Calcium batteries

Hi Old Smiffy
I'm not an expert on them, but I have had 3 x 100 ah in our caravan, and one in the camper trailer, for the last few years, without any problem.
Just make sure your chargers are suited for calcium batteries, as they charge at a slightly higher voltage than normal, I belive.
Cheers
Neil

I have been using calcium batteries for around 18 years, have ever only had one replaced under warranty. At the moment have 5 batteries (camper and two 4WDs) oldest is 4 years old had it checked and around 75%. 14.8 volts max charge, I have seen 15.4 volts on my charger no problems, just got to keep an eye on it. Used them on our yacht's as well great value.

Ian - AGM batteries use Lead-Calcium in their construction, the same as regular Calcium batteries. The only difference is that AGM batteries absorb the liquid electrolyte, so that if the battery is damaged, there is no acid leakage and possible serious resultant damage.
AGM batteries are totally maintenance-free and require no top-ups during their life. Calcium batteries require some topping up, but only a minimal amount, as compared to a standard, plain lead-acid battery.

Cheers - Ron.

Hullo Ian
I have AC Delco calcium batteries on the boat, both for starting (1) and house supply (3) - fridge, radios - VHF and HF, lighting - nav and internal, GPS x 2, chart plotter, water pump, bilge pumps, auto pilot, winch, etc.
They have been there 7 years and still perform well. Can hold their charge over many months without use, are fully sealed and have never leaked with all the violent movement at sea.
Cheers
Andrew

I have just returned an Alco (Apex) calcium battery for warranty as it is not holding a charge. It was fitted as a cranker in my Prado and my auto leccy does not like calcium batteries as a cranker.

I didn't know any better so when I was buying I just took the recommendation!

Have not heard if they are going to replace it yet. The warranty was going on the 30 May 2012, so just on 12 months.

Bill

Firtsly almost all modern lead acid family batteries, except the cheapest nastiest have some calcium in them.

Most batteries now have calcium in the plates and modified electrolite because this improves almost every aspect of their performance.

In particular it reduces that ammount of gassing and fluid loss during charging.

It is the use of calcium that allows the manufacture of "sealed" or "maintenance free" batteries including AGM.

Personally I do not see any advantage to the use of AGM in road vehicles, caravans or campers, in almost every case a similar quality sealed wet cell battery will offer every usefull advantage of AGM in this application at around
half the price.

REMEMBER...all batteries including AGM require permanent and adequate ventilation to the outside air and should be installed upright in vehicle applications.

There is no such thing as a completly sealed battery, all batteries will vent explosive gasses and possibly acid mist if overcharged or run at elivated temperatures.

cheers