Maint. Free Batteries okay in 5th Wheel?

[ReallyBigMax]

I need to replace my batteries. I have read (over in the Motor Home forum actually that one should "never use maintenance free batteries for coach batteries". I've cooked a couple of sets of deep cycles, and I'd like to not have to feed them in the future. Changing my Iota Converter to a Xantrex TrueCharge 2 charger is part of the bargain, so the new batteries will be much better tended. Still, I'd like to use sealed ceel bat's, and I don't know if it is a good idea, or a bad one.

Thanks in advance
ReallyBigMax

[ReallyBigMax]

@SMKETTNER - Thanks for the tip off on the Xantrex TrueCharge 2 fan. I talked to my local service rep and he confirmed the fan issue. He said "That's why we don't recommend them for trailers. They are noisy and can annoy the occupants." As for the IOTA, well, what can I say but that it has cooked more than one set of batteries. I'm now looking for a "suitable" converter, and a good local source for AGM batteries, preferably Lifeline, but I may not be willing to afford them. Will have to wait and see what I can get them for.

Thanks again
ReallyBigMax

[powderman426]

All I have ever used in my fiver are maintenance free (not AGM) batteries with no problems. Its nice not having to worry about the water level getting low and frying one.

[time2roll]

Odd for IOTA to overcharge. Aging batteries do use more water.

Don't confuse maintenance free wet cell batteries with AGM.
AGM is fine, maintenance free wet cell not so much.

Only downside to the Xantrex TrueCharge 2 is that I understand the fan runs continuously. AGM setting should suppress the equalization cycle. Consider a Progressive Dynamics 9200 converter.

+1 for Lifeline

[ReallyBigMax]

Thanks to you all for the prompt replies. My problem is I can't seem to keep up with the maintenance schedule of replenishing the water in my lead-acid batteries. That, coupled with the over-charging by the existing Iota charger, has sharply cut the life of my batteries. The sealed cell does require more careful charging, but the Xantrex should handle that perfectly, and thanks to not over-charging and forgetting to add water, I figure my battery cost will come out about even. Best, I'll be replacing batteries I've used up, not cooked up.

Thanks again
ReallyBigMax

[Golden_HVAC]

AGM batteries will work fine. However their life it shorter than a lead acid that you keep adding water to it, and taking care of it, and the cost is about twice as high for say 200 amp hours.

AGM will charge at a higher rate, but should not be equalized like your lead acid battery required.

Good luck!

Fred.

[FrankShore]

There would be absolutely no problem using AGM batteries in your 5th wheel!

[Fiverwheel]

I used Lifeline batteries in my Alpenlite 5th wheel when I owned it years ago. If your charging system is sophisticated enough, I can't see the problem.