Greetings Forum Battery Gurus!I'm currently running dual 12VDC 80 AH deep cycle AGM batteries wired parallel. When new they provided us with 3-4 days of normal use without resorting to the genset. We got four years out of them but the capacity is dropping now and it's time for replacement.I have researched the latest lithium offerings and WOW, the price has come way down and the capacity is up.... but the required upgrades to my Victron monitor, charging system and some protection for cold weather charging and avoiding damage to my alternator all vote for simply replacing with like-kind, 100 AH deep cycle AGM.Looks like that will set me back around $400 which is acceptable. So, my question is what brand is currently leading the pack and are then any specs or features I should consider?Many thanks in advance for your advice.-Grouchy

This past summer I installed 2 6v Lifeline AGM batteries. I did my research and settled on Lifeline. Working fine so far.Cheers,

Ltrip wrote:This past summer I installed 2 6v Lifeline AGM batteries. I did my research and settled on Lifeline. Working fine so far.Cheers,X2

Lifeline is good, so are Trojan and Odyssey.The DEKA Intimidator batteries are a little less pricey than the other 3 brands mentioned, but are still pretty decent. They're more likely to be sold locally, which is nice is you ever need an in- warranty replacement.

Thx guys, Question: is Warranty even something to be considered in this purchase? I have found with batteries and tires for that matter, that they tend to "wear out" just after the warranty ends. I reckon the manufacturer has a pretty good bead on that timeline. Even if there's a few "Pro-rated" dollars left on the warranty it isn't worth the hassle.OR am I wrong?

I have used both AGM and FLA batteries. I only get 3 or 4 years of service life out of AGM batteries. I 7 years out of flooded lead acid batteries. As for brand I like Interstate and Trojan.

What's the best deep cycle AGM battery for 2021?

Ltrip
Explorer
Nov 04, 2021
This past summer I installed 2 6v Lifeline AGM batteries. I did my research and settled on Lifeline. Working fine so far.
Cheers,
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Nov 04, 2021
Ltrip wrote:
This past summer I installed 2 6v Lifeline AGM batteries. I did my research and settled on Lifeline. Working fine so far.
Cheers,

X2
Skibane
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2021
Lifeline is good, so are Trojan and Odyssey.

The DEKA Intimidator batteries are a little less pricey than the other 3 brands mentioned, but are still pretty decent. They're more likely to be sold locally, which is nice is you ever need an in- warranty replacement.
GrouchyOldMan
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2021
Thx guys,

Question: is Warranty even something to be considered in this purchase? I have found with batteries and tires for that matter, that they tend to "wear out" just after the warranty ends. I reckon the manufacturer has a pretty good bead on that timeline. Even if there's a few "Pro-rated" dollars left on the warranty it isn't worth the hassle.

OR am I wrong?
corvettekent
Explorer
Nov 04, 2021
I have used both AGM and FLA batteries. I only get 3 or 4 years of service life out of AGM batteries. I 7 years out of flooded lead acid batteries.
As for brand I like Interstate and Trojan.
Ltrip
Explorer
Nov 04, 2021
corvettekent wrote:
I have used both AGM and FLA batteries. I only get 3 or 4 years of service life out of AGM batteries. I 7 years out of flooded lead acid batteries.
As for brand I like Interstate and Trojan.

I think the useful life of a battery is largely due to how well you care for them. You have done a great job taking care of your FLA batteries!
Skibane
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2021
GrouchyOldMan wrote:
Question: is Warranty even something to be considered in this purchase?

Many folks abuse their RV batteries.

If you take care of them, they'll probably either outlast the warranty, or die shortly after purchase.

Just about any manufacturer will replace a battery that fails shortly after purchase - and battery "infant mortality" is not unheard of.

The warranties on deep-cycle/trolling motor/RV batteries tend to be pretty short anyway, mostly because the way those particular batteries are used and maintained is unpredictable.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Nov 04, 2021
Best bang for the buck is telcom batteries that have been "pulled" because one battery in a string has failed.

The interstate stores sell them for $1 per amp-hour. I'm on year 5 with mine. They are maintained by solar between trips.
MNRon
Explorer
Nov 04, 2021
Lifeline. Give them a call, their tech support and info is top notch. If you care for them you should expect 10yr+.
GrouchyOldMan
Explorer II
Nov 05, 2021
Thanks everybody, I'm going to investigate Lifeline, and also the GC-2 batteries.