Day: June 14, 2025

The RV Battery Buying Guide helps users select the best battery type, capacity, and configuration for their recreational vehicle’s power needs. It covers deep-cycle batteries—lead-acid (AGM, flooded) and lithium-ion (LiFePO4)—with focus on voltage (12V/24V), amp-hour (Ah) ratings, cycle life, and maintenance. Key factors include solar compatibility, charging systems, and temperature resilience. Lithium batteries dominate for lightweight designs and 3,000+ cycle durability, while AGM suits budget-conscious users needing moderate 500–800 cycles. Pro Tip: Match battery capacity (Ah) to daily kWh usage—calculate by multiplying device wattages by runtime hours.

What Makes the Duralast Marine and RV Deep Cycle Battery a Top Choice?

What types of RV batteries are available?

RV batteries include flooded lead-acid (FLA), AGM, and lithium-ion. FLA batteries are affordable but need weekly maintenance. AGM resists vibration and works in any orientation. Lithium offers 95% depth of discharge (DoD) and 10-year lifespan. Choose based on budget, usage frequency, and electrical demands.

Flooded lead-acid batteries have been the standard for decades due to their low upfront cost, but they require regular watering and venting to prevent hydrogen buildup. AGM batteries, a sealed lead-acid variant, eliminate maintenance and handle rough terrains better, making them ideal for mobile RVs. Lithium-ion, specifically LiFePO4, outperforms both with 3,000–5,000 cycles versus 300–800 for lead-acid. For example, a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery delivers ~1280Wh usable energy (100Ah × 12.8V × 95% DoD), while a lead-acid offers only ~480Wh (100Ah × 12V × 40% DoD). Pro Tip: Pair lithium batteries with a compatible charger—lead-acid chargers may undercharge them, reducing capacity.

How to determine your RV’s voltage needs?

Most RVs use 12V systems for lights, fans, and pumps. Larger rigs with high-wattage appliances (AC, microwaves) require 24V systems to reduce current draw. Verify your RV’s converter and inverter voltage compatibility—12V is standard, but 24V cuts wire costs by 75% for same power.

When upgrading to lithium, confirm your RV’s converter can handle 14.4V absorption voltage. Unlike lead-acid, lithium batteries maintain stable voltage under load. A 12V lithium battery stays above 12.8V until 95% discharged, whereas lead-acid drops to 10.5V at 50% DoD. For RVs with 3,000W inverters, 24V systems halve the current (125A vs. 250A), reducing heat and voltage drop. But what if your appliances are 12V-only? Use a DC-DC converter to avoid rewiring. Pro Tip: For solar setups, higher voltage batteries (24V/48V) minimize charge controller costs.

Why is battery capacity (Ah) critical for RVs?

Amp-hour (Ah) defines runtime—higher Ah means longer between charges. Calculate needs by summing all loads: e.g., 10A fridge × 24h = 240Ah daily. Add 20% buffer to avoid deep discharges. Lithium’s higher DoD effectively doubles usable capacity versus lead-acid.

Imagine boondocking for three days with a 200Ah lithium battery. At 95% DoD, you’ve got 190Ah usable. Subtract nightly loads (LED lights: 2A × 5h = 10Ah, water pump: 4A × 1h = 4Ah), and you’ll still have 176Ah for the fridge. Lead-acid would deplete to 50% after one day, risking sulfation. Pro Tip: Use a battery monitor to track real-time Ah consumption—prevents unexpected power loss.

What Are the Best Marine and RV Batteries for Long-Lasting Power?

What factors affect RV battery lifespan?

Temperature, depth of discharge, and charging habits dictate longevity. Lithium handles -20°C–60°C, while lead-acid loses 50% capacity below 0°C. Avoid discharging below 50% on lead-acid; lithium can go to 5% without harm.

Charging lead-acid too slowly causes sulfation, while overcharging corrodes plates. Lithium thrives on partial charges—no memory effect. Parked RVs should use maintenance chargers: 13.6V for lead-acid, 13.8V for lithium. But why does a 100Ah lithium outlast 200Ah lead-acid? It’s all about usable cycles. Even with double the Ah, lead-acid’s 500 cycles (to 50% DoD) yield 500 × 50Ah = 25,000Ah total. Lithium’s 3,000 cycles (to 95% DoD) deliver 3,000 × 95Ah = 285,000Ah—11x more. Pro Tip: Store batteries at 50% charge if unused for months.

