Lifeline AGM Batteries

[Orman Claxton]

looking to install Lifeline AGM Batteries GPL-6CT Deep Cycle AGM Marine & RV Batteries in the Beav,
Any thoughts?  

[Jim Nichols]

We're going into the 7th year of wet cell batteries. Checking water level every 2 months unless we dry camp for a week ( Qtsite ). Then I'll check level of water after a week of shore power and a floating charge and cold or cool to the touch. I have the watering system from camping world with tubing running to each cell opening and you just make one connection to fill all. Can't remember the name. I know 7 years may be stretching the batteries years of service, but it's working for us. We want to stay with the wet cell system when their time arrives. Less $$$.
Not sure of longevity of agm's but some friends are only getting 4 years of service but that's only 2 friends. And we have 6 house batteries.

[Edward Buker]

Orman,

They should be good batteries. They may not give any longer life then wet cells but no water issues and far less battery area corrosion issues. They are more expensive and it just has to be worth it to you. The charger manual will probably identify some program changes in the charge cycle profile for AGM. Just follow up with that and you should be fine.

Later Ed

[Joel Ashley]

Our wet cell batteries are all factory originals, putting them close to 7 and 3/4 years.  Like Jim I check water every few months, more often during heavy summer use or long term plugged in situations.  Unlike him, I don't have the auto-fill system for the house sets, but having grown up on a farm I don't deem it a hassle to maintain them.  Dad's '62 pickup and '52 tractor bats commonly went 12 years.

I just changed out the factory bat in my '97 F-150 a couple years ago.  Granted, it was a no-maintenance one;  but the point is if you don't let a battery or set go completely dead anytime during its life, chassis or deep cycle, wet cell or otherwise, and keep it clean and charged, it should last barring any physical damage.  The worst thing on a battery is when some electrical device drags it way down while the owner is unaware;  chassis batteries especially are never the same again.  

Given all that, just like Jim I am not one to spend the extra money on glass mats.  But if you're not into water level maintenance at all, they may be worth the expense.

Joel

[MarcRodstein]

I had them installed on Beaver when the factory-new wet cell batteries went bad after only four years. The AGM's were as good as new when I traded the coach six years later. I think they will make ten years or more. I love them. They seemed to have more capacity. Never have to worry about water, they charge faster from the generator (saves gen fuel) and the terminals and battery compartment are never corroded like the wet batteries experienced. To me it was well worth the added expense. Great service, easy care, and great peace of mind.

[Richard And Babs Ames]

We went with AGM's for our jouse batteries over 3 years ago. The Wet Cell's tended to gas and sweat in our humid enviorment and we ended up replacing the battery tray also when we changed. No more cleaning battery posts or adding water and they serve our needs very well.

[Brad Burgess]

Hi Orman

I bought six Lifelines from Trans Specialists - least expensive price even with delivery and GREAT service.  As you know our coaches were/are the same in the battery bays.  Be sure you have enough vertical clearance for the 6 series batteries - I didn't and used the 4 series instead - still plenty of amp hours even with the Samsung.

http://www.trans-specialists.net

Regards,

Brad Burgess
Currently Still Coachless

[Joel Buchan]

I have 8 Lifeline AGM battery's (plus2 starting 12v) and would never go back to the wet cell battery. No out gassing that damages any metal near my and zero maintance. Four of my AGMs are under the bed. Am a big fan of solar and have 950watts of panels on the roof. (9-panels)  The solar has been one of the big advantages to my 7 plus years on the these battery's to date. When they need replacing, I will go withe the Lifeline.

[Jim Shaw]

I use the AGM's in my boat and were very pleased with them. No maintenance was a plus, but my six volt Interstate are originals and are now 12 years old, not sure if they will make it another year or another month, but have been great except for checking the water level every month. Only added distilled water. Never knew batteries could last this long.
Jim