Optima Batteries

Hi Mick, i was wondering why you say not to buy a dep cycle battery if you are going to camp in one spot.
The reason I ask is that I work with deep cycle batteries all the time but have had almost no experiance with AGM type batteries and would like to know the advantages.
Regards.

buy solar panels instead of noisey bloody generating sets
no noise no pollution no breakdowns no servicing
if you are prepared to spend a few extra buckaroos on a regulator you can get a pulse width modulation reg which is a lot better for the battery and extends the battery and saves you money
never go back to a generator and we love our solar panels
you can buy 2 80 watt solar panels and a reg for the price of a generator
solar panels last 25 years and more

GUNBUD where do you live you can come round and check out my solar setup

Mick,
Your one sided,
yes you are, the side you are putting forward is referred to as fact and truth and it may not be accepted by some lol.

I concur totally with your post, it tells it as it is factually without distorting the information in either direction and puts forward the relevant reasons.

Your statement "this is why people with deep cycles have to carry solar panels, as you will get a small trickle charge from the panels over a 6 hour time period, better than running a generator for 6 hours" is totally true and is a major benefit when camped in the one spot for many days or weeks at a time, for this reason having a regulator is not a major requirement on a small solar panel 80wt system when powering a large battery (140+ a/h) as the panel will not cook the battery due to the relitive electical size of each component.

Woops, I'm sposed to be outa here, couldn't resist saying congrats to you for your informative post. Mainey

you can buy 2 AGM batteries for the price of 1 optima
no way for the price of an optima for the lousy warranty
if they were that crash hot they would give a better warranty
Automotive / LTV, Commercial, Car Audio (24 months) 12 month free replacement, remaining 12 prorated
Series String applications
With battery management system or CV/CC charge method above 12 months
Without battery management system 1 month

with your half price better AGM battery solar is even better price

I also cannot understand either why anybody would buy an Optima or Odyssey battery for such low capacity. I would not spend the money either for a battery that is less than half the price in the US.
When you say speciality batteries, there are excellent deep cycle gel type/style batteries that do not cost the earth with twice the capacity of your Optima and Odyssey and nowhere near as expensive. If the batteries are stored or vented outside, a lead acid battery is often the preferred option but the gap is now line ball and gel cell style batteries are edging out the traditional lead acid battery. If you are looking to save space with these gel style batteries you are barking up the wrong tree. The gel style batteries that save space are such because they are low deep cycle capacity.
The major issue with batteries is OCCASSIONAL use and how you charge the battery. There are only two ways to properly charge and get longevity out of the battery. One is a damned expensive 240vAC battery charger, or solar panels with a proper pulse width modulation controller. Proper pulse width modulation controllers have a 26 day cycle period, and the solar panel and controller need to be connected full time.
I do sell solar panels and batteries and generators but all I am interested in is that customers get the facts and what is best for their needs. If I do not have what is best for their needs I refer them to somebody that has that gear.
I think your continual use of the wording "special batteries" would have been correct 2 years ago, but the gel style batteries are no longer 'special' and again, in many cases are superior to lead acid wet cells.
Yes a deep cycle battery will work perfectly and is the preferred option but state again occassional use no battery including your Optima or Odyssey is going to have a decent life span. Optima is only 12 months warranty with the next 12 months as pro-rata and pro-rata warranty is totally worthless warranty.
A cranking battery is totally unsuitable for an auxialliary battery as stated, and will not last even if winching. In those cases if you get 2 years out of a battery you will be doing well and 12 months would be the norm.
Your views are more along the realm of reality than most
I could never recommend a Honda powered 12v alternator setup for longevity of battery or for convenience. Considering you have to find somewhere to cart the thing, still need to power your fridge in transit and look after the battery. With modern batteries you intend to run your fridge or lights from the days of chucking a normal car style alternator on is long gone and out of the window. 4 stage chargers and continual battery management systems are essential. That brings me back to what I said initially you either use a quality 4 stage 240vAC charger or a PWM solar system.