Post by WJWHow can you tell if an AGM is getting overcharged or low on water...or does
it not matter with an AGM?
I can't say about the overcharging. I never check mine <g>. All I know
is that it's always fully charged and holds a charge for a very long
time.
As to water, there's none to check. AGM = "absorbent glass mat" (the
"glass" means fiberglass). The solution is permanently held in the
fiberglass panels. There is a recovery system for any moisture that
manages to escape the mat, and it ends up back in the fiberglass
again. The batteries are sealed and in fact can be mounted in any
position except upside down with no ill effects. They can also be used
safely in non-vented living areas because they are sealed. (There's a
guy on the NG -- can't remember who right now -- who has had one lying
on its side under the back seat of a minivan, for auxiliary power, for
four or five years.)
They are warranted (prorated) for five years in RV applications. My
first one developed a dead cell after about 2 1/2 years. I called the
factory and gave them the voltage readings I'd taken over several
hours. They immediately agreed to overnight-ship a replacement and
charge me for two years -- 40% of the price (they paid for the
shipping).
I told them it was the house battery in an RV, but they didn't ask me
anything about how I was using it, or whether I keep it plugged in all
the time, or what kind of charger I had, or anything else. They didn't
even ask for proof of purchase (I told them when I had bought it and
from whom), nor did they want the bad battery returned.
The whole phone conversation took about a minute and was no hassle at
all. I had my battery the next day. (They shipped it to my MIL's
house, since we were going to be there.) They're not cheap, but the
cost comes out, over five years, to about $3/mo. It's well worth that
to me not to have to even think about it, let alone mess with it.
My house battery is a nightmare to get to anyway, which is the main
reason I bought the AGM in the first place. Now, having gotten used to
it, I can't imagine ever going back to a regular battery that needs
checking and maintaining.
I don't mean to sound like a commercial, but I really like not having
to deal with batteries. I have plenty else to do with my time.
Post by WJWPost by GBinNCWhy? (Not arguing, just curious.)
The unit keeps overcharging (measured) on a deep cycle that is on its last
leg. I want to use the house-power without any charging activity...hence
disconnecting the charger until I can proceed with the 7300 upgrade.
Ah. Makes good sense.
GB in NC