What is the difference between a standard and deep cycle battery?
Standard automotive batteries are made for short bursts of power. (3-5 seconds) The lead plates in standard automotive batteries are thinner than a deep cycle so more of these plates can be installed into the battery case. The more lead plates installed in a battery, the more CCA (cold cranking amps). This is why you see automotive batteries with 800 CCA but deep cycle batteries have much less CCA power.
Deep cycle batteries have thicker plates to handle higher, more sustained electrical loads. That is why Deep Cycle batteries are recommended for campers, boat trolling motors, etc. Anything that will require power usage for much longer than the 3-5 seconds like an automotive battery is rated for, requires much thicker plates to have longer lasting power output.
