A G M Batteries
Are A G M Batteries worth the extra money? Do they outlast wetcell Batteries or am I just as well off buying 2 wet cell batteries for use in my 5th wheel?
Thanks,
Bud99
Thanks,
Bud99
Forum Discussion
mena661 wrote:
It seems a lot of people here use solar in conjunction with AGM's so my guess is they're using temp compensation.
Yes. Going for extra cost of AGM, would've been stupid not to use temp comp.- And for some of us there is no choice but AGMs.
Many campers (my FWC for one) have the batteries vented to the interior.
I am also done forever with the corrosion and maintenance of flooded batteries in every vehicle I own. mena661 wrote:
Actually, two temperature compensators, one for the solar charger and one for the charger in the inverter. Works well.
.... It seems a lot of people here use solar in conjunction with AGM's so my guess is they're using temp compensation.- To me AGM was the only choice because I had to store it for a year without any maintenance or trickle charging. It went from 100% full to ~60% in a year. Flooded batteries would've discharged to zero and below over same period, and wouldn't be of much use after this.
- For gadget-enhanced tenting, I've started using AGMs in small form-factors (35ah, 14ah). Results so far have been very good, although I will say that a weak/worn out AGM is VERY weak.
Biggest difference to me is that these batts handle like dry cells. I transport them inside the car and recharge them inside the tent (very well ventilated). Can't speak to longevity yet, although I will say that AGMs are VERY pricey, and I'm using the cheapo UPG batts. I cannot imagine paying out for a set of Lifelines for the TT--I'll stick with the cheap Costco GC2s. - Thank you all so much for your time and wisdom!
Bud99 - It should be noted that between cheap Chinese UB/UPG and expensive Lifeline there are US made EastPenn/Deka and Full River, a lot cheaper than Lifeline.
Almot wrote:
It should be noted that between cheap Chinese UB/UPG and expensive Lifeline there are US made EastPenn/Deka and Full River, a lot cheaper than Lifeline.
Yes, last time I looked, Sam's Club was selling Duracell AGM GC2s or 31s for US$180 ea. Rebranded EastPenn/Deka I think.- Looking on Amazon, low-priced grp 31 AGMS are available in the low- to mid- $200 range, while the Lifelines approach $400. IIRC I paid $80 each for my Costco GC-2's.
- If you are going to do ALL the maintance, get the wet cells. If you might do it, or already know you will not, get the agm's.