How to choose a solar-compatible RV battery?

Lithium batteries pair best with solar due to high charge acceptance (1C vs. 0.2C for lead-acid). They charge 5x faster, capturing peak sun hours. Ensure your solar charge controller supports lithium’s voltage range (12.8V–14.6V).

For a 400W solar array, a 200Ah lithium battery can absorb 40A (400W ÷ 12V = 33.3A), while lead-acid maxes at 20A (0.2C × 100Ah). This means lithium recharges fully in 5 hours vs. 10+ for lead-acid. MPPT controllers boost efficiency by 30%, but are they worth the cost? Absolutely—they adapt to cloud cover, squeezing every watt. Pro Tip: Oversize solar panels by 20% to account for shading and angle losses.

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Deep cycle marine batteries are designed for prolonged, consistent power delivery in boats, featuring robust construction with thick lead plates or lithium-ion (LiFePO4) cells to handle repeated 50–80% discharges. Unlike starter batteries, they prioritize capacity over cranking amps, making them ideal for trolling motors, fishfinders, and onboard electronics. Lithium variants offer 3–5x longer lifespan and vibration resistance, critical for marine environments.

What Are the Best Marine and RV Batteries for Long-Lasting Power?

What defines a marine deep cycle battery?

Marine deep cycle batteries utilize thick lead plates or lithium cells to sustain 50–100% depth of discharge (DoD) without damage. They’re engineered for 200–3000 cycles, with LiFePO4 models achieving 80% capacity after 2000+ cycles. Key metrics include reserve capacity (RC) and amp-hour (Ah) ratings, ensuring stable 12V–48V output under load.

Technically, lead-acid marine batteries have plate thicknesses of 0.12–0.2 inches, compared to 0.06–0.08 inches in starter batteries. This allows deeper discharges but increases weight—a 100Ah AGM model weighs ~65 lbs vs. 31 lbs for lithium. Pro Tip: Always recharge lead-acid batteries within 24 hours after deep cycling to prevent sulfation. For example, a 100Ah lithium battery can power a 30lb-thrust trolling motor for 8+ hours at medium speed. Why does plate thickness matter? Thicker plates resist corrosion during repetitive discharges, directly impacting longevity.

Deep cycle vs. starter batteries: Which suits boats?

Deep cycle batteries excel in long-term energy delivery, while starter batteries provide short 3–15 second bursts for ignition. Marine engines require dual-purpose batteries if space-limited, but dedicated deep cycles are better for accessory loads exceeding 30 minutes.

Starter batteries use thin, porous plates optimized for surface area, delivering 500–1000 CCA (cold cranking amps) but failing below 20% DoD. Deep cycles tolerate 50% DoD routinely, with RC ratings of 120–240 minutes. A 24M-XC dual-purpose battery offers 800 CCA and 140 RC—a compromise for small boats. Pro Tip: For engines over 200HP, pair a dedicated starter battery with a deep cycle bank to avoid voltage drops during ignition. Practically speaking, a wakeboard boat running a 1kW stereo for 4 hours needs 400Ah capacity—impossible with starter batteries alone.

Why prioritize vibration resistance?

Marine batteries face constant shocks from waves and engine vibration. AGM and LiFePO4 designs use immobilized electrolytes or solid-state structures to prevent internal damage—critical for offshore use.

Lead-acid batteries with liquid electrolytes can suffer from plate shedding during prolonged vibration, reducing capacity by 15–30% annually. AGM batteries absorb shocks through fiberglass mats, while lithium packs use prismatic cells with welded brackets. For example, Bass Pro Shops’ XPS-31 AGM withstands 2.5G vibration vs. 1.2G in standard flooded batteries. Pro Tip: Mount batteries vertically using corrosion-resistant steel trays to minimize lateral movement. Beyond physical robustness, vibration-resistant batteries also maintain stable voltage during rough seas, preventing electronics from resetting mid-voyage.

How does temperature affect marine batteries?

