Deep Cycle Batteries- New

[Snailbus]

Hello,

Just purchased 2 new 12V, 675a deep cycle batteries for our '97 Rexhall. They connect in parallel.

I want to make sure I break them in correctly, so if anyone has any advice for a new RV owner, I'd appreciate it.

For example:

1) When breaking the new batteries in, should I use the coach power on the RV and run the power down, WITHOUT connecting to AC?

2) If so, what percentage should I bring the new batteries down to before I connect the AC external power?

3) Assuming all the above is necessary, at what point is it OK to just plug the RV in whenever possible?

Thank you! -Jude

[inthepines]

I've never heard of breaking a battery in.
You just use them and dont abuse them.

[Bobby F]

There are some battery types that can develop a "memory" - if you don't charge and discharge them across their entire range periodically, you narrow their capability.


FLA batteries don't do that. You can just plug in and go.

[inthepines]

Originally Posted by Bobby F

There are some battery types that can develop a "memory" - if you don't charge and discharge them across their entire range periodically, you narrow their capability.


FLA batteries don't do that. You can just plug in and go.

Too add, neither do lithiums.

[Snailbus]

Thank you!

[twinboat]

675 amps is a CCA rating. Cold Cranking Amps for starting engines.

Deep cycle batteries will have a RC or AH capacity rating. Hopefully yours have something like that.

[Mark_K5LXP]

Deep cycle batteries do exhibit less than spec performance for the first few cycles of operation. Typically that's achieved just by using them. I wouldn't cycle the batteries to get them to 100% unless it's known that capacity is absolutely required for the application. Making sure they're getting properly charged between uses is about the only thing you need to think about with a new set of batteries.

Agree with the above, sounds like you have marine or starting batteries and not deep cycle. With that in mind, treating them as gently as possible will help them last a bit longer. Marine and especially starting batteries don't tolerate deep and frequent discharge cycles well.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

[Snailbus]

Originally Posted by Mark_K5LXP

Deep cycle batteries do exhibit less than spec performance for the first few cycles of operation. Typically that's achieved just by using them. I wouldn't cycle the batteries to get them to 100% unless it's known that capacity is absolutely required for the application. Making sure they're getting properly charged between uses is about the only thing you need to think about with a new set of batteries.

Agree with the above, sounds like you have marine or starting batteries and not deep cycle. With that in mind, treating them as gently as possible will help them last a bit longer. Marine and especially starting batteries don't tolerate deep and frequent discharge cycles well.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

Thank you for clarifying that. These are dual purpose Marine/ RV batteries designed for starting and moderate deep cycle service. So, sounds like you are exactly right. They probably wouldn't take well to full or frequent discharging.

[Persistent]

Interstate marine AGM batteries work fine in deep draw applications. I have two. They have a CCA specification as well as an amp-hour specification. The amp-hour is 100 each. I don't remember the CCA spec.

AGM batteries often have significant advantages over flooded cell batteries:
More thinner plates allow faster discharge and therefor more CCA.
The thinner plates with more surface area also charge faster. (Absorb higher current.)
Electrolyte absorbed into glass pads sandwiched between the thin plates mechanically supports the thin plates better.
Limited electrolyte in the pads stop producing power before the thin plates are damage in deep draw situations.
Sulfate crystals on deeply discharged plates tend to stay in place for recharging instead of falling off and accumulating at the bottom of the cells. Sulfate at the bottom causes self discharging.