Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbonesclimber
After almost 15 1/2 years I think it's time I replace my 4D AGM house battery. Believe it or not it still seems to hold a reasonable amount of power but by the end of the night the furnace seems to struggle until the sun comes up and hits the solar panels.
What seems to be the most reliable brand at this moment?
Paul
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Hi Paul, I'm in the same boat and my 2 4D lifelines are on the way out since being installed in 2009. As mentioned you must make sure the size, mainly the terminal height has enough clearance. The Deka batteries I tried in 2008 were a little too tall and the local Ford dealership and fire dept got up close and personal with my van. After the incident, I decided to go back with what was originally installed but today those Lifeline batteries are expensive. I'm at a cross road; spend the bucks or look at something like the Duracell product. I just don't know about the overall size of the Duracell. SMB will replace them with the Fullriver brand and claim they will fit. On the cheap I could get the Duracell's and have a buddy with a shop replace them.
One thing hard to get around is my lifeline batteries have worked in my van for 13+ years with its specific charging profile. They've been subjected to all my solar system can pump out during very hot days and my shore charger methods of charging have seemed to
work for me. Kind of a gamble to switch brands. The batteries I currently have still work but after what I would call a typical night, they are down to 60% by morning. If I put a load to them like running my water heater, they drop below 50% quickly. I might try the Duracell if the sizes are right. Good luck with your choice Paul.