jd1923 Posted March 13 Share Posted March 13 I've asked about this several times over the last several years. Asked the owner of our local Batteries Plus, are AGM batteries better for our trucks? The answer in the past and since is "Yes, better but not worth twice the money!" I've had AGM batteries in my motorcycles over 10 years now. The Dodge Ram Cummins always had two (2) Group 27 LA batteries. The last Dodge Cummins I had for 18 years had the same setup and twice I purchased the very reasonable Walmart EverStart batteries. Could have done the same this time for $150 ea. I searched for other batteries and the Odessey AGM came up $384 ea. Wow, like I said more $$$. In this case, should I pay $325 total with tax or $832. Go figure. Then I found a new style EverStart AGM from Walmart, however they did not have the Group 27 size in this model. I found the H7 size to be very close to the Group 27, about 1/4" longer and wider, yet a full inch shorter in height. I purchased two of these modern AGM batteries: EverStart Platinum AGM Automotive Battery, Group Size H7 / LN4 / 94R 12 Volt, 800 CCA 140 RC - Walmart.com They're made in South Korea, like that much better than China. South Korea manufacturing started earlier than China and is more mature in quality practices. Total OTD with tax $390 for two HD AGM truck batteries nice! 3 Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd1923 Posted March 13 Author Share Posted March 13 I also purchased new battery terminals, crimped new lugs on all cables and new battery hold-downs, since they were all pretty crusty (see pics). The new batteries did not fit the OEM hold-downs (new Dorman hardware), so if you look closely, you'll see I had to rig some inserts to hold them tight. I went with Military style terminals. First experience with these, and I love them! I purchased this item but would make another choice next time. Great terminals, the rubber covers are decent, but the lugs and heat shrink were not of best quality. Dodge Cummins Military Dual Battery Terminals, Lugs & Boots | eBay These terminals have a 3/8" bolt end, so use 3/8" lugs on all your cables. The other side has a 5/16" bolt to tighten the terminal on the battery post. The beauty and simplicity here is that you can keep the 3/8" cable end held tight, and merely loosen the 5/16" nut to remove it from the battery. I've been fighting cables on dozens of vehicles since the70's! I purchased another couple of sets to use on our other old cars and trucks in the future, to be installed each time we need a new battery. The other thing about Group 27 vs. these H7 AGMs is the posts are in reverse orientation. In making all new connections I had the change the +/- location of all cables. The main + cable, connecting the two batteries, mounted over the radiator core had to be shifted about a foot over. I had to make a new cable from the LH battery to the power distribution box, but most other cables had room to move 10" left or right. I think it came out pretty good. The AGMs should last much longer. Every time I park the truck voltage is 13.1V or better, where LA is usually 12.6V at best. Let it park for a few days (and I have a cellular router running, rid-rat devices and more) and it's still at 12.9V. Love the AGMs! What do you think? 1 Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator+ ScubaRx Posted March 13 Moderator+ Share Posted March 13 Looks good... 1 1 Steve, Tali and our dog Rocky plus our beloved Storm, Maggie, Lucy and Reacher (all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge) 2008 Legacy Elite I - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #026 | 2014 Legacy Elite II - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #050 | 2022 Silverado High Country 3500HD SRW Diesel 4x4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Burner Posted March 13 Share Posted March 13 Always love a clean engine bay!!! Nice looking compartment, @jd1923! Well done, brother! 1 Art, Diane, Magnus & Oscar (double-Aaarrf!) 2022 TUNDRA 2017 LE II; Hull #226 "Casablanca" HAM call-sign: W0ABX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd1923 Posted March 13 Author Share Posted March 13 7 hours ago, MAX Burner said: Always love a clean engine bay!!! Nice looking compartment, @jd1923! Well done, brother! Did a thorough cleaning when we purchased the truck (it is 23 years old). The engine compartment picture shows the old battery. Look how bad the terminals were in contrast. Thank you @ScubaRx and @MAX Burner! 