Any really good reason to upgrade to AGM?
The Interstate standard LA battery (single 12V) in our TT is getting replaced today under warranty today due to a dead cell. Is there a good reason(s) to upgrade to an AGM battery? We never dry camp...
Forum Discussion
myredracer wrote:
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Am I correct the basic WFCO 3-stage charger isn't the greatest thing for an AGM? Don't really want to have to go out and buy a new converter/charger right away.
I've had the idea in my mind of mounting the battery inside for some time and have a nice out of the way spot where it could go. This would be another reason for me to go AGM, but again, don't want to have to upgrade the charger right away.
Actually, you have the charging question backwards. :)
The problem is with floating over a long time in hot weather.
The AGM will not dry out from the normal 13.6V from your WFCO and the acid cannot stratify. The WFCO will be just fine.
It is the flooded battery that requires the special charger! Many flooded batteries will run dry during float charging in hot weather. The 13.6V is too high to be left connected for long. Some method of maintaining the acid level MUST be done. Plus, the flooded battery NEEDS a periodic charge of 15-16V to stir the acid to prevent stratification. Past posts describe the maintenance requirements of flooded battery's acid to prevent early failure. There is nothing hard about the maintenance if you have easy access to the battery. But it MUST be done.
Otherwise, you will be happy with either type.
I have been 100% AGM since 2009.
HTH;
John
