Batteries for Class A

They say you should not mix old and new batteries because the new one will seek the durability level of the old one.

But, since your old battery is one year old, I would buy a new battery like the one you dropped and put the two back to work.

Worst case is a shorter life on the new battery money.

GGeorge wrote:
I have winterized my 2014 coach for this year. As always I removed the batteries and took them to the basement for recharge and storage. I picked the first one up and before I could get it to the work bench I dropped it. Really nice crack in the year old battery.

Well I cussed, fussed and was really PO'd, so I cleaned up the mess and picked up the 2nd battery and placed it on the work bench. (You thought I was going to say I dropped it also).

Now I have read enough to know when replacing batteries you should always replace all batteries of the same catagory at the same time. So next spring I will replace my coach batteries, but what do I do with one good battery (6v)?

Are the new AGM batteries worth the cost?

GGeorge

assuming you buy the same rated style battery u will have no problems at all.

GGeorge wrote:
are the new AGM batteries worth the cost?

If you don't mind checking/filling batteries with distilled water every month, getting acid droplet burns in your clothes, and cleaning corrosion from the terminals, then no, the AGMs are not worth it. :)

GGeorge,

Assuming that the bank is just the two 6V in series and the surviving is actually a year old, I would just replace the damaged one. Batteries live and die by discharge cycles. The two will not be far enough apart to matter.
Now, if this were a pair of 12v in parallel, that would be very different.

As to AGM, I love them, but I don't think that they are cost effective in most applications. Get prices and then decide. Yes, they can be discharged deeper without damage and be charged faster and generally last twice as long in similar service, but you will have to decide if any of that matters enough to you and how you would use them.

Before the depression, I did a lot of boat work and installed a lot of AGMs. Owners never regretted it that I heard.

Matt

GGeorge wrote:
I have winterized my 2014 coach for this year. As always I removed the batteries and took them to the basement for recharge and storage. I picked the first one up and before I could get it to the work bench I dropped it. Really nice crack in the year old battery.

Well I cussed, fussed and was really PO'd, so I cleaned up the mess and picked up the 2nd battery and placed it on the work bench. (You thought I was going to say I dropped it also).

Now I have read enough to know when replacing batteries you should always replace all batteries of the same catagory at the same time. So next spring I will replace my coach batteries, but what do I do with one good battery (6v)?

Are the new AGM batteries worth the cost?

GGeorge

The batteries are only a year old, just buy one new of same model and all will be well.

AGM's are nice but worth it???? questionable but they do have a loyal following without question. Functionally they have little advantage but maintenance is easier. One the other hand good old lead acid last about as long and require little fuss and bother if you have a good inverter/charger. Install a battery watering system and give them a shot once a month or so and you're all set. No need to have a messy battery compartment and you will never take the caps off.

I am not sure why you even removed the batteries from your motorhome. I lived in Marietta for decades and the temperatures never go so low that battery removal is remotely necessary. Exercising your generator monthly, as required, will keep the batteries charged so that them freezing is not possible.

All of that is for the future, however. I would just replace the one damaged battery with a replacement that is as close to the original one as possible.

Since they are only one year old, I agree with the others and would just replaced the damaged battery. Regarding the switch to the AGM's, consider it during your next replacement (unless of course you drop the other battery next year....only kidding).

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

No problem replacing it the same mfg and type.

Agree with everyone above. Just replace the damage one and you will be good to go.

As a general rule a new and old battery side by side the old battery will eventually drag the new one down from my experiences.