What is the best battery for a ice house?

[bigu66]

Im looking around for the best kind of battery for my new ice house. Would you use a gel or agm battery? I read the gel type has to be charged slowly and the agm doesn't. I want to charge as little as possible on the ice so was thinking of getting 2-3 batteries.

Thanks, BigU

[chris63]

What are your current needs?This will determine how much battery power you will need.Lights/tv/dvd will use up alot of power.I also like having a fan or two to move around the air!c63

[Ed Carlson]

Two deep cycle batteries with a individual reserve capacity of 160 or more (160 x2 = 320) will go a long way if properly maintained.

Depending on amp draw and frequency of use this should cover most all needs. Keeping them up while not in use between trips is the challenge and then you should consider 10 amp to 15 amp solar charging system to keep things up.

Instead of adding the third battery as your now considering, consider the solar charging option.

If your going to need a lot of amps on demand, then I would say look to a Honda Eu-2000i generator for your power needs and less battery storage weight and cost. I personally like this answer the best for your needs.

They even have a new propain kit version, that makes the system even more convenent for the ice angler.

KIT-EU2000i-SD-12

Consider the use you have for the generator year around. Then you may find it may be a far more cost effective answer with greater overall utility and potential.

[hovermn]

Just remember that when using 2 or more batteries hooked up in parallel, they need to be the same battery and age (new or same duty age). That way they'll discharge and charge equally. Also, when starting out, it's a good idea to charge them seperately, hook them up as they'll be run, discharge them, and then charge them together. This will equalize them properly and give you a nice long life.

All suggestions from a tech at Minnesota Battery.

[crappiebuster]

Anyone ever used the bigger Diehard deep cycles? Think theyre around 115 bucks. I believe 29 grouping.

[Jigging Joe]

I really like Interstate batteries, I just bought a 29 group for $115.

Stay away from anything made by exide, imo they dont last very long, I've had bad luck with almost all batteries except Interstate.

[hovermn]

Interstate does make a heck of a good battery. Trojan are also very good. You'll find Trogans in a lot of commercial powered equipment like floor scrubbers, cart pushers, etc where they see heavy discharge and frequent partial/full charge cycles and they hold up great.