I think I have killed my 5 yr old AGM battery in my van, it is bulging and not taking a charge . I would like a new one but with a few extras like a voltmeter and an Anderson plug to connect to solar Do any of you know a good patient Caravan electrician in Melbourne who can put in s new battery and also tell me how not to kill it
Five years is not an unreasonable life span for a lead acid battery, but it's not great either.
The two biggest killers of lead acid batteries are overcharging and a failure to charge.
To clarify:
Overcharging causes sealed batteries to vent the gas produced naturally during the charging process to atmosphere and this depletes the battery's capacity. As your battery is bulging it sounds as though it's been overcharged but not enough to vent... much.
The "float" charge voltage is particularly important and needs to be reduced as ambient temperature rises, eg. in Victoria in winter 13.8 volts is reasonable, in FNQ 13.6 volts is better.
Failure to charge is exactly what it says, leaving the battery in a partially discharge state for weeks/months.
I suggest you spend a few hours surfing the internet and learning some of the basics of lead acid batteries and 12 volt systems - they are really not complex and once armed with basic knowledge you'll be in a far better position to replace your battery and add current and voltage meters from E-bay for just a few dollars.
Edit: missing word.
-- Edited by Mike Harding on Monday 10th of February 2020 01:09:17 PM
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"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
Hi Jan,
Be careful - don't do anything except disconnecting the battery & removing it. I too have seen expanded cases on batteries of many types and they can explode if misused.
Heat is another thing that can stuff a battery but I'll assume that isn't an issue if your "van" is a caravan.
The previous owners of our Jayco camper charged the AGM battery only when they were going camping - 2 to 3 times a year. When I checked it, the terminal voltage was 3v & like yours the case was distorted. I did manage to get another 12 months out of it before replacing it AND treating it correctly.
Get yourself a few essential items -
1. a book called "Caravan & Motorhome Electrics - complete guide" written by Collyn Rivers. You can get a soft copy on the net but a book is better. The book could cost $35 on ebay, no more than $40 from a bookshop, RoadTrackMarine, etc.
2. a multimeter (often around $10-20 will get you something that you can use, learn to use & have a 10A range) - from Jaycar, Autobarn, etc.
3. some tools that let you work on the electrics - insulated long nosed pliers, diagonal cutters, small & not so small screw drivers of both types, an 8-10" (200-250mm) shifting spanner, some insulating tape, etc.
WARNING - Stay away from 240vAC equipment unless qualified & you know hat you're doing.
I'm in agreement with the other two members as if someone else sets it up & something goes bung & you're not in a town, you'll be able "to nut it out" rather than spending time in the dark.
Have a look at past issues here in the Techies & in the Solar tabs - you'll find lots of problems & solutions there.
This forum has a few knockers BUT there are a lot of experienced people who have often "been there, done that" & are willing to share their knowledge to assist those with less experience. I trust you'll enjoy your time here.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
HI
AGM batteries have a higher charge rate compared to wet flooded batteries . Both are Lead batteries .
AGM upto 25% of capacity eg 25amps for 100ah batt
wet flooded auto or deep cycle upto 20% of cap. eg 20amps for for 100ah batt
Van style batts agm/ deep cycle donot like to be discharged lower than 50% capacity
Recharge as soon as possible after discharge with in 24hrs
Recharge with correct volts and amperage for batt type
When in storage isolate 100% with main switch ON/OFF
When in operation have a automatic low volt disconnect fitted set to 12.00 volts
Charge batt monthly when in storage
