Should I swap GC2s out for Lifeline AGM?

I have to say I have not missed checking electrolyte levels since installing an auto fill system.

I have to say I have not missed laying down in the snow to check electrolyte levels, since I changed to AGM.

wa8yxm wrote:
I would not go to AGM unless there was an issue with access for maintenance (Watering) or I had to mount them other than "This way up"

now for SOME uses. AGM has advantages. But for RV use. there is nearly never any advantage to them... EXCEPT TO THE SELLERS (MORE PROFIT).

This past spring I replaced my worn out G27 flooded with a G31 AGM and after doing so wondered why it took me so long to move up to the world of zero maintenance. :h Really doubt I'd ever go back to flooded because long after the cost differential is forgotten I'd still be enjoying all the advantages of AGM. :B

wa8yxm wrote:
I would not go to AGM unless there was an issue with access for maintenance (Watering) or I had to mount them other than "This way up"

now for SOME uses. AGM has advantages. But for RV use. there is nearly never any advantage to them... EXCEPT TO THE SELLERS (MORE PROFIT).

Well .... like you say .... "Now for some uses."

AGM batteries charge faster using any type of 12V DC charging source due to their lower intrinsic resistance - which is based on simple electrical principles. So for those of us RV'ers who don't use solar for recharging, AGM batteries offer a charging speed advantage. For example when driving our alternator will completely recharge our 230 AH AGM battery bank from 50%-60% in 3-4 hours, and when camped our 650 watt portable generator will bring them up "nicely" (not fully) in around 5-6 hours on 1/2 gallon of gas.

By the way regarding solar, my BIL just ordered a high end four-season TT from Canada and he did not opt for the roof solar option. His reason - experiences from hail storms have taught him to not have something on the roof that can get shattered. He'll probably buy a Honda EU2200i for battery charging and air conditioning. Smart moves if one believes that U.S. weather may be changing to being more unpredictable.

Agreed, I'm fortunate in my location. But most of the places I visit do give me significant solar energy.

I do get 7 amps of charge at solar noon in leafy shade from a system which maxes out at 17 amps. I do get 3 amps in full rain (again at solar noon)

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Mr Pianotuna,
You live in a sunny area. We haven't seen the sun longer than 30 minutes in the morning for over a month. People who live in the Pacific norwet often do not see significant sun for months.

A decision regarding solar has to be made on reality. If thunderstorms move in at ten AM and exit at sundown then it may give a person pause. This is true in the mountains and true on the Pacific coast. Seeing a multi-thousand dollar solar setup deliver eight amps is rather discouraging.

What you see are rain clouds not the strato cumulous that is classic from June through October.

Extremely humid air upslopes against the sierra madre del sur. Mexicans almost never say "verano (summer)" it's "Las Aguas" the rainy season. Our normal rainfall here is close to sixty inches.

Go to weather underground and look at the forecast for PATZCUARO MICH MEX. Solid rain for ten days.

I built boats near Eureka, CA. We went weeks with fog. Fifty five degrees on the coast and near 100 degrees just eight miles inland.

This isn't San Miguel de Allende or the cactus and serape interior of the bajio.

When Li Ion batteries become more reasonable, that will be a great option, but not at today’s pricing.
I am thankful for the great feedback and for the grand (less nice seafood dinner here on the Oregon coast) in my pocket for a project with a better ROI.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Mr Pianotuna,
You live in a sunny area. We haven't seen the sun longer than 30 minutes in the morning for over a month. People who live in the Pacific norwet often do not see significant sun for months.

You need to change your profile, which says you're in "las peñas, michoacan, mexico".

Or maybe that's the pacific "norwet" of Mexico. But I don't think there's any lack of sun there. Correct me if that's wrong.

Mr Pianotuna,
You live in a sunny area. We haven't seen the sun longer than 30 minutes in the morning for over a month. People who live in the Pacific norwet often do not see significant sun for months.

A decision regarding solar has to be made on reality. If thunderstorms move in at ten AM and exit at sundown then it may give a person pause. This is true in the mountains and true on the Pacific coast. Seeing a multi-thousand dollar solar setup deliver eight amps is rather discouraging.

Hi,

No.

Spend the 1000 on solar.

wildwoodrver wrote:
Planning to swap out my 2 year old GC2 batteries (Interstate brand) for 2 six volt AGM Lifelines (220 Amp Hour bank). I dry camp several times a year for a few days and want to extend my electrical capacity. I don’t have solar panels but will break up the dry camping with nights in a campground to recharge, and also run the generator a little.
I got great service out of a Lifeline AGM bank in a previous rig.

My rig is equipped with a “smart” charging system.

Do you think it is worth $1,000 to make this upgrade?

Thanks