Electricity is a vital camping resource. While dry camping is a great way to unhinge from your stressful lifestyle, it’s a good idea to have working devices onsite, such as a phone or radio, in case of an emergency.
A light bulb or two also makes it easier to move around and drive away wild animals.
As George Ellis puts it, “it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” Plus, you are camping to detach from the things that wear you out, and it is unlikely electricity is one of them.
Apparently, your only choice is to bring a portable battery with enough power to run small devices. Or, you can set up solar panels to replenish your daily wattage. The problem with portable batteries is their limited juice, so you should use them sparingly.
You can bring solar panels to top them up, but you need multiple PV cells, which might not be convenient to load up in your pickup truck along with all your stuff. The best solution is to invest in a recreational vehicle.
In an RV, you can stash multiple battery units. It also has large solar panels on the roof that can store enough power to support your daily consumption. You can use that power to run some of your appliances if you have an inverter.
But that will depend on the type of batteries you have. Some are more suitable for storing solar power and last longer than others.
How to choose a car battery?
To be clear, the battery we are discussing is the same battery we use in our car. Yes, they can power other devices and store solar energy, too. But commercially available batters come in different brands, capacities, purposes, and sizes.
Choosing one that suits your camping needs can be tricky. It would be best to seek advice from experienced RV owners with first-hand experience with batteries on a campsite.
Choosing a battery takes a few general considerations, including dimensions, terminal locations, etc. You have more flexibility if you only need the battery as a spare power source, but if you use it in a car, you must check your vehicle’s manual first.
The battery must meet the recommended size, terminal location, cold cranking amp, and other specs for compatibility. You must also consider driving conditions because batteries differ in heat tolerance.
Consider your budget, too. Some batteries are pricier than others, but that’s because they have better features. If you want to save money, be ready to experience shortcomings.
For example, if you choose a standard flooded battery, know that it requires regular maintenance and fluid level checks. But if you want a low-maintenance battery, go for the sealed type, which costs more. Be sure to compare warranties as well.
Why Trojan Battery?
It’s challenging to find a battery that’s both affordable and first-class. But if you know established brands like Trojan Battery, you’ll definitely look no further.
Trojan Battery has been a global leader in deep-cycle battery manufacturing for over a century. Its products are the fruit of decades of innovation.
Today, as they venture deeper into deep-cycle power storage, they bring in more features that make their batteries more durable. It’s no wonder Trojan batteries are in over 98 percent of all golf carts.
Three of their bestsellers are among your top choices for your camping needs—T605, T105, and T25.
All are equipped with advanced features, including the Alpha Plus® Paste with T2 Technology™, which delivers outstanding performance, and the Trojan Grid Technology, which provides excellent structure between the Alpha Plus Paste and the grid frame.
This article compares these three exceptional batteries to help you find the perfect power-storing device for your camping needs.
| Features | T-605 | T-105 | T125 |
| Dimensions (in.) | 10.30 x 7.13 x 11.15 | 10.30 x 7.13 x 11.15 | 10.30 x 7.13 x 11.15 |
| Weight (lbs.) | 58 | 62 | 66 |
| Terminal Type | 1, 2, 3 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Capacity in Minutes | |||
|
383 | 447 | 488 |
|
105 | 115 | 132 |
| Capacity Amp Hours | |||
|
175 | 185 | 195 |
|
193 | 207 | 221 |
|
210 | 225 | 240 |
|
232 | 250 | 266 |
| Energy (KWh) (100-hr) | 1.39 | 1.50 | 1.60 |
Difference Trojan T605 vs. T105 vs. T125
Before we get to the core of our discussion, let’s first have an overview of what a lead-acid deep-cycle battery is, considering that Trojan T605, T105, and T125 are all of this type of battery.
Its name gives away its main characteristic—a battery with lead and lead dioxide plates immersed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte solution. Instead of giving a high burst of energy to start an engine, this battery is designed to be discharged and recharged.
This property of a lead-acid deep-cycle battery makes it suitable for golf carts, solar panels, wind turbines, RVs, backup power systems, and other applications that require a continuous power supply.
Any of the Trojan trio is built to withstand repeated discharging and recharging. Just be careful not to discharge it to below 50 percent as it will shorten its useful life.
Size and Weight
Dimension and weight greatly matter when choosing a portable deep-cycle battery. Especially if it will be stored or mounted in a specific compartment, you must determine whether it fits or has enough wiggle room for maintenance and repair.
You wouldn’t want your portable battery to be huge and heavy. The clue is in the description “portable.” You want it to be as movable and storable as possible.
Lucky for you, T605, T105, and T125 have the same dimensions. Therefore, you can fit any of them in a compartment slightly larger than 0.47 cu. ft. However, they differ in weight.
T105 and T25 are heavier for apparent reasons. They have more conductors and additional plates than allow for an extra terminal.
Terminal Type
Flexibility is among the top and sought-after qualities of Trojan batteries. Unlike typical deep-cycle batteries, Trojan offers up to four terminals, which allow you to power complex circuits and multiple voltage applications.
For example, a two-terminal battery may fall short of what’s necessary for a circuit that requires two separate voltage outputs. A four-terminal battery is the best option in this situation.
You can see from the table that both T105 and T125 have four terminals, while T605 only has three. This doesn’t mean T605 is of poor quality. Instead, its capacity and performance are limited compared to the first two.
But it’s also more affordable. So it’s your best bet if you need a battery that can power the simple tools and devices you need at the camp.
Capacity
Here’s the most important quality you should note when weighing your options. After all, you are investing in a battery for the power it can supply more than anything else.
There are several ways to measure a battery’s capacity, although this information is usually found in the battery’s label and user’s manual.
Most deep-cycle batteries are presented with their Amp-Hour measurement. This is the current a battery can deliver over a specific period.
Generating 266 amp in 100 hours, the T125 has the highest capacity of the three, although it is only ideal for more demanding applications. This means it is not practical if you only need your battery to power a few electronics.
So which one should you buy?
All three batteries are from the same brand, so their quality is obviously not the deciding factor. It will all boil down to the specific applications you will use your batter for and your budget.
In short, there’s no single answer to this question. It will depend on your particular preference. Nevertheless, it would be best to consult an expert to make an informed decision.
