mpo
Active Member
Looking to replace my domestic batteries 330Ah and I am trying to decide between a quality lead acid Rolls or new AGM option. What would you recommend as the most reliable and robust option.
Thanks
Thanks
Rolls lead acid or AGM batteries
- Thread starter mpo
- Start date
Jonny_H
Well-Known Member
I've just bought Lifeline batteries from Merlin - they look very good and have heard good feedback on them.
Jonny
Jonny
[2574]
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I went through the same process last year. Much conflicting advice was available. In the end I went with 2 x AGM (Lifeline) 260AH. Reasons were:
1) High charge rate acceptance
2) No gassing
3) No requirement to top up electrolyte
4) Flexibility in location (can be mounted on side, on end, upside down)
5) AH provided per unit of volume of battery size.
6) No self discharge
Arguments which I heard against the AGM:
1) Can't top up if batteries gas as a consequence of being overcharged
2) Less battery service cycles compared to a well maintained lead acid battery
In the end I went with what was recommended by the provider of the charger, inverter and alternator systems. I've been very pleased with performance so far and it is comforting to know that the batteries can't gas. I had a mate who had a mobo in Hythe marina. The batteries exploded when he used the bow thruster switch - due to battery gassing after a run out when the gas was ignited by the spark from the thruster switching. You can argue that the fault was with the alternator regulator for allowing the batteries to be overcharged but that doesn't alter the fact that the batteries exploded because they'd been able to gas.
rob
1) High charge rate acceptance
2) No gassing
3) No requirement to top up electrolyte
4) Flexibility in location (can be mounted on side, on end, upside down)
5) AH provided per unit of volume of battery size.
6) No self discharge
Arguments which I heard against the AGM:
1) Can't top up if batteries gas as a consequence of being overcharged
2) Less battery service cycles compared to a well maintained lead acid battery
In the end I went with what was recommended by the provider of the charger, inverter and alternator systems. I've been very pleased with performance so far and it is comforting to know that the batteries can't gas. I had a mate who had a mobo in Hythe marina. The batteries exploded when he used the bow thruster switch - due to battery gassing after a run out when the gas was ignited by the spark from the thruster switching. You can argue that the fault was with the alternator regulator for allowing the batteries to be overcharged but that doesn't alter the fact that the batteries exploded because they'd been able to gas.
rob
michael_w
Well-Known Member
I fitted Rolls flooded batteries after a nearby lightning strike fried the alternator which in turn boiled the Fiamm betteries to bits.
I bought them off the stand at the Newport boat show. The salesmen were rather surprised to have a direct sale. IIRC I bought 3 x 112ah batteries. Much easier to manhandle than one vast "Mother of all batteries".
I sold the boat a year later, the batteries did all that was required. I will probably fit Rolls to the new boat. AGM aint worth the price IMHO. Adding a bit of distilled water now and then is hardly an onerous job.
I bought them off the stand at the Newport boat show. The salesmen were rather surprised to have a direct sale. IIRC I bought 3 x 112ah batteries. Much easier to manhandle than one vast "Mother of all batteries".
I sold the boat a year later, the batteries did all that was required. I will probably fit Rolls to the new boat. AGM aint worth the price IMHO. Adding a bit of distilled water now and then is hardly an onerous job.
captainslarty
N/A
Simply buy Trojans, pound for pound you will be better off all round, well fitted batteries will never explode, simply crap fitting and charging systems, and wiring by the sound of it.
There is no hassle in topping batteries up with deionized water, just another routine job, and very infrequent with a good charging system. Yo can also check with the hydrometer at the same time (The only really accurate way to see what is actually happening and condition of each battery in the bank)
2 T105´s will give apx 225 Ah, (6V batteries, they are available virtuallt everywhere as they are used in golf carts. I use 6 in the house bank and have done so for 3 years, still as good as new. AGM are generally a rip off, me thinks rolls are the same.
Best advice on boat shows is dont go lol...
There is no hassle in topping batteries up with deionized water, just another routine job, and very infrequent with a good charging system. Yo can also check with the hydrometer at the same time (The only really accurate way to see what is actually happening and condition of each battery in the bank)
2 T105´s will give apx 225 Ah, (6V batteries, they are available virtuallt everywhere as they are used in golf carts. I use 6 in the house bank and have done so for 3 years, still as good as new. AGM are generally a rip off, me thinks rolls are the same.
Best advice on boat shows is dont go lol...
1611
Well-Known Member
I replaced mine last year with 2 X 265amph AGM from www.batteries4leisure.com
Very pleased with batteries, price and service, and great to have such reserve capacity.
Agree with all criteria of previous AGM favour posts.
Very pleased with batteries, price and service, and great to have such reserve capacity.
Agree with all criteria of previous AGM favour posts.
KellysEye
Well-Known Member
Agree two 6v Trojans are the way to go. Deep cycle, long lasting, best house batteries on the market.
jeremyshaw
Well-Known Member
I've just ordered ten Trojan T105s for £590 in the Caribbean. Not sure of UK pricing, but this will give me over 1000amh for less than I paid four years ago in Greece for 640amh of conventional lead acid - in the same footprint too.
My worry about fancy batteries like AGM is there's a fair chance they will get damaged by incorrect charging or some SNAFU on the boat. I personally feel more comfortable with cheaper batteries I can sling out more freely than something I've spent a lot of money on. And Trojans do have a very good rep with liveaboards who have them.
My worry about fancy batteries like AGM is there's a fair chance they will get damaged by incorrect charging or some SNAFU on the boat. I personally feel more comfortable with cheaper batteries I can sling out more freely than something I've spent a lot of money on. And Trojans do have a very good rep with liveaboards who have them.
mpo
Active Member
Thanks everyone, plenty to think about there.
tome
Well-Known Member
Re: Rolls lead acid or AGM batteries
Another vote for Trojans - superb batteries and good value
Another vote for Trojans - superb batteries and good value
[2574]
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As I suggested in my early post - lot's of conflicting advice!
In the end I think you almost have to stick your pin in the catalogue and go with that!
rob
In the end I think you almost have to stick your pin in the catalogue and go with that!
rob
Foxy
Well-Known Member
look at sterling power's website under FAQs..... interesting advice from the pros.