Community Forums

Ocean Mist · 07-06-2017, 10:16 AM

I read somewhere that there are newer generation AGM Batteries, and wondered if any has them or knows about them?

Also, I am going back and forth about Cabellas or Lifeline, but it seems that lifeline has a great reputation for customer service.

Thinking about 8 LifeLine AGM Coach Batteries, but what about my Chassis Batteries?

They are Interstate, and sealed Lead Acid.

Should I swap those out as well? and recomendations

06' Monaco Executive 40'

cruzbill · 07-06-2017, 10:23 AM

I haven't heard about any new chemistry AGM batteries, maybe? AGM means no maintenance, but at a price. Swap out your chassis bats for peace of mind. Have you considered drop-in lithium? Pricey, but so many advantages. https://battlebornbatteries.com/

Mac99 · 07-06-2017, 10:32 AM

Lifelines are without a doubt, the best AGMs, and
the most expensive.
The benefits clearly out weigh the cost differential, IMHO.
You should change the starting batteries as well, and have all Lifelines.
You will have to re-set the charging profile on your
inverter/charger to Lifelines. If you elect to go with another
AGM you should get all new of the same type and select
the appropriate charge profile.
You should not mix different types of batteries since the
charge profile differential would be harmful to some of
the batteries.
I recently got LifeLine GPL-4CT 6VOLTS FOR 300.00 each, and the GPL3100T starting batteries for 304.00 each.

cruzbill · 07-06-2017, 10:40 AM

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?

smlranger · 07-06-2017, 12:06 PM

Check out Full River AGM'S.

hfbundy · 07-06-2017, 12:17 PM

See my comment on Cabelas batteries under the Corrosion on AGM batteries thread. I jumpered house AGM batteries to my wet cell chassis battery a few years ago to allow my solar panel to keep them all charged and the chassis battery failed.

Chargerman · 07-06-2017, 12:27 PM

Why replace any of the batteries unless they have lived out their life?

cruzbill · 07-06-2017, 12:29 PM

Replace before they fail and leave you stuck.

barmcd · 07-06-2017, 12:33 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?

It was worth it to me to not have to worry about monthly maintenance.

Chargerman · 07-06-2017, 12:40 PM

They would all have to fail to leave you stuck and if you low voltage generator auto start is set correctly you would not get stuck. Not disagreeing that there's nothing better than new batteries, especially if you do not know the existing batteries origination date but it is a boat load of $$ for racks of AGM's

vsheetz · 07-06-2017, 01:49 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?

I went through the same decide process early this year. I don't mind the occational battery maintance. Bought six interstate GC2 batteries at Costco for something like $580 out the door. Just finished a 5 month 8000 mile trip, and they performed well. We dry camp often for a week at a time.

evofxdwg · 07-06-2017, 02:07 PM

I usually get Deka Intimidator AGMs for my daily driver vehicles. I got them at the local Voltex distributor. They always lasted 6-7 years.

I've also tried the Motocraft AGM for an old F150 and still running it.

Last time i needed one, for my 2006 Coachmen Mirada chassis, Voltex said several weeks to order it (always had in stock before). So i did some research and found Sams Club sells Duracell AGM automotive batteries now and got one to fit there. I suspect they are re-branded Deka Intimidator since the case looks so similar (made by East Penn Mfg).

I've only had my motorhome for 2+ years and my flooded house batteries are OK for now. I will likely go AGM when they need replacement.

Crasher · 07-06-2017, 03:32 PM

In Feb of 2016, I bought six GPL-6CT Lifelines for $1560 delivered to my door. I then sold my three year old wet cell batteries for $30 each. Net cost was $1390 and I went from 660 amps up to 900 amps. Longer run time, faster charging and no mess = No Brainer.

Dan McMartin · 07-06-2017, 04:25 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?

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.