Charging AGM Batteries

[rwise61910]

Getting new rig ready for some boondocking and thinking about new batteries for my 2019 337 Reflection. Currently have a single 12v wet acid battery.

Am considering two AGM 6v 200Ah golf cart batteries. Have a 125 watt roof mounted solar panel for charging.

Anybody know if there are special considerations (charging equipment, venting, solar panel settings, etc) related to AGM batteries vs. traditional wet acid batteries?

Thanks!

Bob

[jkwilson]

As far as venting, AGMs are treated the same as other lead acid batteries.

You kind of have to do your research since recommended charging parameters vary between manufacturers. Charging is very similar because most chargers have been redesigned to allow them to work with AGMs. Generally AGMs are limited to 14.6-14.7V for charging, which is lower than what a conventional flooded battery can handle. The also tend to prefer a higher float voltage than conventional batteries. Some manufacturers also spec a maximum time at full charge voltage for AGMs.

Deviating from the recommended parameters won’t cause the battery to blow up, but it might have an effect on battery life.

[orbiker]

Getting new rig ready for some boondocking and thinking about new batteries for my 2019 337 Reflection. Currently have a single 12v wet acid battery.

Am considering two AGM 6v 200Ah golf cart batteries. Have a 125 watt roof mounted solar panel for charging.

Anybody know if there are special considerations (charging equipment, venting, solar panel settings, etc) related to AGM batteries vs. traditional wet acid batteries?

Thanks!

Bob

I have 2 AGM 12 group 31 batteries and a progressive converter that I would like to get rid of. I live in Springfield, Oregon. All are only a year old. I switched to Lithium. KEN

[RV Sailor]

Consider these carbon foam Oasis Firefly AGM

https://www.pysystems.ca/recommended...rbon-foam-agm/

[TerryH]

Your converter's charge profile is likely close enough to work fine. Probably the same on your solar. Check your build sheet to verify but the converter is likely the 55amp Wyco. Also check the exact specs on whatever batteries you end up with but most AGM's are going to be close enough to be ok.

[Dougstar]

Agm batteries are spill proof, because the glass mats hold the electrolyte in place. They have a high power output and they have a short charging time. I believe an important point to make is that the trailer Agm batteries are installed have to have some sort of trickle down system. You mentioned float charge. I am not sure my Grand Design 2670 model has battery maintenance capability. My plan is to protect my investment buy spending more money on an inverter/charger with battery maintenance capability.

[RV Sailor]

Agm batteries are spill proof, because the glass mats hold the electrolyte in place. They have a high power output and they have a short charging time. I believe an important point to make is that the trailer Agm batteries are installed have to have some sort of trickle down system. You mentioned float charge. I am not sure my Grand Design 2670 model has battery maintenance capability. My plan is to protect my investment buy spending more money on an inverter/charger with battery maintenance capability.

Our Oasis Firefly carbon foam AGM batteries ( 330 ah) are charged through a Victron 12v/ 3000/ 120 multiplex inverter charger. It’s not cheap but hooks right into AC system allowing seamless conversion to every 110 outlet.

Firefly allows up to 80% discharge without damaging unlike most AGM mimicking LI, so you get 260 ah usable)

Coupled with Newpowa 350 volt in solar panels allows us many days off grid with running a generator.