Brands of AGM house batteries?

[GreyDawg]

Hi all --

I'm planning another build, and need to select house batteries.

For sure I will use AGMs. About 200-220AHr total, either 2 12V or 2 6V (since i haven't built the battery box yet, I can go either way).

How does one select an AGM? Lifeline is a big name, but there are many others: Renogy, Universal, Concord, WindyNation, Interstate, Optima ....

The prices are all over the place. I'm not sure how to begin sorting out the best options in a quality vs price tradeoff.

BTW, these will be charged with about 200W of solar and an ACR from the alternator/van battery.

Help!

Thanks!

[BroncoHauler]

If nothing else, I would consider a brand that you could get replaced while on the road if you have an issue, just like my strategy for where to buy tires from. Getting a great deal up front is nice, but any warrantee won't do you much good if there's not an affiliated retailer nearby.


Herb

[GreyDawg]

That's a good point, Herb. As a self build, I won't have a vendor like SMB to turn to.

Does that pretty much mean that Lifeline is the way to go? I can't make heads nor tails off the Interstate website.

Sigh.

[BrianW]

I'm on year five with Duracell AGM marine/RV batteries from Sam's Club. I have three Group 31 batteries (105ah x 3 = 315ah total). They run about $180 each and have 18 month free replacement at any Sam's that carries them. I believe East Penn Battery (aka Deka) makes them. They used to only be available East of the Mississippi, but I think maybe nationwide now. I'm not very particular about charging them, but they have held up well.

[GreyDawg]

Thanks, BrianW. I will look at Sam's Club and Costco

Are there other chains -- eg Sears-- with re-branded high quality batteries?

[boywonder]

2017 T-250!! Congrats!! You gonna post a few pics???

[GreyDawg]

Hey there, BoyWonder!

Yep, pix eventually when I start a build thread. And figure out how to get pictures from my IPhone to the computer to the forum....

For now: it's GREEN!

Needs a name ....

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by GreyDawg

Thanks, BrianW. I will look at Sam's Club and Costco

Are there other chains -- eg Sears-- with re-branded high quality batteries?

I think Batteries+Plus also sells the Duracell AGMs.

[Otter]

Herb does make a really good point about replaceables, which is why I have (oddly?) felt comfortable with the starting batteries AAA has put in my vehicles when mine suddenly die on the road.

However, I did extensive research when I converted my boat to electric propulsion and came up with Lifeline as the best there is for AGM. Dang, those things have lived through flooding in the bilge and all kinds of stuff. And they just keep on going. They're more expensive than many but, to my mind, incredibly high quality.

As to cost... gee, we have multi-thousand dollar rigs here, so the idea of worrying about fifty or a hundred bucks here or there seems kinda silly to me. But, each has to make his and her own decision about that. Do look into Lifeline reviews, though. They're darn good.

.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by BrianW

I think Batteries+Plus also sells the Duracell AGMs.

Yes they do, and I recommend them. They're pretty much everywhere now (Batteries N Bulbs/Batteries Plus) and no membership is necessary.

Hey there Graydawg!