Anyone have experience with AGM or GEL deep cycle batteries?

My RV came with two AGM coach batteries. My year was the first year they were installed as standard by the RV manufacturer. I hear a lot from other owners of my RV for the model years just before mine about all of the problems that they have with the wet cell batteries as they do not maintain them properly. I never have to have that concern. They are there and they do their job. My batteries also hold a charge longer than those with my RV who do not have them. Go for the AGMs.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Of course people have millions of tons of opinions about batteries, but the first place to start research is a site like batteryuniversity.com EVERY different type of battery has its STRONG and it's WEAK points.

What may work GREAT for your neighbor or Homer J Snerdley may be entirely WRONG for you. They may jump up and down with enthusiasm rooting their choice but in reality bottom line, they may in fact has very very limited experience with the product. You have no way of learning just how long or how intensive their experience is or was. I would if I were you decide to allow a heavyweight amount of fact on the number of comprehensive responses you get. The number of years of experience. The intensity which they actually use their batteries. A weekend warrior that limps from park to park, power pedestal to power pedestal is not really a qualified reference ro someone who is going to really put their battery bank through their paces.

I would ferret out AGM users that claim "I have used AGM for years off-grid and regularly cycle them down to 50% capacity" if I too was planning to do the same.

Gelled electrolyte batteries have fallen out of favor because they need EXACT care. Something that few RV'ers have the patience or time to give. But gel batteries do have their place - like in emergency lighting and backup power supplies, where under the correct circumstances they will far outlive an AGM battery.

I would also pay attention to battery brand reviews. I have encountered AGM brands that weren't worth their weight in used spaghetti.

Hope This Helps

Great stuff as usual.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Of course people have millions of tons of opinions about batteries, but the first place to start research is a site like batteryuniversity.com EVERY different type of battery has its STRONG and it's WEAK points. . .

I've done the research and know the pros and cons of each. Just curious regarding real life experiences.

Reg

mockturtle wrote:
My Optima AGMs recharge very, very fast. Yes, the initial cost is higher than wet cell batteries but well worth it, IMHO.

Optima is a special class.. For any given "Footprint" (Size class) they have less capacity due to the sprial design,, IN theory it's like 73 percent, in practice as low as 60 percent,,, and they cost still more. Just so you know.. Try Lifeline when you replace them.

That said, if you are putting them in physically rough service (Wave Runner, 4-Runner et=al) They are the way to go. That is what they are designed for.. The "Slam over the ruts and send for your kidneys later" kind of service.

Of course people have millions of tons of opinions about batteries, but the first place to start research is a site like batteryuniversity.com EVERY different type of battery has its STRONG and it's WEAK points.

What may work GREAT for your neighbor or Homer J Snerdley may be entirely WRONG for you. They may jump up and down with enthusiasm rooting their choice but in reality bottom line, they may in fact has very very limited experience with the product. You have no way of learning just how long or how intensive their experience is or was. I would if I were you decide to allow a heavyweight amount of fact on the number of comprehensive responses you get. The number of years of experience. The intensity which they actually use their batteries. A weekend warrior that limps from park to park, power pedestal to power pedestal is not really a qualified reference ro someone who is going to really put their battery bank through their paces.

I would ferret out AGM users that claim "I have used AGM for years off-grid and regularly cycle them down to 50% capacity" if I too was planning to do the same.

Gelled electrolyte batteries have fallen out of favor because they need EXACT care. Something that few RV'ers have the patience or time to give. But gel batteries do have their place - like in emergency lighting and backup power supplies, where under the correct circumstances they will far outlive an AGM battery.

I would also pay attention to battery brand reviews. I have encountered AGM brands that weren't worth their weight in used spaghetti.

Hope This Helps

full_mosey wrote:

afinepoint wrote:
The current deep cycle for the RV will be replaced shortly. I've read the advantages and disadvantages of Wet cell vs AGM vs GEL and was curious as to whether fellow RVers have any experience with the latter two?

I have been 100% AGM since Jan 2009. The details of my setup are in my profile. I am very satisfied with mine and have already chosen replacement AGMs for when these fail.

HTH;
John

What brand have you decided on????

I had 3 AGM in my class "C". The big advantage was that I was able to put two under the settee and not have to worry about the batteries gassing off while charging.

afinepoint wrote:
The current deep cycle for the RV will be replaced shortly. I've read the advantages and disadvantages of Wet cell vs AGM vs GEL and was curious as to whether fellow RVers have any experience with the latter two?

I have been 100% AGM since Jan 2009. The details of my setup are in my profile. I am very satisfied with mine and have already chosen replacement AGMs for when these fail.

HTH;
John

It Depends....

What are YOU looking for OP, if I may ask?

OP, this subject is being revisited again and again. Read maybe this recent thread: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27114481.cfm

Price of AGM varies a lot, can be anywhere from $160 to $ 300, for a 100 AH battery. And so is the life span. If you go AGM, try and get one of well known brands like Lifeline or Deka. I chose AGM for 2 reasons:
1) Longer shelf life - you can leave it unattended for 9-10 months without 120V maintaner. AGM have very low self-discharge rate. Flooded battery will be fully discharged and either dead or damaged by that time.
2) Ability to mount it "almost inside" - in the front through-storage under bed. Unlike flooded, they don't vent any gas unless overcharged - but overcharge rarely happen with a solar charger and when you charge from generator, then you are awake and can keep an eye on their state of charge (and open the lid to vent the space).

With any battery if you want it to last long, a good monitor like Trimetric is a must.