Which Battery Package?

[Ray and Susan Huff]

We are ordering a 2021 Elite II and deciding between (4) 12V wet cell and (4) 6V AGM packages, with inverter and solar options.

Our current RV has (2) 12V flooded Interstate batteries, 1000W inverter and (2) 100W solar panels (inefficient flat panel).  This configuration maintains battery charge with conservative power use - fridge on propane, LED lights, propane hot water, and phantom draws from electronic gizmos. 

Would appreciate hearing the pros/cons of the two options above.  We camp 50/50 power hookups/dry camping; rarely use the inverter, but nice to have if needed.  Will be carrying a 2000W portable generator.

Do not care to have Lithium batteries.

[Pat Maundrell]

Great question!

IMHO, the Wet Cell Battery construction is basically technology from the 1950's, along with their corrosion problems and need to refill their water level, not good!

On the other hand AGM Batteries Technology is from the 2010 and normally don't experience these problems. They also charge up to 5 Times faster!! They are definitely worth the extra cost, not to mention they are much cleaner!    

 

 

 

[BackofBeyond]

My 2.5 year experience

The AGM's are basically maintenance free - requires nothing really - I verified bolts/connections were still tight. And that the batteries were secure. That's it. Currently all indications shows  the batteries are performing as expected. I expect  to have them around at least 4 years.  No gassing to speak of, no spilling of chemicals, simple. How many "cycles" I don't know. I try not to run them below 50% - believe I was close  - 1 time.  One day full sun - recharged. Ran the inverter a full 40 days on last trip. Mostly to power a AC/DC portable freezer that  I had screwed up the DC plug. Also a coffee maker each morning. 

Solar Battery Storage Systems: If You Can't Tell Your AGM From Your Gel (solartown.com)  Has some comparisons. Plenty of info out there.

Wet cell - well you already know the deal. Lifespan - depends on a lot of things. Not worth the effort to me. 

Your question was timely. I fully understand the appeal of the LIPro battery system, - and given my user profile - similar to yours - the higher expense just does not make sense. And more to my point - I am not sure they ever will - given the current cost and technology. Now down the road - this may change. 

RB

OFD