AGM vs. Flooded lead acid.

[The Colonel]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

This shouldn't be news? We went thru this "argument" many times several years back...all the AS converter/chargers, pre-2018, were single stage. If you owned a 2017 or earlier model, and used the "stock" converter/charger that came with your AS, it was a WFCO single stage unit. It was/is "notorious" with AS owners of those years, for "over cooking" your batteries, if you left it plugged in. I and several others I know, went thru "brand new" Interstate 12V batteries, that were OEM supplied (from AS) with new AS's back then. First set on my 2014 25' went within first month. With my 2017 28', went inside 3 months. Each time, Interstate replaced for free and told me they had bad cells from being left on charger too long with no sensitivity to state of charge.

The Multi-Stage units (I have Boondocker from Bestconverter.com) can be left plugged in, and they will charge appropriate voltages, then revert to "tend" mode; will not overcharge/over cook your batteries; I have left plugged in 4 months at my place in Austin during winter, prior to winterizing; never an issue. If you have an older AS, (pre 2018) and have not had any issues...count your blessings!

I had a similar experience. 2017 AS with the single stage converter. After a replacement and they didn't last too long, I upgraded to a Bestconverter model and never had issues again. I also replaced the lead acid with the AGM and they have been going strong for 5+ years. I leave my AS plugged into shore power at home all the time with never any issues. happy camper

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

This shouldn't be news? We went thru this "argument" many times several years back...all the AS converter/chargers, pre-2018, were single stage. If you owned a 2017 or earlier model, and used the "stock" converter/charger that came with your AS, it was a WFCO single stage unit. It was/is "notorious" with AS owners of those years, for "over cooking" your batteries, if you left it plugged in. I and several others I know, went thru "brand new" Interstate 12V batteries, that were OEM supplied (from AS) with new AS's back then. First set on my 2014 25' went within first month. With my 2017 28', went inside 3 months. Each time, Interstate replaced for free and told me they had bad cells from being left on charger too long with no sensitivity to state of charge.

The Multi-Stage units (I have Boondocker from Bestconverter.com) can be left plugged in, and they will charge appropriate voltages, then revert to "tend" mode; will not overcharge/over cook your batteries; I have left plugged in 4 months at my place in Austin during winter, prior to winterizing; never an issue. If you have an older AS, (pre 2018) and have not had any issues...count your blessings!

This does not explain why my 2008 left the factory with a 3-stage WFCO 8955.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I misquoted him? I did a Copy/Paste. The section on the Battery disconnect was much farther into the article and totally separate than the discussion of the converters. He even enclosed photos of the single stage vs. the three stage converters and the issues of swapping them.

I encourage anyone to read the link.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...28528-9999.pdf

I'll get back to my battery.

OK,, my bad… I now see where I missed that first comment on page 1. Sincere apology.

But this still doesn’t explain the 3 stage WFCO my 2008 came with from the factory….with a front batt switch …mechanical…NOT solenoid as he states.

(Unless it left the dealer-lot modified from a single-stage…?? I suppose the original owner could have ordered it that way from the dealer..??)

[dbdreams]

I wonder if airstream used different converters on some models and or 30 / 50 amp service?
My 2017 23D had a WFCO 8955 three stage unit, I was concerned after reading about fried battery's so called WFCO with the model and serial #s, they confirmed it was a three stage unit.
You could do the same, call the manufacturer with the model number and see what they say.

[4RXLA]

I swear by the Lifeline AGM. I got 10 years out of the first pair and am going on year 3 with the second pair. I have a Parallax 7455 55 amp converter.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by 4RXLA

I swear by the Lifeline AGM. I got 10 years out of the first pair and am going on year 3 with the second pair. I have a Parallax 7455 55 amp converter.

You sir are a lucky man.
The P-lax 7455 is an unfettered beast of a converter, it ruined a lot of batts in it's day, 2 sets in the first year on 'Cloudsplitter'.
You do NOT leave it unattended.
In fact it's replacement was the first 'upgrade' we did.

Bob
🇺🇸

[dznf0g]

As I recall, my parallax came out on day 5 after buying my 2007.

[Silvr_Bullet]

Originally Posted by dbdreams

I wonder if airstream used different converters on some models and or 30 / 50 amp service?

My 2017 23D had a WFCO 8955 three stage unit, I was concerned after reading about fried battery's so called WFCO with the model and serial #s, they confirmed it was a three stage unit.

You could do the same, call the manufacturer with the model number and see what they say.

My 2017 delivered with the 3 stage
WF 8955PEC, it may have been equipped with solar equipped units, although that’s a guess, but mine was.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Boxite

This does not explain why my 2008 left the factory with a 3-stage WFCO 8955.

Yea, you surely got a "one off" somehow? I would call and complain! My understanding is WFCO/ Airstream did not offer multistage units until 2018 model year. Not sure WFCO had a multistage unit back then, but their newer units are 3 stage with Li detection also. Did you buy your 08 AS new??

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Yea, you surely got a "one off" somehow? I would call and complain! My understanding is WFCO/ Airstream did not offer multistage units until 2018 model year. Not sure WFCO had a multistage unit back then, but their newer units are 3 stage with Li detection also. Did you buy your 08 AS new??

No, I did not buy it new…BUT…the PO gave me all the paperwork, which included an early Warranty-Claim on the converter and the invoice/repair-order shows “removed WFCO and replaced with same”. this was in 2009. I replaced it again in 2018. What came out was an 8955 which is what I replaced it with.

[4RXLA]

I guess I was lucky. Back in 2010 when I inherited the trailer I took it to Inland RV In Corona (Andy Rogozinski was still running it) and they replaced the axles, converted the vacuum disc brakes to electric/hydraulic and replaced the original battery cooker univolt with the Parallax. Andy said that was what Airstream was using at the factory at that time. I think it must have a float charging feature since the AGMs are lasting. When the Parallax fails I’ll go with a three stage converter.

[BobCA]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Since my old Interstate gp. 24 are due for replacement, and Interstate batteries went the way of the Passenger Pigeon, (Bought by Clarion/Brookfield Canadian investment group.) I've been down the battery rabbit hole.
I want to replace my trusty Interstates with another battery, not lithium.
So, it appears the Die Hard Gold is a flooded lead acid deep cycle while the Die Hard Platinum is a AGM battery, somewhat more pricey but not off the charts. The form factor is the same Group 24 I have now.
I hear AGM's don't do well freezing, but I'm in Florida.
Can I use the AGM with my old single stage charger? (My current [/pun] batteries lasted 6 years, so I'm pretty cautious about charging. I may add a solar suitcase, no more.
The plan is to pull the old batteries and drop in the new, same "great" wiring by me.

What say you?

At a battery specialty store here in San Diego I found maintenance free flooded batteries. I was able to get the lower price of flooded without having to worry about constantly replenishing the water. That battery box is in probably the most inconvenient place unless you remove the propane cover and tanks.

[swilly43]

Make sure any battery you install in an interstate can be completely sealed as they are tipped on their sides during installation