How Long Can Deep Cycle Batteries Go Without Charging?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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They can sit in storage for a long time without having to charge their batteries. After

30 days

of being completely discharged, giant deep cycle batteries can be almost fully charged.

How long can a deep cycle battery sit before it dies?

Automotive batteries will generally fail after

30-150 deep cycles

if deep cycled, while they may last for thousands of cycles in normal starting use (2-5% discharge). Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged down as much as 80% time after time and have much thicker plates.

How far can you discharge a deep cycle battery?

BATTERY TIP 4 – Never fully discharge a deep cycle lead acid battery! The deeper you discharge the battery the more it will reduce the battery’s total cycle life. We recommend discharging a battery to

no lower than 50% DOD, with a maximum of 80%

.

How often should deep cycle batteries be charged?

They should be recharged

when they indicate a 50% charge

, but never let them get lower than 20% to ensure a long life. Lead-acid batteries, such as deep cycle batteries, run the risk of sulfation if left uncharged for too long.

How do you bring a deep cycle battery back to life?

You can recondition lead acid batteries by

first fully charging the battery, then slowly discharging it over a period of several hours

. Be sure to discharge the battery all the way to zero volts (or as close as possible) then recharge it again. Repeat this process several times.

Can you overcharge a deep cycle battery?

Can you overcharge a deep cycle battery?

Yes, the deep cycle batteries can be overcharged

. The amps that are used for charging these batteries decide whether the battery will be overcharged or not.

How do you tell if a deep cycle battery is fully charged?


A full recharge should see a maximum temperature rise of 10 degrees Celsius

. Once the battery is fully charged it can be maintained by applying a charging voltage of 2.24 to 2.25 volts per cell (13.4-13.5 for 12volt and 26.8 to 27.0 for 24volt). This is called a “Float” charge.

How do you charge a deep cycle battery?

What happens if a deep cycle battery goes flat?

If you do flatten / over-discharge a deep cycle battery,

charge it back up ASAP

. Use the right size and type of charger, and on the right setting (if in doubt contact us). Leave the battery on a trickle-charge when not in use, or top-up the charge monthly.

How many cycles can a deep cycle battery take?

A battery undergoes a deep cycle whenever more than 20% of its stored energy is consumed before it is recharged. Used correctly, deep cycle batteries can provide

200 to more than 3000 discharge/charge cycles

. Starting batteries are not designed for sustained discharge and will last for only 50-60 use cycles.

How many cycles can a deep cycle battery do?

A lead acid battery can give 200 cycles (based on 100% DOD, to 80% capacity) whereas a deep cycle lithium battery can achieve over 10 times the amount at

2000 + cycles

.

Do you need a special charger for deep cycle batteries?

Do deep cycle batteries need a special charger?

Yes, you need a charger (and ideally a smart charger) designed specifically for keeping deep cycle batteries healthy to get good results

. Because deep cycle batteries aren’t designed to handle the excess heat and rapid charging of a regular/traditional battery charger.

How long does it take to fully charge a deep cycle battery?

A charger with 15 amps, for instance, will take about

two hours

to fully charge a battery at a 25-percent discharge value. Chargers with only 5 amps, however, will need a full six hours with the same battery.

How often should I add water to a deep cycle battery?

Add water after fully charging the battery and use distilled water. Watering must be done at the right time and in the right amount or the battery’s performance and longevity suffers.

Water should always be added after fully charging the battery

. Prior to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates.

How many amp hours are in a 12 volt deep cycle battery?

You can use one 12-volt 24 group deep cycle battery that provides

70 to 85 AH

. You can use two 12-volt 24 group batteries wired in parallel that provides 140 to 170 AH. Parallel wiring increases amp hours but not voltage.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.