AGM question

[dznf0g]

Well poo, the best plans fail. I was wanting to wait to upgrade from LA to AGM until Victron released their 12V version of the Phoenix Smart IP43 charger ("next year"), but my Interstates have suddenly turned way south. I tested them last night: 12.00V (rested) and only 46aH consumed on two Group 29s.

So here is the dilemma:
I decided to go with two Lifeline GPL-31XT - 12 volt - 125AH Deep Cycle Batteries. My victron smart 100/30 can be programmed to Lifeline recommended Absorption voltage of 14.3 +/- .1 and float voltage of 13.2+/-.1, so no issue there.

My current charger is an Iota DLS/55 with IQ4. It is not programmable and produces an absorption voltage of 14.2V (no problem there) and a float voltage of 13.6V, which is outside the Lifeline parameters.

Many other AGM sites and mfrs say that 13.6V is fine.

What say you all?

[Bluto]

Rich,
All I can say is that I have the IOTA you mentioned and Lifeline batteries in my trailer.
I just replaced the Lifelines cause they weren't holding a charge as long as I liked. The batteries were in the trailer since new 2010. So I'd say the combo works! I replaced with new Lifelines in the Summer of 2020.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Bluto

Rich,
All I can say is that I have the IOTA you mentioned and Lifeline batteries in my trailer.
I just replaced the Lifelines cause they weren't holding a charge as long as I liked. The batteries were in the trailer since new 2010. So I'd say the combo works! I replaced with new Lifelines in the Summer of 2020.

Great! Thanks for the real world experience. 10 years is the bogey.

[dznf0g]

12 hours today. Getting rid of the cracked and leaking plastic battery boxes and doors. Bringing the AGMs inside. Tearing down the interior, removing the electrical center and demo was soooo time consuming.

[gator.bigfoot]

I have 4 Lifelines group 27. Charged from solar. I disconnected the factory converter charger. Last set of batteries got 9 years, but they were mostly charged from the factory converter before I made the switch.

[batman]

I have the same as you Iota DLS/55 with IQ4.

I also have 4 - Lifeline GPL-4CT batteries. All purchased and installed in 2011. It all works great together.

I leave my Safari plugged into shore power unless we are using it.

Batteries are still fine for about 3-4 days boondocking before I have to fire up the gen's or plug in the portable solar, Blue Sky Energy, Solar Boost 3024 with Blue Sky Energy, IPN-ProRemote.

I have not been unhappy with the lifelines or Iota at all. However, when I do change the AGM's I will be going to a different technology.

-Dennis

[dznf0g]

Thanks, Dennis.