😂 1 Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolind Posted March 13 Share Posted March 13 Did you have to change the charging profile in your truck? I know sometimes, depending on the truck and the recommended charging parameters for the battery, the truck won’t fully charge the battery. Some AGMs like a higher charging voltage than flooded lead acid batteries. 2 Robert and Cheryl, Louisville, KY, Legacy Elite II Hull #1390 Oliphino, TV F250 Tremor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd1923 Posted March 13 Author Share Posted March 13 29 minutes ago, Rolind said: Did you have to change the charging profile in your truck? I know sometimes, depending on the truck and the recommended charging parameters for the battery, the truck won’t fully charge the battery. Some AGMs like a higher charging voltage than flooded lead acid batteries. Thank you for posing this question. I had a similar thought the other day, that perhaps I need a "Battery Tender" designed for AGM, to perform a final charge. Maybe I could plug it in once a week... The many chargers I have now are all old-school automotive chargers for lead-acid. Walmart sells this as an automotive starting battery, meaning to be charged by automotive alternators. I didn't think it was enough of a concern, since by alternator there will still be more voltage than a lead-acid. They claim their AGM will have twice the life of the LA made by the same S. Korea manufacturer. I will look for a technical support number and see what specs they have. I will post here later with whatever I learn and also my experiences as these batteries get more used. Thanks again! Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd1923 Posted May 19 Author Share Posted May 19 (edited) On 3/13/2024 at 2:21 PM, Rolind said: Did you have to change the charging profile in your truck? I know sometimes, depending on the truck and the recommended charging parameters for the battery, the truck won’t fully charge the battery. Some AGMs like a higher charging voltage than flooded lead acid batteries. It's been two months now and I have a few thoughts. There is no way a truck alternator can supply the same charge curve as a dedicated charger can installed in an RV. I have an accurate voltmeter and while driving I get mostly 13.7V, then 13.2V and the highest was 14.1V (rarely). I may need to install a new HD alternator, especially if I install a DC-to-DC charger. Voltage an hour or so after driving is usually 12.6V, sometimes 12.7V which is a hair better than lead-acid batteries. It's not the 13.1V that I used to get in our Class-C AGM house batteries. I also have a Rid-Rat device and a Pepwave router setup in the TV, running 24x7. At home when the truck sits for a couple weeks the voltage can get down to 12.1V (lowest reading). I have a toggle switch for the router, but this is with it running. I bought this charger and the hardwire kit and it has an AGM setting. Seems like a very nice unit. I have collected 5-6 chargers through the years, but all old technology. This will get the two truck batteries up to 12.9V, again an hour or so after disconnected. They say you can leave maintenance charger on for extended periods, but I don't as many will fry the batteries at some point. I extended the hardwire kit, so that the terminal is sitting in the air intake in the front bumper. I can charge the TV now without popping the hood. That's nice. I plan to charge it overnight every few weeks to keep these AGMs in good shape. 😂 Amazon.com: NOCO GENIUS10, 10A Smart Car Battery Charger, 6V and 12V Automotive Charger, Battery Maintainer, Trickle Charger, Float Charger and Desulfator for Motorcycle, ATV, Lithium and Deep Cycle Batteries : Automotive Amazon.com: NOCO GC008 X-Connect M10 XL Eyelet Terminal Accessory Genius Smart Battery Chargers : Automotive Edited May 19 by jd1923 Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Burner Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 4 hours ago, jd1923 said: I may need to install a new HD alternator, especially if I install a DC-to-DC charger. JD - if poss, check-out any available "smart" alternators for your vintage TV. The new tech DC/DC chargers like them a lot... you might be able to get a 50amp model for your OTT in conjunction with a new smart alternator, just think'n out loud...