suggestion re new battery

2weis · Senior Member

suggestion re new battery

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

1. Shop around. 100Ah top quality AGM (like Fullriver) should cost about $300 - $320.
2. AGM should give you considerably longer life compared with flooded LA and will discharge lower without damage.
3. Whatever battery type you use, it is essential that the charge and float voltages are strictly in accordance with the makers recommendations. The charger manufacture does not know what battery you are using.

Cheers,
Peter

Tony Bev · Guru

Hello 2weis

As peter above has said it pays to shop around for deep cycle batteries

In my area of Western Australia, I am looking at (what I think is a reputable brand), Bosch 120 AH AGM Battery for $312

I can get a no (known to me) brand name, (Vision), of the same type and size of battery for $278, at the same outlet

I shall be replacing a 100 AH Fullriver GEL Battery, of unknown age, and unknown use/abuse, which is on its last legs

In my area I do not see any Fullriver batteries on the shelf, otherwise I would probably be looking at them, as I am led to believe that they have been around for a few years

During my research, err searching the net, and this forum, I am led to believe, so I could be wrong, that the heavier AGM batteries are better constructed than the lighter ones, of the same capacity

Below is my comparison of the two batteries, I have already decided on the Bosch, but will wait until my next big trip, before buying for warranty length of time purposes

Usual disclaimer that I am not knocking one manufacturer, or praising another, just putting pen to paper of what I have found

But I will point out that on Ebay, some sellers of the heavier battery, say that some lightweight batteries are only about 100 AH, and not the 120 AH their sellers claim them to be
I have yet to see the sellers of the lighter batteries, say that this is bunkum, and that their lighter batteries are better than the heavier ones

Manufacture	BOSCH BAC12-120RFM	VISION 6FM 120 SD
Application	Deep Cycle	D in name is supposed to mean Deep Cycle?
Technology	AGM	Description could sound like GEL
Capacity (Amp Hour)	120 (same)	120 (same)
Weight comparison	36.2 Kg (11% more)	Approx weight 32.5 Kg (11% less)
Size comparison	Within a few mm	Within a few mm
Warranty (local)	12 months (same)	12 months (same)
Price comparison (local)	10% more	10% less
Manufacture / Country	Bosch made in China	Shenzhen Center Power Tech made in China

macka17 · Guru

Hi.
You keep it in boot. and it on a charger or panels. regularly?.

I've averaged my wet cells around 5 1\2 to 7 yrs each,
In caravans and Yachts.
Tried AGM's x 2 didn't last any longer. and at near twice the price.

I've just bought 2 new yesterday,one for boat, one for van. $220 each.
Century Wet cells. And looking at around 6 plus yrs each from them.

AGM 110cca/Ah whatever. Wet, 95 of the same.
$300+ versus $220. I know where I'm happier.

AS long as you keep them topped up. preferably with panels.
My Batt's never get below 12.4v by morning. and I Have solar
to have them floating again by around 11.30ish next day.

The secret is to never let them get lower than around that figure.
Much below 1\2 drained. Neither will last for long.

2weis · Senior Member

another question on the same topic
agm battery and sealed lead acid battery are they the same
brian

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

No, quite different, but with a few similarities.
Both are "lead acid".
Both are "sealed", but not in the same way.
AGM is absorbed glass mat and between the plates is not liquid.
"Sealed lead acid" usually implies wet construction. They can vent gas.
AGM is also referred to as VRLA or valve regulated lead acid. The gas that is generated while charging is not released out of the battery in normal operation, but is re absorbed into the material around the plates.
A "sealed lead acid" must stand up the correct way otherwise it will leak. A VRLA or AGM can operate safely on its side or even up side down.
AGMs were developed for the military and can be left for months without going flat.

Google will explain better than I can :)

Cheers,
Peter

Wanda · Guru

Brian

Can I suggest you google "Lead Crystal Batteries" a relative new battery but have very similar qualities to lithium batteries.
They are more expensive and just as heavy as the AGMs but still far cheaper than lithium, best to research yourself, lots of advantages over AGMs. I have ordered them with our new van arriving in a couple of weeks
regards
Ian

2weis · Senior Member

thanks everyone for your advice
I confirmed that my existing charger was capable of charging both AGM and lead acid which made the choice easier.
I was able to locate a fullriver 105ah at what I consider a reasonable price (not $300 unfortunatley).
as I don't have solar (yet) I have to rely on being able to top up when power is available which is not every day.
while it will cost a bit more to start with i think in the long run it will be more beneficial
once again thanks for you advice and assistance
brian

Tony Bev · Guru

Hello 2weis
Happy to see that you have decided on your battery
Sorry if I have gone a bit off topic

Wanda wrote:
Brian

Can I suggest you google "Lead Crystal Batteries" a relative new battery but have very similar qualities to lithium batteries.
They are more expensive and just as heavy as the AGMs but still far cheaper than lithium, best to research yourself, lots of advantages over AGMs. I have ordered them with our new van arriving in a couple of weeks
regards
Ian

Hello Wanda

Would you mind keeping us all informed please

Searching the net, I have come across a topic of these batteries on this forum, before I joined

Below is the link

http://www.thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t61100424/lead-crystal-batteries/?page=1

-- Edited by Tony Bev on Thursday 17th of November 2016 01:43:40 PM

Wanda · Guru

Hi Tony

If you place "lead Crystal batteries" in the google search,(sorry its the only one I use and know) you will find several businesses who sell them(Alphaenergy is one) and lots of infomation on specs, size range, advantages etc etc.

It makes interesting reading and I have been told by my caravan builder there are several caravan manufacturers starting to use them because they are a lot cheaper than lithium with similar characteristics and will become the norm in the future. They are a bit dearer than the AGMs most of us are currently using, can't say exactly how much because I have not replaced any for a few years. Sadly they are about the same weight as AGMs though.

I was so impressed with the figures I have ordered 2 x120amp lead crystals instead of 3 x 120amp AGMs with our new van.

They sound good but I guess only time will tell, with a working life of "up to" 18yrs maybe I would have sold the van by then, if I'm still here!!!

regards
Ian

2weis · Senior Member

purchased and fitted Fullriver 105ah
now fully charged and ready for 4-5 days away without power to see how we go
brian

Doo in · Member

biggrin For anyone else wanting a battery.......Battery Value (peter) helped us out on our last trip.

http://www.batteryvalue.com.au/

12V 125Ah/20hr
410L/170W/235H 36.5kg deep cycle AGM battery
$245.00 request to buy