Cheapest Decent AGM (sealed) Battery

[Tomcor]

Torklift battery holder $244. I don't think so!

 

[cortttt]

Torklift battery holder $244. I don't think so!

whoa!

 

[cortttt]

Putting the batteries at the back end of the Van on a platform greatly increases the length and thickness of copper cables required to get significant alternator contribution when recharging them from a low level of depletion.  It also opens them upto thieves and possible corrosion from exposure to the elements.  the slip stream behind a Van is a dirty place.  Ever see a Van with an oil leak?, it is as if somebody put used motor oil in a spray bottle and went to town.

AGMS are quite unlikely to offgass and only when being overcharged at too high a voltage with a large charging source into them when they are depleted.

Northstar AGMs come with a little plug to which one can put a tune onto and vent any offgassing to outside the passenger compartment.

Keeping batteries closer to the Alternator requires shorter thinner lengths of copper, which cost less, and weigh less and are easier to route.

AGM batteries can also be mounted on their sides under body eliminating clearance issues, and as far as random rocks penetrating the casing, well protect them on the front end from the tires picking up rocks and this possibility is remote.  I have a battery box nearly in line with a front tire but with a solid plate between battery and tire.  Been there since 2005.  No issues with battery casing damage from rocks or other.

If one is concerned about clearance for offroading, a cargo carrier on the trailer hitch is more likely to compromise available accessible locations due to the poor departure angle.  The cargo carrier will be digging a groove in the dirt behind the vehicle when climbing into or out of a ravine.

I'm not so worried about corrosion but clearance is a real issue. I already drag the cargo carrier with my 4 Runner quite a bit  and this thing is several feet longer. I may have to rethink the cargo carrier entirely - maybe put the fuel and chemicals on the roof.  Lots of parameters to think about. I was trying to avoid the more expensive and finicky AGM's.

 

[cortttt]

I'm not so worried about corrosion but clearance is a real issue. I already drag the cargo carrier with my 4 Runner quite a bit  and this thing is several feet longer. I was trying to avoid the more expensive and finicky AGM's. I may have to rethink the cargo carrier entirely - maybe put the fuel and chemicals on the roof.  Lots of parameters to think about.

 

[SternWake]

http://www.allbatterysalesandservice.com/browse.cfm/4,576.html.

Check here for quality copper cable at great prices.  He makes custom length cables with quality terminations crimped with high$$ tools.

http://www.genuinedealz.com/custom-cables


It is really hard to beat the bang for the Buck with 6v golf cart batteries.  Feed them daily with an alternator and solar to as near as 100% as possible and they will give great service.  The AGMs are more finicky, But if one can easily meet their needs, then that finickyness is mitigated.

So if one drives daily, has 1 to 1 wattage to AH capacity ratio or higher, the AGM can do well, and the AGMs in the regular 12 volt group 24/27/31 sizes can be actual deep cycle batteries, while the flooded batteries  in those size formats can be dual purpose/marine batteries at best.
BUt all factors being equal, the 6v GC battery will outlive the AGM in the same deep cycle usage.

Sorry if this info keeps swinging you back or forth as to direction, I am only trying to relate as much information possible so you can make the best decision based on your specific needs. 

If you make a decision one direction or the other, then I can try and give a good/better/best options in terms of ultimate battery longevity, but the universal standard for a good cycle # per dollar spent ratio, is achieving 100% state of charge as soon as possible, as often as possible  from any level of depletion, with lead acid batteries.

 

[MikeRuth]

In this picture you can see how my two T-105's hang just slightly lower than the body. The two yellow straps are where the battery is. 




In this shot you can see they are about two inches lower than the body, but no lower than any other component under the frame rails. 


there was no way I could use a prebuilt battery tray of any kind. I had investigated the tray for an ambulance, LOL $600.00 plus install. 
This one is about $40.00 in steel and finishing and several hours of fabbing.

 

[SternWake]

My under body battery box is in the same location on My Dodge, but it can only handle flooded batteries 9.5 inches tall, and it sticks ~ 1.25 inches below the bodyline of my Van. I install batteries through an access hatch from above.

So It is limited to 2 group 27 batteries. Right now just one group 27 Northstar AGM at 90Ah capacity resides there and is my only battery for both house and engine, but I can plug in regularly, and do, but I will cycle 65 AH from it without worry of engine starting, and 65AH is consumed overnight only If i stay up to 3am Streaming movies.

 

[highdesertranger]

x2 on sterns link for cables. http://www.genuinedealz.com/custom-cables . these guys make high quality cables. no second rate parts used. highdesertranger