Agm or lead acid

[Kerrone]

Time for new batteries. Looked at lithium but too expensive so do I go for agm or the original lead acid. Advice appreciated

 

[ChrisL]

I'll take the opportunity to ask my own question on this thread.

Ref: Interim electrical power upgrade - on new to me 1st MH

Vehicle has one Halfords HLB681 115Ah leisure battery - Halfords rate it as Class C - "use with EHU with minimal off grid usage"

My original thought was to add one or two similar lead acid batteries (new or s/h) to give me enough power to travel entirely off grid - while I gain experience/knowledge to decide whether I need to invest in powerful Lithium tech.

However - it seems I should only consider Class A rated lead batteries - "for frequent off grid usage without EHU"

On that basis - should I regard the existing battery as not useful & scrap it?

(NB: Vehicle has no solar or B2B charging and no inverter)
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There's a whole raft of sub questions of course regarding - Solar panels - B2B charger - Inverter.

The main one being - If I fit these items can I "Dual Spec" them to work now with lead batteries - but be sure they would be fine to work with big, expensive lithium batteries at a later date?

Solar controllers and B2B chargers if they are quality products can usually work with different battery types, you select battery type when configuring your device, these settings can be changed as and when you move to a different battery type, a lot depends on how you intend to use your van what you will need to install to get the best out of it for your usage.

 

[Peter Clark]

I have three lead carbon gel batteries installed for over a year, no issues to report so far. If you're considering buying more then one ring alpha and they may give you a discount, they did for me.

12V 110AH Expedition Plus Lead Carbon Gel Ultra Deep Cycle Battery (EXP12-110C) - Alpha Batteries

Ultra Deep Cycle Lead Carbon GEL Battery

www.alpha-batteries.co.uk

Comprehensive product & technical spec info on website - looks reassuring to a layman

110Ah - £189.99 inc VAT & delivery - 29kgs - lead carbon gel - recharge cycles 1,500 - 5 yr warranty

Made in Vietnam by a Chinese owned factory - NASDAQ listed since 2002.

Does anyone have long term experience with this brand?

 

[ChrisL]

Comprehensive product & technical spec info on website - looks reassuring to a layman

110Ah - £189.99 inc VAT & delivery - 29kgs - lead carbon gel - recharge cycles 1,500 - 5 yr warranty

Made in Vietnam by a Chinese owned factory - NASDAQ listed since 2002.

Does anyone have long term experience with this brand?

I can only say that they must sell quite a few of them as they regularly go out of stock but then get some more in, another member on here has bought some as well but I can't remember who it is. Lead carbon as a technology has not been available commercially for all that long so i'm not sure if anyone will have long term experience yet.

 

[IRHP]

I can only say that they must sell quite a few of them as they regularly go out of stock but then get some more in, another member on here has bought some as well but I can't remember who it is. Lead carbon as a technology has not been available commercially for all that long so i'm not sure if anyone will have long term experience yet.

I've just fitted a Leoch lead carbon 160ah, £268. Free delivery, yes it's heavy 42kg but 2 x 80ah agm would weigh almost that. The advantage for me is no alterations to charging system and they are rated at 600 cycles for 80% dod. I think it's 1000 cycles at 60% dod. Too early to tell yet how they are performing. https://batterystore.co.uk/slca-12165-12v-165ah-superior-lead-carbon-battery/

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[PhilandMena]

Just normal car batteries weigh in at around 20kgs or more for just 98ah, The thing is they are not crap, the series 200 have proven to last more then 5 years on boats, even if they last five years, still cheap for that, compared to what you suggested, the price two & a half times more and weigh a third more again.
My the two batteries are doing just fine, I'm very happy to buy another two when these are knackered if I don't have Lithium by then, Happy Days

If your happy with these batteries, that's great and I hope all your expectations are met. However, some of your comments on post #20 do not make sense. 'Gel only lasting half as long as deep cycle lead acid' 'Deep Cycle Lead Acid very cheap, only draw back is weight, they are heavy, as the plates are twice as thick'
Its generally accepted the more lead the better the performance in a lead acid battery and following the link you posted in the same post identifies this battery at only 23.5 KG with no information about number of cycles and at what DOD. Furthermore, the term Deep Cycle is nothing more than a term used to improve sales. It contradicts everything you have said. However, if your happy and think this is a great buy, go for it.

 

[wfdTamar]

As we know nothing about the OP's vehicle other than brand (or its charging capabilities), or their intended power use, it's no use recommending batteries - they may not work in their van. Some people know this, some think you can plonk in any type of battery. We don't know which the OP is.

First you need to know make, model and year of vehicle in order to determine the charger, solar controller and any other devices that might charge the leisure batteries (perhaps a B2B charger). Then the pattern of use required (on EHU a lot, or Off Grid?). How much solar? What sort of power use is there (some are light users, some like lots of TV, hair dryers, compressor fridges).

 

[Peregrinator]

If your happy with these batteries, that's great and I hope all your expectations are met. However, some of your comments on post #20 do not make sense. 'Gel only lasting half as long as deep cycle lead acid' 'Deep Cycle Lead Acid very cheap, only draw back is weight, they are heavy, as the plates are twice as thick'
Its generally accepted the more lead the better the performance in a lead acid battery and following the link you posted in the same post identifies this battery at only 23.5 KG with no information about number of cycles and at what DOD. Furthermore, the term Deep Cycle is nothing more than a term used to improve sales. It contradicts everything you have said. However, if your happy and think this is a great buy, go for it.

I never gave info for the Battery, that's up you if you want to research it, I gave info on a better chose then just 12v Lead Battery, which is cheaper, and it will last five years and longer if treated right.
You said (the term Deep Cycle is nothing more than a term used to improve sales) nothing could be more wrong, It is what it says on the tin, Thick Plates will tolerate better repeated deep discharge (up to 80%) then normal plates, ideal for Solar, Motorhomes, Boats etc.