they usually start at around $500. If you are still keen on finding a cheap deep cycle battery for your next outdoor trip, there are a number of stores that would provide you with it, such as Super Cheap Deep Cycle Batteries. You can also browse through Outbax. We have a collection of affordable cheap deep cycle batteries for sale, which are of top-notch quality despite their wallet-friendly price tag.
Are Cheap Deep Cycle Batteries Good?
More often than not, cheap deep cycle batteries do not fare well and can be vulnerable to a lot of battery issues. However as earlier mentioned, you can still get lucky as some stores do offer excellent ones at a lower price. The key here is knowing what to look for in a good deep cycle battery so you have a reference when searching for affordable alternatives. For instance, let's say you're looking for a cheap 12V deep cycle battery. If you happen to find a store that offers it for a cheaper battery price, make sure to check the reviews first, and it's better if you can find a provider that is well-known enough in the industry. See to it that you get a list of battery specs, inspect the battery's external structure, and ask about its composition. Lastly, choose one with a good warranty offer. This is one of the easiest indicators that a battery is of good quality.
How Do I Spot Cheap Deep Cycle Battery Issues?
If you have recently bought a cheap deep cycle battery or are currently buying one, knowing the telltale signs of the possible issue is crucial especially if you're planning to use it for off-grid camping. A faulty battery might leave you with no power in the middle of a remote location or worse, in the middle of sailing if you're using a cheap deep cycle marine battery.
One of the quickest indicators of a battery problem is structural damage. This could be loose terminals, punctures, or cracks. If you notice anything odd about your battery case or battery parts, it's best not to use it anymore. Aside from issues in performance, a damaged battery case can even pose greater safety risks such as explosions, if you're not using a LiFePO4-based one. Also, a low-quality, the cheap deep cycle battery won't give you much in terms of performance as well. Any battery that drains way too quickly is not a good sign. This is why doing a voltage reading before heading off to your campsite is always recommended. You can do this via voltmeter, multimeter, or wattmeter. If your fully-charged battery doesn't reach the appropriate voltage level or quickly drops during testing, this means that it's already damaged or dead and you need to buy a new one already.
How Do I Know What Size Deep Cycle Battery I need?
Whether you have a cheap deep cycle batter or an expensive one, you're never going to get that superb power if you don't size it properly. The first step to sizing your battery is to know your power requirements. List down the watts of each appliance you want to run, multiply it by the number of hours you're going to use them, and total the result. Convert it to watt-hours and you've got a good estimate of how much power output you need. Aside from this, there are other factors to consider as well that will affect the size of the battery you need. One is the devices you would like to run at the same time. Another is whether you have access to a mains power or any means of charging while you're away. Usually, campers go for a 12V 100 amp deep cycle battery especially if they have backup power sources like solar panels or inverter generators. If not, you might be better off with a bigger one, like a 24V deep cycle battery.
What Happens If a Deep Cycle Battery Goes Flat?
Despite a deep cycle battery's ability to be safely discharged down to 80%, it's still recommended to avoid draining it completely. In the event that you did flatten your battery, charge it immediately with the appropriate battery charger and via trickle charging. A 12V battery has a maximum charge of about 14V, while a 24V battery has around 28.8V to 29.4V. Make sure to test it after charging to make sure that your deep cycle battery is in good condition.
More from Outbax
As mentioned earlier, you can get some good quality, cheap deep cycle batteries here at Outbax. Our power packs retail for as low as $469, plus, you can choose from a variety of batteries to suit your prefered setup. Want small deep cycle batteries? Check out our slimline lithium batteries. A battery with upgraded BMS? We got one too. The best part is, that everything can be done online. All you have to do after payment is wait for your battery to arrive so whether you're in need of cheap deep cycle batteries in Brisbane or cheap deep cycle batteries in Adelaide, Outbax has you covered!
