[ Outline ] · Standard · Linear+ Battery?

[dcpac]

I need to replace the lead acid batteries that came with my Hallmark truck camper. I want to use AGM. Can anyone provide a recommendation. I have solar on the camper if that matters.

Thanks!

[fishinfool145]

AGM is a good idea. I use them in both my RVs and in my bass boat. However, most people end up with the Optima. Their deep-cycle is low on capacity and high on price.

I use the AGM from Cabelas or Bass pro. Both seem to be equal quality and I never have a problem with either. Both are available in large electrical capacity. The price is in the range of the Optima.

On the wet cell side, the Trojan SC225 is the best for a deep cycle.

Lithium... Never looked at them, probably can't afford them. I wonder if my chargers would work with them. Sidecar?

[SidecarFlip]

AGM is a good idea.  I use them in both my RVs and in my bass boat.  However, most people end up with the Optima.  Their deep-cycle is low on capacity and high on price. 

I use the AGM from Cabelas or Bass pro.  Both seem to be equal quality and I never have a problem with either.  Both are available in large electrical capacity.  The price is in the range of the Optima.

On the wet cell side, the Trojan SC225 is the best for a deep cycle.

Lithium...  Never looked at them, probably can't afford them.  I wonder if my chargers would work with them.  Sidecar?

No and no. One, expensive and 2, requiire a specialized charger. Best Converter has the chargers but they are pricey too.

Big advantage is weight (a group 31 equivalent weighs about 20 pounds versus 60 for a conventional) and you can put them anywhere, even up side down as there are no vents at all and discharge to 10% or even less without damage. Your typical AGM/flooded cell is no less than 50% or you risk plate damage.

Downside is cost of the battery and the charger. Batteries are around 800 bucks each (Group 31). I never priced the charger, the battery alone scared me off.

I can go through a bunch of 31 flooded cell batteries and not come close to 800 bucks.

I too have been down the Optima road and I to have found it to be bumpy. I feel Optima batteries are over priced and under performing as well.

I run a pair of Crown's now but will probably go to Trojans when these expire. Not sure when that will be. 3 years now and just fine.

No solar with me. Just a small inverter and shore power when home.

[fishinfool145]

No and no.  One, expensive and 2, requiire a specialized charger.  Best Converter has the chargers but they are pricey too.

Big advantage is weight (a group 31 equivalent weighs about 20 pounds versus 60 for a conventional) and you can put them anywhere, even up side down as there are no vents at all and discharge to 10% or even less without damage.  Your typical AGM/flooded cell is no less than 50% or you risk plate damage.

Downside is cost of the battery and the charger.  Batteries are around 800 bucks each (Group 31).  I never priced the charger, the battery alone scared me off.

I can go through a bunch of 31 flooded cell batteries and not come close to 800 bucks.

I too have been down the Optima road and I to have found it to be bumpy.  I feel Optima batteries are over priced and under performing as well.

I run a pair of Crown's now but will probably go to Trojans when these expire.  Not sure when that will be.  3 years now and just fine.

No solar with me.  Just a small inverter and shore power when home.

I don't know where you are buying your AGM batteries, but Cabelas size 30 (pretty much the same as 31) is currently $250, and they are often on sale. I didn't check bass pro. Mine were $190 last time I purchased. Weight is no advantage, these dudes are 65lbs. Only advantage that I can see is longevity, no gas venting and zero maintenance.

You have a valid point about the charger, and one should check to ensure that their charger supports AGM. Both my RVs and boat do and I've been using AGM for so long, I forgot to consider that others may not.

In both my boat and my RVs, the batteries are placed where it is very difficult to maintain the water level properly on a wet cell and I would destroy 4 wet cells for every one AGM I purchase.

[SidecarFlip]

I don't know where you are buying your AGM batteries, but Cabelas size 30 (pretty much the same as 31) is currently $250, and they are often on sale.  I didn't check bass pro.  Mine were $190 last time I purchased.  Weight is no advantage, these dudes are 65lbs.  Only advantage that I can see is longevity, no gas venting and zero maintenance.

You have a valid point about the charger, and one should check to ensure that their charger supports AGM.  Both my RVs and boat do and I've been using AGM for so long, I forgot to consider that others may not.

In both my boat and my RVs, the batteries are placed where it is very difficult to maintain the water level properly on a wet cell and I would destroy 4 wet cells  for every one AGM I purchase.

I get my AGM's at battery warehouse. The only reason a flooded cell uses water is it's being overcharged or rapid rate discharge.

My Crown's are flooded cell and they use very little distilled water. They have to be topped off maybe 2 times a year.... maybe.

The Crown's came from Battery Warehouse as well.

Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are insanely expensive no matter where you get them. Far as I know, there are only 3 manufacturers (builders) in the US. All the cells come from China (cheaper ones) and Japan (better ones) and are assembled here in arrays that equal the amp hour ratings of the batteries.