Is the deep cycle/isolator debate still on?

claylong · 06-24-2003, 11:28 AM

I did some looking around, and found that there were a few people that were using the deep cycle battery for their computers. I also saw that there was some debate as to the usefulness of the deep cycle, the charging technics, and the safety. I would like to pose a question, in hopes that i can clairify everyone's position.

My car's charging system is not completely up to the job of running the car, AND the computer equipment (in the case of headlights and windshield wipers, the battery starts discharging pretty bad). I have a 400w inverter, a battery isolator, and a deep cycle batter to be added to my existing electrical setup.

Can the deep cycle be placed on the isolator, and the car's 13.8v charging system? Do i need a chaging circuit for a deep cycle? Because of the car's shortcomings, i would like to be able to stop and start the 2nd battery's charging, what do i need to use to control the current (relay, switch, solenoid)? Battery venting for trunk storage?

Let me know what you think, and if there has already been a decision made on any of the above topics, please point that out.

Thanks guys.