Re: [A/S] What are AGM batteries?

["Jim Dunmyer" <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jack,
 All things being equal, Golf Cart batteries (flooded cell lead-acid) are
the best bang for the buck when it comes to electrical storage in an RV.
They're cheap (about $50.00/each at Sam's Club), stand deep-cycling well,
and are high-capacity for the size.

All things are NOT equal, however:

GC batteries are a bit taller than the standard Group 24, 27, or 31
"RV/Marine/Deep Cycle" batteries that are commonly used in trailers, so will
not always fit.

Like all flooded cell batteries, they must be vented, and they'll use a bit
of water, so there's some maintenance required. A good charging system
(Inteli-Power) reduces the need for maintenance and will generally give you
more power for longer periods, due to the batteries being fully charged.

AGM batteries have as their main advantage that they don't have to be in a
vented compartment. HOWEVER, you cannot install them just anywhere in your
A/S, as the weight must be over frame members, not just supported by the
outriggers.

AGMs are quite expensive, but MAY last longer than GC batteries. Probably
not enough longer to pay for their additional up-front cost.

For a good, no-nonsense primer on batteries, see
http://www.phrannie.org/battery.html

                                                             <<Jim>>