AGM batteries

DLM1965 · 05-15-2019, 08:19 PM

Need to replace two 12V (wet) coach batteries. Many suggest changing to AGM. But in reading about AGM, one writer cautioned that the rate of charging from the coach system may need to be altered so as not to overcharge (and superheat) the AGM. I know nothing about electrical issues like this. Looking for advice.

The Gritz Carlton · 05-15-2019, 09:25 PM

There's a ton of threads on this. Your concerns are legit. Do a search on Forum Search on "AGM" and make a pot of coffee.

Long & Winding road · 05-15-2019, 10:02 PM

I did upgrade to AGM's about a year ago (and love them). I think the converter will charge fine (AGM's are very simular to Lead Acid) BUT since many of the entry level RV's have cheap converters in them I upgraded a few months ago to a Progressive Industry converter for peice of mind.

Best thing to do (IMO) is install AGM's and make sure you check with a mutli meter what exactly what your converter is doing several time during the day then the next day. If it never seems to go into a float mode you can upgrade your converter (not very hard to install).

Plus since AGM's discharge much slower - I dont even plug it in while in storage. I would either drive my RV (with Genny on) to charge it once a month for 45 min or longer ....or plug it in for 24 hours or so. But they were never low so I could have went 3 + mo with no problem (try that Lead Acid - lol).

Bob Denman · 05-15-2019, 10:16 PM

Buy your rig the best batteries that you can afford... and then make whatever changes may be necessary; in order to charge them properly.

Your rig will thank you for it!

Pete'sMH · 05-15-2019, 10:53 PM

I sort of subscribe to the opposite theory. I will be choosing flooded/wet cell batteries from a reputable company and plan to replace them every 3 or 4 years. It’ll cost less. I drive and run my generator for an hour a month if I don’t use the coach and have a hard disconnect on both house and chassis batteries. OE batteries going on 4 years now and probably will replace all three this spring for about $350. Works for me.

Judge · 05-15-2019, 11:51 PM

Check the converter / charger information for your unit. My Outlaw 29H has a WFCO converter / charger and their documentation says the charger supports lead-acid or AGM batteries.

DLM1965 · 05-16-2019, 04:09 AM

I was finally able to reach a Thor service rep and confirmed that our 2017 Thor Quantum PD31's charging configuration will support either wet or AGM batteries - but not lithium. Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts.

Pete'sMH · 05-16-2019, 05:40 PM

Just got back from Batteries Plus and bought upgraded flooded batteries for house and chassis. $360 out the door for two golf cart batteries and a sealed group 65 for the chassis. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea but I’m happy.

Bob Denman · 05-16-2019, 05:42 PM

Congratulations! Please let us know how they work out for you!

Long & Winding road · 05-16-2019, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

Just got back from Batteries Plus and bought upgraded flooded batteries for house and chassis. $360 out the door for two golf cart batteries and a sealed group 65 for the chassis. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea but I’m happy.

Sounds like a fair deal...Thats all that matters.... That your happy (well that your wife is happy first... you come in 2nd) LOL.

The Gritz Carlton · 05-16-2019, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

Just got back from Batteries Plus and bought upgraded flooded batteries for house and chassis. $360 out the door for two golf cart batteries and a sealed group 65 for the chassis. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea but I’m happy.

I'll drink tea to that!! I've got to buy 2 6V's pretty soon for the house replacement. I'll go with flooded also. MH stays plugged in 100% of the time at home. For me, no need to spend the extra on AGM's. $360 not bad at all.

Fish and Dear · 05-17-2019, 10:19 AM

I've been kicking around the flooded vs AGM, too. Don't need to replace them now, but I want to know what I want when I need it. We are also always plugged it at home. I suppose the only advantage to AGM then would be the slower discharge rate while bookdocking? But not sure that matters much travelling so much in the south. With 7-8 months a year needing ACs running. Still need to run genny for that.

apr67 · 05-17-2019, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLM1965

Need to replace two 12V (wet) coach batteries. Many suggest changing to AGM. But in reading about AGM, one writer cautioned that the rate of charging from the coach system may need to be altered so as not to overcharge (and superheat) the AGM. I know nothing about electrical issues like this. Looking for advice.

Highly doubt the stock cables and converter/charger in any non-premium RV can produce enough amps to hurt 2 AGM's.

BTW, Sams has a good deal on AGM's.

Bob Denman · 05-17-2019, 12:50 PM

When my batteries need replacing: it'll be AGMs for sure...
(Less worry over water levels...)

Long & Winding road · 05-17-2019, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish and Dear

I've been kicking around the flooded vs AGM, too. Don't need to replace them now, but I want to know what I want when I need it. We are also always plugged it at home. I suppose the only advantage to AGM then would be the slower discharge rate while bookdocking? But not sure that matters much travelling so much in the south. With 7-8 months a year needing ACs running. Still need to run genny for that.

Lots of advantages to AGM's and only one disadvantage = Price.

If you have the money IMO you wont be disapppointed in AGM's. Esp TWO 6 volts.

Aussie · 05-20-2019, 06:57 AM

Our 2016 Challenger came with 2 no-name (read cheap) Flooded Lead Acid batteries. We replaced them with 4 Lifeline GPL-6CT AGM.

This significantly increased our ability to run off the batteries. Before we had around 5 hours just running the residential fridge and other minor draws. Now we can go for 24 hours with a full house load (fridge, lights, TV, Computers, phone recharging, etc.), basically everything except A/C and Microwave. Currently we recharge these AGM batteries from shore power, the generator or the engine alternator. In the future we plan to put in some solar panels.

As a word of caution, before you purchase new batteries, especially lead batteries that have to be positioned right side up, check your battery storage compartment to make sure that they will fit. We totally lucked out here and our new batteries just squeezed into the available vertical space.

Link is: http://lifelinebatteries.com/product...eries/gpl-6ct/

Battery Monitor

We also installed a Victron BMV-702 with a Blue Tooth dongle.

We love this thing. It monitors draw and recharge, has high/low voltage alarms, 30 day history of batteries and more. What’s great is that with the Blue Tooth Adaptor we can read all this data from our cell phones.

Link is: https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/bmv-700

No regrets on either purchase.

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