VMAXTANKS 4D AGM Batteries Comparison - VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 vs. VMAXTANKS MB197-200 vs. VMAXTANKS MR197-200

VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200, VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 are a group of 12V 200Ah, AGM SLA, Group 4D batteries. These are large, sturdy and heavy batteries, being able to store plenty of energy, ready to be delivered when required at the moment notice.

Although these batteries are very similar in size, weight and performance, they also differ in certain details that may be important for future user...

Updated: October 16, 2019.

VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200, VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 are Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, belonging to the BCI Group 4D size batteries.

They are designed to be resistant to vibrations and mechanical/electrical shocks and to offer long lasting reliable power in various applications, including off-the-grid applications, security systems, electric vehicles, industrial applications, backup systems, medical, solar etc.

All three batteries feature nominal voltage of 12 volts and nominal capacity of 200 Ah - and that is a lot of energy stored in relatively compact casings.

These batteries offer practically maintenance free operation, they create no dangerous fumes or gases, can be recharged rather fast, and offer very good deep cycle features.

VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200, VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 Comparison Chart

The following chart lists the most important features and specifications of the VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200, VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 batteries:

Model	VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200	VMAXTANKS MB197-200	VMAXTANKS MR197-200
Photo
Nominal Voltage	12 volts	12 volts	12 volts
20h Capacity	200 Ah (10 Amps, 20h)	200 Ah (10 Amps, 20h)	200 Ah (10 Amps, 20h)
BCI Group Size	4D	4D	4D
Dimensions (WxDxH)	20.8 x 8.7 x 9.0 (9.8 terminals) inches ~53 x 22 x 23 (25) cm	19.1 x 6.8 x 9.5 inches ~48.5 x 17.3 x 24 cm	19.1 x 6.8 x 9.5 inches ~48.5 x 17.3 x 24 cm
Weight	130 lbs; ~59 kg	112 lbs; ~51 kg	112 lbs; ~51 kg
CCA	1250 Amps	-	-
MCA	1670 Amps	-	1400 Amps
PHCA	-	2700 Amps	2900 Amps
Reserve Capacity	470 min (~195 Ah)	450 min (~187 Ah)	450 min (~187 Ah)
Discharge time @75 Amps	140 min (175 Ah)	-	-
Terminals	SAE + 3/8" STUD	8 mm	8 mm
Charging Current	15-50 Amps	15-50 Amps	15-60 Amps
Charging Voltage	14.4 - 14.7 volts	14.4 - 14.9 volts	14.4 - 14.9 volts
Float Voltage	13.5 - 13.8 volts	13.5 - 13.8 volts	13.5 - 13.8 volts
Amazon Links	VMAX XTR4D-200 4D 12V 200ah Deep Cycle AGM SLA Xtreme Battery	-	VMAX MR197 12 Volt 200AH AGM SLA Marine Deep Cycle HI Performance Battery

Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for most up-to-date offers and prices.

Although VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200, VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 are classified as 4D batteries, VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 is little bit larger and heavier than VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 batteries.

This 130 lbs vs 112 lbs difference is not to be neglected, especially if you are building a battery pack consisting of several batteries - for example, 4 batteries weight difference is 72 pounds (~32.6 kg) and that is significant difference even for an electric boat, RV or similar application.

When comparing low discharge features, all three batteries feature the same 20h capacity of 200 Ah - that means that they are all able to provide 10 Amps for 20h, while maintaining output voltage above 10.5 volts (1.75 volts per cell).

However, when discharge currents are increased, VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 feature better performances.

For example, Reserve Capacity (RC) of the VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 is 470 minutes (for an effective capacity of ~195 Ah) and Reserve Capacity (RC) of the VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 is 450 minutes (for an effective capacity of ~187 Ah).

Note: don't forget that VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 are 18 pounds (~14%!) lighter batteries!

Unfortunately, the VMAXTANKS doesn't provide much information about discharge characteristics of their batteries, so we don't know how long can VMAXTANKS MB197-200 or VMAXTANKS MR197-200 battery provide, for example, 75 Amps.

VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 can be used as a starting battery - new, fully charged battery features CCA value of 1250 Amps and MCA value of 1670 Amps and is able to start large diesel engines, commonly found in industrial applications.

Also, MCA value of VMAXTANKS MR197-200 battery is stated as 1400 Amps, which is also usually enough to start larger diesel engines.