(only into my 2nd cup 'o Black Rifle) 3 Art, Diane, Magnus & Oscar (double-Aaarrf!) 2022 TUNDRA 2017 LE II; Hull #226 "Casablanca" HAM call-sign: W0ABX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnwen Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 32 minutes ago, MAX Burner said: (only into my 2nd cup 'o Black Rifle) 5 1 Oliver II #996 "Bessie", 2019 Silverado LTZ 5.3, Veterans https://wenandjohnsadventure.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Burner Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 @johnwen - Right on, brother! "Blackbeard's Delight", this morning! Hey, @mossemi - try out the BR sample yet? Y'all travel safe - see ya down the road... Best, A & D 1 Art, Diane, Magnus & Oscar (double-Aaarrf!) 2022 TUNDRA 2017 LE II; Hull #226 "Casablanca" HAM call-sign: W0ABX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd1923 Posted May 20 Author Share Posted May 20 OK, the first mention was OK @MAX Burner, but you guys are turning my AGM in the TV thread into a dumb coffee thread! 1 2 Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronbrink Posted May 20 Share Posted May 20 Nothing like standing at your TV while mulling over an AGM install with a good tasting cup of coffee in hand. Life is good! 3 2020 OLEll, Twin, 579 2012 Silverado 1500 4x4 No installed solar, Renogy 40A DC-DC charger, 460Ah LFP battery bank/Victron SmartShunt, Hughes Autoformer, dual Lagun tables Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Burner Posted May 20 Share Posted May 20 @johnwen 14 hours ago, jd1923 said: you guys are turning my AGM in the TV thread into a dumb coffee thread! HA, my bad, brother! Mea Culpa! 1 Art, Diane, Magnus & Oscar (double-Aaarrf!) 2022 TUNDRA 2017 LE II; Hull #226 "Casablanca" HAM call-sign: W0ABX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnwen Posted May 20 Share Posted May 20 14 hours ago, jd1923 said: OK, the first mention was OK @MAX Burner, but you guys are turning my AGM in the TV thread into a dumb coffee thread! My apologies, JD... Oliver II #996 "Bessie", 2019 Silverado LTZ 5.3, Veterans https://wenandjohnsadventure.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd1923 Posted May 20 Author Share Posted May 20 Don't take me too seriously, just poured a cup myself! 🤣 4 Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SeaDawg Posted May 21 Moderators Share Posted May 21 (edited) Morning coffee = camping lifeblood, for many of us... brain food. Edited May 21 by SeaDawg 3 2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4 2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12 Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes.... 400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries . Life is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronbrink Posted May 21 Share Posted May 21 10 hours ago, SeaDawg said: Morning coffee = camping lifeblood, for many of us... brain food. Agree, here’s to our morning ‘transfusion’ with a ‘dose’ of Oliver forum to boot! 4 1 2020 OLEll, Twin, 579 2012 Silverado 1500 4x4 No installed solar, Renogy 40A DC-DC charger, 460Ah LFP battery bank/Victron SmartShunt, Hughes Autoformer, dual Lagun tables Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geronimo John Posted May 22 Share Posted May 22 (edited) On 5/19/2024 at 2:12 PM, jd1923 said: OK, the first mention was OK .. but you guys are turning my AGM in the TV thread into a dumb coffee thread! Crazy Horse says "Me thinks JD will receive burning arrows when he hijacks another's forum." But there is always hot coffee in my teepees. At home or on the trail Edited May 22 by Geronimo John 2 2 TV: 2019 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, 3.5L EcoBoost, Max Tow, FX-4, Rear Locker OLLIE: 2018 OE2 Hull 342, Twin Bed. OLLIE DIY’s: Timken Bearings, BB LiFePO4's, Victron 712 Smart, 350 Amp Master Switch, Houghton 3400, Victron Orion DC - DC, 3000-Watt Renogy Inverter, P.D. 60-amp Converter, Frig Dual Exhaust Fans, Kitchen Drawer Straps. TV DIY’s: 2 5/16" Anderson System, Nitto recon’s, Firestone Rear Air Bags, Bilstein 5100’s, Mud Flaps & Weather Tech all, installed Ham Radio (WH6JPR). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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