Replace Battery with another AGM Battery

[JHC210]

I read a lot of folks replace their batteries with a lithium but I would prefer to replace with another lead-acid / AGM battery. My trailer is 2 years old with the stock battery. I think it is running down so I want to prepare to purchase another battery. When I search on this forum, most threads are related to replacing the AGM battery with lithium. Any recommendations on a replacement, better, AGM battery?

Thanks.
John....

[jkwilson]

Not a huge difference from one to the other. Optimas are low capacity for their size. Enersys and Northstar are the best commonly available. Sam’s Club sells a rebadged East Penn battery that is a good value.

[traveldawg]

I used AGMs in a few RVs. I liked that they were affordable and maintenance free. I always used the Duracell AGMs from Sam's Club.

Maybe think about 2 6 volt batteries in series if you have the room. You will get a few more usable amps that way for a slightly longer run time.

I think Lithium is handy for large amperage requirements and weight considerations. Personally, I switched to Lithium for the weight savings.

[Riverbug]

I've been using Duracell Marine & RV AGM batteries for a number of years now in our boat. I need 3 for the trolling motor and 1 for starting. The last set lasted 8 years but I should have swapped after 6 (did that in 2019 and still going strong). I suggest going with the group 31 to maximize capacity. Then keep them charged up and don't deplete below 50% to ensure longevity - that applies to all lead acid. Good luck!

[dryfly]

I've been using Duracell Marine & RV AGM batteries for a number of years now in our boat. I need 3 for the trolling motor and 1 for starting. The last set lasted 8 years but I should have swapped after 6 (did that in 2019 and still going strong). I suggest going with the group 31 to maximize capacity. Then keep them charged up and don't deplete below 50% to ensure longevity - that applies to all lead acid. Good luck!

Since I do no boondocking I still use lead acid batteries, and have had good luck with the Duracell Marine group 27. These are available for $100 and will last at least 3 years with proper care.

[Riverbug]

Since I do no boondocking I still use lead acid batteries, and have had good luck with the Duracell Marine group 27. These are available for $100 and will last at least 3 years with proper care.

Right on! You can go flooded or AGM for lead acid. AGM's are maintenance free which is why I like them. Not sure which you are referring to but whichever works for you, kudos.

[sande005]

When battery shopping, compare the "Reserve Capacity" - more is better. A measure of "how long it will last". Ignore the "CCA" rating - that is only "how much at once", like for turning over an engine. Usually higher CCA means lower RC, and vice versa. Which is where Optima's come up short - they are meant to do both, and don't do either as well as a purpose designed battery.
Lithium's, and a few others, use "Amp Hours" (Ah) which is a different way to measure "how long". While there are rough formulas for converting Ah to RC and back, they aren't precise, so take it as a rough estimate if converting.

At the risk of GREATLY simplifying: Two Group 31 12v are in the same range capacity as 2 6v golf cart, which are roughly the same as a 100 Ah lithium. Assuming you are kind to the lead-acids, and normally only discharge to about 50%.
The two 12v give you a backup if one fails. The 2 6v are cheaper. The lithium is much,much lighter but has its own quirks as to cost and care/feeding.

[Redapple63]

When battery shopping, compare the "Reserve Capacity" - more is better. A measure of "how long it will last". Ignore the "CCA" rating - that is only "how much at once", like for turning over an engine. Usually higher CCA means lower RC, and vice versa. Which is where Optima's come up short - they are meant to do both, and don't do either as well as a purpose designed battery.
Lithium's, and a few others, use "Amp Hours" (Ah) which is a different way to measure "how long". While there are rough formulas for converting Ah to RC and back, they aren't precise, so take it as a rough estimate if converting.

At the risk of GREATLY simplifying: Two Group 31 12v are in the same range capacity as 2 6v golf cart, which are roughly the same as a 100 Ah lithium. Assuming you are kind to the lead-acids, and normally only discharge to about 50%.
The two 12v give you a backup if one fails. The 2 6v are cheaper. The lithium is much,much lighter but has its own quirks as to cost and care/feeding.

Excellent points. I will say that the two 6v batteries are a bit more durable simply because the plates are thicker and heavier (3 cells vs 6) but they are very heavy. The 2 300ah lithiums I am putting in weigh the same as my 2 6v batts with a total of 110ah. AGM batteries will charge up just a touch faster than flooded with a bit more flexibility in how and where they are installed.

I will say if the OP did decide to go with Lifepo4, should last several years beyond traditional fla battery and save weight.

I have always been a bit intrigued by AGM but never used them.

Bill

[SolarPoweredRV]

I read a lot of folks replace their batteries with a lithium but I would prefer to replace with another lead-acid / AGM battery. My trailer is 2 years old with the stock battery. I think it is running down so I want to prepare to purchase another battery. When I search on this forum, most threads are related to replacing the AGM battery with lithium. Any recommendations on a replacement, better, AGM battery?

Thanks.
John....

My recommendation is to upgrade to Lithium.

I have outlined my reasons in the post below:

https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/show...cid-Batteries?

Good luck and please let us know what you decide.

[Rivercityjeff]

The best value I can find in an AGM is the Walmart Everstart Platinum H7. AGM = Deep Cycle

4 year warranty and fits in a standard Group 27 battery box. $169.84

https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart...ntent=In-store