Replacing House Batteries

Blaster Man wrote:

If you are going to the expense of AGM 6 volt batteries ($300 each), I'd make sure you have the correct charger and it is set exactly as it should be.

Sure that's a valid opinion...but not the only valid one.

Using a "standard" charger on AGM batteries will not hurt anything.
It will not shorten their life.
It simply will not utilize that little extra 5 percent that they can achieve if charged a bit more aggressively.
They still don't gas. They still don't self discharge (nearly as much). They still don't require periodic electrolyte level checks.

Is it good to have a "better" charger with AGMs; sure. Is it necessary; nope not at all.

Sam Spade wrote:

Blaster Man wrote:

DSDP Don wrote:
Rick, no problem replacing with the AGM, but you'll need to change the settings on your Inverter/Charger to match the batteries.

Good advice, and if you want the AGMs to work correctly, you'll have to do this.

I can't agree with that, at least not the way it is worded.

Most all of the advantages of AGM are still present even with a fixed voltage, single stage "wet cell" charger/converter/inverter.

They might not charge up to 100 percent of their capability but 95 percent roughly matches the capacity of a similar wet cell. This does not mean that they are not working "correctly".

If you are going to the expense of AGM 6 volt batteries ($300 each), I'd make sure you have the correct charger and it is set exactly as it should be.

YES, but the cost is several times higher than flooded wet cells. Make sure you get DEEP cycle and do not get OPTIMA

Deep cycle: recover from very low states of charge better than MARINE/deep cycle or starting batteires.

OPTIMA have only about 60-70 percent of the capacity of a non optima of the same size factor. At a still higher cost (Optima are AGM).

It's not the charging, you need to disable the equalization. Need to check the settings on your solar controller too.

Blaster Man wrote:

DSDP Don wrote:
Rick, no problem replacing with the AGM, but you'll need to change the settings on your Inverter/Charger to match the batteries.

Good advice, and if you want the AGMs to work correctly, you'll have to do this.

I can't agree with that, at least not the way it is worded.

Most all of the advantages of AGM are still present even with a fixed voltage, single stage "wet cell" charger/converter/inverter.

They might not charge up to 100 percent of their capability but 95 percent roughly matches the capacity of a similar wet cell. This does not mean that they are not working "correctly".

DSDP Don wrote:
Rick, no problem replacing with the AGM, but you'll need to change the settings on your Inverter/Charger to match the batteries. Often, calling the manufacturer of the charger is the best way to get the correct settings....especially if it's a Magnum. They are very helpful.

Good advice, and if you want the AGMs to work correctly, you'll have to do this.

Rick, no problem replacing with the AGM, but you'll need to change the settings on your Inverter/Charger to match the batteries. Often, calling the manufacturer of the charger is the best way to get the correct settings....especially if it's a Magnum. They are very helpful.

Yes, you can. They should last longer too.

sure, but if you never dry camp and don't have a big inverter you don't need 4.

MountainAir05 wrote:
yes

+1
Probably better batteries overall....IF you can get ones that will fit in the same space.