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01-30-2006, 10:19 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cicero
Posts: 336
M.O.C. #4571
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6 Volt Golf Cart AGM Batteries Question
Since I do "Boondock" a few times a year, I'm considering switching from a single 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery to (2)6 Volt Golf Cart Batteries wired in series. I would like to get the AH increase provided by the (2) 6V G.C. batteries. My question is: Has anyone on the MOC Forum installed this type of setup using AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) 6V G.C. batteries? I like the idea of a "No-Spill", and safer "Non-Explosion" style of battery, that doesn't require refilling. Another concern I have is: Will the converter be able to fully charge this style of battery, when hooked to shore power? Or will I need to install a different more powerful charger to fully utilize the batteries?. As far as the boondocking trips, I'll probably buy the 12v charge cable for my Honda EU2000i Generator, so I can put a direct charge on the batteries, without the converter.
Any, and all Info appreciated
JP
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01-30-2006, 01:23 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Cumming
Posts: 2,820
M.O.C. #919
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JP,
Here are acouple of links I had saved in my favorites regarding the various battery requirements. I am looking for another link I had that discussed charging requirements for the various battery types. If I locate I will post it. I remember reading that the AGM has very specific requirements that prevent it from boiling and off-gassing which is important since they are typically used in enclosed areas.
Anyway, here are the links I have found so far:
http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/products/pdfs/1081.pdf
http://www.phrannie.org/battery.html
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01-30-2006, 04:23 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Gardnerville
Posts: 749
M.O.C. #2165
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As I remember, the Honda is limited to about 8 amps of charging current and doesn't have any tapered charge capability. I think you would be much better off buying an ac charger that will suit the particular batteries you get, plus will charge at a much higher rate, if necessary.
Bob
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01-30-2006, 04:57 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cedar Rapids
Posts: 4,876
M.O.C. #1944
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jpbcny: Why don't you go with one 12V Lifeline AGM battery? A little more expensive than the golf cart batteries but will last a lot longer. My solar panel installer told me he would install golf cart batteries if I insisted but he recommended the 12V Lifeline batteries. Incidentally, he has about 300 acres down in Lake City, FL that is all powered by solar.
Orv
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01-30-2006, 05:33 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Haldimand County
Posts: 2,413
M.O.C. #122
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I am thinking about going to the Lifeline battery, they have both 12v and 6v golf cart batteries available.
I noticed today that there is a accessory available for the Iota converter to make it a variable rate charger, I am going to take a look at that too.
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01-30-2006, 06:02 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Gardnerville
Posts: 749
M.O.C. #2165
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I added the smart charger to my Iota converter, and it changes it from a two level charge to a three level charge that better maintains the batteries over a long period of time. I'm not sure that is designed for the AGM battery, though. The AGM and gel type batteries both require a lower charge and float voltage than the standard lead-acid battery. I'd check with Iota to see if they have a plug in for the AGM batteries.
Bob
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01-31-2006, 12:16 AM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cicero
Posts: 336
M.O.C. #4571
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by fulltimedreamer
JP,
Here are acouple of links I had saved in my favorites regarding the various battery requirements. I am looking for another link I had that discussed charging requirements for the various battery types. If I locate I will post it. I remember reading that the AGM has very specific requirements that prevent it from boiling and off-gassing which is important since they are typically used in enclosed areas.
Anyway, here are the links I have found so far:
http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/products/pdfs/1081.pdf
http://www.phrannie.org/battery.html
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Thanks for the Links, they make for very intersting reading...
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by firetrucker
As I remember, the Honda is limited to about 8 amps of charging current and doesn't have any tapered charge capability. I think you would be much better off buying an ac charger that will suit the particular batteries you get, plus will charge at a much higher rate, if necessary.
Bob
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It appears I'll have to do some more research on the Honda's 12V Output capabilities...
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by ols1932
jpbcny: Why don't you go with one 12V Lifeline AGM battery? A little more expensive than the golf cart batteries but will last a lot longer. My solar panel installer told me he would install golf cart batteries if I insisted but he recommended the 12V Lifeline batteries. Incidentally, he has about 300 acres down in Lake City, FL that is all powered by solar.
Orv
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The reason for using 6V G.C. batteries would be to have batteries, that are designed for extreme industrial/commercial usage, with increased amphere hour ratings that a single 12V Marine/Deep Cycle Battery can't match, and you can buy a battery box that is capable of holding both batteries in a single enclosure...
As I've only had the 2006 Mountaineer 329RLS a short time, I don't even know what type of converter I have, and whether it capable of installing different charging modules. Well it seems I have a lot of research to finish before committing to any purchase, fortunately I don't have a Boondocking trip planned until August, which gives plenty of time...
Thanks again for all the responses, and valuable information
JP
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01-31-2006, 01:31 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ore City Texas
Posts: 1,648
M.O.C. #2224
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I note the following quotations from one of the links provided by fulltimedreamer:
I've used golf cart batteries, regular batteries and gels. As I'll repeat with more detail elsewhere, golf carts and similar batteries are, all things considered, the best solution. Were I to have to replace my batteries today (they're in the living compartment in a small RV), I'd go with AGM. In a bigger RV, I'd go with golf cart or fork lift batteries.
and:
For over a year, I tested three "sets" of batteries at the same time, using each on alternate days. 2 Sears Die Hards, 2 Goulds ActionPac, 2 Trojan T-105 golf carts. I won't go into detail here. Conclusion was that the Golf Carts were superior in every category (including cost).
Such comments led me to choose 2 6 volt Trogan 105 'golf cart' batteries for my Montana. Plenty of room for other opinions and preferences, of course.
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