Deep cycle batteries

[gim]

I've always used Interstate Batteries and have had good experiences with them.  The local fleet store has their own brand of Resolutes on sale this week plus $10 trade in.  They are about $35 less per battery than the Interstates.  I talked to an automotive employee there and he said that all of the batteries that are similar in nature are made in China so the components are exactly the same and the only difference is the label on the outside.  Anyone care to comment about this or if they've used a knock off version of marine batteries?  How was your experience with them?

 

Thanks

[Johnbt]

I looked at the Resolute batteries on Fleetfarm.com

 

Some say "Made in US from US and imported parts"

Some say "Made in USA"

 

They're probably made by Exide, Johnson or EastPenn/Deka.

 

 

[Way2slow]

I suspect Trojan, EastPenn, US Battery, and Possibly Johnson Control would have a little something to say about that.  I've been retired for nine years and out of the loop on a lot of this stuff but I have serious doubts those first three are using Chinese components.  I'm not saying they are not, but I would be a bit surprised if they are. 

Now understand, you said Deep Cycle, only a few companies make a true deep cycle trolling motor battery.  Automotive style batteries, cranking batteries, and dual purpose are totally different animals than true deep cycle. If a battery has a CCA or MCA rating number on it, its' not a true deep cycle.  Deep cycle batteries are not designed for cranking so the their ratings are going to be in Amp Hour based a time, or reserve minutes.

[OnthePotomac]

My TM battery Is a size 27 DEKA Marine Master HD Deep Cycle, 575 CCA, 25 amp AVG 200Min.  Just like my last one.