AGM or Wet Cell batterys?

[rjcoles]

I need to replace both my 8D domestic batterys, the choise is between cheeper traction wet cells and more expensive AGM's? What would the panel do? If I fit the AGM's will I need to replace my existing old Mariner Pro 60A charger with a new four stage one? being a newby where is the spell cker?

 

[Mrnotming]

I have'nt a cloo where the spellchecker is!! However if you want to replace ur batts with super stuff, be careful.Open lead acid batts are tolerant of high charge levels, not rates, and will give good service if your boat is not ever upside down.Any other types will not hold the same amount of amps.(comment)Delco Freedom and Tudor brands have good resistance to abuse.Some others have equally.Normal truck batteries will not tolerate being discharged below 11.7V . Sterling alternator regulators allow for different settings for 3 different battery types.If you can maintain your batteries 12 months ,cheapies will do. If away and the batteries are neglected, think again, spend more and the partially discharged batteries will recover if of a higher pedigree.

 

[VicS]

Welcome to the forum.
I can't really help with the battery choice but I thought the same chargers were suitable for an agm battery as for a flooded cell type. I thought only gel batteries needed anything different. You should check the documentation for the charger you have to see if it is suitable.

There is no spell checker. You could install the Google tool bar and use the spell checker on that.

 

[ex-Gladys]

I replaced AGM's with AGM's and at one point due to "someone" leaving something on, they went down to 4.7V. They are now after a few cycles holding up at 12.78 which is AGM full charge voltage.

 

[rob2]

Like others have said, wet cells are OK so long as you don't invert them! I know AGMs are wonderful, but if you don't need their advanced properties, remember you can buy four traction batteries for the price!

 

[Mrnotming]

Another point to watch is a failed cell.Keep an eye on a the temperature of batteries when recharging if they are low. I have had a couple of frights when in two instances, the shorepower assumed that it was charging a 10V battery. The heat generated when this happens is dangerous. I have one temperature sensor connected to only one service battery. Plan to purchase more of these from Sterling so all batteries are sensed.Alarm should then flash when fault condition exists.(At- Sea end covered!).Hi-Tec shore power charger may also allow connection to and detection by heat sensor, have to figure this
out as well. At least the dangerous charging phase is carried out at the dockside, so one can step off if the worst happens.I'm not joking about this and would urge anyone who notices a long charging time to lift bunk boards etc and monitor the temp of the battery even if the guests bags and bedding have to be moved!lots to learn yet!

 

[huldah]

A faulty cell will also be low in water. This means the cell is filled with an explosive mix of hydrogen and oxygen. Only takes a spark, perhaps from the charger leads, to blow the battery.

Philip