Member - Angus E (NSW) replied:

Ranger1

I have an AC Delco battery which appears to be the one you refer to connected to an ARB dual battery system installed 12 months ago.

I have had no trouble with the battery and never managed to run it flat, even when camping for 3 days with Waeco 50L fridge and lights running from it.

The ARB Dual battery controller is not hard to install and the kit comes with all the cables and connectors needed.

Mandrake replied:

If its one of these at the bottom of the page on this link - It should be OK ..

Cobra deep cycle 105 aH 730 CCA

Rgds

Mandrake

Member - Leigh (Vic) replied:

I am not convinced with the merits of deep cycle batteries given they are hard to fully recharge when relying solely on the vehicle charging system whilst on tour. I now run an identical battery to the ome type and have the added flexibility of swapping them should the need arise, No problems so far after 4 years in running liights, fridge and cpap but two nights is my limit without getting mobile again. Just another perspective though. Cheers

Maîneÿ . . . replied:

can you question the dealer about the precise weight of the battery ?
Compare the weight to the genuine AC Delco Deep Cycle battery.

Yes, as you say "anything that can be used as a cranking battery will lose life quickly after numerous discharges and top ups" when used as DC battery because the plates in a Cranking battery are thinner than those used in a DC battery.
You can get the battery that is claimed to be a compromise and said to be a 'dual purpose battery' but you will find it does neither job perfectly, as it charges slower than a Cranking battery and does not have the extended life of a true DC battery.
Similar to suggesting a Massey Ferguson tractor can be used as a FI race car, they are each designed to do their job perfectly, but not really capable of doing each others job.

Just because many guys use Cranking batteries to run a fridge, does not suggest they are as efficient as DC batteries when running a fridge, it only shows it's possible to use Cranking batteries to run a fridge for a period of time while they are being constantly recharged, unlike a Deep Cycle battery that will run a fridge for a much longer period of time with-out being constantly recharged.

Maîneÿ . . .

Member - Phil G (SA) replied:

Its hard to get any info or specs on these Cobra batteries. But they are a wet cell sealed battery (and probably a Ca-Ca battery). I agree with Leigh - I'm not a fan of these. From what I see, they don't often give good reliable service in my application because they don't like the heat under the bonnet, and they need a higher voltage than the alternator can deliver.

It all depends on your pattern of use, and every battery is a compromise. I never run batteries down until they are flat. I drive my vehicle almost every day when touring, and prefer batteries that will recharge quickly off the alternator. So my preference under the bonnet is to run an Exide Extreme or Century Overlander, which are both hybrid unsealed wet cell batteries - usually pick up the Exides for under $200 and they are 80Ah and 620cca. I try not to have them go below 12.2V and find I've never got less than 4-5 years use as a starting battery or aux. A good battery comes with a good warranty - its 24months on these (only 12 mths on the Cobra).

If you really need a deep cycle battery, then go for an AGM.

Member - ranger1 replied:

Thanks for all the good advice, I will stay clear of the cobra battery as it is an unknown brand without any feeback or reviews.

Will stick with the brand name and pay that bit more but with the 2 year warranty.