New to camping - Wet Cell vs AGM Battery in TT

[Joycemn]

I have recently started this camping adventure and have learned a great deal this summer.
I have a 210rs Outback TT. I kinda like camping but at times I am scared to death.

I was wondering if it makes a difference if I have a wet cell battery or dry cell battery on my tt.

Joyce

[TonyDi]

Hi Joyce



Glad to have you here in the forum with us.

Ask questions about the things that scare you. You'll get answers and hopefully they will allay your issues.

Congrats on your new TT.

Happy Trails!!!

[Stever53]

Hi Joyce


this place is great

Safe travels

[ByeTheWay]

Welcome to the group. Lots of good information here. Extra knowledge is always handy.

As for the batteries, I have had both and I prefer the AGM's because they are maintenance free. There is a lot to know about batteries. Here is a link I'm sure you will find helpful. RV Electrical

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Joyce! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Joycemn]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Hi Joyce! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Thank you so much

[JUS1MO]

WELCOME to a bunch of people with a vast amount of knowledge about camping.. I have not been here long myself but have learned a lot... If you have a question, ask it, someone has the answer...

[Gary RVRoamer]

They are both "wet", lead acid batteries. The AGM just manages a bit better, with a sponge-like mat to hold the electrolyte and a sealed, valve-regulated, case.

The AGM is pretty much zero maintenance and great for people who want to install the battery and forget it, but there is a hefty price premium for that convenience. AGMs also have slightly lower power (fewer amp-hours) for a given size & weight.

[Joycemn]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

They are both "wet", lead acid batteries. The AGM just manages a bit better, with a sponge-like mat to hold the electrolyte and a sealed, valve-regulated, case.

The AGM is pretty much zero maintenance and great for people who want to install the battery and forget it, but there is a hefty price premium for that convenience. AGMs also have slightly lower power (fewer amp-hours) for a given size & weight.

Thanks for the info

[wingnut60]

I was going to mention that both are 'wet' but Gary beat me to it. For simplicity, the AGMs are almost 'set and forget' types-over the years, I have gotten to trust Trojan T105s for dependability and long life--true deep cycle batteries, but they need maintenance periodically.

[Cliffy]

Don't know what you have for battery room but if you have room for only one you will need a 12 volt battery. AGMs might be the way to go for less maintenance but a regular 12 volt deep cycle battery really doesn't take that much work. Check the water level once or twice a year and make sure to keep any of them fully charged even in winter. Don't store them outside or in the TT in a cold winter zone. Put them in your garage and charge them once a month with a regular car battery charger. If you let them go dead that really wears them out fast.

I went to 2 of the 6 volt golf cart batteries (Costco) as by combining them for 12 volts I get 260 amp hours of available electricity. Maybe double what a 1 battery rig will get but then again we dry camp a lot and use an inverter for the TV and keep it fairly warm inside at night with the furnace (needs 12 volts).
I had to convert a nearby storage area to hold the 2 batteries and provide the correct venting.

No really wrong answers, mostly personal choice or space limitation.

Ask away here. Lots of helpful folks. You shouldn't be scared to go camping. Lets talk about it.

[Joycemn]

Originally Posted by wingnut60

I was going to mention that both are 'wet' but Gary beat me to it. For simplicity, the AGMs are almost 'set and forget' types-over the years, I have gotten to trust Trojan T105s for dependability and long life--true deep cycle batteries, but they need maintenance periodically.

Thanks, I think the AGM is best seeing as I am not mechanically inclined.

[marcham]

Most TT battery chargers (converters) are not compatible with AGM batteries, replacing it would add significantly to the cost. Battery maintenance is probably the easiest maintenance chore... If you cant do that who will do the rest?

The main advantage of agm is deeper discharge (80% vs 50% for flooded), and lower internal resistance (higher current capacity) which might be useful if you need to install a high power inverter. With maintenance every 6 months flooded 6V golf cart batteries should last 6-7 years.

Agm batteries don't do well when abused (100% discharge, overheat during charging) and really should be used with a charger that has a battery temperature sensor... Otherwise they may not outlast a cheaper flooded battery.

[Joycemn]

Originally Posted by marcham

Most TT battery chargers (converters) are not compatible with AGM batteries, replacing it would add significantly to the cost. Battery maintenance is probably the easiest maintenance chore... If you cant do that who will do the rest?

The main advantage of agm is deeper discharge (80% vs 50% for flooded), and lower internal resistance (higher current capacity) which might be useful if you need to install a high power inverter. With maintenance every 6 months flooded 6V golf cart batteries should last 6-7 years.

Agm batteries don't do well when abused (100% discharge, overheat during charging) and really should be used with a charger that has a battery temperature sensor... Otherwise they may not outlast a cheaper flooded battery.

Just me. My dog refuses to do any work.