6 Volt AGM Deep Cycle Batteries

[Camp4two]

I will be replacing my two flooded deep cycle golf car batteries with AGMs on our Jay Feather 25RB TT.

Been thinking about the 6-volt Duracell Platinum AGM Golf Car GC2AGM batteries but other brands may be better.

What 6-volt AGM brand(s) have you folks had good success with when boondocking with solar?

I appreciate all feedback, thanks.

[Camp4two]

Anyone using two 6V AGM deep cycle batteries in their camper? If yes, what brand do you have?

[skids]

I was hoping to see more on this. You might try a search on this forum.

[TaftCoach]

There are some questions that have been asked so often no one wants to jump in.

I've been happy with the DuraCell brand for 12v. I haven't switched to 6v yet. Although it's on my radar.

[Camp4two]

Originally Posted by skids

I was hoping to see more on this. You might try a search on this forum.

Thank you. I did a search before posting this thread. Came up with zero.

[Jay2504]

While I don’t like 6 volt batteries, I will share what I have found out about AGM batteries sold at Sams Club. I called the manufacturer (East Penn IIRC) and was told there is no difference in the construction of starting and deep cycle AGM batteries. They did say that there was a difference in FLA batteries between starting and deep cycle. Jay

[RogerR]

The prices on AGM have gone up and Lithium have gone down. For about the same price I would consider Lithium. Less weight and no worries about accidentally draining them and damaging them. There is a real good chance your 21 Feather has lithium charging built in. Adding solar later is a snap. And, for the same weight you could later add 200 more amps capacity if you wanted.

[OntFF]

There are only a handful of companies (about 3, really) that make automotive/GC AGM or VLA batteries... Enersys/Trojan, East Penn & Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls) - so regardless of who's name is on the battery, it rolled off of one of their assembly lines.

[Parcany]

I will keep my 2 each 12 batterys. Reason is if one of my batterys goes bad I will still have a 12 volt to run things in the trailer. If one 6 volt goes bad then there is not enough power to run things in the trailer. My .02 cents worth

[GHen]

AGM also take a slower charge, not an issue if you keep plugged in.

Both my sons put AGM in their rvs for hunting seasons. They recharge with a generator, it took so long to recharge, they both replaced them after 4 months and installed 6volt lead acid golf cart batteries. They have been much happier ever since.

[Jay2504]

GHen, were your sons AGM batteries the exact same size/type that were later replaced with the FLA batteries? Everything that I have read says that AGM charges faster than a FLA battery of the same size. BUT I have no experience with this myself. Jay

[Camp4two]

Originally Posted by Jay2504

GHen, were your sons AGM batteries the exact same size/type that were later replaced with the FLA batteries? Everything that I have read says that AGM charges faster than a FLA battery of the same size. BUT I have no experience with this myself. Jay

X2 I have read the same thing.

[GHen]

Originally Posted by Jay2504

GHen, were your sons AGM batteries the exact same size/type that were later replaced with the FLA batteries? Everything that I have read says that AGM charges faster than a FLA battery of the same size. BUT I have no experience with this myself. Jay

Yes, “the salesman” told them they would charge better….
Bought as a set, both new.
I saw a chart showing the specs, I’ll see if I can find it.

[Jay2504]

Cool. GHen. Always eager to learn. I’ve never had a AGM battery in anything that I have owned. From looking at charts, there seems to be 10-11% increase in performance, with a claimed increase in lifespan of the battery. Unfortunately the price increase is more than 10%. Jay

[Camp4two]

Follow-up to my original Post:
I have used two 6V FLA deep cycle batteries (different brands) for over 10 years dry camping and never had a bad/discharged battery.

I also have a 12V FLA deep cycle battery. It is used when we know we will be on elect. hookups during our entire trip.

The two 6V FLA deep cycle batteries are used only when dry camping (solar recharged).

We almost never combine elect. hookups and dry camping during the same trip.

I keep all batteries on a battery tender at home when not traveling.

This article explains how AGM vs FLA batteries stack up against each other:
https://www.repairsmith.com/blog/agm-vs-lead-acid/

I plan to replace my aging two 6V FLA deep cycle batteries with AGMs. Still researching AGM brands/specs. and feedback from forum members using AGMs.

[ledoyle]

I have 2 Trojan T-105's installed in my 2007 Greyhawk since 2012 (10 years) they still work fine. I will look at AGM's when they finally fail. Looking at Interstate and others. I guess you crouch say I'm a happy camper.

[Denver Fire Man]

I have been an electrician for 33 years and my opinion is to use 12vdc Lifepo4 batteries. They are much safer than Li and beat the pants off SLA batteries. I have six 100ah Battle Born LiFePO4. Yes they are expensive, but the benefits outweigh the cost by far. Keep in mind LiFePO4 batteries can’t be charged if the temperature is 32f or lower. So you need to get the heated batteries or a heated space.

[Bullitt6283]

In 2019 I went from a single 12 volt Group 27 deep cycle flooded battery to two each Lifeline 6 volt 300Ah AGM batteries. No solar. Plenty of capacity.
It's my understanding that AGM batteries do not like chargers with an 'equalization' mode.
.

[Denver Fire Man]

Newer chargers have settings to switch charging profiles. Good point the charger must have settings to charge the type of batteries.
LiFePO4 have many thousands of charge cycles and can be discharged 100%. All SLA or gel batteries can only be charged a few hundred times and should not be discharged more than 50%.
I do have solar and a propane QG5500 generator for full disclosure. I am set up to live off grid. I have a Jayco Northpoint 43’ 5er.

[videoarizona]

I guess I don't understand the reluctance to go lithium. I've been running 6 volt GC batteries in my trailer for four years. They have worked great. Two issues though. Slower charge rate and not enough capacity to boondock for a week without generator or solar.

So finally bit the bullet. Bought a 200 amp lifepo4. I replaced the WFCO converter with a lithium capable version.
Added 200amp fuse, battery shut off, 2 circuit breakers and a Victron shunt to monitor battery usage and charge.

All in all is was an easy install. It's not plug and play as many mistakenly say... But it will be worth it. I moved the battery to under the dinette. Will replace the 2 batteries up on the tongue with a tongue box... That I will fill with stuff from the storage area.

It's going to be so much better. The battery is protected from theft and weather. Capacity is doubled. Charging will be much faster too!
Total$$ spent is around $ 1100. That includes new wires, connectors, crimping tool, circuit breakers, shunt, battery, 2 buss bars, 200 amp fuse..... And the wood and screws to build the battery box, etc..

I don't regret this change at all. Looking forward to 2 boondocking trips coming up.

Think about it..
David