Hey There:
Need some info from current users of AGM batteries. Why and what size to fit into the battery compartments of 03 31' airstream. Any info or comments would be appreciated and need some info on where to purchase.
As usual, thanks for your help.
Bob
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Bob-air # 657
I can win any argument on any subject. People know this and steer away from me at parties. Often as a sign of their respect, they don't even invite me.
I've got a Universal AGM series 4B. This is the 2nd biggest battery in the product line and it is BIG. About the size of 2 series 21s. 200 amp hours. Got it because of no off gassing, no spills and no maintenance. Costs 2x more than flooded cells, but lasts 2x as long.
Two group 27 Lifeline's fit our Classic's compartment....they ARE heavy though and needed a custom lift strap to ease getting them out. Ten days boondocking with a non-working new Zantrex wouldn't have been possible without them, IMHO well worth the extra expense.
Gene,
Just saw your response, after the new Zantrex took a dump ealier this season I went back to the OEM with no problems, I just haven't kept it plugged in for more than a day. SFSG, but I still plan on changing out in the Spring, just don't know with what yet.
I read two things—do not use a single stage charger with an AGM battery as it will ruin the battery. Or, I've used a Lifeline AGM for 3 years with a single stage charger and no problems (2air).
Is the first statement "conventional wisdom" or is 2air's experience "anecdotal evidence"? Not a fair comparison, but more fun to write. This has me confused.
It seems a lot of people have added a 3 stage charger to their OEM converters, but a quick look on the internet leaves me with the impression they cost as much as a new converter—maybe I'm still confused.
They were the biggest batteries that would fit, width wise,
and I had to make a 3/8" extension ring for the compartment
for the additional height to work. We have a front bedroom with
twin beds, and the storage door still opens over the battery
compartment. The 220 AH served us well recently on sub freezing
days.
Really don't want to go down the 6 volt/12 volt debate path; I chose
these because of their capacity and discharge characteristics.
And, there is nothing else out there with this capacity that will fit in
my compartment. BTW, I have upgraded to a 3 stage converter, and it
really is a worthwhile investment. I never had to add water to my Interstates
in 3 years, which worked quite well for the first two years, a little less
so this year. We mostly dry camp, and I like being able to run the generator
for only couple of hours to regain most of the batteries charge. We monitor
the charge state closely and never go below 50%.
2air, I was wondering why you were ok with AGM's and a one stage converter when everyone else I can remember from reading what feels like 1000's of battery threads, says not to do that. This is part of the OP question because AGM's may presuppose a 3 stage charger. If a 3 stage is unnecessary, that is good to know.
I have the one stage Parallax charger. There are only two situations where I'm plugged into to shore power—at a CG or at home when I'm running the heat pump and furnace in the fall or spring. Otherwise my solar panel—which does have a 3 stage charger—keeps the batteries charged. When the present flooded cell OEM batteries die, I plan on buying AGM's, but whether to get ready for that by having a 3 stage charger/converter combo is my question.
But the Phillies have just eliminated the Rockies in the National League playoffs and I must go into mourning now.
I didn't realize that the original poster had separate compartments,
so maybe my post is off-topic.
However, I researched the battery size/capacity issue pretty carefully.
Had I not, I would have concluded that only Group 27s would fit into
my unit. Lifeline's 4CT six volt battery was recently shortened in height,
allowing it to (barely) work on our trailer. I really had no interest in
changing from 12 v to 6v, but the 6v had the most capacity. Maybe
somebody else would want to look at these, because they are a little
smaller than they used to be, but have the same specs.
I have 2 Group 27 Lifeline batteries. Bought them online from Best Converter. Love boondocking with them.
Lifeline is made by Concorde battery. Concorde Battery - AGM Aircraft Batteries They also make SunXtender for a little less. The difference is Lifeline has a 5 year warranty.
...I researched the battery size/capacity issue pretty carefully.Had I not, I would have concluded that only Group 27s would fit into my unit.
terry
i haven't researched your unit but didn't it come with group 24s, not 27s?
2x24 is only ~160 amp/hr while 2x27 is ~200+ amp/hours...
again the classic battery boxes only hold 27s or batteries that are smaller dimensionally.
and the boxes are SEPARATED by 2+ feet, so wiring into series INSIDE the boxes would be tricky tricky.
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i hope what u have works perfectly for you, others go other directions and the size/amp hour/ best voltage/series parallel thing confuses a LOT of folks
search peukert effect/law HERE (or Gugal it) or check out older threads. here is a recent basic one on some of this.
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