Do I need the Ford "Dual AGM" option?

[danbr]

We are starting a new build with Sportsmobile on a Ford Transit. The Ford starting battery is normally a single 70Ah AGM (mounted under the driver's seat for some reason . . . .). Is there any reason to spend the extra $265 for the "Dual AGM" option? When Ford does this, the two batteries are in parallel with no relay or isolator, so it's a single 140Ah bank.



The house batteries in the new build will be 300Ah Lithium, so we'll have plenty of "house" capacity.


Thanks!


Dan

[86Scotty]

For that little I would definitely recommend it. They take up no extra space under the driver's seat since it's basically inaccessible as is and you couldn't add a battery yourself for that little.

You'll have no shortage of house power so it's basically just personal preference but I would add it.

[Scalf77]

I would say yes (and did), especially if the rig will be parked for longer periods. the extra capacity will be worth it.

-greg

[danbr]

OK, thanks! I just added it to the order . . . .

[REF]

That’s usually our motto around here.....if you have to ask “do I need this”, the answer is yes!
And the same definitely goes if there’s any question about adding solar or a second panel! Yes and yes!

[danbr]

We're already planning 200w solar and the 2.8 Kw inverter . . . .

[BroncoHauler]

Any new vehicle I buy (admittedly, not many) I will ALWYS add extra battery capacity, improved cooling (engine oil and transmission), better brakes, and increase capacity alternators if possible. These are some of the reasons I bought a retired Crown Vic Police Interceptor 5 years ago.


Herb

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Any new vehicle I buy (admittedly, not many) I will ALWYS add extra battery capacity, improved cooling (engine oil and transmission), better brakes, and increase capacity alternators if possible. These are some of the reasons I bought a retired Crown Vic Police Interceptor 5 years ago.


Herb

That and the wonderful bonus of people getting out of your way when you are behind them trying to pass.

[joelm]

I've got a similar van on order with the dual AGM. (For us the upgrade was required with some options.) I am curious what's the benefit? Is it just more power storage while parked? Maybe run the van's radio while parked?
Since they are not connected to the Li (300 amps) house batteries, I'm unclear what benefit the 2nd van battery provides.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by joelm

I've got a similar van on order with the dual AGM. (For us the upgrade was required with some options.) I am curious what's the benefit? Is it just more power storage while parked? Maybe run the van's radio while parked?
Since they are not connected to the Li (300 amps) house batteries, I'm unclear what benefit the 2nd van battery provides.

Just reserve power for whatever you need it for. Interior lights, chargers, etc. I would imagine that Ford's thinking is primarily for people that work out of their vans, not camper conversions where a house battery bank is the norm.

Still, I would always say yes to it for the price and the quality factory install. I wish it were an option on every pickup truck.