A wrinkle on an old topic - LI vs AGM vs FLA

[LBCOX]

I've got something I think is a little different on this should I upgrade or should I stay topic.

2011 3150RL with a non-lithium capable Power Converter.

I've got a Point Zero Titan system with 2 LI batteries I'm using to power my RV when boondocking & flex solar panels to recharge the Titan; working fairly well. However, along the way in transitioning from RV noob (and probably a little arrogance in my do-all Titan), I'm pretty sure I've killed at least one of my FLA batteries I believe by drawing them down too far a time or two (OK, maybe 3 or 4 ). I bought a battery maintainer to help de-sulfate them (at least that's the marketing ploy). I also used a regular trickle charger, swapping the 2 chargers on each battery for about a week while they were in my garage. I also used bought a hygrometer to measure the acid; at least half the cells on one of the FLAs are dead. So, it appears that at least one of the batteries isn't holding a charge and I'm concerned that the other one is not very healthy either...an expensive lesson to pay attention.
So, it's apparent I will need to purchase "something" & right now I'm not fond of having to pay so much attention to these FLAs. However, in order to go LI I will need to upgrade the Progressive Dynamics Power Converter.
So maybe a compromise is in order...what do y'all think of using AGM instead? It's not as expensive as LI batteries, but wouldn't I be duplicating things anyway if I upgrade to LI (due to the Titan essentially being my LI source)?

[Daryles]

IF your present converter does NOT have a desulfication mode, you can use it with lithium batteries, you just won't get 100% (13.6vdc) on it.
Just be sure to look up the specs on it.
The charger MUST NOT have a desulfication mode or it will DESTROY the lithium batteries.
I switched to lithium a couple of years ago. I kept the PD4575 converter. It does not have a lithium mode switch but it does have a charge wizard and manually setting it to boost mode gets me to about 90% without solar (cloudy day).
With solar panels and the MPPT is set to lithium it brings it to 100%.

[DQDick]

We have always used AGM and love not having to check the water all the time. 12 years of full timing and no problems in any of our Monty's.

[mlh]

If your present converter doesn’t have a LI setting buy a new one. They aren’t that expensive. My converter didn’t and would charge my battery to less than 80%. If you go with a LI battery you will wont full 100% from it.
Lynwood

[bcrvman]

Originally Posted by LBCOX

I've got something I think is a little different on this should I upgrade or should I stay topic.

2011 3150RL with a non-lithium capable Power Converter.

I've got a Point Zero Titan system with 2 LI batteries I'm using to power my RV when boondocking & flex solar panels to recharge the Titan; working fairly well. However, along the way in transitioning from RV noob (and probably a little arrogance in my do-all Titan), I'm pretty sure I've killed at least one of my FLA batteries I believe by drawing them down too far a time or two (OK, maybe 3 or 4 ). I bought a battery maintainer to help de-sulfate them (at least that's the marketing ploy). I also used a regular trickle charger, swapping the 2 chargers on each battery for about a week while they were in my garage. I also used bought a hygrometer to measure the acid; at least half the cells on one of the FLAs are dead. So, it appears that at least one of the batteries isn't holding a charge and I'm concerned that the other one is not very healthy either...an expensive lesson to pay attention.
So, it's apparent I will need to purchase "something" & right now I'm not fond of having to pay so much attention to these FLAs. However, in order to go LI I will need to upgrade the Progressive Dynamics Power Converter.
So maybe a compromise is in order...what do y'all think of using AGM instead? It's not as expensive as LI batteries, but wouldn't I be duplicating things anyway if I upgrade to LI (due to the Titan essentially being my LI source)?

The AGM will have the same problems, they are still Lead. Lithium is not sensitive to te charger, but if you check you will likely find a manual override on the converter. Get a battery monitor, I use Victron BMV712 and manually set 14.2 or up to 14.4 and just keep an eye on the BMV, when it is 100%, set the PD back down to anything less than 14.2, 13.6 or 13.2 will maintain the Li. If you plan on getting an inverter, the one I have has a 120A charger built in that supports Lithium.