Extreme heat accelerates corrosion, while cold reduces capacity by 20–50%. Lithium handles -4°F to 140°F, whereas lead-acid struggles below 32°F. Proper insulation and vented compartments are essential for lead-acid in freezing conditions.

A 100Ah AGM battery at 0°F delivers only 55Ah, whereas lithium retains 85% capacity. High temps above 90°F can halve lead-acid lifespan but only reduce lithium cycles by 15–20%. Pro Tip: Install temperature sensors on lead-acid banks—charging below 32°F causes dangerous sulfate crystallization. For ice-fishing applications, lithium’s cold-weather resilience justifies the 3x upfront cost, delivering reliable starts at -20°F.

What Makes the Expedition Deep Cycle RV Battery DC27 a Top Choice?

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A Group 31M deep-cycle marine battery is a heavy-duty power source engineered for sustained energy delivery in marine and RV applications. With a standardized BCI Group 31 size (approximately 33 cm long x 17.8 cm wide x 23.9 cm tall), it delivers 100–120Ah capacity at 12V and 800–900 cold-cranking amps (CCA), optimized for trolling motors, onboard electronics, and auxiliary systems requiring deep discharges down to 80% depth of discharge (DoD).

What Makes the Duralast Marine and RV Deep Cycle Battery a Top Choice?

How does Group 31M differ from standard marine batteries?

Unlike starter batteries designed for brief high-current bursts, Group 31M models use thicker lead plates (3.5–4.2 mm) and acid-resistant separators to withstand 400+ cycles at 80% DoD. Pro Tip: Look for AGM (absorbent glass mat) variants to prevent acid spills in rough waters.

Standard marine starter batteries prioritize short 5–15 second discharges for engine cranking, using thinner plates vulnerable to warping if deeply discharged. In contrast, Group 31M’s deep-cycle architecture allows gradual 20–100A draws over hours—ideal for powering fishfinders or cabin lights during overnight trips. For example, a 105Ah Group 31M can run a 50W marine radio for 20+ hours before needing recharge. Always verify battery chemistry: Flooded lead-acid versions require quarterly water refills, while VRLA (valve-regulated) types are maintenance-free but cost 30% more.

What applications require Group 31M batteries?

These batteries excel in high-demand marine/RV systems—trolling motors (40–80lbs thrust), solar arrays, and dual-engine boats needing reliable reserve power. Their vibration resistance prevents internal damage in choppy conditions.

Group 31M units support three primary use cases:

1. Continuous loads: Navigation systems drawing 5–15A over 8–12 hours
2. Cyclical demands: Winches requiring 100A+ bursts during anchor retrieval
3. Hybrid setups: Combining with start batteries via isolators for dual-purpose vessels

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What Are the Best 8 Volt Golf Cart Batteries at Sam’s Club?

Recycling services for customers are specialized programs offered by companies to responsibly dispose of or repurpose end-of-life products, such as electronics, batteries, and packaging. These services often include collection, sorting, and processing to recover materials like metals, plastics, and rare earth elements, minimizing landfill waste. Leading providers comply with regulations like the WEEE Directive and EPA guidelines to ensure safe handling of hazardous components.

What Makes the Duralast Marine and RV Deep Cycle Battery a Top Choice?

What defines customer recycling services?

Customer recycling services focus on material recovery and regulatory compliance, offering solutions like take-back programs or drop-off hubs. They prioritize eco-friendly disposal of lithium batteries, e-waste, and plastics while adhering to safety protocols to prevent environmental contamination.

These services typically handle collection logistics, material sorting, and processing. For example, a lithium-ion battery recycler might use hydrometallurgical techniques to extract cobalt with 95% efficiency. Pro Tip: Always verify a provider’s R2 or e-Stewards certification to avoid illegal dumping risks. Technical specs include throughput capacity (e.g., 500+ tons/month) and recovery rates for critical materials. A real-world case: Apple’s recycling robot Daisy disassembles 200 iPhones/hour, recovering aluminum for reuse. Transitionally, while cost matters, sustainability outcomes often hinge on supply chain transparency. Ask: Does your recycler disclose downstream partners?

What types of recycling programs exist?

