AGM battery life

Submitted: Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 17:59

ThreadID: 91360 Views:1989 Replies:5 FollowUps:3

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itsdave

Hi all

I need to replace 2x 105 amp Lifeline batteries in my camper trailer, one has lasted nearly 10 years the other almost 7 years ( this may still have a little bit of life still in it) I think I may have done well to get the 10 years out of the first, mainly due to the fact that they don't have a high discharge.

I am curious to know how long the Fullrivers and like are lasting as I have been told they are generally good for a 5 year cycle approx as opposed to 7 years for the Lifelines.

Does anyone have Fullriver/Ritar or the like that has got a good length of time out of these batteries and if so how long?

Just trying to justify the cost of the Lifeline v the others and what to expect time wise from them.

Any feedback much appreciated

Cheers Dave

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Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 18:57

Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 18:57

My van came from the builder with 3 x Ritar DC 100's - probably 3 years since manufacture and 2.5 years in use - I've been dutiful as far as possible in keeping them chokka throughout - but I'm not sure they will see me out this year ! They are losing their oomph quite early in the duty cycle, compared to early use. When recharge issues become a frequent nuisance (I have 2 x solar and a gennie for field camps)....... I'll soon need to ID some new batteries as well.

AnswerID: 475600

Reply By: Battery Value Pty Ltd - Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 20:50

Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 20:50

Hi Dave,

I can't see why Chinese made batteries shouldn't go the same distance as this particular US brand.
About 1.5 years ago, one of our customers had his whole house bank of 3x250Ah US made AGMs replaced with 6 of our 125Ah deep cycle AGMs, on his beautiful catamaran. No complaints so far.
Expect to pay around $2/Ah for good Chinese made deep cycle AGMs.

cheers, Peter

AnswerID: 475615

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 22:48

Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 22:48

I'll back that theory. I've had a Chinese AGM outlast a Lifeline.

FollowupID: 750600

Reply By: Member - Peter R (QLD) - Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 22:06

Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 22:06

I have a 120amp Fullriver AGM which is at least 6.5 years which I use as a second battery in my Prado to run fridge.

It has not been run down and is connected to a charger at every opportunity.

Never given me any trouble and comes back to fully charged quickly.

Pedro

AnswerID: 475625

Follow Up By: Dasherdes - Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 at 21:16

Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 at 21:16

I also have a Fullriver AGM 100amp as second battery in the Cruiser. It's 7 years young and has been flattened a few times to keep the fridge running. It is also mounted under the bonnet which is also advised against but it keeps going. Would I buy another one. Definitely yes. Previously been lucky to get 5 years at best from the others.
Cheers
Des

FollowupID: 750706

Reply By: Discotwinturbo - Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 at 12:06

Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 at 12:06

I had a 105 and a 110 replaced recently. 2.5 years for one and 2.2 years for the other. They were in parallel with each other so maybe one killed the other.
They we both in battery boxes in my camper, with a ctek charger, and never went below 12.2 volts. Never had hi energy draws.
They gave me the new ones at half price.....fair seeing as though they were out of warranty.
Hopefully these will survive to atleast 4 years.....preferably longer as batteries aren't cheap

AnswerID: 475664

Follow Up By: itsdave - Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 at 12:21

Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 at 12:21

Both of my 105amp Lifelines are in parallel also, my set up is very similar to yours. will be interesting to see how long your new ones last.

Beginning to think I may have to fork out the $$ and go the Lifeline again.

Cheers Dave

FollowupID: 750649

Reply By: Member - Doc (Qld) - Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 at 19:06

Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 at 19:06

Dave,

In my caravan I replaced the 2 Trojan wet cells after 7 years with 2 Fullriver HGLs. They have been going well for 6 years now. They never go below 12 volts.

I give them the occasional charge with the 240V on board charger when we haven't used the van for months.

I believe I get the best out of them by getting them up to full charge quickly with the Redarc 12V/12V charger while travelling and keep them topped up with the solar when we camp.

I hope this helps you and others.

Cheers,

Doc

AnswerID: 475708