Trailer Battery Load Support
As a followup to my recent discussion about my newly acquired CTEK Multi US 7002 Charger I'd be interested in some further input on the subject of trailer battery load support. :) First, I should c...
Forum Discussion
I know Mex has Poo Poo'd this, but I put AGMs into two categories, those that say NO limit on initial charging amps, and those that say to limit amps to no more than 30amps per 100Ah of capacity.
Odyssey Northstar and Lifeline are are top $$ AGM batteries and all say there is no upper limit on charging amps as long as maximum voltage is obviously limited.
The Huge CCA ratings of Northstar and Odyssey indicate they should be able to hold higher voltages for longer under large inverter loads, than other AGM or flooded marine batteries of same size and weight, but lower CCA ratings.
It appears the lower $$ 30% charge rate limited AGMS do not really have much higher CCA ratings than their flooded marine counterparts of the same group size and weight and less than dedicated starting batteries of the same group size, and less weight.
Their primary benefit over flooded batteries seems to be no offgassing and no terminal corrosion rather than any performance variables.
Not having tested each battery these are only somewhat educated guesses with some logic to back it up.
What I can report on, is my my Northstar AGM-27 VS all the other flooded group 27 and group 31 batteries I have ever used abused and disposed of, and the NorthStar AGM is impressive and kicks all their burros.
But,..... it likely would not If I could not meet the high amp recharge requirement in combination with the ability to minimize partial state of charge (PSOC) cycling by getting to full before the next discharge cycle begins.
Obviously price of battery where you are plays a huge part in this, but if you can use 2 flooded marine batteries in place of one AGM, you get more capacity at less $ and likely a better ability to maintian higher overall voltage under large inverter loads.
If the battery space is limited, and no other compromise is possible/acceptable, then the group 31 Odyssey or Northstar battery would likely be able to power high inverter loads the longest. But then one needs to meet the 40% minimum charge rate on occasion to keep these high$$ AGMS happy and performing well.
Concorde battery makes and markets Sunextender and Lifeline batteries and I believe there is no difference between them but the sticker and marketing.
Full river AGMS are made in China to rolls surrette specs and do also list the 30% maximum charge rate, and from reports here and elsewhere, do appear to be good batteries.
The EastPenn/Deka AGMS on the marine forums are not well respected in deep cycle duty.
Best of luck with your search and choice
Odyssey Northstar and Lifeline are are top $$ AGM batteries and all say there is no upper limit on charging amps as long as maximum voltage is obviously limited.
The Huge CCA ratings of Northstar and Odyssey indicate they should be able to hold higher voltages for longer under large inverter loads, than other AGM or flooded marine batteries of same size and weight, but lower CCA ratings.
It appears the lower $$ 30% charge rate limited AGMS do not really have much higher CCA ratings than their flooded marine counterparts of the same group size and weight and less than dedicated starting batteries of the same group size, and less weight.
Their primary benefit over flooded batteries seems to be no offgassing and no terminal corrosion rather than any performance variables.
Not having tested each battery these are only somewhat educated guesses with some logic to back it up.
What I can report on, is my my Northstar AGM-27 VS all the other flooded group 27 and group 31 batteries I have ever used abused and disposed of, and the NorthStar AGM is impressive and kicks all their burros.
But,..... it likely would not If I could not meet the high amp recharge requirement in combination with the ability to minimize partial state of charge (PSOC) cycling by getting to full before the next discharge cycle begins.
Obviously price of battery where you are plays a huge part in this, but if you can use 2 flooded marine batteries in place of one AGM, you get more capacity at less $ and likely a better ability to maintian higher overall voltage under large inverter loads.
If the battery space is limited, and no other compromise is possible/acceptable, then the group 31 Odyssey or Northstar battery would likely be able to power high inverter loads the longest. But then one needs to meet the 40% minimum charge rate on occasion to keep these high$$ AGMS happy and performing well.
Concorde battery makes and markets Sunextender and Lifeline batteries and I believe there is no difference between them but the sticker and marketing.
Full river AGMS are made in China to rolls surrette specs and do also list the 30% maximum charge rate, and from reports here and elsewhere, do appear to be good batteries.
The EastPenn/Deka AGMS on the marine forums are not well respected in deep cycle duty.
Best of luck with your search and choice