Common programs include mail-in kits, retail drop-offs, and bulk pickup. Mail-in services suit small items like AA batteries, while industrial-scale pickups handle EV battery packs or server racks.

Battery recycling often employs pyrometallurgy (high-temperature smelting) or mechanical shredding with sieving. For lead-acid batteries, 98% of lead can be reclaimed. Transitionally, though retail drop-offs are convenient, they may lack capacity for large LiFePO4 packs. Pro Tip: Use prepaid return labels for hazardous items—UPS/FedEx require UN38.3 certification for lithium battery shipments. Consider Best Buy’s program: 90% of their recycled TVs undergo glass-to-glass closed-loop recycling. But what about emerging solutions? Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory recycles 1,300+ tons of battery scrap annually via in-house processes.

How do recycling services benefit customers?

Benefits include regulatory compliance, cost savings, and sustainability branding. Companies avoid EPA fines (up to $75k/day) while recovering valuable materials worth $18B annually in the battery sector alone.

For EV manufacturers, recycling 1 ton of lithium batteries saves 3.5 tons of CO2 emissions. Practically speaking, closed-loop systems like Redwood Materials’ reduce nickel/cobalt mining by 70%. Pro Tip: Partner with recyclers offering auditable ESG reports—investors increasingly prioritize circular economy metrics. Transitionally, while upfront costs exist, reclaimed copper from 10k smartphones yields $50k+ in resale value. Example: Dell’s Ocean Plastics Program upcycles marine debris into packaging, enhancing brand loyalty.

What are common recycling challenges?

Challenges involve logistical costs, material complexity, and safety risks. Transporting lithium batteries requires UN-certified packaging, adding 20–30% to program costs. Mixed-material items like circuit boards need advanced separation tech.

Flammable electrolytes in Li-ion cells demand inert-atmosphere processing. Pro Tip: Pre-sort materials by type—contaminated batches lower recovery rates and profits. For example, Panasonic’s sorting AIs achieve 99% purity in metal streams, but manual presorting remains vital. Ask: Could blockchain traceability solve supply chain opacity? Toyota’s battery passports track materials from mine to recycler, but adoption is slow.

How to choose a recycling provider?

Evaluate certifications, recovery rates, and downstream partnerships. R2-certified recyclers guarantee data security for IT assets and >80% material recovery for batteries.

Check if providers use ISO 14001-compliant facilities—noncompliant sites risk groundwater pollution. Transitionally, while startups offer low fees, established firms like Li-Cycle boast 95% lithium recovery via spoke-and-hub models. Pro Tip: Demand proof of final material destinations—some “recyclers” export waste illegally. Case in point: 40% of US e-waste ends in Ghana’s Agbogbloshie dump, releasing toxic fumes. For EVs, prioritize recyclers with EV-specific equipment like discharge tunnels for high-voltage packs.

What innovations are shaping recycling?

Innovations include direct lithium extraction, bioleaching, and AI sorting. Startup Battery Resourcers uses cathode rejuvenation to cut recycling costs by 40% vs. traditional smelting.

Bioleaching employs bacteria to dissolve metals—a Chilean mine recovers 60% copper from slag using Acidithiobacillus. Transitionally, though AI improves sorting accuracy to 98%, it can’t yet handle gelatinous electrolyte residues. Pro Tip: Monitor DOE grants—companies like Redwood Materials secured $2B for US lithium-ion recycling plants. Imagine if all Tesla’s Model 3 batteries were recycled: 15k tons of recoverable nickel could supply 500k new EVs annually.

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What Are the Best Marine and RV Batteries for Long-Lasting Power?

Batteries Plus specializes in retail and business-to-business solutions for battery replacement and energy-efficient lighting products. The company operates over 670 U.S. locations across 46 states, offering custom battery packs, specialty batteries for 45,000+ devices, and tailored lighting systems. Their core services include battery recycling, device power diagnostics, and commercial energy audits, with technical expertise in lithium-ion and advanced battery technologies.

What Are the Best 8 Volt Golf Cart Batteries at Sam’s Club?

What custom battery solutions are available?

