What are Amp Hours?
This rating applies to deep cycle marine Exide batteries. Amp hours are simply a unit of measure for a battery's electrical storage capacity. This is obtained by multiplying the current in amperes by the time in hours of discharge. For example: A battery delivering 5 amperes for 20 hours, delivers 5 amperes X 20 hours = 100 Amp Hr of capacity.

Put another way, this rating lets you know how many amps, for how long, you can draw from your deep cycle battery.

What is Reserve Capacity?
*Reserve capacity is the time in minutes that a new, fully charged battery will deliver 25 amperes at 80 degrees F and maintain a terminal voltage equal to, or greater than, 1.75 volts per cell. This rating represents the time the battery will continue to operate essential accessories if the alternator or generator of a vehicle fails. Put another way, reserve capacity is a battery's ability to sustain a minimum vehicle electrical load in the event of a charging system failure.

What are "Deep Cycle" Exide Batteries?
These batteries are designed to provide "deep cycle" power - and that makes them very different from ordinary car batteries. Starting a car requires a high amount of energy for a short period of time (about 5 seconds). Only a small amount of the battery's capacity is used. Once the engine starts running, the battery is recharged quickly by the alternator, which carries the basic electrical load.

On the other hand, deep cycle batteries supply a relatively low amount of current for a long period of time. They are specially designed to power electric trolling motors and other electrical accessories in boats and RVs. Unlike ordinary car starting batteries, they can be run down and recharged (deep cycled) repeatedly with minimum loss of capacity.

When a car starting battery is deep cycled, it loses capacity very rapidly and in some cases has lost its useful capacity in 50 cycles (discharges and recharges) or less. These limitations make car batteries a poor investment when used for marine and RV deep cycle applications. A single deep cycle marine/RV battery will outlast 2-4 car batteries.

Are "Deep Cycle" Exide Batteries Constructed Differently?
Yes! Deep cycle batteries are specially designed with denser active material and thicker plates to withstand deep discharge-recharge service. They are also reinforced by envelope and glass mat separators to reduce shedding of the active material and damage from the jolting vibration of a boat on choppy water.

Car batteries, on the other hand, use porous active material and thin plates so that high-amp energy can be quickly delivered for maximum starting power. Repeated cycling weakens the positive plates and makes the active material shed from the grids. Thus, in repeated deep discharge-recharge applications, the capacity of the car battery drops below desired levels in about 50 cycles. They are not built to withstand the heavy buffeting experienced by marine batteries. They are simply designed to do a different job.

Where can I use a deep cycle battery?
Deep cycle batteries can be used wherever the battery is continually discharged for an extended period of time, and then recharged:

1. In boats for powering trolling motors, fish finders, depth finders, lighting and other accessories.
2. In motor homes, travel trailers, and tent campers to run accessories, radios, TVs, fans, refrigerators, etc.
3. In outboards and sailboats to power lights and accessories.

How long should my Exide battery last?
The life of a battery is determined by a number of factors, with the most important being proper maintenance. Amount of use, proper charging and climate are other elements that also need to be considered. A battery that is stored for prolonged periods of time without use or recharging can develop sulfation on the plates which will greatly reduce the time a battery will perform.

How can I tell if my Exide battery is charged?
The battery's state of charge can be tested using a hydrometer or a voltmeter. A hydrometer will determine the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell, while a voltmeter will give you a voltage reading. There are some batteries that come with a state-of-charge indicator eye built in the battery's cover.

Do I need a special charger for a deep cycle battery?
No. But properly charging a deep cycle battery is a very important factor which can affect battery performance and life.

What is the best way to charge my deep cycle Exide battery?

1. The electrical capacity of the battery charger determines how long it will take to charge your battery. In most applications, a 10-25 amp charger is recommended.

   First, determine the battery's state of charge using a hydrometer, voltmeter or state-of-charge indicator.

2. Check electrolyte level before charging. Add distilled or good quality drinking water if the electrolyte level is below top of the plates.
3. Follow the instructions provided with the charger. There are many chargers on the market, each with their own features.
4. Be sure the battery is completely recharged. Use a hydrometer to determine the percent of charge, following the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Recharge within 24 hours after each use. Discharged batteries can freeze.
6. Do not overcharge your battery. Overcharging causes grid corrosion and reduces battery life. A charger with a timer switch is best.
7. Do not use a fast boost charger. A slow charge is best for a deep cycle battery.
8. Unhook the charger when the battery is fully charged.

Can you overcharge a deep cycle battery, and what are the effects?
Yes. Overcharging causes grid corrosion and reduces battery life. An automatic or timer switch charger are best.

Will placing my battery on concrete drain the charge?
A battery will not lose its state-of-charge strictly from placing it on a concrete surface, but will discharge it over a period of time, due simply to neglect.

Will adding aspirin or other additives to my battery prolong its life?
There is no real evidence that aspirin will prolong life. However, some other additives will clog up your hydrometer.

Is my Exide marine battery "maintenance free"?
While your battery is maintenance free, it is also maintenance accessible. For optimal performance the electrolyte level should be checked approximately every 30 days. The electrolyte level should be maintained between the top of the plates and the bottom of the vent cap openings.

In an emergency, can a deep cycle battery be used to start an outboard motor?
Yes. But ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY! For maximum battery life, a two-battery system is recommended.

Can I charge my travel trailer batteries while I'm pulling the trailer?
Yes. Install a solid-state battery isolator to the vehicle's electrical system. This allows the trailer's batteries to be charged while driving and prevents discharge of your vehicle's starting battery. The isolator is becoming standard equipment on many motor homes.

What is the proper way to store Exide marine batteries?
Clean battery case and terminals with baking soda and water, being careful to make sure the solution does not get into the battery. Always check to ensure the battery is fully charged before storing. Batteries stored in a discharged state are susceptible to freezing and an increased rate of further discharge. Store in a cool dry place (not next to a furnace or other heat source) and out of reach of children and pets. Check the state of charge every 45-60 days and add distilled water if needed.