Knowledge found wanting, need a new leisure battery.... (1 Viewer)

[Allanm]

I know there have been a few threads recently about leisure batteries, but, we need a new battery and after looking online for what is available, I find technology has far surpassed what I know.
So, we currently have I x 110ah lead acid leisure battery, 120 watt solar panel with Victron MPPT 75/15 controller.
It's an old van and has an Amperor 18a 3 stage charger ( mv3/180)
While just the one battery has performed well for us all through the year with no hook up when away, the battery is starting to fail, and as stated above, we need a new one.
I am considering a Platinum 100ah AGM battery ( NCC class A) and I know AGM batteries have been getting bad press lately.
So, will my charger be compatible with an AGM battery and if not, what would I need?

Here's a link to the charger.

 

[Allanm]

Scrub that. Just did a load of research on AGM and Gel batteries and they didn't come out well in tests, so, I've ordered a Varta LFD90, might even get a second one if this one works as well as reviews say it does.

 

[pappajohn]

I doubt the emperor charge is suitable anyway.
They've been around a lot longer than AGM batteries.

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[funflair]

Scrub that. Just did a load of research on AGM and Gel batteries and they didn't come out well in tests, so, I've ordered a Varta LFD90, might even get a second one if this one works as well as reviews say it does.

Real world experience with Gel batteries may contradict whatever you have read as quite a few people on here have had good service for many years from Gel batteries me included.

Martin

 

[maxi77]

In general even with a suitable charger it is unlikely and AGM will give you any more amps for your buck. The best value for money is a flooded battery, unless you have worries about spillage when a gel would be appropriate. One of the few applications I have seen for AGM where they outperform others are the lightweight RED Flash batteries many yachts use for engine starting. They are much smaller and lighter than an equivalent wet or gel battery but will give the big CCA output needed for starting.

 

[Lenny HB]

Real world experience with Gel batteries may contradict whatever you have read as quite a few people on here have had good service for many years from Gel batteries me included.

Martin

Another fan of Gel's and in my experience work out far cheaper than wet cells due to their very long life.
The OP didn't have much choice as I think his charger is only suitable for wet cells.

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[Allanm]

I think your right, my charger although recently replaced ( by previous owner) will only cope with older technology.
I have an AGM battery in my LawnMower, it only lasted 2 years even though it had the correct output alternator and was bench charged with a suitable charger regularly.

 

[funflair]

I think your right, my charger although recently replaced ( by previous owner) will only cope with older technology.
I have an AGM battery in my LawnMower, it only lasted 2 years even though it had the correct output alternator and was bench charged with a suitable charger regularly.

I wouldn't lump AGM and Gel in the same category though, Gel are far superior in my view and as Lenny say they are cost effective over their lifetime.

Martin

 

[sallylillian]

AGM's have higher acceptance rates, ie you can fill them quicker. They also are more comfortable with high discharges that accompany inverter use on a low amp battery bank. They are however more susceptible to inaccurate charging regimes and poor maintenance. ( Not allowing frequent periods of incomplete charging that is a feature of solar for example)
The quality of the manufacture is a key issue too.
I have had several AGM battery banks and my boat when sold had an 1800 amp bank that was 5 years old and still tested at 96% capacity, and my RV was sold with a bank of 3 years age.
I think that Gel is probably more resistant to abuse, but AGMs give you some extra benifit if you are prepared to pay for them and care for them.

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