Community Forums

Top Sergeant · 02-22-2021, 05:54 PM

I will be upgrading my 6- 6V flooded batteries to replica AGM this spring. I have changed out my original Xantrex 2K inverter/ charger for the Magnum S2000 and the ME-ARC remote. I see batteries over 400 Ah that can give extended time while boondocking but typically we plug in unless absolutely necessary but I wouldn't mind a better battery in the event that we needed it. With my configuration are there limitations on the amount of Ah that my batteries produce?
I have found the Sam's Duracell GC2 6 V that produces 100 Ah for $180. It seems like a pretty good price to have a cleaner/low maintenance battery box but having additional reserve power with a higher amperage battery would be nice if needed.

2004 40MDTS

twinboat · 02-22-2021, 05:59 PM

The 6 volt Sam's club AGM batteries should be rated at about 190 AH, not 100 AH.

Top Sergeant · 02-22-2021, 06:03 PM

Thanks.

brobox · 02-22-2021, 06:16 PM

I would never go back to flooded. Sam's AGM are Duracell, manufactured by East Penn, one of the top manufactures. I had a set of East Penn AGM, outstanding batteries. Mine were also 190 ah and were fine for the occasional overnight.

Top Sergeant · 02-22-2021, 06:20 PM

Sounds good, I will be installing the insulated battery post connectors to simplify things as well.
Thanks again

paul65k · 02-22-2021, 06:28 PM

The Sam's batteries will be just fine. There really is no appreciable benefit to AGM over flooded batteries from a performance standpoint, the only real difference is the maintenance or lack thereof with AGM.

TS if you are almost always plugged in it really doesn't matter and I think you would make a good choice to go with the GC2 AGMs from Sams

Top Sergeant · 02-22-2021, 06:31 PM

Perfect, thanks.

andy29847 · 02-23-2021, 06:35 AM

I'd like to piggyback on this post if I can. The batteries in my 38 FDDS Alpine are getting old and I will probably be replacing them soon. I like the idea of reduced maintenance when using AGM, but I don't know if my Xantrx 2000 and Echo charger will keep the AGM batteries topped off. What is the wisdom of the list? FWIW, I seldom boondock.

bcbowers · 02-23-2021, 08:49 AM

Your Xantrex 2000 (RS2000?) should have charging options based upon battery type. It is very important to charge at an acceptable rate based upon battery type. The PO of my coach installed AGM batteries but didn’t change the battery type which we believe contributed to a battery compartment fire we experienced while driving it home from the purchasing event.

Old Scout · 02-23-2021, 09:21 AM

Curious? ….recent discussion on inverter/charger profiles is pretty straight-forward, most units either have generic profiles that are close, or they have the ability to be customized. But what about the charging profile for the Cummins alternator? IIRC--several Alpine owners have experienced battery fires--common thread was new AGMs and it happened while they were driving. However, its been a while since the last report of fire. So is the alternator charging profile and issue too? Has AGM bat technology evolved? Recent L-ion battery threads suggest a DC to DC charge "isolator" or controller ????? Personally, unless you are into solar and/or boondocking, I like the simplicity of plain, old L/A bats....I don't even use a bat fill system--guess I am pretty old school--or just cheap!

Top Sergeant · 02-23-2021, 10:10 AM

I had to replace my alternator last year. I used the same 160 Amp Leece-Neville to ensure correctness. My original Xantrex 2000 went inop as well so I replaced it with the Magnum S2000 with control head. I'm pretty sure that the Magnum will allow me to change battery type for the AGM.
Is the Cummins alternator different? I will be using batteries that are similar specs as my flooded so I am in hopes that the alternator will function properly.