safe to use sealed batteries in coach?

Veebyes wrote:
Seems like for most of us who have made the switch, once an AGM user, always an AGM user.

Once you can break open that wallet you'll wonder what took so long.

Seems like for most of us who have made the switch, once an AGM user, always an AGM user. The convenience of no service, the ability to retain a charge during storage & the service life of an AGM offset the initial cost.

Gel cells are good too. Had a pair of group 31 gel cells last 11 years.

Reddog1 wrote:
2oldman, thanks. Lots more to know, but enough to get the wheels turning.

harold1946 wrote:
I would like for anyone to post the type and manufacturer of any wet cell battery that will not vent under the right conditions.
Any of them can that I have ever heard of, even the so called sealed.

I am a very strong supporter of AGM batteries, but to be fair they too will vent under the right conditions. It is exceptionally rare and only when there is a malfunction during charging as I understand.

Wayne

I agree; I am just trying to make the point that it can and has happened even though the risk is much lower.
I too am an AGM user and have been for over 20 years.

2oldman, thanks. Lots more to know, but enough to get the wheels turning.

harold1946 wrote:
I would like for anyone to post the type and manufacturer of any wet cell battery that will not vent under the right conditions.
Any of them can that I have ever heard of, even the so called sealed.

I am a very strong supporter of AGM batteries, but to be fair they too will vent under the right conditions. It is exceptionally rare and only when there is a malfunction during charging as I understand.

Wayne

Reddog1 wrote:
...can leave them in storage disconnected for several months and they will be fully charged.

Good writeup Wayne. That's one thing I love about AGMs.. they will retain their charge a long time.

I would like for anyone to post the type and manufacturer of any wet cell battery that will not vent under the right conditions.
Any of them can that I have ever heard of, even the so called sealed.

There are true sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries. They tend to be small and are not good for this application.

What ever you buy, make sure they are TRUE deep discharge batteries, not dual purpose.

No maintenance wet cell batteries do not mean that they do not vent.

If you want to expand your battery bank & not worry about gassing or where to locate them you will be looking at AGM, gel cell or another true sealed battery. No, you cannot have the AGM etc at the same cheap price as the wet cell.
AGMs are commonly used in marine applications because they can be mounted anywhere. They don't even have to be mounted in an upright position. They are frequently mounted in living areas of boats, such as under berths, because they are perfectly safe.

Wet cells vent a flammable heavier than air gas. Something to consider if thinking of installing them in a confined area.

Another advantage of the AGM is its longevity. Got rid of 2 group 24 wet cells & installed a single AGM 4D early 2010. It is still going strong.

JaxDad wrote:

If it has liquid inside it there must be some sort of vent, period.

Not true.

If the case is designed to hold a good amount of pressure, there is no need for a vent.

The most common uses of sealed wet cell batteries is small UPS units and things like fire alarms and the cheaper "emergency" exit lights.

Some of the larger batteries have the vent nipple not because they are vented all the time but because there is a pressure relief safety valve.

AGM, Gel, or Lithium are fine inside. I use Gel mobility scooter batteries.