Excellent information sir!
If I may add something.
When purchasing an AGM, take a voltage reading. If the battery does not have in excess of 12.85 volts, reject it unless you intend to fuss with it at home. I used to call "aged" shelf batteries "Rip Van Winkles". Stands true for flooded batteries but at different volts point.
How important is this? A thoroughly aged RVW can deliver 90% of its amp hour rating and deliver 80% of max lifespan. Unless "conditioned" (see the Lifeline user manual) these batteries are sold "crippled" then go downhill from there.
OEM warrants new batteries to the distributor for one year. After the twelfth month the distributor EATS whatever warranty he had added onto the battery. Yes this includes Interstate, Wal-Mart, Costco and Sams Club.
When I ran the numbers for one vendor (distributor) he saw the light. I made a twenty battery charging station for him and guess what (?) his warranties during a one year period - zero - 2 years - zero - three+ years under 1%.
"If you bought your battery here, don't let it just sit! Bring it here and we'll recharge it FREE!" Saved the vendor a lot of money.
This is where I perfected the TOP CHARGING regimen using his power and his labor. Top charge and rotate stock were key words. Mark Daughtery, at RAMCAR used to roll his eyes when I purchased batteries for my own use. Armed with a Freas hydrometer and carbon pile load tester I would cherry pick the best of the best.
A pocket size digital multimeter is cheap. AGM's under 12.85 volts and flooded batteries showing under 12.6 volts should be rejected outright. If the vendor gets testy, this is a perfect BS Test. He will treat you like that if you show up with a warranty claim. Use your noodle... don't let the door hit you in the ***
