Venting of AGM Batteries

[MSL]

I've got a 2019 Sport 22FB with the AGM and single solar panel option. My wife and I are planning to do some extended travelling this spring and summer, and in the future, so I'm contemplating adding a 2nd AGM and additional solar. Most dry camping would be while travelling from destination to destination, at least that's our current thought. The 2019 Sport 22 is narrow, so two batteries do not fit on the existing rails, so two options: 1) fabricate a new angle iron tray raised from the original rails, or 2) move batteries inside under the bed (space we don't use much).

Pros and cons of each option as I see it:
1) batteries relatively accessible, and no special venting necessary, but need to fabricate (i don't weld) and need to do something to secure (lock) the batteries
2) don't need to worry about batteries being stolen, but probably more work than I think to move batteries inside, and, according to Lifeline, batteries should be vented

So, I think I'd be ok with tongue weight changes either way, but my big question is, "do people vent the AGM batteries when they move them inside? If so, how is that done? My dealer, Airstream of Nashua, said the Basecamp has the battery inside and they have it in a box that is vented to outside. Could this be an option?

I'm also trying to decide on adding solar to roof or to buy a suitcase to augment single roof panel.

All comments/thoughts/insight appreciated.

[55AS]

I have mounted AGM batteries inside 3 different Airstreams without venting and had no issues. In extreme conditions it is possible for AGM's to vent gas but it is my understanding that the hydrogen concentration will be well below the flammability threshold.
YMMV.

[GMFL]

My 4 LifeLine AGM’s are mounted inside without issue.

[DaveP]

My four 6V Lifeline GPL-4CT have been mounted inside under the sofa (with no special venting) for the last four year with no issues. They are surrounded by open space (not tightly enclosed).

[jeffmc306]

MSL, here's two other threads on the topic. You might find them helpful.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...up-161049.html

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...rt-135078.html

[ROBERT CROSS]

Does your destination to destination include at least 12hrs of stationary daylight?
Yes...Then one 140w portable suitcase should work well for you.

We used one Zamp 140w Suitcase charging thru the umbilical cord during our first Season of using solar.

(We replaced the 140w with 2 180w Zamp portable panels when we got the Battle Born batteries.)

The Zamp controller will work with your roof panel.

One nice advantage...you can take the Zamp with you when you get your larger Airstream.😂

Bob
🇺🇸

[MSL]

Our plans are that we'd mostly be driving daylight hours; get to destination late afternoon, leave before mid afternoon. Does this mean I'd be better off with additional solar panels on the roof rather than a portable suitcase???

[ROBERT CROSS]

When staying at one site for several days, portable works fine...advantage you can move it around so it stays in the Sun.
Keep in mind that on the road the TV will help with keeping the AS battery charged. Our 200a Burb did fine on our 7k trip last September, averaging 8-10 hrs driving w/o deploying the panels at all.

They work well for us. 👍
We usually spend between 2-5 daze at a dog show, almost always without electric.

My advise....don't fret, try what you have first and purchase according to NEED, not want.

Bob
🇺🇸

[thewarden]

That is the beauty of AGM batteries, they do not require venting, making installation inside the trailer a non issue.

[MSL]

Originally Posted by thewarden

That is the beauty of AGM batteries, they do not require venting, making installation inside the trailer a non issue.

According to Lifeline, the AGMs do require venting.

[MSL]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

When staying at one site for several days, portable works fine...advantage you can move it around so it stays in the Sun.
Keep in mind that on the road the TV will help with keeping the AS battery charged. Our 200a Burb did fine on our 7k trip last September, averaging 8-10 hrs driving w/o deploying the panels at all.

They work well for us. 👍
We usually spend between 2-5 daze at a dog show, almost always without electric.

My advise....don't fret, try what you have first and purchase according to NEED, not want.

Bob
🇺🇸

Curious, Robert Cross, do you have 1 battery or 2? I currently have just the 1 group 24 AGM.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by MSL

According to Lifeline, the AGMs do require venting.

I not dead yet....

[MSL]

CORRECTION: get to location later afternoon, leave mid morning.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by MSL

Curious, Robert Cross, do you have 1 battery or 2? I currently have just the 1 group 24 AGM.

Our Classic has two, behind the doors on either side of the LP cover.
If you can, add another it will be well worth the effort.

Bob
🇺🇸

[rmkrum]

Note that AGM batteries are sealed and only vent under serious overcharging or short-circuit conditions.

If they do vent, it’s a terminal condition, and it’s time to fix the cause, and buy new ones.

[duboismjjp]

I have a 2018 22Sport and also questioned adding an extra battery to the front or two batteries inside. With so little room upfront and the added tongue weight, I opted to have two new AGM batteries installed inside. Work was done by Airstream Montreal and they located the batteries under the bed on the left just in front of the water heater. I also purchased a portable solar panel to complement the factory installed roof panel. The only disadvantage with inside, is getting them out for winter storage means a bit more work.

[gator.bigfoot]

Originally Posted by duboismjjp

I have a 2018 22Sport and also questioned adding an extra battery to the front or two batteries inside. With so little room upfront and the added tongue weight, I opted to have two new AGM batteries installed inside. Work was done by Airstream Montreal and they located the batteries under the bed on the left just in front of the water heater. I also purchased a portable solar panel to complement the factory installed roof panel. The only disadvantage with inside, is getting them out for winter storage means a bit more work.

Why remove them. I just leave them in. Solar charges the batteries. Just remove the snow.

[Prettygood]

I’m having my AGM moved from the tongue to under the bed this week by my Airstream dealer. Installing an MPPT controller, and a set of terminals under the trailer that I can hook up the portable charge port to. A 170w panel will go on the roof in a few weeks and I’ll have 310w total.

No concerns with the AGM inside under the bed. Like others have said, off gassing is only under extreme overcharging, and there is lots of room under the bed to dissipate. If you are concerned, add a small circular vent to the door under the bed to improve circulation.

[waninae39]

we move to lion form battle Born
since then the battery has been moved inside under the bed

we plan to add more lion this summer. to support our 350w solar panels for longer boon docking

IMHO, lion is the way to go

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by waninae39

we move to lion form battle Born
since then the battery has been moved inside under the bed

we plan to add more lion this summer. to support our 350w solar panels for longer boon docking

IMHO, lion is the way to go

You have Lion Energy UT1300 batteries?