Lifeline GPL-4CT 6 Volt Deep Cycle AGM Battery

raidernation · 02-21-2021, 08:23 AM

Has anyone changed their 4 house batteries to the lifeline 6 Volt AGM (or other AGM) ?

Seriously considering making this change this summer.

Thanks

I see the Magnum Energy remote control system does have 2 sets (AGM1 and AGM2) settings for AGM batteries.

Absorption voltage, float voltage and equalization voltage. I didn't think you could equalize AGM Batteries.

Thanks for any input you have.

raidernation · 02-28-2021, 06:30 AM

Anyone switch to AGM in a Berkshire ?

Maingler · 02-28-2021, 01:15 PM

AGM is a good choice if you dont want the hassle of maintaining them. I have used lifeline in the past with good results and I use the 20hr rating to choose batteries. Trojan and Optima are also good AGM batteries. Best is Lithium but pricey.

raidernation · 02-28-2021, 03:35 PM

Thanks

270S · 02-28-2021, 03:56 PM

I have used Lifeline exclusively for decades and not just because I am a dealer - They are the BEST bar none! I replaced all of my OEM wert cells with them; increased the house bank from 200AH to 300 Ah using 2 300AH 6Vdc. In addition I have another house bank of 800Ah (4 x 6Vdc) to back up (via selector switch) and also run my 5KW inverter that I installed to supply 100% of my 120Vac requirements including Air Conditioning without running a generator - 100% off grid capable!!! Only limits are water and dump.

raidernation · 02-28-2021, 03:57 PM

Thanks

It's hard to find a supplier of lifeline batteries in my area, which is why I am considering trojans.

TitanMike · 02-28-2021, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 270S

I have used Lifeline exclusively for decades and not just because I am a dealer - They are the BEST bar none! I replaced all of my OEM wert cells with them; increased the house bank from 200AH to 300 Ah using 2 300AH 6Vdc. In addition I have another house bank of 800Ah (4 x 6Vdc) to back up (via selector switch) and also run my 5KW inverter that I installed to supply 100% of my 120Vac requirements including Air Conditioning without running a generator - 100% off grid capable!!! Only limits are water and dump.

Impressive. How do you keep them charged?

270S · 02-28-2021, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raidernation

Thanks

It's hard to find a supplier of lifeline batteries in my area, which is why I am considering trojans.

You should. I'm partial to Lifeline - as I mentioned. I've shipped to my customers across the 48 Conus no problem. Go to their website to find a supplier or PM me if necessary.

270S · 02-28-2021, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Impressive. How do you keep them charged?

The FR/GT converter takes care of the FR/GT house bank and engine start battery until I upgrade that.

For my 800Ah second house bank my inverter is actually an Inverter/Charger. So once a day or as needed if not plugged in (29 out of 30 days not plugged in) I'll run the generator to charge the 800 AH batteries via my I/C. Depending on use, 30 minutes to an hour.

raidernation · 02-28-2021, 07:25 PM

Website only lists suppliers in US.

I did find a supplier in Ottawa, who does not stock lifeline, but can get them ordered. They are approximately 1000 km away from me, but I might be traveling near their shop later this spring.

Lifeline are quoted at $ 635 + tax. I can get Trojan for $ 422.

Lifeline are rated at 220 AmpHr @ 20 HR, Trojan at 217 AmpHr.

I know Trojans are overrated, but 1.5 X the cost is something to consider. Assuming I can even get the Lifelines. They have a 4-6 week delivery (minimum).

270S · 03-01-2021, 07:53 AM

I'm not sure which side of Canada you are on, but find a dealer in WA, MN, or NY and install a set when you cross the border. Fyi, I ship my products to Canada all the time, but the $S&H appears it would be a factor for you. I routinely drop ship so there is no delay. Anyone talking about weeks delay, ..... find another dealer. I totally agree - Trojans are overrated.

raidernation · 03-01-2021, 07:56 AM

I am on the east coast of Canada.

I did find a supplier in Portland, Maine.

600 miles, but we used to go to Foxboro, Mass a couple of times a year.

They indicated 6 week delivery, and with the borders being closed for non-essential travel, we are not sure of when we would be able to schedule a trip.

270S · 03-01-2021, 08:14 AM

Covid has impacted everything for sure. Lifeline temporarily closed its distribution from the east coast facility and everything comes out of California, but that changed my delivery times from 2 days to apx 7-10. That's all it takes for it to get to Maine from California. No idea why about the extra 5-6 weeks. My suggestion is to get some run of the mill wet cells from Walmart in Canada to tie you over for a couple of years and then replace them with Lifeline batteries when this POS is hopefully no more. Good luck.

raidernation · 03-01-2021, 08:19 AM

There are a couple of suppliers in Ontario region, that is how I got the 635 CDN$ Quote. Problem is that I am travelling through on a schedule, and if there are supply chain issues, and the batteries are not in stock when I travel through, then I don't want to have paid for something I can't get.

I'll see if I can work something out with the dealer.

Thanks Again.

Have you have installed lifeline in your Berkshire, and did you have any issues with the Magnum charging system ?

I see there are some AGM settings for lifeline in the set-up.

270S · 03-01-2021, 08:31 AM

If you notice, I have a "regular " Georgetown. The difference between wet cell charging and AGM charging is insignificant. You can use standard wet cell settings. As most chargers do not even have settings, it is just fine. They are present to wet cell programming. The only major difference is to never equalize AGMs or even wet cells if they are sealed. There is no way to replace the water that Will be lost at the higher voltage used.

raidernation · 03-01-2021, 08:33 AM

Got it.

For AGM, the recommended equalize setting is the same a the bulk charge, so I guess that would be the same as never equalizing, as the batteries are not exposed to the higher voltage.

PS. Our first coach was a Georgetown. We liked it a lot.

270S · 03-01-2021, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raidernation

Got it.

For AGM, the recommended equalize setting is the same a the bulk charge, so I guess that would be the same as never equalizing, as the batteries are not exposed to the higher voltage.

PS. Our first coach was a Georgetown. We liked it a lot.

For Wet or AGM, bulk voltage is 1.0Vdc over full charge state of 13.2Vdc, therefore 14.2Vdc. Equalize is 15.5Vdc - 16.0 Vdc. Never exceed 14.4 Vdc!

This is my first, last, and only RV ever!. 70+ warranty issues that Fr gave me the middle finger on until I sued them. Their initial response was "Who are you to sue us?". Yes I prevailed. As you may gather, I am not the typical RV customer. Don't get me going about the unprofessional RV industry.

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