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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