12 volt AGM battery

My American made AGMs in my previous DP only lasted 10 years. You can build a 100 AH Lithium for not much more than a good AGM.

Lifeline. They are not cheap, but last and perform better than cheaper ones. If you only want a battery to last 2-3 years, or want to run them down to 11v, then just buy the cheap ones. If you take care of them and want them to last 10yrs, Lifelines are worth it. On the other hand, if you REALLY want to spend $$$$, get lithium’s :)

My optima lasted 8 years - until the thieves ran it dead. My boss has had his for more than 10 years. I disagree that they will only last 2-3 years. Watch the discharge and they can last far longer.

Toed toes - last I looked Optima’s weren’t’cheap’ batteries. For about the same price you could get Lifelines that come with lots of technical info backing up performance expectations. https://batteryguys.com/collections/lifeline/products/lifeline-gpl-27t

No they aren't. From everything I've read, I can expect the same performance with the vmax agms at a better price.

I looked at the lifeline, but I needed three batteries. One for the clipper house, one for the trailer jack/brake, and one for the trailer house battery. I just didn't have the funds for the lifeline or optima. If the vmax fails, I'll post an update. But I expect them to do fine as I never let them drop below 75 percent.

Also putting in a new PD converter charger tomorrow.

Lithium battery popularity exploits weak areas in flooded and absorbed glass mat battery maintenance requirements. If the batteries are not maintained correctly, battery life suffers.

It is only after proper maintenance has been performed over the course of the unit lifetime can an intelligent assessment be made. There can be no quibbling about this.

Lifeline batteries are warrantied for 5 years. They are VERY good, but expensive. BUT, Lifeline batteries CANNOT recover from going completely DEAD. The just will not come back. Normal deep cycle batteries can recover from being dead as long as you recharge at the rate they were discharged. Lifeline battery warranty has a catch 22. They are warrantied for 5 years. BUT, if they fail before 5 years, it is because you let them go dead.:B Not a defect in the battery but user abuse. Doug

bgum wrote:
Need opinions on best 12 volt AGM battery for the dollar. At one time batteries in the $75-$125 range met this requirement. What say you.

$125 for a deep cycle AGM? More like $225 for a decent brand like Deka, this would be their small-ish size 90 AH. 105 AH would cost $260-280.

Even Chinese AGM cost well over $125 for 100 AH, and I would stay away from those. Had this experience already - no, thanks.

April 2020 I disconnected the 31 Lifeline. It measured 12.66 last week. The 2-story has been recharged to 14.4 volts overnight @ 75F and disconnected. These batteries were purchased in 2012, and 2013, respectively.

Yes, both capacity and load test. Capacity is 94 and 96%

Yes, they are Lifelines. No, they are not regularly full cycled.