Batteries Plus provides bespoke battery configurations for niche applications, including rare form factors and industrial-grade cells. Their engineers design packs with specific discharge curves and thermal protections, tested under ANSI/UL standards. A hospital’s portable X-ray machines, for instance, might use custom 48V LiFePO4 packs with IP67-rated casings. Pro Tip: Always request cycle-life validation reports for mission-critical deployments.

Beyond standard replacements, their technical teams develop battery systems addressing unique voltage requirements (4V–72V) and connector types. For marine applications, they create vibration-resistant AGM battery arrays with marine-grade terminals. Recent innovations include solar-compatible lithium packs with integrated MPPT controllers, optimizing renewable energy storage. Practically speaking, these solutions require 3–7 business days for prototyping, depending on BMS complexity.

How do commercial lighting solutions work?

Their LED retrofit programs reduce business energy costs by 30–60% through precise lumen/watt optimization. Technicians conduct site audits using calibrated light meters, identifying outdated T8/T12 fixtures for replacement. A 10,000 sq.ft. warehouse typically achieves 18-month ROI via motion-sensing high bays and daylight harvesting controls.

Commercial clients receive photometric plans ensuring uniform illumination meeting IESNA RP-7 standards. For retail spaces, they install 90+ CRI track lighting enhancing product visibility. Ever wonder how color temperature impacts sales? Their 4000K LED arrays in checkout areas have shown 12% basket-size increases in grocery chains. Pro Tip: Schedule lighting upgrades during low-activity periods—most installations cause ≤4 hours operational downtime.

What device-specific services exist?

Technicians replace obsolete power sources like NiCd drill batteries with modern Li-ion equivalents, often doubling runtime. They maintain cross-reference databases for discontinued models—a 1990s medical device might get revitalized through adapted 18650 cell arrays. For Apple devices, they offer OEM-grade battery swaps preserving True Tone functionality.

Specialized services include marine battery load testing (per ABYC E-11 standards) and wheelchair battery reconditioning. Automotive solutions cover key fob battery replacements with signal verification testing—critical for modern push-start systems. Did you know improper watch battery installation damages 23% of timepieces? Their certified jewelers use antistatic tools and pressure-calibrated sealers.

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What Makes the Expedition Deep Cycle RV Battery DC27 a Top Choice?

RV shore power operates by connecting your motorhome to an external AC electrical source (typically 120V 30A or 50A) through a heavy-duty power cord. This feeds power to onboard circuits via a transfer switch, bypassing batteries while energizing outlets, air conditioners, and converters that charge house batteries. Rigorous GFCI protection and automatic voltage regulation prevent overloads. Most systems include polarity checkers and surge protection to ensure safe campground grid synchronization.

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What components enable shore power connectivity?

Shore power systems require three critical elements: inlet connectors (NEMA TT-30R for 30A, SS2-50R for 50A), automated transfer switches, and power converters/chargers. These components manage grid-to-RV energy flow while preventing backfeeding hazards. Pro Tip: Always use marine-grade, UV-resistant power cords to withstand campground wear.

When plugging into shore power, energy first passes through the inlet’s weatherproof connector rated for 125V (30A) or 240V split-phase (50A). The transfer switch then isolates the generator circuit automatically—critical because simultaneous operation of shore power and onboard generators risks phase conflicts. Power converters transform AC to DC voltage for battery charging through multi-stage regulation (bulk/absorption/float). For example, a 50A service splits into two 120V legs that power dual AC units independently. Always verify your RV’s load balancing configuration before using high-wattage appliances simultaneously.

How does voltage regulation protect motorhome systems?

Voltage regulators and EMS (Electrical Management Systems) shield sensitive electronics from campground power irregularities. They monitor voltage dips below 104V or surges above 132V, disconnecting power when thresholds breach UL 458 standards. Progressive Industries units even track frequency variations beyond 55-65Hz that could damage inverter chargers.

Campground power quality varies dramatically—we’ve recorded voltage swings from 98V to 134V during peak seasons. Built-in regulators compensate for brownouts by boosting voltage through transformers, while surge protectors use MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors) to shunt excess current. For instance, a 35% voltage drop could cause air conditioner compressors to overamp by 200%. High-end systems like the Surge Guard 40350 automatically reboot after correcting voltage without manual intervention. Remember: Most insurance policies void coverage for surge damage if no UL-listed EMS is installed.

