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Old 02-07-2019, 09:17 AM   #1
jaybird
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Simple advise needed for Battery Replacement

I'm just looking for the type of battery I should buy for my 2014 Montana. I currently have two Interstate batteries in the front storage but my RV is 2hrs away and I can get the details. I believe I read that AGM batteries (hope thats correct spelling) don't need water Maitenance so that would be nice. The RV will be on pad for 3yrs and then travel the US. No boondocks is expected. Please don't go into detail. I just need to replace both batteries. TU
 
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Old 02-07-2019, 09:33 AM   #2
Montana Man
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I went with AGM with no regrets. If it will be on shore power 3 years I would use one battery for now.
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Old 02-07-2019, 09:37 AM   #3
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George it sounds like AGM is what you want, no maintenance. Here is a good price offering available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Vmaxtanks-Vma...le+battery+12v
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Old 02-07-2019, 09:55 AM   #4
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Is it true that AGM requires no water maitenance?
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Old 02-07-2019, 10:05 AM   #5
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Have used AGM for 8 years of full timing and wouldn't go back.
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Old 02-07-2019, 11:00 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jaybird View Post
Is it true that AGM requires no water maitenance?
That is correct.
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Old 02-07-2019, 10:11 PM   #7
Butch & Kathy
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Jaybird. I chose to replace my single 12v battery with 2 Trojan T105 6v standard lead/acid batteries. I bought a dual battery box and added a vent. In hindsight I should have gone with the AGMs but I am a little cheap.
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Old 02-08-2019, 07:13 AM   #8
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I only have a single 12 vote battery in my rig LOL. Mine came with a battery box so I just got a battery that would fit inside the box. i did however get a deep cycle with the most CCA's I could find. I also installed a shut off switch in the ground wire so I could terminate all the power to the rv because the carbon monoxide sensor never turns off
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Old 02-08-2019, 08:36 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Bone View Post
I only have a single 12 vote battery in my rig LOL. Mine came with a battery box so I just got a battery that would fit inside the box. i did however get a deep cycle with the most CCA's I could find. I also installed a shut off switch in the ground wire so I could terminate all the power to the rv because the carbon monoxide sensor never turns off
Don’t need Cold Crank Amps (cca) no starter on our Montana
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Old 02-16-2019, 04:44 AM   #10
DebNJim B
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Is it a straight changeover to AGM batteries, or do I need to change my converter for charging?
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Old 02-16-2019, 06:26 AM   #11
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Same chemistry-- straight change. If you look at your manual for your converter, it will tell you it is set up for AGMs.
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Old 02-17-2019, 05:58 AM   #12
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Batteries are measured in CCA's. The higher the number the better the battery will preform for you. AGM batteries are expensive. They also last just as long as a regular battery. No one says they last longer. Also you only have to check the battery level once a year. It's always a good idea to keep a eye on any battery but today's batteries need little if no maintenance at all. Some lead acid batteries you cant add water to them. The caps don't come off.

I always go to a place that sells a lot of batteries so that way you are more likely to get a fresh battery.
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Old 02-17-2019, 09:46 AM   #13
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As MidMOTravler said CCA don't mean squat in our application. A high reserve capacity is what we require. Slow Hand makes a good point on freshness. I always look at the dates and pick the newest one. I keep my trailer on shore power when not in use and only need to add water 2 or 3 times a year, no big deal! If your batteries will see a lot of vibration, are mounted in a confined area, or need to be placed on their side, than AGM's might make be a better alternative.
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Old 02-17-2019, 10:59 AM   #14
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Just checked the water on mine. Tight quarters and guy who installed then knew it was a one and done for him. Will go with AGM on replacement.
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Old 02-19-2019, 07:11 PM   #15
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AGM batteries are way too expensive for my budget. $279 a pc is way out of line. I bought a Bimart battery for $79 several yrs ago and still working along with a Interstate which is older yet. We don't dry camp and only need battery to run jacks up and down when loading trailer. Take them out for the winter if not going south for the winter. In 9 yrs have only replaced 2 batteries, deep cycle type.
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Old 02-20-2019, 05:55 AM   #16
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I have used 2 lead acid batteries in my rig. They last about 4 years and then get new ones from a battery store nearby. We don't boondock and it works for us--yes I add water about twice a year. I also added the second battery after a cold night in Bryce NP with no heat--long story. I join a few others--I admit that I am cheap when it comes to batteries.
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Old 02-20-2019, 09:20 AM   #17
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My 2018 F150 came with a AGM battery. It like a lot of cars has auto start stop. They need AGM batterys. A regular battery just hold up to auto start stop. That battery went bad in a month. They normally last about 3 years with auto start stop.

I wonder what the advantage of AGM batterys are for a camper.
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Old 02-20-2019, 04:06 PM   #18
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No doubt with proper maintenance a standard flooded battery will last. But, I don't really like having to crawl into the forward battery box, unscrew all the screws holding it together, unhook the parallel cables hooking up the 2 batteries because the top of the box needs to removed out of the way so I can pry open the caps and then use a turkey baster to fill up the cells being careful not to overfill them. Then put it all back together only to have to repeat the whole process 3 or 4 times a year. No maintenance AGM Optima batteries all the way. Install and forget.

Noticed today that Advance Auto has a 25% off code (max of $50) that works on the Optima batteries (rare occurrence). Got 2, saved $100.
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