...Deep cycle batteries are not much different than 'regular' car batteries. They're both submerged lead acid type batteries.; they typically just have thicker lead plates, and are larger. They will also be permanently damaged by complete discharge. They can handle getting down to 50%ish or so better than a starting battery, but aren't intended for complete discharge.

You also won't have much luck starting a car with one; they're intended for long periods of moderate current usage, not momentary spikes of current like you would need for starting.

Things to look for are the number of boosting amps the unit is capable of, and extra junk. Most have 12v power outlets, some of them have on-board air compressors, inverters that will give you 120v outlet to plug stuff into, emergency lights, USB power outlets, etc.

The higher the boosting amp number, the better. The higher the number though, usually the heavier the unit is (Bigger battery). They can get pretty damn heavy, so unless you're boosting a diesel is the winter, I wouldn't bother with one.

They will also hold a charge for a couple of months no problem.

This post was edited by Slaytanic454 on Aug 18 2013 06:38pm

i should of been more clear

deep cycle AGM batteries.

more efficient, far lower discharge rate

much better recovery from heavy discharge

much long lifespan especially if its not regularly drained significantly

the only downside is they need to be a bit larger for the same cranking amps.

buying a lead acid battery these days is about as smart as buying a CRT television.

They're also obscenely expensive.

Most deep cycle applications are still using lead acid. Forklifts, golf carts, etc.

Check these out; both type 31 deep cycle batteries. One AGM, one lead acid.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/3/Batteries/MarineBatteries/PRDOVR~0103199P/Group+31+Deep+Cycle+Battery.jsp?locale=en (Lead Acid)

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/3/Batteries/MarineBatteries/PRDOVR~0103190P/Group+31+AGM+Deep+Cycle+Battery.jsp?locale=en (AGM)

The AGM is over double the price, with fewer amp hours and lower reserve capacity. Slightly higher cranking amps.

I just bought 2 lead acid deep cycle batteries for my trailer. I don't need cranking amps, so it would have been retarded for me to spend $1000 instead of $500 for AGM. It's not hard to maintain lead acid batteries, unless you just don't give a shit.

This post was edited by Slaytanic454 on Aug 18 2013 07:11pm

should prob hook your radio up correctly so it doesnt drain on your battery

when you account for lifespan and efficiency they are actually cheaper.

initial cost is a poor way to gauge somethings worth.

...Not so much.

There's no way an AGM will last twice as long as a lead acid, if both are properly maintained. Granted, lead acid are much easier to kill due to negligence, but I don't have that problem. I have my batteries hooked up to solar panels and a charge controller when they're in my trailer. They're constantly being charged up. When I take them out for the winter, I put them on a charge every month or so.

Read this. http://www.solar-electric.com/deep-cycle-battery-faq.html The people in charge of this site know more than both of us.

This post was edited by Slaytanic454 on Aug 18 2013 09:46pm

Starting: 3-12 months
Marine: 1-6 years
Golf cart: 2-7 years
AGM deep cycle: 4-8 years

according to the site AGM deep cycles last much longer when you consider non-perfection conditions that most people deal with.

so since the OP is worried about his battery dying a deep cycle AGM battery fits his criteria much better since they handle discharges better and are easier to recharge as well.

if you however are good at keeping up with a wet cell battery and keeping them from being discharged then a wet cell is fine for you.