What Makes the Duralast Marine and RV Deep Cycle Battery a Top Choice?

Why are GFCI breakers mandatory in shore power setups?

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection prevents lethal shocks in wet outdoor environments. NEC Article 551 mandates 5mA differential current detection, tripping breakers within 25ms if leaks occur through damaged cords or faulty appliances.

RV shore power interacts with water systems (exterior outlets, wet slides), creating shock risks. GFCI compares incoming/outgoing current—a 6mA imbalance indicates stray current flowing through a person or water, prompting shutdown. Test GFCIs monthly by pressing their “TEST” buttons; failure to trip within 0.27 seconds requires immediate replacement. For example, a cracked power cord submerged in rainwater could channel 30mA through someone touching metal siding—without GFCI, this delivers a potentially fatal jolt versus a harmless 5mA threshold cutoff.

How does shore power integrate with battery systems?

Converter/chargers bridge shore power and batteries, converting 120V AC to 12V DC while charging via 3-stage algorithms. Advanced models like WFCO 8955 offer 55A output, replenishing 600Ah banks in 11 hours. Dual battery isolation maintains starter/house bank separation during charging.

When connected to shore power, the converter prioritizes AC loads while intelligently charging batteries. Bulk phase delivers maximum current until 80% SOC (14.4V), absorption maintains voltage for cell balancing, then float mode (13.6V) prevents overcharge. A motorhome with 400W solar and 30A shore power might combine both via a Victron MultiPlus inverter/charger. Pro Tip: Lithium batteries require adjustable voltage converters—standard lead-acid chargers can’t reach LiFePO4’s 14.6V absorption target.

What distinguishes 30A vs 50A shore power services?

30A systems (120V single-phase) provide 3,600W max, while 50A systems (120/240V dual-phase) offer 12,000W. The latter uses two hot wires, a neutral, and ground—enabling simultaneous operation of multiple high-load appliances without tripping breakers.

A 30A motorhome must carefully manage power—running one AC unit (1,500W) plus microwave (1,000W) leaves just 1,100W for other devices. In contrast, 50A RVs can operate two ACs (3,000W), electric water heater (1,500W), and induction cooktop (3,500W) concurrently. For perspective, 50A service equals four standard household circuits. But why do 50A inlets use different plugs? The NEMA 14-50R’s four-prong design accommodates two 120V legs, neutral, and ground—critical for balancing 240V split-phase loads like large inverters.

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The Duracell Ultra Group 31M 12V 110Ah AGM battery is a sealed lead-acid deep-cycle battery designed for high-demand applications like marine, RV, and solar systems. Its absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology ensures spill-proof operation, vibration resistance, and maintenance-free performance. With 110Ah capacity, it supports sustained power delivery and deep discharges while maintaining longevity—ideal for trolling motors, off-grid energy storage, or backup power systems. What Are the Best 8 Volt Golf Cart Batteries at Sam’s Club?

What applications suit the Group 31M 12V 110Ah AGM?

This battery excels in deep-cycle scenarios requiring stable 12V power. From marine trolling motors to RV house banks, its 110Ah capacity sustains multiday use. Pro Tip: Pair with a 20–30A charger to avoid undercharging—AGM cells need full saturation to prevent sulfation.

For example, a 31M powers a 50W RV fridge for ~26 hours. Transitionally, its vibration resistance makes it reliable for rough terrain. However, always monitor depth of discharge (DoD)—keeping it above 50% extends cycle life from 500 to 1,000 cycles. Beyond mobility uses, solar setups benefit from its low self-discharge (3% monthly), reducing maintenance. But what if you need higher voltage? Series configurations require matched batteries and a compatible inverter.

How does AGM technology enhance performance?

AGM construction traps electrolyte in fiberglass mats, enabling spill-proof operation and faster recharge than flooded batteries. With 200–300A max discharge rates, it outperforms gel cells in cold cranking amps (CCA). Pro Tip: Never expose AGM batteries to temperatures above 113°F—thermal runaway risks increase.

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What Makes the Duralast Marine and RV Deep Cycle Battery a Top Choice?