AGM Batteries

[dusteater]

Looking for any feedback on AGM deep cycle batteries , have a 120 amp in mind , brands to further research or stay clear of would be a start. Cheers in advance.

[alexm1]

Have not bought one as big as that but for my motorcycle I use odyssey batteries. A bit more expense up front but they are good for 5 years plus, very good when you consider it is not used daily.

[Big Shed]

Looking for any feedback on AGM deep cycle batteries , have a 120 amp in mind , brands to further research or stay clear of would be a start. Cheers in advance.

Full River have a good rep, but not the cheapest:no:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Fullriver-DC120-12B-120Ah-12V-AGM-Deep-Cycle-battery-marine-4WD-4X4-Full-River-/281655043661?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item4193f2e64d

Another option, which I am considering at present, is LiFePO4 or Lithium batteries for short.

About twice the price, but charge much faster to 95+% and can sustain going down to 25-30% repeatedly, AGM will only sustain going down to 50% and takes a long time to get back to 80%, then even longer to get to 90%.

The LiFePO4 are also about half the weight.

Need a good solar regulator and charger though.

[Optimark]

I typed out a fair bit, then lost it at a keystroke or possibly a break in the computer dongle.

Essentially I said that we run two of those Full River batteries, they get a good workout and are as mentioned able to do lots of work.

Currently we are on the road and run 220W of solar to keep our batteries up to charge. 300W of solar would be better though with 400W being virtually a bullet proofing of our system

They see us for about 4 days if there is little sun, but we do conserve usage when there is no sun.

We run everything from 12V including this computer I'm using. We recharge our telephones, eReaders, camera batteries and anything else you can think of one would take outback.

I too agree that when it comes time to replace them, we'll look long and hard at lithium.

Mick.

[mike48]

Late reply but ...

At present the 120AH AGM batteries are a good balance of amp-hour capacity for dollars, and are practical in use, as they fit standard size battery holders and battery cases, and are manageable in mass to lift with one person.
For caravan and motorhome use it is probably best to chose a deep cycle type.
Lithium types are currently relatively expensive.

Most people on forums have their own ideas about brands and types, normally based on personal experience of just a few single installations.
It seems to me that people's recommendations are based mostly on subjective experience without any actual battery tests such as a controlled battery capacity discharge test.

This is not a good way to analyse what is best for your case.

As for brands, Fullriver and Ritar are popular and seem to sell well, but the Ritar is about $80 less.
I do not know exactly why this is so.
I have used both these brands in 120 AH size, and currently use a Ritar DC 120AH bought in Brisbane for about $285.
I am buying a Fullriver DC 120AH very soon.

How your choice of battery actually works in your specific case and application depends on so many variables.

There is one retailer here in Brisbane, Springers, who sells both Fullriver and Ritar brands.
They may be able to advise which is better.
Why not phone them, or a similar supplier, for their advice relative to your needs?

No associations with any company mentioned here.

Did you go ahead with any purchase?

Good luck. mike

[dai sensei]

I'm considering buying 2 of these http://www.aussiebatteries.com.au/batteries/deep-cycle-agm/165ah-12v-agm-deep-cycle-battery for my camper

[Ed..]

I have bought 2 of the Aussie batteries for rmy boat, 1 is a 150A deep cycle which I bought a few years back and the other a 120A dual purpose a few months back. They are both in my boat and I haven't had any trouble with them. How long the first one will last is any one's guess so I can't say if the Giant brand is better or worse then any other brand but as I said they haven't given me any trouble so far!