AGM Decca batteries from the USA . Some questions .
Submitted: Wednesday, Sep 26, 2007 at 19:13
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Willie
I am thinking of getting two of these to replace the two current deep cycle "normal" batteries which are now six years old and must be close to dying .
The gent I spoke to gave me a choice of Life Line or Decca - both made in the USA . He told me that the Decca was a bit cheaper and was charged at the same voltage as the "normal" batteries , but that the Decca charged at a higher voltage .
A saleman could tell me anything in this area and I would have to believe him , so I was wondering if you Forumites had any comments on this .
Will I have to alter the settings on my " in van " electronics , to ensure the Decca AGM batteries charge correctly ?
I have three solar panels - an original BT installation . Can I put two 200 AH Decca batteries in , or will this capacity be too high for my charging system to handle ?
Will I be able to charge these batteries from the car's alternator ? In the tow vehicle (Landcruiser) , I have two "normal"cranking batteries and a "normal" deep cycle battery (used for running a car fridge ).
Thanks a lot ,
Willie .
NOTE : My "normal" batteries , are the old lead acid non sealed type .
Reply By: Willie - Thursday, Sep 27, 2007 at 05:22
Thursday, Sep 27, 2007 at 05:22
PS
The batteries are not as described above , but are ACDELCO "VOYAGER" marine , deep cycle , low maintenance . I cannot see what Amp hour rating they have .
AnswerID:
572977
Reply By: Andy1 - Thursday, Sep 27, 2007 at 15:59
Thursday, Sep 27, 2007 at 15:59
Willie
Many of us use the ACDelco Voyager (sealed) batteries having opted not to move to the BT AGM's which have had some issues.
The ACDelco is a good reliable unit, it is difficult to get charging data from ACDelco but after a number of attempts, corresponding with the company in the USA & Australian distributors, it would seem that the optimum charging voltage is the same as for standard lead acid not the sealed lead acid. We run with the Solar Controller set for standard lead acid. The batteries are now four years old & have given no problems.
In addition to the four in the van we have two in the back of the F250 which are charged via a dual battery control system, no issues.
Andy
AnswerID:
572978
Follow Up By: Willie - Tuesday, Oct 02, 2007 at 21:53
Tuesday, Oct 02, 2007 at 21:53
Andy ,
Just back last night from our maiden voyage . We watched the charging and load from the fridge and felt we were always on the edge of running out of juice on the patchy cloud days we encountered .
After talking to a few van owners , I have changed my mind about large batteries , because of the difficulty of moving them . I will get another one the same physical size as my present ACDelcos - making a total of three batteries , plus I will add a fouth solar panel to the roof . At this stage , I am not sure about AGM vs "the rest "
Thanks for your help ,
Willie .
FollowupID:
848586
Reply By: Deleted User - Thursday, Sep 27, 2007 at 17:16
Thursday, Sep 27, 2007 at 17:16
Willie before you write the cheque, check out the weight of a 200 amphour battery. It will be around 70Kg. This is weight-lifter stuff and add the problem of lifting in and out of confined spaces.
The capacity of a lead-acid battery is directly proportional to the weight........a 200 has twice the lead as a 100.
I went through this exercise some time ago and decided to go the standard way and have 4x100 12v. Also I found the cost of a 200 is much more than the 2x100 cost.
When and If you have battery problems in the boonies a 100 will be more likely to be available.
Ern
AnswerID:
572979
Follow Up By: Willie - Tuesday, Oct 02, 2007 at 21:56
Tuesday, Oct 02, 2007 at 21:56
Thanks for the advice Ern . Ballina Tracker Ross agrees with you , so I have changed my ideas . Thank God for Forums !
Is the standard ACDelco battery that BT fit a 100 amp hour model ?
Cheers ,
Willie
FollowupID:
848587
Reply By: Fred & Marj - Thursday, Oct 04, 2007 at 02:48
Thursday, Oct 04, 2007 at 02:48
Hi Willie
From my experience to date - I have had my battery charger modified by the manufacture to suit Gel type batteries vs Lead acid flooded type.
My understanding is that all Gel and AGM batteries require a much different charging cycle for example Gel (nd I expect AGM to be the same)require a constant charge in the order of 14.1 -14.3 volts (they shouldn't be charged over this voltage) Lead Acid require a different charging regime altogether (these need a boost charge which can be quite high around 15volts for a time) that's what the solar reglator switch is there for - but unless you have the latest 50Amp charger you will also need to have the charger changed to suit the batteries.
Regards
Wayne
AnswerID:
572980
Follow Up By: Willie - Thursday, Oct 04, 2007 at 05:57
Thursday, Oct 04, 2007 at 05:57
Wayne ,
Maybe I should do what many have suggested and stay with the BT supplied ACDelco and the std charger / regulator .
I think I will get thee new ones put in and add one solar panel to give me a total of four panels .
Thanks ,
Willie .
FollowupID:
848588