On the other hand, the manufacturer doesn't provide CCA and MCA values for VMAXTANKS MB197-200 battery, except PHCA value of 2700 Amps (but they don't state if it is for 3 or 5 seconds?).

Obviously, VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 is designed more robust and it can be used as true dual-purpose battery, VMAXTANKS MR197-200 is deep cycle battery that can be used as an starting battery if required, while VMAXTANKS MB197-200 is designed to be truly deep-cycle battery.

Note on the weight and dimensions: All three batteries are size 4D batteries, but VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 are lighter and narrower and generally 5 (five) VMAXTANKS MB197-200 or MR197-200 batteries or 4 (four) VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 can fit the same battery compartment - just be sure that there are no issues with the cables and cooling.

- 5 (five) VMAXTANKS MB197-200 or MR197-200 batteries feature 1000 Ah (20h) capacity and weighs 560 pounds (~254 kg),

- 4 (four) VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 batteries feature 800 Ah (20h) capacity and weighs 520 pounds (~236 kg).

Note: if you are making a battery pack of MB197-200 or MR197-200, don't mix them - use either MB197-200 or MR197-200 batteries, preferably from the same batch!

This is plenty of heavy batteries, but stored energy is 12 kWh for 5x VMAXTANKS MB197-200/MR197-200 and 9.6 kWh for 4x VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 batteries.

Also, such battery packs tend to be expensive, of course, with the VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 being slightly more expensive per individual battery.

Note on the handles: both batteries feature carrying handles and can be carried by two adults for shorter distances. Nonetheless, these are heavy batteries and must be treated with utmost care and respect. Many bets where won and lost around the world via these and similar batteries - who can carry them and for how long and similar. Also, such bets caused many blisters and lower back issues ... So, whatever you do, stay safe!

How to Charge VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200, VMAXTANKS MB197-200 and VMAXTANKS MR197-200 Batteries

All batteries should be charged with the 15-50 Ah currents, with MR197-200 being able to be charged with currents up to 60 Amps. Also, maintainers can be used to keep the batteries fully charged, only IF the batteries are already charged.

Generally, smart AGM battery chargers with sufficiently strong currents are recommended.

When the batteries are mounted in the vehicles, they are charged with the onboard alternator.

When the batteries are used in the off-the-grid applications and are charged with solar panels, wind turbines, internal combustion generators, charger controllers of 30-40 Amps or more should be used.

If you are unsure which AGM smart charger to use, VMAXTANKS offer two 12V 20A chargers:

- VMAX BC1220A 12V 20A 7 Stage Smart Battery Charger/Maintainer,

- VMAX BC8S1220A 12V 20A 8 Stage Smart Battery Charger/Maintainer.

Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for most up-to-date prices and offers.

VMAXTANKS BC1220A features 7 stage battery charging with 7 stages being: desulfation, soft start, bulk charging, absorption, battery testing, recondition, and float.

VMAXTANKS BC8S1220A features very similar 8 stage battery charging, with 8 stages being: desulfation, soft start, bulk charging, absorption, battery testing, recondition, float and pulse.

Note: Personally, I am not sure about the difference between 7th charging stage of VMAXTANKS BC1220A (float stage, which also includes pulses of current to maintain the battery) and 7th and 8th stages of VMAXTANKS BC8S1220A.

VMAXTANKS BC8S1220A charger also enables the user to manually set the battery type, and directly control the bulk charge voltage 14.1V (gel-cell battery), 14.4V (AGM battery), 14.7V (wet/flooded lead acid battery), and 14.7V (calcium alloy plates).

Personally, both chargers are excellent units and they do their job well. Although 8-stage BC8S1220A is slightly more expensive, both chargers cost far less than the single battery they are going to charge.

Since such smart chargers can prolong the operating life of often expensive batteries, even recover deeply discharged batteries, equalize their cells, they are well spent money for any individual working often with the batteries.

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Long Story Short: If you are looking for large and powerful 4D batteries for RV, trolling motor, solar, backup, standby, security or any similar application, consider these batteries.

Although both batteries feature nominal voltage of 12 volts and capacity of 200 Ah, note that VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 is designed as deep cycle/dual purpose battery, VMAXTANKS MR197-200 is deep cycle battery that can be used as starting battery too, while VMAXTANKS MB197-200 is pure deep cycle battery.

Also, VMAXTANKS XTR4D-200 is slightly larger and heavier, features dual battery terminals posts and costs somewhat more.

For more reviews and recommendations, check VMAX XTR4D-200 and VMAX MR197-200 Amazon links (links open in the new windows).