| AGM Batteries [message #69898] |
Thu, 07 January 2010 10:22  |
larry.whisler
Messages: 356
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 8
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And while we are discussing batteries in a nearby post, what is the consensus of AGM batteries?
Anyone on the forum using these?
In the house calls column of the Jan '10 FMCA magazine there was an article discussing these. They preferred the AGM over the flooded cell versions but indicated that they were a bit pricey.
The article didn't say how much additional these costs?
larry whisler
76 glenbrook
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| Re: AGM Batteries [message #69906 is a reply to message #69898] |
Thu, 07 January 2010 11:38  |
Erv Troyer
Messages: 125
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lagrange, IN
Karma: 0
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On Thu, 07 January 2010 10:22 larry whisler wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
And while we are discussing batteries in a nearby post, what is the consensus of AGM batteries?
Anyone on the forum using these?
In the house calls column of the Jan '10 FMCA magazine there was an article discussing these. They preferred the AGM over the flooded cell versions but indicated that they were a bit pricey.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Larry, I installed a Lifeline AGM battery soon after we got our coach in May 2000. It is the 8D size (I can't lift it by myself). I installed it under the refrigerator cabinet, as they are approved for use in living quarters. It is still performing very well at this time. I have dry-camped up to 6 days, but I do have a solar panel which keeps the charge up (kinda). I set the solar controller for 14.2 volts.
This is a 255 amp-hour battery, which is about the same as three type 24 batteries. At the time I bought this I worked for a company that was selling these for $540; I was able to get mine for $300. Yes, they are expensive, but if properly cared for they will pay for themselves, due to the much longer life-cycles they offer. Other advantages are listed on their web site:
http://www.lifelinebatteries.com
At about the same time (February, 2001) I installed one of these batteries for a home that has no electricity. This is used to operate 2 circulating pumps for an outdoor woodburner that heats 2 houses. It is recharged with a solar panel, a small wind generator, and a gas driven generator which runs twice a week to run a washer. The first battery I installed wouldn't hold a charge, and it was replaced by the dealer at no charge. The second battery is still "humming away" 9 years later, with no signs of reduced output.
Like many products which cost more, you must compare lifetime usage vs cost when comparing it lower cost products. We would all still be riding on bias-ply tires if we only looked at initial cost, but we soon learned that the higher price for radial tires was worth it due to the many more miles of use we got from them. Carbide drill bits cost more than HS Steel bits - but look at the cost per holes drilled, not the cost per bit.
And that's my 2 cents worth for today...
Erv Troyer Lagrange, IN
74 Sequoia and 77 Birchhaven (for sale soon)
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