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Camping General Discussions / Re: 2020 Newfounland trip
« Last post by Sylvain on January 22, 2020, 07:15:21 PM »Thanks for your input everyone. I hope someone from the forum made it to Newfounland!
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Livin Lite General Discussion / Re: Battery replacement
« Last post by DavidM on January 22, 2020, 06:31:45 PM »You can also buy GC batteries in AGM style. So no it really doesn't make any difference between two 6V GCs wired in series or two 12V Group 31 batteries wired in parallel. Either gives you about the same AH capacity.
I am somewhat conflicted about AGMs. I truly believe that flooded lead acid (non AGM) GCs give you the most bang for the buck and are the best battery for long life in deep cycle use.
But since I don't need that many AHs I am considering replacing my long in the tooth Interstate Group 24 that has served us well with a single Windy Nation Group 31. That will boost our AH capacity to 100 from 65-70 and is all we will ever need. I expect that battery will do fine in deep cycle use. I also will enjoy not adding water and perhaps a bigger bonus- AGMs self discharge slowly so I can leave it in place all winter. Also I have had terminal corrosion on the G24 and maybe that will go away with the AGM.
So if you need the capacity, go with two Group 31 AGMs or if you already have a twin GC battery box, look for AGM GCs.
David
I am somewhat conflicted about AGMs. I truly believe that flooded lead acid (non AGM) GCs give you the most bang for the buck and are the best battery for long life in deep cycle use.
But since I don't need that many AHs I am considering replacing my long in the tooth Interstate Group 24 that has served us well with a single Windy Nation Group 31. That will boost our AH capacity to 100 from 65-70 and is all we will ever need. I expect that battery will do fine in deep cycle use. I also will enjoy not adding water and perhaps a bigger bonus- AGMs self discharge slowly so I can leave it in place all winter. Also I have had terminal corrosion on the G24 and maybe that will go away with the AGM.
So if you need the capacity, go with two Group 31 AGMs or if you already have a twin GC battery box, look for AGM GCs.
David
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Livin Lite General Discussion / Re: Battery replacement
« Last post by Merlin on January 22, 2020, 06:06:48 PM »I don't think it makes any real difference to go with either 6V or 12V batteries. However, if you already have a battery box set up for 2 of the GC2 size golf cart batteries, does it make sense to get the AGM version of those? By all means replace the cables and anything in your current battery box because of the corrosion you've described.
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Livin Lite General Discussion / Re: Battery replacement
« Last post by gbpack on January 21, 2020, 10:49:52 PM »Thanks Merlin. The more I read about AGM’s, it doesn’t sound like they need a different converter than what is already installed I our trailers. And as I read the responses from you and David it sounds like the preferred configuration would be two 12-volt AGM’s wired in parallel instead of two 6-volt AGM’s wired in series, is that correct?
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Livin Lite General Discussion / Re: Battery replacement
« Last post by Merlin on January 21, 2020, 09:50:30 PM »I have 2 Duracell Ultra AGM group 31m 12V batteries in parallel in my camper’s battery box working great since 2014 and have required zero maintenance. They are relatively inexpensive at Sams Club. They are so-called marine batteries and so are not true deep cycle like golf cart GC2 6V batteries. However, they have not apparently been harmed by either deep discharging (to 50%) or by charging with the OEM converter or by my solar charge controller. The same battery is available at Batteries Plus Bulbs but at a much higher price than Sams Club. The Windy Nation batteries linked by David are likely excellent based on reputation (both David’s and Windy Nation’s 
) and are in the ball park same price.
) and are in the ball park same price. 6
Livin Lite General Discussion / Re: Battery replacement
« Last post by gbpack on January 21, 2020, 12:07:09 PM »Thanks David. I will look into the converter you mention. And yes, I’m certain that the corrosion from our FLA’s is due to sulfuric acid off-gassing during the charging period. It’s just nasty and a constant problem, so that is why we’re probably going to go with AGM’s. I know that others on this board have put them in and I don’t think they’ve changed out their converters, so I look forward to hearing from them. Thanks again for the quick and informative response.
