Gel v AGM

[Beltie]

The LA batteries on my 'van are on their last legs and will need replacing shortly.
We are not big users of mains kit, so have no real need for an inverter.

My B2B has a lithium profile, but the charger does not. The CBE solar controller gives no clue, so I'd be replacing that whichever way I go.

Given our useage, I'm not sure that lithium would be worth it apart from the substantial weight saving. I've, therefore, been considering Gel or AGM. I know that the general consensus is that Gel is superior, but have no idea why and would be grateful if someone could explain in simple terms why that is.

TIA

 

[Richard n Ann]

GEL will last about 10 years.. AGM about 18 months.. So I've heard anyway

 

[Just smiffy]

Too many bad stories with agm, I haven’t heard any about gels, I think…

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Are the go to gels but just noticed how much they have gone up from when I bought a couple of years ago at that price I’d consider going lithium…..

 

[Lenny HB]

Are the go to gels but just noticed how much they have gone up from when I bought a couple of years ago

That is because you are looking at the ES950 rather than the ES900 which is the standard fit in Motorhomes at £176.

 

[Just smiffy]

That is because you are looking at the ES950 rather than the ES900 which is the standard fit in Motorhomes at £176.

Ahh yes.. but I do have the es950’s as space isn’t a problem for me but I think I paid about £130-40 for them….

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[mick qc]

GEL will last about 10 years.. AGM about 18 months.. So I've heard anyway

Hope not I’ve had my agm’s for 2 yrs
Better get saving up

 

[Lenny HB]

AGM are about the worst possible choice for leisure use.

Gels are extremely good and have a very long life.
They don't like vert high discharge currents but that is not normally a problem.
You can discharge them to 20% and still get a long life only disadvantage is they take a bit longer to reach a full charge.

 

[Beltie]

Thanks Lenny that's useful, but I'm intrigued to know why the AGMs are the 'worst possible choice'. It's a bit of a minefield, as I note most manufacturers offer similar lengths of warranty on both AGM and Gel, indeed, some offer longer warranties on AGM. Having said that, I am well aware of the limitations of battery warranties!

 

[Outdoors Dad]

I wouldn't mess about...get a lithium probs twice as much as a gel but well worth it. The battery is the heart beat of your habitation area...why scrimp

 

[Lenny HB]

From personal experance I had 2 AGM's fail at 18 months in a new Hymer and I know quite a few other people who have had similar.
They are fussy on charging, don't like being under charged.

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[mick qc]

I’d get lithium if I was building my van now.
Especially as the new eco drift looks a good price.
Hopefully my AGM will last another yr or 2, as I don’t run them down much lower than 85%.
Always the optimist