I am interested in using AGM batteries on my boat but I don't know if I need a special charger to handle them. Anyone have experience with them?
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Yes
Mike: If you really want to get the maximum life and benefits of AGM batteries you really want a smart charger with a special setting for your AGM batteries. They have the ability to maximize the charge on these batteries without overcharging. They have a built in program that handles the battery charistics. They usually have a switch for flooded, gel and agm batteries. I would recommend that you look at the Xantrex/ Statpower chargers. Probably the 20+ or 40+ depending on the battery capacity. There are several other good ones on the market too.
Mike: If you really want to get the maximum life and benefits of AGM batteries you really want a smart charger with a special setting for your AGM batteries. They have the ability to maximize the charge on these batteries without overcharging. They have a built in program that handles the battery charistics. They usually have a switch for flooded, gel and agm batteries. I would recommend that you look at the Xantrex/ Statpower chargers. Probably the 20+ or 40+ depending on the battery capacity. There are several other good ones on the market too.
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Trojan Man
DEFINITELY
The quick and easy way to destroy an AGM or gel cell is incorrect charging. They take lower controlled voltages and must be temperature regulated also. much more info at: www.eastpenn-deka.com Read the info closely then buy good old lead acid golf cart batteries for half the money. - Trojan T105 rule !!!
The quick and easy way to destroy an AGM or gel cell is incorrect charging. They take lower controlled voltages and must be temperature regulated also. much more info at: www.eastpenn-deka.com Read the info closely then buy good old lead acid golf cart batteries for half the money. - Trojan T105 rule !!!
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Scott Heller
No Special Charger Required
http://www.dcbattery.com/agmtech.html I use a three stage charger/inverter and haven't had any problems. The lead acid batteries we previously used required the normal maintenance and eventually started gassing in their death throws. The gas caused false alarms from our CO detector. Since we liveaboard we went with the zero maintenace, non-gassing, no special charger solution. The downside is more money. Shop around, but I don't think I would go back to lead acid batteries unless cost was the only important variable. The other performance alternative is gel batteries. They do require special charger settings. Since I didn't want to change our set up, I went with a 4D AGM. Zero maintencance, zero chance of acid spills, and plenty to do with a 4 month old son aboard drove the decision. Our battery is 2 months older than our son and it works great. Enjoy, Scott
http://www.dcbattery.com/agmtech.html I use a three stage charger/inverter and haven't had any problems. The lead acid batteries we previously used required the normal maintenance and eventually started gassing in their death throws. The gas caused false alarms from our CO detector. Since we liveaboard we went with the zero maintenace, non-gassing, no special charger solution. The downside is more money. Shop around, but I don't think I would go back to lead acid batteries unless cost was the only important variable. The other performance alternative is gel batteries. They do require special charger settings. Since I didn't want to change our set up, I went with a 4D AGM. Zero maintencance, zero chance of acid spills, and plenty to do with a 4 month old son aboard drove the decision. Our battery is 2 months older than our son and it works great. Enjoy, Scott
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David
Smart Charger
I installed two AGM batteries about 3 years ago and a stat power charger. The charger has a switch / setting specifically for AGM batteries as well as a temperature sensor that connect to the battery to prevent overcharging / overheating of the batteries. So far So good. David 1988 h33.5 "South Wind"
I installed two AGM batteries about 3 years ago and a stat power charger. The charger has a switch / setting specifically for AGM batteries as well as a temperature sensor that connect to the battery to prevent overcharging / overheating of the batteries. So far So good. David 1988 h33.5 "South Wind"
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Mike
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Jose Venegas
AGM's all the way!!!
Thanks Scott, I have been researching to buy sealed batteries and found that the AGM's sold by DC Battery Specialist (from the link you posted), seem to be, at least in paper, by far the best of the pack in performance and in value. More important, they charge faster than gells and do not require to buy a special alternator/regulator !!! Jose
Thanks Scott, I have been researching to buy sealed batteries and found that the AGM's sold by DC Battery Specialist (from the link you posted), seem to be, at least in paper, by far the best of the pack in performance and in value. More important, they charge faster than gells and do not require to buy a special alternator/regulator !!! Jose
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