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Livin Lite General Discussion / Re: Battery replacement
« Last post by DavidM on January 21, 2020, 11:17:04 AM »Here is what I think, some absolute for sure knowledge, some speculation which I will note:
AGMs are more expensive than 6V FLAs for sure. I don't know anything about them, but I have been eyeing this Group 31 AGM, two of which would give you the same amp hour capacity as your two GCs: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BS1ZB15/?coliid=I1GN91CMNUIFQ1&colid=3RQ44LC06SQ2O&psc=1. Windynation is a well known solar systems supplier so I have a bit of confidence in this product.
I strongly suspect that their is no difference between AGMs designated as deep cycle and general purpose AGMs: the construction is the same.
When AGMs first came out there were no AGM specific battery chargers but the battery manufacturer's said that you could use FLA settings ok. Now they don't say that so much, but it still may be true. If you are concerned an upgrade you may want to consider is changing out the current converter to an IOTA DLS/IQ 30 amp for about $180. The IOTA is a well respected charger and has separate setttings for FLA and AGMs. See https://www.amazon.com/DLS-30-12VDC-BATTERY-CHARGER-CONTROLLER/dp/B071ZYVG2B/ref=sr_1_6?crid=WJ2646ZGTGVC&keywords=iota+charger&qid=1579619344&s=electronics&sprefix=iota+ch%2Celectronics%2C203&sr=1-6. High end AGMs like Lifelines cost twice as much.
Finally if you have two AGMs wired in parallel that takes one less jumper/connections as your two GC wired in series and may corrode just as much. I say may as your corrosion may be a result of the FLAs releasing a bit of sulfuric acid when they charge. That is pure speculation on my part ;-).
David
AGMs are more expensive than 6V FLAs for sure. I don't know anything about them, but I have been eyeing this Group 31 AGM, two of which would give you the same amp hour capacity as your two GCs: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BS1ZB15/?coliid=I1GN91CMNUIFQ1&colid=3RQ44LC06SQ2O&psc=1. Windynation is a well known solar systems supplier so I have a bit of confidence in this product.
I strongly suspect that their is no difference between AGMs designated as deep cycle and general purpose AGMs: the construction is the same.
When AGMs first came out there were no AGM specific battery chargers but the battery manufacturer's said that you could use FLA settings ok. Now they don't say that so much, but it still may be true. If you are concerned an upgrade you may want to consider is changing out the current converter to an IOTA DLS/IQ 30 amp for about $180. The IOTA is a well respected charger and has separate setttings for FLA and AGMs. See https://www.amazon.com/DLS-30-12VDC-BATTERY-CHARGER-CONTROLLER/dp/B071ZYVG2B/ref=sr_1_6?crid=WJ2646ZGTGVC&keywords=iota+charger&qid=1579619344&s=electronics&sprefix=iota+ch%2Celectronics%2C203&sr=1-6. High end AGMs like Lifelines cost twice as much.
Finally if you have two AGMs wired in parallel that takes one less jumper/connections as your two GC wired in series and may corrode just as much. I say may as your corrosion may be a result of the FLAs releasing a bit of sulfuric acid when they charge. That is pure speculation on my part ;-).
David
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Livin Lite General Discussion / Battery replacement
« Last post by gbpack on January 21, 2020, 10:49:16 AM »Hi everyone. We are likely getting close to having to replace the trailer batteries in our 2015 CampLite 21BHS. Right now we have two deep cycle 6-volt batteries (lead-acid) connected in series which have given us good service over the years. Looking to stick with two 6-volt batteries again this time but are strongly considering switching over to AGM type batteries instead of the lead-acid. I know that AGM’s are quite a bit more expensive but I’m tired of always having to clean the battery post and cable connectors that are constantly becoming corroded, and it looks like the battery cables are going to have to be replaced as well. I’ve read up on the AGM’s and it sounds like they would do a good job for us. I know that some of you have AGM’s and would be interested in hearing your thoughts. If we go with AGM’s, we wouldn’t have to change to a different converter, would we? I read something about not being able to use a regular (standard) type of battery charger on them but wasn’t sure if that meant having to have a special type of converter as well (my guess is not having to change out the converter). Thanks!
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Camping General Discussions / Re: 2020 Newfounland trip
« Last post by Heather 1 on January 21, 2020, 07:45:03 AM »Make sure you plan to visit and stay at Gros Morne National Park.
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Camping General Discussions / Re: 2020 Newfounland trip
« Last post by Paul on January 20, 2020, 09:59:47 PM »That is a nice trip! Let me know about your plan maybe we could try to meet when you come to New Brunswick