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danny124 · 09-22-2014, 07:19 AM

If AGM batteries are used versus the wet cells that are now in the coach, is there anything that needs to be done to any of the coach electrical systems?

stik · 09-22-2014, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny124

If AGM batteries are used versus the wet cells that are now in the coach, is there anything that needs to be done to any of the coach electrical systems?

My inverter/cocnverter/charger has switch setting(s) for different type batteries. I learned that when I switched from maintenance free to wet cell house batteries. Now I wish I had just stayed with the maintenance free ones

az bound · 09-22-2014, 07:36 AM

If the charger has the option for AGMs set it. If not it will be fine. Nothing needs to be done for the rest of the electrical system.

hes4all · 09-22-2014, 07:49 AM

If you have a Magum inverter/charger then there are 2 steeings for AGM's. Setting one is for Lifeline and two is for all other AGM's.

I don't know about other inverters!

wa8yxm · 09-22-2014, 11:32 AM

There is a very slight difference in the charge profile for the two so if your converter or charger is programmable......... You need to set it to AGM or.

Better yet to the specific profile your battery make suggests.

And, of course, you need to spend a lot more on batteries.

AGM batteries have the following "Benefits"
1: maintenance free (but retular Maintenance Free have that one too)
2: A bit more rugged physically (If you need that feature you are going to need serious RV repairs soon)
3: Forget about "This side up" (The only real advantage of AGM)
4: LIFELINE (Specifically) claims a faster recharge profile, IF, that is, your converter can push that much current. (not many can)

Longer life is claimed, but I have seen NO evidence to support that and have seen evidence that suggests it's a myth (NOTE: Suggests)

I know I tried AGM's. put 'em on their own loop with AGM profile, they were the last batteries installed in the RV and the first to get replaced... So much for "Longer life" .

az bound · 09-22-2014, 01:15 PM

A few of the other advantages of AGMs.
Accept charge faster due to less internal resistance, even Lifeline. No need to upgrade charger.
Standing discharge rate is 1-2% per month. No need for maintainer charger if disconnected, even up to a full year. Try that with a wet cell.
Less susceptible to stratification/sulfation.
There are good and bad AGM manufacturers just as with any other type. Buy cheap, you get cheap.
Best bang for my buck!!!

TQ60 · 09-22-2014, 10:40 PM

In GENERAL nothing needs to be changed as your power system is generic 12 VDC.

However...

12 volt flooded batteries are very forgiving to varying voltage levels and if your voltage is a bit high then water consumption will be high and easy to maintain.

AGM are also known as VRLA, please google vrla batteries to read more.

In short they are extremely picky about voltage and if over charged they can have more gas pressure then specified and the valve opens to release it.

Once it vents the material is GONE and cannot be replaced.

So just installing them is only 1/4 the task.

You need to make sure every part of tge charging system is adjusted to the correct voltage and to be sure it is not overcharging.

And yes agm batteries do need maintenance...NOTHING is maintenance free...just requires a different type of maintenance which involves monitoring voltages at regular times as well as visual to check for valve releases and connections.