Reserve capacity is a measure of the amount of time, in minutes, that a fully charged battery can run before dropping to a specific voltage, typically 10.5V. It is used to understand how long a battery can run under sustained loads, and it is a great indicator of battery performance. Reserve capacity is especially important to know if you intend to discharge your batteries for a longer period of time. It is measured in reserve minutes, and it is different from amp-hours (Ah), which measure the number of amps that can be produced in one hour. Reserve capacity is a much more accurate measurement of how long a battery will last under sustained loads as opposed to amp-hours. Reserve capacity directly impacts the power you are able to generate with your battery, as power is equivalent to amps multiplied by volts.

Knowing the reserve capacity of a battery is vital because it indicates how long a fully charged battery can provide power without relying on having the vehicle running. This information is especially useful in applications such as fishing, marine, and RVs, where consistent energy is required, and long-term power is essential. Reserve capacity is also important to understand if you intend to discharge your batteries for a longer period of time. By understanding both reserve capacity and amp-hour ratings, you can make better decisions when selecting batteries for these applications.

In summary, reserve capacity is a measure of the amount of time a fully charged battery can run before dropping to a specific voltage, and it is used to understand how long a battery can run under sustained loads. It is different from amp-hours and is a much more accurate measurement of how long a battery will last under sustained loads. Reserve capacity is important to know if you intend to discharge your batteries for a longer period of time, and it directly impacts the power you are able to generate with your battery.