Best Battery for Camper Trailer

Locker,

Read what Peter has said (above) and have no realistic future 12v power problems

Maîneÿ . . .

Fullriver's are good reliable batteries - can't go wrong there

mh

Naahhh, Captain respectfully can't agree here, as you rightly say AGM's are the 'best' battery, so I would suggest Locker forget his budget today and buy the 'best' and *most efficient* battery available.
A good AGM may cost $100 - $150 more than the same "ah" wetcell battery, but the wetcell will take longer to recharge and it won't last as long as the AGM.

AGM's will save money in the long term because good AGM's are designed with a 10 year service life and will recharge much faster than wetcell batteries.

Another thing to consider is the charging voltage available to Locker, as some batteries NEED a very high voltage to fully charge - some don't :-)

Maîneÿ . . .

Hi Mainey,

I don't disagree that AGM's are better, but unless its sized for his needs and has a good charging system, it will get a poor life. So, if the battery is having a shortened life, a wet cell will likely last just as long as an AGM under poor conditions (may only be a few trips if run dead flat and not recharged properly - or overcooked with a cheap charger).

If one can afford an AGM and decent charger, its a better system at a cost of around ~$600 upwards. But if on a budget, a ~$150 wetcell being recharged from the vehicle and then a trickle charger will likley last as long (short!) as a ~$300 AGM battery. You would need to get twice the life to break even. All horses for courses.

I have had wetcells and currently have AGM's so am aware of their differences - AND their costs.

Cheers

Captain

Captain,
Are you suggesting a wetcell will last longer under *exact same conditions* you've nominated ?

Maîneÿ . . .

Mainey,

Please read my post above S.. L.. O.. W.. L.. Y..

I said that under poor conditions "...a wet cell will LIKELY last just as long as an AGM...". Now, I will type this slowly as well, hopefully you will understand what I am saying.

Neither battery will last very long under poor conditions, however, as a wet cell is approx 1/2 the cost of an AGM, you will lose less money by buying a wet cell than an AGM if you are not going to treat your batteries nicely.

I use AGM batteries in my camper, they have many advantages but one big disadvantage, COST. I also have wet cells under the bonnet of my vehicle, heat is a killer for batteries so why put an expensive battery under the bonnet only to shorten its life with the heat of twin turbos?

I subscribe to the theory of using the appropiate, cost effective, tool for the application. There is no question that AGM batteries have many advantages, however they are NOT the answer for every situation and I was just trying to let the OP know that there are alternatives depending on your budget.

Anyway, enough hijacking of this thread from the OP.

Cheers

Captain