Community Forums

dragondana · 07-10-2013, 03:29 PM

Newbie here needs opinion on whether I should go with a set of sealed Lifetime batteries or just repalce with the same batteries.

Old Scout · 07-10-2013, 03:34 PM

They are pricy when compared to traditional well cell bats--upwards of 2 or 3 times the price but no more watering and no more acid clean-up, and longer life--perhaps. People who have them, love them--money vs convenience????

Coaster1 · 07-10-2013, 04:03 PM

I went with AGMs because of the difficulty in getting to them for watering. So far, its been worth it.

Playtime III · 07-10-2013, 05:10 PM

What type/brand of Charger/Inverter do you have? My Magnum ME recommends AGM but can be switched to correctly charge either as well as with multiple batteries (by combined Amp Hr).

GaryKD · 07-10-2013, 05:12 PM

Hi dragondana,
Old Scout summed it up nicely. I went with Lifeline AGMs. I'm at a point in life where I am trying to remove items from my "to do" list. Now there is no more water checking, water adding, cleaning battery terminals, cleaning battery tray, etc.

Melmoses · 07-10-2013, 05:15 PM

I would say it depends on how you intend to use your MH. If you dry camp a lot, the AGM's may be worth the money. For most, wet cells work just fine and cost a lot less. If you plan on keeping it for 5-6 more years, maybe it would be worth it. For me, I would replace with Sam's Club 6 volt wet cells - cheapest around and are good ones by a good mfr. Just watch the dates to be sure they are fresh and you are good to go for another 4-5 years.

Mr_D · 07-10-2013, 06:06 PM

Our wet cell Interstate U-2200's lasted one month short of 10 years and I only changed them because we were headed out on a trip and I didn't want trouble on the road.
In 2004 I put 4 oz of mineral oil in each cell and almost totally eliminated corrosion and I only need to check the water about every 3 months.
For our use AGM's just aren't needed.

gio8856 · 07-10-2013, 06:28 PM

AGM's for sure...

mgscott4 · 07-11-2013, 06:26 AM

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Did the last set of batteries work OK for you?

Did they last at least 5 years?

If the answer is yes, replace them with the same kind.

**TonyDi** · 07-11-2013, 08:02 AM

AGNs are nice and conveniet too. However, with their higher costs I am willing to check my batteries. Keeping the battery tray clean is easy if you do a minimal amount of maintenance. My philosophy..if it ain't broke don't fix it. Your old batteries did a good job? Then replace with the same.

wa8yxm · 07-11-2013, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragondana

Newbie here needs opinion on whether I should go with a set of sealed Lifetime batteries or just repalce with the same batteries.

Did you mean to type LifeTIME or did you mean LifeLINE (A brand name).

No such thing as a sealed lifetime lead acid battery less you plan on dying real soon.

My opinion:

Lifeline AGM's do have their uses and advantages, however they come with MAJOR price tags. A pair of 'em can easily set you back a few hundred dollars.

GC-2 Golf car batteries from Sam's a pair of them can set you back... around 150-175.

Now GC-2 pairs (you use two six volt batteires in series to make one big 12 volt battery) are 230 amp hours.. This compares to about a group 29 and 31 in parallel. in 12 volt.

My Logic:
The year after my rig was built I bought a pair of MK/DEKA (Competitor to Lifeline) Sealed Lead Acid AGM batteries.

Now they were on a loop isolated from the flooded wet cells that Damon installed (Interstate U-2200's a "GC-2" type battery).

I also had a few older 27/29 size Maintenance free, these batteries were already on hand before I ordered the motor home, Used for emergency lighting and such.

2011 I replaced the AGM's
2012 The Maintenance free
It is now 2013,, I'm still using the original flooded wet cells, Last load test (I test 'em 2x a year) They still passed with flying color (Green)

The AGM's were the newest, and the deadest, batteries in the coach.