Battery choice

[Reallyretired]

When my batteries need replacing, I am inclined to replace them with standard car batteries.
I have 400w solar and use an inverter, thus my use is more akin to the use a starter battery would get. They are normally fully charged so deep cycling is not required, and the inverter can draw 150amps+ for short periods, so a battery with a high cranking current seems appropriate.
Night time use is normally just lights (led), very rarely tv and otherwise just charging of phones, tablets, kindles, toothbrushes, not very significant use for 2x100Ah batteries. May even try to find room for another battery.
Also taking into account that starter batteries are half the price it seems an obvious choice. Especially as some leisure batteries are just re badged starter batteries we are told.
Obviously there is a lack of solar in the winter, but in the winter I only stay in places with ehu anyway.

Anyone think differently?

 

[DP+JAY]

I agree, my 3 are between 3 & 5 years old. I prefer ones that I can open up to check/top up .
Like this,

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Or this if you're stuck for height.

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[funflair]

I would still go for a leisure battery with thicker plates (heavy) the inverter draw at 75 amps per battery is nothing like 800 CCA of a thin plate starter battery. Personally I am impressed with the Gel batteries that were on our van when we got it over 3 years ago and I believe they are original so now 9 years old. Exide G80 80 ah Gel x2 running 2kw inverter and charged by 320w solar.

But they are about twice the price of standard lead acid.

 

[Lenny HB]

As you have 400w of solar I assume you camp of grid a lot & don't use EHU, if that is the case I wouldn't skimp on batteries, could be your lifeline if you get a few rainy days on the trot. I am also a fan of Gel's but for your usage good quality wet leisure batteries should do the job.