Don't know how many on here have Fullriver Gel-Cells as opposed to AGM batteries but this might be of interest. It appeared in the CamperTrailer.Org
forum this arvo.
Dave
Article from the ACCC
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/828097
The above article says:
ACCC accepts undertaking from Alco Battery Sales (Aust) Pty Limited
Refunds of the purchase price or battery replacement will be offered
as part of a court-enforceable undertaking offered by Alco Battery
Sales to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Alco Battery Sales imports and distributes batteries for various
applications including the Fullriver DCG Series batteries.
>From July 2006 to December 2007, it represented that the Fullriver DCG
series batteries it supplied were gel batteries. Testing of a
DCG100-12/Gel battery showed that it contained only 0.55 per cent
silicone dioxide and accordingly, it was an absorbed glass mat (AGM)
battery.
Gel and AGM batteries have their own specific features designed to
suit different applications such as golf buggies, electric scooters,
four wheel drive vehicles, boats, electric wheelchairs, pallet movers
and forklifts.
Gel batteries can be left discharged for longer periods of time
without affecting their ability to recover. AGM batteries have a
higher charge acceptance rate than other types and are not as
susceptible as gel batteries to damage caused by lack of charge
voltage control.
The ACCC was concerned that by representing the Fullriver DCG series
batteries as gel batteries, consumers were misled about the
composition of Fullriver DCG series batteries, in breach of the Trade
Practices Act 1974.
The ACCC has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Alco
Battery Sales under which it:
* will not make similar representations about the composition of
the batteries it supplies
* will offer a full refund of the purchase price to those
consumers who bought Fullriver DCG series batteries from Alco Battery
Sales, or a distributor or a retailer who supplied them with Fullriver
DCG series batteries, or offer a replacement battery, and
* implement and maintain a trade practices law compliance program.
"When firms make a claim about a product they must ensure the claim is
correct," ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today. "In particular
when importing products, they should seek specific assurances that the
products are as ordered and maybe seek independent product testing."
Media inquiries
* Mr Graeme Samuel, Chairman, (03) 9290 1812 or 0408 335 555
* Ms Lin Enright, Director, Media Unit, (02) 6243 1108 or 0414 613 520
General inquiries
* Infocentre 1300 302 502
Release # MR 133/08
Issued: 19th May 2008