My battery use during camping is relatively light, and so far I have used regular starting batteries. They seem to die from age rather than use. I get 5-7 years out of one, and have had just as good life with inexpensive Walmart batteries as the more expensive Optima red top. Using a two battery setup seems unnecessary. I would just be replacing two batteries instead of one every 5-7 years. Now I'm looking to replace my 2002 Optima red top. A 55Ah Optima yellow top is relatively affordable at Costco (CAD 160 when I last looked). However, for less than that I can pick up a marine battery with many more Ah at Canadian tire. Marine batteries are marketed for the use pattern I have (Summer use, mostly starting, and some light appliance use) Since I have a Diesel, with the battery in the rear I can fit a larger battery than stock. For instance, 70Ah is $99, 90, $114 and 103Ah at $139. http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/Marine/MarineBatteries/N~4294966494+24.jsp These "Motomaster" Canadian tire batteries are made by Excide (perhaps at their Calgary plant). I have to check fit carefully (I think batteries are not returnable. Maybe I can negotiate to take one to the parking lot to try) Does anyone have experience with the longevity of Excide marine batteries? Have you used other marine batteries? Any significant drawbacks compare to true deep cycle? Thanks, Martin
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