AGM Batteries recommendation?

[RollingDoghouse]

Lithium batteries are clearly the best long-term choice, but for me, they would just be a gift to the next guy because I expect to enjoy this RV for 3 to 5 years on the outside. So I'm looking now at AGM or "hybrid" batteries, which I hear charge more quickly than std. lead acid.
Recommendations or warnings please regarding the best AGM batteries. Thanks in advance.

[Aussieguy]

I only expect to camp for the same timeframe
I'm upgrading to Lithium because of my 12v fridge.

The cost is now low enough to look at the lithiums...
especially if you thinking of AGM

Look at DIY lithium as well ... it may be an option you want to explore?


which ever way you go good battery upgrade will be a factor in resale value (somewhat)

[tomkatb]

Converted to SOK 205 amp batteries last week.

About the same available amps as 4 AGM batteries. Only #45. Not #240.

Cost was a bit over $1000 each.

The advantage of AGM batteries is no need for Checking water level. Also they need no ventilation, so you can put them most anywhere. Designed for airplanes and ATV’s. Vehicles that cam roll over.

The disadvantage is a shorter life than properly maintained wet cells. Also, higher cost. Less durable than GC2 batteries. Do not take abuse as well.

My battery holds 212 amps not charged with a lithium converter or solar.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by RollingDoghouse

Lithium batteries are clearly the best long-term choice, but for me, they would just be a gift to the next guy because I expect to enjoy this RV for 3 to 5 years on the outside. So I'm looking now at AGM or "hybrid" batteries, which I hear charge more quickly than std. lead acid.
Recommendations or warnings please regarding the best AGM batteries. Thanks in advance.

I don't see the "hybrid" batteries (AGM + Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA)) as an economical alternative to a LiFePo4 battery. Yes, they are designed to charge faster and have lower internal resistance than regular AGM's but are there any true deep cycle hybrid AGM/VRLA batteries on the market? Most are for Plug In Hybrid Vehicles that require a starting battery along with their main Lithium battery. Capacity around 50 ah and-----wait for it -------- a price tag around $300. You can get twice the capacity for the same price with some of the decent LiFePo4 batteries. Even plain 100 ah AGM's will cost from $239 (Amazon) to >$400 (N AZ Wind & Sun).

Remember, even AGM's (and hybrids) have depth of discharge limits for best life while LiFePo4 batteries can deliver almost their full capacity without damage.

FWIW, the reason the "hybrid" AGM battery is it's a starting battery, a task regular LiFePo4 batteries aren't suited for. As a "Deep Cycle", it's not a good match, especially with it's cost.

[RollingDoghouse]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies already. Forum posts can sway purchase decisions for sure. Cost issues on this one remain though - AGMs run about $300 while a good Lithium battery (Lion, Dakota) go to $900. Two of those will buy a lot of gas. (Note: we are talking about a pair of house batteries for a Class C, boondocking a few days at a time)

Have you found less expensive Lithiums that do just as well?

[tomkatb]

The SOK batteries are well received.

$1000 gets you 205 dc amps. The guy who cuts them apart was impressed. Mine has likely over 220 amps capacity.

Ours has a built in battery monitor. The battery is protected against cold weather.

The battery case is a metal box with handles! How unique.

But, size is an issue. They also make a 100 amp close in size to a gc2.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by RollingDoghouse

Thanks for the thoughtful replies already. Forum posts can sway purchase decisions for sure. Cost issues on this one remain though - AGMs run about $300 while a good Lithium battery (Lion, Dakota) go to $900. Two of those will buy a lot of gas. (Note: we are talking about a pair of house batteries for a Class C, boondocking a few days at a time)

Have you found less expensive Lithiums that do just as well?

Quite a few members here have posted of their success with both Weize and Ampere Time batteries (100 ah size on Amazon $315-$350). I believe they both received favorable mention from Will Prowse after his tear-downs of each.

as for costs, remember that a $300 AGM will deliver less usable capacity than a $300-$350 LiFePo4 of the same size as well as being less than half the weight.

Would I recommend them? I'll leave that to those who've purchased them and used them.


FWIW, there is another "inexpensive" LiFePo4 battery addition to the marketplace with an interesting heritage.

The "Dr Prepare 100ah battery is made by Renogy and is constructed with cylindrical cells like Battleborn. $499 on Amazon.

Also comes with a "power hub" that installs on the battery itself and provides USB/12v Power Outlet and also Anderson connector outlets. Probably not a biggie for RV use, more of a convenience item for tent camping or home backup.https://www.amazon.com/Phosphate-Gen...pb_opt?ie=UTF8

[2dogs]

https://lifelinebatteries.com/products/rv-batteries/

We use 2 6v in series. Couldn't be happier.

[NXR]

There are other costs associated with lithiums that no one has mentioned:

- The likely need to replace the converter with one that will give the higher charge voltages required by lithium batteries in order to get their full capacity and duration.

- The need to buy and install a DC to DC converter between the engine alternator and the lithium batteries. A depleted lithium battery bank has a very low electrical resistance and can look like a short circuit to the motorhome's alternator. Many a person has burnt out their engine alternator by not taking that into account.

- Depending on where you live and will RV, if you'll be in below freezing temperatures you may need lithium batteries with built-in heaters or they won't charge.

If you're not electrical savvy you'll be paying someone else to do that work.


I don't know about "best" AGMs however I put two of these in my Georgetown almost two years ago and they give me enough power for our needs: https://www.autozone.com/miscellaneo...ca/1006725_0_0

One consideration was that the OEM house batteries weigh 50 lbs each and these weigh 65 lbs each. e certain that whatever tray holds the house batteries can support the extra weight an AGM may add.

Ray

[Beachbourbon]

Originally Posted by RollingDoghouse

Lithium batteries are clearly the best long-term choice, but for me, they would just be a gift to the next guy because I expect to enjoy this RV for 3 to 5 years on the outside. So I'm looking now at AGM or "hybrid" batteries, which I hear charge more quickly than std. lead acid.
Recommendations or warnings please regarding the best AGM batteries. Thanks in advance.

Just for comparison I still run the Walmart 24 lead acid battery I bought in 2018 for $55. I actually bought 2, one as a spare before camping across the country in 2019. Done a lot of camping since, but still using the same battery. Still haven’t needed the spare yet either and have never connected it. When the battery dies I’ll just move over the spare and keep on camping. I’ll bring both next week when camping again and still doubt I’ll need the spare.

[Yoods]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Quite a few members here have posted of their success with both Weize and Ampere Time batteries (100 ah size on Amazon $315-$350). I believe they both received favorable mention from Will Prowse after his tear-downs of each.

as for costs, remember that a $300 AGM will deliver less usable capacity than a $300-$350 LiFePo4 of the same size as well as being less than half the weight.

Would I recommend them? I'll leave that to those who've purchased them and used them.

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I won't add to the LifePo4 lithium battery suggestions that has already been well stated except to say that there is roughly a $100 to $150. difference between an AGM and Weize and Ampere Time batteries .

I did some research and priced Deep Cycle AGM from Walmart, Costco and Sams Club a couple of months ago, and was going to pull the trigger on a Duracell AGM 27 at Sam's Club, which I learned was decent, but decided to get a Weize LifePo4 100 ah size instead.

https://www.samsclub.com/p/marine-27...plp_product_16