Community Forums

Randyman1 · 07-06-2017, 04:35 PM

I replaced all my chassis and house batteries with Lifeline AGM and couldn't be happier no corrosion no maintenance.

cruzbill · 07-06-2017, 04:36 PM

For me is not even cost/benefit-its just raw dollars. I have lost so many RV batteries to a lack of charge, overcharging by cheap converters, etc. But I have to stick with lead-acid due to current flow (current income, that is!)
If I had my way.......

tropical36 · 07-06-2017, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzbill

Not disagreeing on the benefits of AGM's but at $300 ea, I can buy 3.6 GC2 batteries at Costco. So are the AGM's somehow more than 3 times better? Not objectively, but subjectively,? Now, how am I going to use that .6 battery?

With ours and the inverter/converter in the same compartment and whether sealed off and vented or not, I don't like having wet cells, besides the maintenance extras. I hope to better justify the cost with having them replaced before the 60 month full replacement warranty is up.

Ocean Mist · 07-07-2017, 01:54 AM

Thank you for all the helpful responses!

I emailed LifeLine, and they referred me to a dealer close by and since I needed 8 Batteries, he made me a deal for $232 for the 8 and $89 for the 3 new Chassis Batteries. chassis are the 10" x 7" by 9" high

I didn't want to figure out the total cost, because I can't count that high.

He said I can go with maintenance free regular batteries, Not AGM's for the chassis...

Also, said I would have to change something on my inverter. I didn't get that far but wondered if it's an actual switch on the inverter or a setting in the software...I mean I really don't even know if there is software... Still need to get the manual out and figure it out.

So I also have 2 1/4 turn switches in the battery bay. I haven't got to the manual yet, but does anyone know what the top one is and the bottom one does? I know they are supposed to stop parasitic loss, but im not sure what each one does...

nothermark · 07-07-2017, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan McMartin

Don't know. I do know that AGMs can take more amps during charging so they bulk charge faster...assuming your charger can deliver more amps. They are also maintenance free. They can also be mounted on their side.

But maybe you knew that and are just making a point. I have a hard time swallowing the price of AGM. I'm not sure they have enough advantages over wet cells, especially with the price of lithium coming down.

For most of us the issue is that the only advantage of AGM's is that we don't have to check the water. After that it's just pouring in more money.

f14av8r · 07-07-2017, 04:40 AM

Use AGMs for your Coach batteries. The advantages far outweigh the cost differential. Don't spend money for AGMs for your Chassis though. You Coach batteries are deep cycle and see a lot of charge-discharge cycles. Your Chassis (starter) batteries perform a very different role - short, high current demand with minimal discharge. Go with maintenance free wet cell chassis batteries. Interstate is a great choice.

dons2346 · 07-07-2017, 07:00 AM

Your Monaco looks new enough to have a modern controller for the inverter. Read the manual and it will tell you how to change settings to AGM. Some controllers (Magnum Energy) have a setting for two types of AGM so make sure you get the right one. Also make sure that you don't have the auto equalize setting turned on. All the settings I have seen are software driven, no switches involved.

evofxdwg · 07-07-2017, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan McMartin

Don't know. I do know that AGMs can take more amps during charging so they bulk charge faster...assuming your charger can deliver more amps. They are also maintenance free. They can also be mounted on their side.

But maybe you knew that and are just making a point. I have a hard time swallowing the price of AGM. I'm not sure they have enough advantages over wet cells, especially with the price of lithium coming down.

Deep cycle RV/Marine AGM size:group 34 at Sams Club $120 each (link below). Doesn't seem too high to me if they last a year or two longer and you dont have to mess with checking/filling cells. Does Costco or other big box/discount stores have similar? Post here if they do to make this string a good shopping resource.
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/durace...lp:product:1:2

Disclaimer: I havent tried AGM deep cycle batteries, but have purchased vehicle starting AGM batteries for at least 15 years. I dont have statistics on how long they last, only my own anecdotal experience with them.

theoldwizard · 07-07-2017, 03:49 PM

Both Rolls and Trojan now sell true "deep cycle" AGM batteries.

AGM batteries require different charging voltage than flooded so make sore your charger can handle that.

Randyman1 · 07-07-2017, 07:09 PM

Those two switches are the battery disconnects for the house and for the chassis. Your inverter remote you can scroll through the settings to set the charger for the battery type you use. There is a AGM setting if you end up going that route.

Chargerman · 07-08-2017, 11:47 AM

Be aware. Even if you turn those two switches off there will still parasitic draw on the batteries from some components.

Dan McMartin · 07-08-2017, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evofxdwg

Deep cycle RV/Marine AGM size:group 34 at Sams Club $120 each (link below). Doesn't seem too high to me if they last a year or two longer and you dont have to mess with checking/filling cells. Does Costco or other big box/discount stores have similar? Post here if they do to make this string a good shopping resource.
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/durace...lp:product:1:2

Disclaimer: I havent tried AGM deep cycle batteries, but have purchased vehicle starting AGM batteries for at least 15 years. I dont have statistics on how long they last, only my own anecdotal experience with them.

Those are 55 amp hour batteries. To match the amp hours of four 6V AGM batteries, you'd need eight of those. And the batteries you list aren't true deep cycle either.

ralph0808 · 07-08-2017, 01:08 PM

I am considering replacing my 8 house batteries with Lifeline. My battery's are the cheapest the dealer could buy and be able to say you have 10 new batteries 2 Chassis & 8 house. They are CG115 ProStart which are about 3 years old but still working. But my question is should I also replace the cables & connecters because of the corrosion and age of the cable (13) years? I plan to setup the rig with solar panels and controller after I recover financially. The new batteries & cables to be replaced first but trying to put some $$$ in the bank ahead of time. Don't want to induce The corrosion to the new batteries when I do replace them!

evofxdwg · 07-08-2017, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan McMartin

Those are 55 amp hour batteries. To match the amp hours of four 6V AGM batteries, you'd need eight of those. And the batteries you list aren't true deep cycle either.

Yes. I posted too quick after researching only price. I would only consider the Group 31 AGM for RV house batteries. I dont know how they compare to the other AGM's recommended here. Perhaps someone can add their specs.
Sams Club
-Duracell AGM Deep Cycle Marine and RV Battery (Group Size 31)
Price (7/8/2017)-$179.82
1 amp hour rate-68.2
3 amp hour rate-85
5 amp hour rate-86
6 amp hour rate-87.4
8 amp hour rate-90
20 amp hour rate-105
100 amp hour rate-110
Battery Electrolyte Composition-Glass Mat
Battery End Type-Top Post
Battery Purpose-Starting Lighting Instrumentation
BCI Group Size-31
CA at 32 degrees F-
CCA at 0 degrees F-800
Freight Class-65
Polarity-Left Positive
Reserve Capacity-200
MCA at 32 degrees F-1000
Minutes at 5 amps-1265
Minutes at 8 amps-706
Minutes at 15 amps-348
Minutes at 23 amps-
Minutes at 25 amps-210
Minutes at 50 amps-87.4
Minutes at 75 amps-53
Terminal Type:-STUD/SAE