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Battery charging concerns.

Siakzar
Explorer
Explorer
New to RVing.
I have purchased a AGM battery to replace the old one. I have read all over the Internet that the RV charger controller may compromise the new battery.
1-Is this true only when connected to 110 V or also while driving and the battery is receiving 12 v from the truck alternator..
2- For AGM batteries they recommend to charge it after reaching under %50. Do you have a solution?
14 REPLIES 14

letscamp12
Visitor II
Visitor II

Yes, it’s true that some RV chargers may not be ideal for AGM batteries, especially if they’re not designed for it. This can happen when you’re connected to 110V, but it can also occur while driving if the truck’s alternator doesn’t provide the right charging voltage. Check your RV charger specs to see if it’s compatible with AGM batteries.

For charging, it’s best to recharge your AGM battery before it drops below 50%. One solution is to invest in a smart charger specifically designed for AGMs. These chargers can adjust the voltage and current appropriately, ensuring a safe and effective charge. Additionally, using a battery monitor can help you keep track of your battery’s charge level so you can recharge in time.

zhen-li
Explorer
Explorer

When the battery power drops to the range of about 20% to 30%, it is the best time to charge. This charging strategy is not only beneficial to extend the service life of the battery, but also enhance the performance and stability of the battery. However, this does not mean that it is strictly necessary to wait until 20% of the battery is left to charge. In actual operation, when the power is less than 50%, reasonable charging according to actual demand is also feasible. It is important to avoid charging after the power is completely exhausted, so as not to cause unnecessary damage to the battery. In addition, the best time for battery charging may change depending on the specific situation, so it is recommended that car owners flexibly adjust the charging plan according to the actual situation ‌

Nice post spammer…

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Lwiddis
Explorer II
Explorer II
“I have purchased a AGM battery to replace the old one.”

Based on your energy use or just guessing? THE solution to RV battery recharging is a solar system.
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Siletzspey
Explorer
Explorer
Siakzar wrote:
Does Closed AGM Weize 100 Ah battery requires ventilation?


An AGM battery is a type of "Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA)" battery.

If you have a "good" charger properly regulating the volts and amps for AGM, then any generated gasses "should be" continually trapped and reabsorbed within the battery.

If you're not careful, gasses can build up and the safety valves can vent the gasses. Having ventilation or at least being careful where you put the AGMs is not a bad idea!

--tg

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
The main purpose of developing AGM technology is the option of using them upside down (how often you do it with your TC ?) so they don't have so-called vents, but they do have what is considered safety valve for extreme situation.
Regardless, using them without the vent is acceptable, but read the battery label as technology can have variations.

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
If spending money I would have replaced the MT6332

https://www.bestconverter.com/PD4655V-55-Amp-Converter-Upgrade

Technically yes the AGM can vent and needs to be ventilated. Many ignore the issue. Very rare to vent.

Siakzar
Explorer
Explorer
Grateful for all the info.
I have purchased smart battery charger.

rv convertor is magnetek model 6332

Does Closed AGM Weize 100 Ah battery requires ventilation?

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
AGM is still lead-acid battery, so when it allows slightly higher charging rates, the flooded battery principals still apply.
Camper chargers went long way in last 20 years, so it depends what unit you have.
I found that when you heave deeply discharged battery - it will trip charging circuit breaker on the truck as well on converter on my 20 yo TC.
The automatic breaker will cool down and restore the charging, but that leads to very long hours to recharge.
That is why I am also carrying automatic charger with me, who monitors the battery stage and adjust charging amps.
For single battery you want 10 amp, for dual batteries 25 amp charger.
But beware that some chargers can have 15v boost mode, so better disconnect sensitive electronics for the time.

curt12914
Explorer
Explorer
If you want to charge an AGM battery without spending a fortune, I would recommend a smart battery charger for an AGM battery, like one of these:

AGM Smart Chargers from Amazon
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Sagebrush
Explorer
Explorer
You want a 4 stage converter, like the PD charge wizard set up. Depends on what you have now though, may be good to go already. The charge wizard thing is nice because you can manually put it into boost mode, thats helpful when your on a generator especially. AGM's love a full charge, but they do charge quicker than regular flooded batteries they say.

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
Alternator will not hurt the AGM. If anything it will probably under charge. Still good to get any charge into the battery.

You will need to post the converter model for best answers for charging on utility/generator power. Some are excellent, some are miserable.

ajriding
Explorer II
Explorer II
No, having multiple charging sources all charging at the same time will not hurt at all. The lesser voltage charge will not even matter, it is only the highest voltage charger that is charging assuming the battery is not near depleted. IF depleted then the others might contribute, but that is info that is really of no use to discuss.

You are in TC forum so possibly your batts are closer to the alternator than would be in a trailer, but unlikely as I always see the wires connect from the back of the truck, then run in the bed to the front of the TC then out to battery. If you want more from your alternator then shorten that distance, cut out the going to the rear of the truck, and just wire up through the front of the bed and somehow run the wire as direct to the battery as you can.

Anderson plugs are good for making the connection.

Otherwise the slow charge from the way it is will be fine.

You can run solar, be plugged in with your charger going and run the truck motor/alternator and this is fine for the battery.

The best charging is an AGM specific "smart" charger though.

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Explorer III
Some/many newer chargers have an AGM setting, check yours. AGMs are very similar to flooded batteries and as such should be recharged ASAP. And as a general guideline do not discharged below 50%.

Most tow vehicles do a limited charge of trailer batteries. Yours may/may not completely charge the trailer battery with a day's driving. There are solutions like upgraded wiring and/or installing a DC to DC charger in the trailer.
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