A much less silly consideration was the dimensions. I wanted batteries that could fit in the bottom of the Adrian Steel cabinet that came with the van. I read a lot of spec charts.
And, because I wanted to stow the batteries in the cabinet, where they wouldn’t be convenient to get at, I also wanted sealed batteries. I don't enjoy battery maintenance anyway. The extra cost was worth the pleasure of just hooking them up and forgetting them.
This led me to Sun Xtender absorbed glass mat batteries. Two 12V, 104Ah beauties. Enough power to run my fridge and charge my electronics. Exactly the right dimensions to fit in the cabinet. And not maroon. They cost $295 each when I bought them in 2013. The Sun Xtender series is made by Concorde—another big name in deep cycle lead-acid batteries.
I’ve heard Sun Xtenders were never intended for mobile applications. Something about the cases not being rugged enough. Or not maroon enough. But, as you can see, they’ve held up just fine, despite a lot of washboard roads. And they still function properly, even though they’re getting on in years. Whereas I would be lazy about flooded cell battery maintenance, I’m almost religious about never drawing more than 50 percent of charge. In fact, I seldom go below 70 percent.
When it’s finally time to replace these batteries, I have no qualms about getting another pair of the same. Unless the price of LiFePo batteries come way down. Or there’s some newer, cheaper, better technology by then. As long as they’re not maroon.
These are the ones I am having good luck with. Universal Power Group model UB1210000-45987 and they are black.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know. I've wondered how good they were, since they cost less. A friend bought four of them for his camper, but then he sold the rig a few months later, so there was nothing to report on durability.
DeleteAt $165 each delivered, they seem a good buy. The fact that AGM batts can be taken down to 11.85 volts repeatedly has not been a factor for my system. But the faster recharge speed of an AGM has been noticeable over the flooded cell batts in my past. I am really enjoying your travels and blog. Thanks for writing and traveling.
DeleteDo you have any/much build up on the terminals? Have you ever had to clean them? As you spend a bit of time near the ocean, do those terminals or cable ends corrode more than arid climes without salt?
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any buildup.
DeleteMVG, I have spent 3-4 months each winter at Rockport, Tx camped three blocks from the saltwater for the years I have had AGM batts and never had to clean any corrosion either. The flooded cell batts I had at first needed cleaning every 6 months no matter where I was camped.
DeleteGood info, thanks. Another plus for the AGMs. Must be the hydrogen off gassing from the wet types, maybe?
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