Wylie_Tunes
Well-Known Member
No battery likes a deep cycle, but AGM's are more tolerant then traditional wet cell. The deeper the cycle, the less they fully recover.
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8D's are really a dual purpose which can be used for both starting and deep cycle. Deep cycle means only to 10.5 volts which is about 60%DOD; however, they can deliver very high cold cranking amps and are common for starting engines. The little sister of the 8D is the Group 27 dual purpose. Three Group 27 batteries in parallel is about the same as one 8D.That is my fear, that it killed a $300 battery. Are 8D any different from the normal deep cycle batteries?
MM
8D's are really a dual purpose which can be used for both starting and deep cycle. Deep cycle means only to 10.5 volts which is about 60%DOD; however, they can deliver very high cold cranking amps and are common for starting engines. The little sister of the 8D is the Group 27 dual purpose. Three Group 27 batteries in parallel is about the same as one 8D.
If you go 8D you can't beat the price at batteries plus.I'll try to keep optimistic. Would you replace an 8D or get the 3 batteries?
MM
If you go with 3 27's in parallel, you also need to find more space to install... more cables... and may not charge up quite as nicely.I'll try to keep optimistic. Would you replace an 8D or get the 3 batteries?
MM
If you go with 3 27's in parallel, you also need to find more space to install... more cables... and may not charge up quite as nicely.
This is who makes Deka batteries - they and Interstate are the two biggest/bestest players in this general category:
http://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/Marine-Master-Spec-Sheet-0194.pdf
Personally I would use 3 group 31 agm's. Little more space but much easier to handle.
Cheaper too.
Can't get any cheaper than the Duracells at Walmart. Made by East Penn. Same as a Deka.
Walmart is known for contracting a "special" version of items so they can sell at a lower price. Are you 100% positive that they are made to the same specs as the actual Deka's? Or are you just aware that they are made by Deka? Which, by the way, that part is true - Duracells are made by Deka... but are ALL Duracells made by Deka?Can't get any cheaper than the Duracells at Walmart. Made by East Penn. Same as a Deka.
I'm by no means a battery expert - but given what I know, if I were in your shoes I would stick with the 8D. It seems like the logical choice - unless someone can explain how (3) 27's are superior to the 8D... taking into account the added cost of the extra cabling and other "noteworthy" items.So you are implying you would not swap out and would retain the 8D setup?
MM
Walmart is known for contracting a "special" version of items so they can sell at a lower price. Are you 100% positive that they are made to the same specs as the actual Deka's? Or are you just aware that they are made by Deka? Which, by the way, that part is true - Duracells are made by Deka... but are ALL Duracells made by Deka?
I believe the main plant is about a 1/2 hour from me. Maybe some day I'll be in the area and will stop by. It would probably be good to talk with someone directly at the plant - sort of the "horse's mouth", so to say. Thanks for the info!Many companies contract with East Penn for private label. My local Deka guy tells me they are the same. West Marine too. Geography may play a part also. East Penn is here in the East. Highly regarded by most.
The Duracell name was licensed to encompass Automotive/Marine markets. They could certainly contract Exide or Johnson controls at some point depending on price or region.
Setting a brand debate aside. 3 individual batteries may be easier to haul in and out of an engine bay, then 1 large. 3 may be easier to find a spot in the engine bay then one large. So these are things that need to ba taken into consideration.unless someone can explain how (3) 27's are superior to the 8D.
Setting a brand debate aside. 3 individual batteries may be easier to haul in and out of an engine bay, then 1 large. 3 may be easier to find a spot in the engine bay then one large. So these are things that need to ba taken into consideration.
Ah wise, barring any issues above, the setup that offers the best Ah x $$, is the best setup. With that said, A group 29 or 31 have about the same footprint as a 27, but a little higher AH. So three 29 or 31 in parallel, could easily be better that 300 Ah.
The cabling to link 2 extra batteries, and the hold-downs, it negligible, unless you have to spread the the batteries out around the engine bay. But, in that case, it sounds like the 8D would not fit either.