Forum Discussion

drumz's avatar
drumz
Explorer
Aug 01, 2020

Best house battery?

Hi guys.
I'm sure this discussion is somewhere on here, I can't seem to find it.
Anyway my house battery has died. It was a Lifeline AGM deep cycle. These batteries are pricey and heavy! Someone told me that I don't really need an AGM battery, that a good quality deep cycle is cheaper,lighter and will actually hold a better charge.
I did some research and found that AGM batteries are better for vibration resistance, but really your engine battery takes the same amount of shakes and bumps that the house battery would right?
So what are your thoughts? Pay the extra for a AGM, or just go with a top of the line deep cycle?
Jerry, Penna.
  • Lifeline AGM batteries are excellent. I've installed a lot of them in off grid homes and cabins over the years. There's no issues selecting one if you need AGM. Deka are really good too.
    Do you need an AGM? If your battery is located inside a living compartment or isn't otherwise vented to the outside then you do. I typically just use a flooded battery like a golf cart or larger size but then I don't mind checking the water and adding if needed. They are cheaper than an AGM. If you don't want to check your batteries or worry about adding water then go with an AGM.
  • Lifeline is actually one of the best quality AGM.

    If you want value, a pair of GC2 from Sam's Club Costco are excellent.

    Best at any price would be lithium.

    Maybe it is time to review your charging, usage, and storage habits if the Lifeline did not last at least 8 years.
  • What is your average daily amp hour use? Do you recharge fully each day? Will you regularly maintain the battery?
  • GC vs AGM are just about the same.

    Cost: AGM does cost more but last longer, my Lifelines are 9 years old. For a few years use and sell the rig then GCs are cheaper.

    Same amount of lead and weight.

    Charge the same, slight voltage difference.

    Vibration not a issue.

    AGMs also don't vent or use water. So less corossion and maintenance than GCs. Some have put AGMs inside.

    OK if a AGM does vent then it has a dead cell or was over charged and in any event it's now toast.

    For reference: My Jeep has a AGM under the passenger seat and the carpeted cover is NOT sealed. The vents are enclosed in a pastic shell that that is part of the manufacturing process and covers the vents only. It has a 1/4" tube to vent under the car. It's 6 years old.