AGM battery recommendations

[SternWake]

Overcharging an AGM via alternator is possible, if the vehicles voltage regulator allows higher voltages than the battery wants. Which is possible with Lifelines 14.2 to 14.4 recommended maximum, and the vehicle is driven long enough, especially in hot weather with batteries in engine compartment.

Also the lesser AGM's saying to not exceed 30% rate can also be exceeded by the alternator if thick cablng is used. This can be mitigated by using thinner cabling like 6 or 8awg from alternator to house battery.

Lifeline AGMs are the only AGM which allow a 'conditioning' cycle be performed this is much like an equalization cycle on a flooded battery.

I've never heard anything bad about FullRiver batteries.

Again, the worst constructed battery available recharged fully and promptly will give better service than the best constructed battery chronically undercharged on not having its recommended minimums met.

Just as one should not use standard load tires when Xtra load tires are mandated, one should not expect good performance from a chronically undercharged battery. A proper balance is mandated, and failure is not the fault of the tire/battery, but those who utilized them in a method they were not designed.

If you are set on 200 watts of solar, and do not want to/cant regularly apply other charging sources, I'd recommend not exceeding 150AH of battery capacity, and making sure you do not use more than 50% of that nightly and preferable not more than 35% nightly. You can, but will be replacing the battery sooner, which might not be a worry or a factor for you.

Not everybody need obsess over getting maximum battery longevity, but similarly, they should not expect an inadequate system to yield acceptable battery longevity, which it sound like Bob's friend did.

 

[nixsee]

Sorry to belabour this topic, but could anyone please list a few brands that make less expensive 6V AGM batteries that don't require as much of an initial charging current? Bob listed Full River - are there any others that I should look at?

 

[akrvbob]

Let me say I know nothing about what Full River want to be charged at. I have done ZERO to extend their life. I wired them into my 190 watt system and that's it. I do try to draw them down the minimum every day but sometimes they go deeper than I want. Rarely below 12.2.

After three years as far as I can tell they hold as much charge as the day I bought them. They are 6 volt AGM golf carts and a little more than $500 when I bought them new in Quartzsite.

The reason I chose them is they have an outstanding warranty! If memory serves it's 3 year replacement and 7 year pro-rated.
Bob