Lifeline GPL-27T AGM Battery Upgrade
Late last week I placed an order at bestconverter.com for two Lifeline GPL-27T AGM batteries to replace the two NAPA batteries the dealer installed in my 2016 Northern-Lite 8'11". The big brown truck...
Forum Discussion
woodhog wrote:
Where the AGM batteries seem to require these strict charging criteria, do our truck alternators when charging the AGM's meet these requirements when the batteries are being charged with the truck running?
Generally, No.
Would the trucks alternator voltage eventually damage or diminish the life of high quality AGM batteries?
Possibly, Yes.
If the alternator set point is too low, it will undercharge your camper batteries, particularly if there is additional voltage drop in the too-small wiring to the camper. Undercharging will not by itself damage the batteries, if there is another source of proper charging voltage such as a line or solar charger.
If the alternator set point is too high, you will dry out the absorbed electrolyte in the AGM which cannot be replaced. I have never seen too high voltages in any truck I have owned. Often the set point is above the 13.4V usually recommended for AGM float operation, but very rarely does anyone drive more than 8 or 10 hours at a time and that won't hurt them. If you plan on driving for several days straight with no shut downs, you might consider unplugging the cord for some periods.
So practically, it is unlikely to be a problem for most people. I have a charge controller between the truck and camper than regulates charge voltage to the AGMs, but this is probably overkill.
