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12 volt AGM battery

bgum
Explorer
Explorer
Been quiet some time since I have purchased a battery for the camper and things change. Need opinions on best 12 volt AGM battery for the dollar. At one time batteries in the $75-$125 range met this requirement. What say you.
19 REPLIES 19

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Explorer
April 2020 I disconnected the 31 Lifeline. It measured 12.66 last week. The 2-story has been recharged to 14.4 volts overnight @ 75F and disconnected. These batteries were purchased in 2012, and 2013, respectively.

Yes, both capacity and load test. Capacity is 94 and 96%

Yes, they are Lifelines. No, they are not regularly full cycled.

Almot
Explorer III
Explorer III
bgum wrote:
Need opinions on best 12 volt AGM battery for the dollar. At one time batteries in the $75-$125 range met this requirement. What say you.

$125 for a deep cycle AGM? More like $225 for a decent brand like Deka, this would be their small-ish size 90 AH. 105 AH would cost $260-280.

Even Chinese AGM cost well over $125 for 100 AH, and I would stay away from those. Had this experience already - no, thanks.

dougrainer
Nomad
Nomad
Lifeline batteries are warrantied for 5 years. They are VERY good, but expensive. BUT, Lifeline batteries CANNOT recover from going completely DEAD. The just will not come back. Normal deep cycle batteries can recover from being dead as long as you recharge at the rate they were discharged. Lifeline battery warranty has a catch 22. They are warrantied for 5 years. BUT, if they fail before 5 years, it is because you let them go dead.:B Not a defect in the battery but user abuse. Doug

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Explorer
Lithium battery popularity exploits weak areas in flooded and absorbed glass mat battery maintenance requirements. If the batteries are not maintained correctly, battery life suffers.

It is only after proper maintenance has been performed over the course of the unit lifetime can an intelligent assessment be made. There can be no quibbling about this.

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
No they aren't. From everything I've read, I can expect the same performance with the vmax agms at a better price.

I looked at the lifeline, but I needed three batteries. One for the clipper house, one for the trailer jack/brake, and one for the trailer house battery. I just didn't have the funds for the lifeline or optima. If the vmax fails, I'll post an update. But I expect them to do fine as I never let them drop below 75 percent.

Also putting in a new PD converter charger tomorrow.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

MNRon
Explorer
Explorer
Toed toes - last I looked Optimaโ€™s werenโ€™tโ€™cheapโ€™ batteries. For about the same price you could get Lifelines that come with lots of technical info backing up performance expectations. https://batteryguys.com/collections/lifeline/products/lifeline-gpl-27t
Ron & Pat
2022 F350 Lariat CCSB SRW Diesel
2019 VanLeigh Vilano 320 GK

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
My optima lasted 8 years - until the thieves ran it dead. My boss has had his for more than 10 years. I disagree that they will only last 2-3 years. Watch the discharge and they can last far longer.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

MNRon
Explorer
Explorer
Lifeline. They are not cheap, but last and perform better than cheaper ones. If you only want a battery to last 2-3 years, or want to run them down to 11v, then just buy the cheap ones. If you take care of them and want them to last 10yrs, Lifelines are worth it. On the other hand, if you REALLY want to spend $$$$, get lithiumโ€™s ๐Ÿ™‚
Ron & Pat
2022 F350 Lariat CCSB SRW Diesel
2019 VanLeigh Vilano 320 GK

Ivylog
Explorer III
Explorer III
My American made AGMs in my previous DP only lasted 10 years. You can build a 100 AH Lithium for not much more than a good AGM.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
Sold 04 Dynasty to our son after 14 great years.
Upgraded with a 08 HR Navigator 45โ€™...

NamMedevac_70
Explorer II
Explorer II
Is it true 12 volt AGM batteries do not last as long as wet cell bat if the wet is maintained properly. I heard this on the internet and just checking before next impendending purchase. I am talking about both bats being of similar quality.

Sagebrush
Explorer
Explorer
The Deka or East Penn batteries are American made too. Most of the other lower cost options are Chinese like the Vmaxtanks etc. The East Penn AGM batteries come ready to go, they claim to be made here. I started using their motorcycle AGM batteries and they have held up pretty good too. The Walmart batteries I have are made in Spain and cost more than the American Sam's Club batteries, go figure. If I had the money to spend I would buy Lifeline AGM batteries, but they are not budget friendly... not my budget anyway!

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
I just got new agm batteries for my trailer from vmaxtanks.com. They were less expensive than the optima, although not cheap. First orders get 10 percent off.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
I'm happy with my telcom batteries that were "pulls" from cell towers. About $1 per amp-hour @ 12 volts.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.

I have used Lifeline Group 31 AGM's on my last 2 fifth wheels with great success.. I have also heard that the Deka version is just as good.. and a bit less $$$$
Me-Her-the kids
2020 Ford F350 SD 6.7
2020 Redwood 3991RD Garnet