Batteries

[BusyBuilder]

I've checked my hab batteries and they are Banner AGM 95amp, but unsure of the age, we also have a 150w solar set up with the Schaudt 1218LRM.

I've read on here that my EBL 99 does not like AGM batteries as it can only be switched to GEL ?

Now I'm certainly no expert here, but do I have a problem waiting to happen ? We like to free camp a lot, so rely on the batteries/solar.

 

[ctc]

Make sure you have spare fuses especially 50amp and you will have problems with the lifetime of the batteries, first Banner secondly AGM (should be charged at 14.8v your alternator will deliver 14.4v)

 

[Dazzlin]

I have had 2 AGM batteries for 5 years and rely on solar, but have a Votronic solar regulator which has an AGM setting which charges at 14.7/8.

So batteries only get 14.4 when driving or on hook up but ehu is rare for us.

 

[BusyBuilder]

Make sure you have spare fuses especially 50amp and you will have problems with the lifetime of the batteries, first Banner secondly AGM (should be charged at 14.8v your alternator will deliver 14.4v)

Why will I need extra 50amp fuses ? are you saying they will keep blowing ? if so why ?

I realise at sometime in the future I will need new batteries, and will go for the Varta as suggested on here.

 

[Pausim]

Votronic do mppt controllers that have several settings including AGM, Gel and LiFePO4. They can be plugged into the Schaudt EBL directly with an optional cable. They also do a battery to battery charger which overcomes the voltage limitations of the alternator. Again it has a range of settings and can be wired into the Schaudt EBL, it even has specific EBL settings that restrict the output to be within the Schaudt limitations.

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[Lenny HB]

The Banner AGM's in my last Hymer lasted 18 months anything longer and you are on borrowed time.
There are two types of AGM batteries type 1 & type 2, one requires charging at 14.4 v the other at 14.8 v. The Banners are supposed to be OK at the 14.3v the EBL pokes out on Gel settings but keeping at that voltage for the absorption stage for 8 hours appears to them also the older LR1218 solar regulator don't do them much good. Give me a good Gel battery any day.
Fitted 3 Gels to my new Hymer, AGM's was a too bigger risk to take.

 

[BusyBuilder]

The Banner AGM's in my last Hymer lasted 18 months anything longer and you are on borrowed time.
There are two types of AGM batteries type 1 & type 2, one requires charging at 14.4 v the other at 14.8 v. The Banners are supposed to be OK at the 14.3v the EBL pokes out on Gel settings but keeping at that voltage for the absorption stage for 8 hours appears to them also the older LR1218 solar regulator don't do them much good. Give me a good Gel battery any day.
Fitted 3 Gels to my new Hymer, AGM's was a too bigger risk to take.

What did you fit Lenny ? I thought Vartas were the way to go ?

I'm not replacing the LRM1218 though.

 

[airwave]

Why will I need extra 50amp fuses

I would advise anyone to carry spare fuses , including the 50 amp one .

I have just got back from spending the afternoon , working on my van which is in storage . I removed both the service and hab battery 's for the winter , during refitting i removed both 50 amp fuses , one from under the bonnet , and the other from beside the hab battery . I junked the engine fuse as a matter of course , after i found it heavily corroded both inside and out . The hab fuse was in far better condition , so i refitted it .

Another interesting thing i found was both the solar controller and ebl were both set to gel , so i've put that to right's in the process , just ao happen's , i've got wet batteries .

 

[Theonlysue]

Im not sure if agm batteries were around at the time of ebl99.
My old exide gel batteries were nearly 10 years old. changed for 3 x 120ah exide gels for greater capacity.
I expect to get at least 10 years on these lol

 

[ctc]

Why will I need extra 50amp fuses ? are you saying they will keep blowing ? if so why ?

I realise at sometime in the future I will need new batteries, and will go for the Varta as suggested on here.

50amp have to be ordered to buy at a sensible price i.e. 50p online, £2 or more if they blow at an inconvenient time. And fuses do not last for ever when worked hard.

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