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Old 02-08-2021, 06:32 AM   #1
Terbear
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Lead acid to AGM

I currently have lead acid batteries in my Monty that need replaced. Since I store for 6 months, I am considering going with the AGM marine battery and a solar charger. Does anyone have this set up? Any recommendations? I would appreciate any input , thanks, terbear.
 
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Old 02-08-2021, 06:59 AM   #2
rames14
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You may want to add more information. How do you use your camper? Do you always stay where you have power? Do you have an RV or residential refrigerator? If you boondock a lot, you may be better going with LiFePo (lithium) batteries or 6 volt golf cart batteries. If you just go campsite to campsite with power, standard 12v batteries will be fine. Either way you can still set up a solar charger.
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Old 02-08-2021, 07:15 AM   #3
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We have two AGM batteries and a solar panel with enough power to keep them charged. We found it getting harder and harder to disconnect the batteries and take them home while the unit was in storage. This has worked for us without problems for the past year. Our only complaint was why did we wait so long.
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Old 02-08-2021, 07:19 AM   #4
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I switched to agm long ago. They are better suited for rv use. If put on a proper charger any style will hold up well. Batteries are murdered way more often than dying of natural causes.
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Old 02-08-2021, 09:47 AM   #5
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We've always used AGM in our Monty's and haven't had a charger on them in the winter. If you disconnect the ground wire they won't drain and fully charged batteries don't freeze.
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Old 02-08-2021, 10:21 AM   #6
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Agree with DQDick on disconnected batteries. I live in Mesa, AZ and store for all but the summer months. I have a good marine switch and disconnect them for 6-9 months with maybe a few days in the spring for a test run and never have a problem. Oh, I have 6V golf cart batteries, not AGM.
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Old 02-12-2021, 06:27 AM   #7
Terbear
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Thanks for reply. I store my camper 6 months year in Florida heat. We live in it the other 6. We only have power when using and it never leaves the park. We also have a residential refrigerator.
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Old 02-12-2021, 06:01 PM   #8
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It takes a different charger for AGMs, than lead acid.
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Old 02-12-2021, 06:19 PM   #9
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Bert,

The converters in the later models can be set for multiple battery types.
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Old 02-13-2021, 04:58 AM   #10
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In our 2019 3791RD you can set for flooded lead acid, gel, or AGM batteries. The Progressive Dynamics controller doesn't have the mode for Lithium. I have heard some of the newer ones do. Check your model number inside the panel and look up on the Progressive website https://www.progressivedyn.com/suppo...ooting-guides/. They also list the modes you can set.
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Old 02-24-2021, 04:47 PM   #11
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I have an on the ground solar set up that came with vmax tank batteries. Mine are 125 amps. It came with 4 and I bought another 7 used, so I stuck two in the 5th wheel. I have been super impressed with these batteries and with the customer service. The run about $289 and they weigh 75lbs, so you have to take that onto consideration.
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Old 02-24-2021, 05:01 PM   #12
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The vmaxtanks batteries have really good reviews on Amazon. I've been considering 2 group 27s to replace mine.
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Old 02-24-2021, 08:37 PM   #13
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I have a 381TH with the residential refrigerator, I rarely camp with hookups, 95% of the time boon dock. I installed four 105 amp AGM batteries along with 8 185 watt solar panels. Total cost for everything including Victron equipment, less than $1000.
$50 each for the batteries here in Phoenix, AZ
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Old 02-24-2021, 09:15 PM   #14
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Where do you get AGM's for $50? And 8 solar panels, with controller, for under $800 ($1,000 minus the battery cost)?? I will be there in 2 days to pick them up.
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Old 02-24-2021, 11:29 PM   #15
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I’ll take a few batteries also!
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Old 02-25-2021, 10:06 AM   #16
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Thanks all for the reply’s. I’m going to replace the 2 lead acid with 1 AGM. We don’t tow anymore, just leave in storage for 6months and pull out to live in for 6. So I think 1 large AGM, should do it.
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Old 02-25-2021, 10:40 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Terbear View Post
I currently have lead acid batteries in my Monty that need replaced. Since I store for 6 months, I am considering going with the AGM marine battery and a solar charger. Does anyone have this set up? Any recommendations? I would appreciate any input , thanks, terbear.

Terbear, I faced the same dilemma as you. Just pulled both acid batteries that were 13 months old. They were dry, one recovered fully and the other was shot. Decided to go sealed and not have to worry about having to add water. Picked up these two Duracell AGM Group 34 batteries, which have a rating of 750 CCA, two hundred more than the Group 24's I had. Bought them at Sam's Club for $119.32 each, and they have an 18 month warranty.
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Old 02-25-2021, 11:13 AM   #18
Carl n Susan
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.....Picked up these two Duracell AGM Group 34 batteries, which have a rating of 750 CCA, two hundred more than the Group 24's I had....
I hate to burst your bubble, but a battery rated in CCA is not the battery you want. It is a starting battery not a deep cycle one which is what you want in a RV.
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Old 02-25-2021, 11:42 AM   #19
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I hate to burst your bubble, but a battery rated in CCA is not the battery you want. It is a starting battery not a deep cycle one which is what you want in a RV.
This is not only a starting battery, but is designed for deep discharges in an RV & Boat application..........I'm reading it right off of its application were it says "Duracell AGM Deep Cycle Marine and RV Battery, Designed for Deep Discharges. Am I missing something here?
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Old 02-25-2021, 04:12 PM   #20
Carl n Susan
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No, but when getting a battery for your RV, look at amp hours or reserve capacity not CCA. CCA is Cold Cranking Amps. You are not starting anything. Look for the highest reserve capacity in a deep cycle battery that will fit your battery location.
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