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Old 10-10-2018, 01:32 AM   #1
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Battery Upgrade

Thinking about upgrading the house batteries in my ACE 30.1 to Dura Cell SLI 31 AGMs. Any issues I should be aware of?

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Old 10-10-2018, 12:59 PM   #2
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Not sure about Duracel's but IMO you cant go wrong with AGM. They will cost you more up front but are maintainance free and should last longer.

I installed Full River AGM 6v in mine. I will still able to fit them below my steps but it was a tight fit. I had them for about 6 mo now and love them so far.
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Old 10-10-2018, 01:21 PM   #3
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Did you use 6 Volt batteries; or stay with 12 volt versions?
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Old 10-10-2018, 03:14 PM   #4
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Currently planning on staying with 2 12 V just to keep things simple. We rarely are without shore power so the 2 batteries have always been sufficient but would like to have some more reserve since we are replacing batteries. Plus would like to get a longer life from the batteries. Hoping that the AGM will be more robust in that regard. Always open to suggestions tho.
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Old 10-10-2018, 03:51 PM   #5
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I'm planning on doing the same; when my OEM batteries crap out.
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Old 10-10-2018, 05:55 PM   #6
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AGM vs Flooded Batteries - What You Need to Know
Another consideration is where you spend most of your time. AGM's do not tolerate high temperatures as well as flooded. Yes, flooded may require frequent watering in high heat but forced charging AGM's will drastically reduce their service lifespan. Insure your charging option(s) have AGM programing profile(s) and temperature sensing compensation.
"Robust" is a relative term. Difficulty of maintenance, off gassing, and spill avoidance (rollovers) are the primary attributes of AGM.
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Old 10-10-2018, 05:57 PM   #7
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They don't like high temperatures...
I didn't know that about AGMs... Thanks!
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Old 10-10-2018, 06:15 PM   #8
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High Heat?

AGM batteries don't like high heat? I have had two Duralast AGM batteries under the hood of my Chevy truck for about six years now. I doubt that the heat underneath the steps of a RV is hotter than that.
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Old 10-10-2018, 08:28 PM   #9
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Anyone. In the 2015 Thor Vegas battery box on left side is a small switch with red sticking out. Beneath the red is a small yellow lever? What is the function of this switch, the red and yellow. I had a shop replace chassis batteries yesterday and now I can get the Onan gen to kick over
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Old 10-10-2018, 09:22 PM   #10
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Battery Upgrade

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hemi! View Post
Anyone. In the 2015 Thor Vegas battery box on left side is a small switch with red sticking out. Beneath the red is a small yellow lever? What is the function of this switch, the red and yellow. I had a shop replace chassis batteries yesterday and now I can get the Onan gen to kick over


On my rig that is the master batt shut off. Make sure it is reset or many things will not work...

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Old 10-10-2018, 09:25 PM   #11
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If the yellow flag is showing, push it back in to reset it. That switch is a manual coach battery disconnect. If the flag is extended (disconnected) you won't have DC current going to the generator to start it.
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Old 10-10-2018, 10:28 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by axis earl View Post
AGM batteries don't like high heat?
Uhmm, that isn't what was stated.
There are vast differences between a starting battery(s) [many of which are "maint free" not AGM] in use with a tightly controlled voltage regulator, and a deep cycle bank being used with an unregulated charge controller.
I spend as much time in the desert as anyone, it's your money.
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Old 10-11-2018, 01:18 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by mtntrek View Post
AGM vs Flooded Batteries - What You Need to Know
Another consideration is where you spend most of your time. AGM's do not tolerate high temperatures as well as flooded. Yes, flooded may require frequent watering in high heat but forced charging AGM's will drastically reduce their service lifespan. Insure your charging option(s) have AGM programing profile(s) and temperature sensing compensation.
"Robust" is a relative term. Difficulty of maintenance, off gassing, and spill avoidance (rollovers) are the primary attributes of AGM.
You bring up charging issues that are not addressed in my manual. The next question is what type of charger did Thor put into my 2024 ACE? My CW "Service Rrp" was as you might expect zero help with that question. Seriously doubt that the charger has AGM programming profiles and Temp sensing.
The bottom line question is will whatever type of charger is OEM, will it work with AGM batteries? Doesn't have to be optimal but work well enough. We do not operate in extreme temperatures.
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Old 10-12-2018, 06:36 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GWelsch View Post
You bring up charging issues that are not addressed in my manual. The next question is what type of charger did Thor put into my 2024 ACE? Seriously doubt that the charger has AGM programming profiles and Temp sensing.
The bottom line question is will whatever type of charger is OEM, will it work with AGM batteries? Doesn't have to be optimal but work well enough. We do not operate in extreme temperatures.
You'll probably be fine, as you're not probably replacing a large bank and may not actually stress your batteries. No worries.
unless the charging profile(s) are geared toward the battery chemistry used, the additional cost of the premium batteries doesn't always pan out in capacity / charge cycles, over say flooded cells. Likewise, very expensive LiFePO4 (lithium) batteries can be damaged with continuous float charging after 100%
Sure, AGM's can perform well in most temps, much over >80 deg. their ability to accept max. bulk charging rates diminishes. Absorb cycles are longer so getting to 100% can take longer. Probably not an issue for you.
All products have advantages and drawbacks is all. Maint. free can be a big plus to many. Best of luck
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Old 10-12-2018, 12:06 PM   #15
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Thanks for the info. Ordered the AGM batteries yesterday so will know more in a few months. Everyday is another learning opportunity. Safe travels and have a Great life!
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Old 10-12-2018, 12:09 PM   #16
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Congratulations!
Which brand batteries did you order?
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Old 10-12-2018, 12:20 PM   #17
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Duracell SLI 31 AGM. Hopefully will give more storage capacity and last longer. Will see.
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Old 10-12-2018, 05:22 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GWelsch View Post
Duracell SLI 31 AGM. Hopefully will give more storage capacity and last longer. Will see.
I have been struggling with this and have not even bought the RV yet

If I follow the new batteries you just bought have 105 AH reserved so I assume you now have 105AH/20H = 5.25 A you can pull from battery over 20 hours?
Did the battery actually list total reserve capacity?

Do you know what your original batteries were as for as reserve capacity goes?

If it makes you feel better, I spoke with Worldwide Battery a few weeks ago who advised me to go with two 12 volt AGM Group 31 versus the 6volt batteries in series. I am sure you have done the right thing. Worldwide's factory battery for Thor ACE is 90 AM & 180 Reserve Capacity. They have a 12v battery with more reserve capacity at 225? To compare like for like, I would need to know Reserve Capacity for Duracell. As long as cost is in $250 range, I would try to get the one with the most reserve capacity which is my primary concern.
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Old 10-12-2018, 05:43 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GWelsch View Post
Duracell SLI 31 AGM. Hopefully will give more storage capacity and last longer. Will see.
The best of luck to you!
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Old 10-13-2018, 11:03 PM   #20
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Trust the AGM

Been using AGM batteries in a 24 volt marine setup running a trolling motor all day. They are 8 years old. A good mid price range option. As my interstate 12v in the coach we bought this year wear down I Am interested in hearing how the 4 6 Volts in series/parallel out last the 2 12V.
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