Replacement batteries

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Just like a long bicycle ride, there are uphills and downhills. The trick is to learn all the pros and cons then make an intelligent decision which would be best for you. Having lived a long life as far as products go I learned there is no "Black & White" - Only Living Color.

The trick will be to find an FLA fanatic that will explain in advance all the additional manual procedures and equipment necessary to keep the FLA healthy.

HTH;
John

Just like a long bicycle ride, there are uphills and downhills. The trick is to learn all the pros and cons then make an intelligent decision which would be best for you. Having lived a long life as far as products go I learned there is no "Black & White" - Only Living Color.

I am a big fan of AGM batteries.
The charging voltages are the same as for any standard battery — no need for any special adjustments or problems with incompatible chargers or charge controls. And, since the internal resistance is extremely low, there is almost no heating of the battery even under heavy charge and discharge currents. AGM batteries have no charge or discharge current limits. AGM batteries to deliver and absorb higher rates of amperage than other sealed batteries
AGMs have a very low self-discharge — from 1% to 3% per month is usual. This means that they can sit in storage for much longer periods without charging than the usual lead acid batteries.
The AGM fast recharge means less generator time if you are boondocking.
I use a 60 amp Xantrex converter.
My batteries are Deka 12v size 27

Hear Hear!!!

What works for me, would not fit most users.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
If an owner is "convinced" his way is "best" then they may make a big mistake and insist "Their Way Is The Only Way" to others. They remain adamant. And eager listeners (readers) get an overdose of hyperbole that has little in common with reality.

PamfromVA wrote:
He wanted the AGM's because he thought they would be less maintenance. We have a honda generator that we can run when allowed and the batteries would just be used for the normal stuff in the camper when the generator is off at night. Small use of a light, water pump, nothing big.

I'll bet you would like to hear from an actual AGM user. :)

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.

Your current batteries are, no doubt, flooded type. RoyB has given you good advice about caring for them.

Reading between the lines, I believe DH has not kept up with the watering, equalizing or terminal cleaning procedures. AGMs will relieve DH of that.

AGMs are not a silver bullet. They cost 2x to purchase. And yes, there are several fewer maintenance procedures that offset the extra cost. They will last a long time if properly charged. I would guess your charging system is working properly since you did get three years service.

HTH;
John

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:

Performance for longevity. But some folks are infrequent users, taxing their batteries but lightly. They do not need really thick plate batteries.

X2

If a group 27 battery somehow could fit my 2-volt cell plates it would be a 6 volt battery with about 40 amp hours and the battery would be HEAVY!

It's a trade-off.

Performance for longevity. But some folks are infrequent users, taxing their batteries but lightly. They do not need really thick plate batteries.

This is what causes all the confusion. If an owner is "convinced" his way is "best" then they may make a big mistake and insist "Their Way Is The Only Way" to others. They remain adamant. And eager listeners (readers) get an overdose of hyperbole that has little in common with reality.

Hi Gator,

If the chemistry is the same then twelve volt deep cycle batteries are just as suited to cycling, and may be just as forgiving for deep discharges. Unfortunately, true deep cycle in a 12 volt jar will cost more money than a similar capacity of 6 volt units.

What are sold as deep cycle 12 volt jars are often a marine battery. These are distant cousins of true deep cycle batteries. Here is a list:

true deep cycle $$$
trolling batteries $$
marine batteries $
starting batteries $ (not suited to discharges of over about 10%)

Have the greatest number of amp-hours of batteries no matter what the voltage of the individuals. For example, it is most likely that 3 large marine batteries @105 amp-hours each, totaling 315 amp-hours (when properly wired in a balanced manner) may provide better service than twin six volt jars @ 232 amp-hours.

If there is only room for two batteries and no large inverter loads (150 amps and up) then six volt batteries are a good choice. If there IS a large inverter, then the 12 volt batteries are a good choice. It is all a balancing act. The bank needs to fit the end user's needs.

My own needs are 250 amp draws, so 12 volt jars, or super large 2 volt cells would meet my needs. I can't afford the 2 volt jars, so I have 12 volt marine units.

Batteries need to be fully recharged as often as possible. A modest solar system may make a world of difference. Care for them properly and they will last a bunch of years, no matter what voltage they are.

GrumpyGator wrote:
What is the advantage of replacing 2 12v batteries with 2 6v batteries?

6V are better suited to cycling. More forgiving with really deep discharges.

Hi Gator,

Statistically speaking there are 1/2 the number of cells in two six volts of similar capacity to 12 volts. Wiring can't be done in an unbalanced manner so it is "goof proof".

There are some disadvantages as well. Such as no redundancy, greater voltage drop for a given load, and inability to run extremely high demand loads such as a 3000 watt inverter. Wiring needs to be done in a balanced manner so there is one optimal way to wire. Most battery installers are NOT aware of this need, which I believe leads directly to shorter life spans for twelve volt pairs.

The absolutely ideal battery bank would be six large two volt cells. Be prepared for "sticker shock".

A good bank for me would not suit the OP very well. Banks should be designed to "fit" the camping style of the user.