Cabelas AGM batteries

[markdoane]

Cabela's AGM battery is imported by Universal Power Group, a subsidiary of Zunicom. They originally were Universal Battery Corp.

The published AH rating is 90 AH for the group 27 battery. The group 30 claims 110 AH.

[wacnstac]

Thanks guys.

[upunover]

Yes they will . I just installed 2 of these in our 87 Excella . The bottom lip of the battery box that the door hinge is riveted to needs to be cut back about 1/4 of an inch for clearence . I did this with a die grinder and carbide burr .
We will be be drycampping this weekend for a installation rally with 30 degree temps so this will be the test.

Good luck, Jeff

[rseagle]

I noticed that the Cabelas batteries have a cranking amperage rating. This means they can be used for engine starting, and are not true deep cycle batteries. Their plates are probably not as thick as true deep cycles and will discharge differently. I think I'd look for true deep cycle AGMs. I think that Lifeline AGMs are true deep cycles.

The attached may help:

http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm

[bhayden]

My understanding, which is very incomplete, is that you can't compare plate thickness with an AGM battery to Lead Acid. The various schemes to replace old fashion lead acid batteries certainly have merit. However, I question the cost/benifit ratio of the AGM for trailer use. They seem to be selling them mainly to the marine market and I remember the original Gates jelly roll batteries were marketed to the offroad crowd. This technology is extremely good in reisiting high shock environments like this but unless you beat the puddin' out of your trailer I don't think it's really all that necessary. For the cost you can just about buy two conventional deep cycle batteries.

This thread was the first I'd heard about gel cells requireing different charging. The best batteries I've ever had in my cars were AC Delco gell cells with the "Green Eye". Both were used in old Fords so no special charging there. One was in an old Bronco that sat WAY more than it ran. In effect it was a deep cycle battery since it was usually down to the point of needing a "quick charge" from sitting so long whenever it was used. It's self discharge rate seemed to be better than lead acid and it lasted longer in this duty than any lead acid battery.

-Bernie

[68 Overlander]

Bob brings up a good point in that "usually" when the CCA is advertised, it is a hybrid type of Marine battery. This may not be the case and I'm not at all familiar with Cabela's batteries.
It is also true that all deep cycle batteries have CCA but it is usually not labeled as such.

[wacnstac]

I think I've made up my mind to go with a LifeLine AGM so we can stop talking about the Cabelas batteries. BTW AGM batteries are not gel cells.