Alternator overcharging batteries
I have 4 AGM batteries in my rig with a total capacity of 440AH (actually 880AH @ 6V, but of course they are wired to get 12V). The data sheet for my Haze batteries species a bulk -> absorption cut...
Forum Discussion
landyacht318 wrote:
Also, solar cannot meet the higher amp recharge requirements they need every so many deep cycles.
My Northstar AGM protests at 4 cycles of only low and slow solar, even if it meets the acceptance threshold each day. One high amp recharge and it returns to happy. My alternator is cheap and is easy for me to replace, so I use thick copper and do not fear maxing it out as it is cheaper than a new battery.
OK, the need for high amp recharges was news to me. Or is this basically another way of saying that AGMs do need equalization? I think equalization was more about higher voltages for a longer period of time (on a nearly full battery), than "high amp" recharges from a heavily discharged state, so I'm not sure it's the same thing.
I'm not an expert yet, but I have read a lot about LA chemistries in general and AGM in particular and didn't run across much discussion of that.
Agree that alternators are cheaper than new batteries. In my case, however, I'll be boondocking for 1+ years in third-world countries where parts, even alternators, may be difficult to come by and a failed alternator pretty much means your rig is dead in the water. A shorter battery lifetime, on the hand, may cost more $, but is less likely to leave you up the proverbial creek.
