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Old 03-04-2022, 01:18 PM   #1
Brian S
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Upgrading batteries in High Country

Has anyone upgraded their batteries in a 295RL or similar? I want to go with AGM and true deep cycle and more amp hours. We don't boondock per se but want to be prepared and a little flexible. My concern is if there is enough room for larger batteries or even a larger battery box. Looks tight where the two are stuffed in now.
 
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Old 03-04-2022, 03:50 PM   #2
twindman
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I haven't seen AGM batteries but online they seem maybe slightly smaller than standard 6V batteries (6v AGM). I use 2 T105 Trojans now. I paid $125 each and the AGM are somewhere around $250. I might have gone AGM had I known about them
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Old 03-04-2022, 06:05 PM   #3
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Old 03-04-2022, 06:37 PM   #4
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I just replaced my Deka group 27 batteries with Die Hard AGM group 27 batteries from Sams. I had been looking for these at Sams and I happened to be there when they got these in so I snapped them up. They fit perfectly in my battery box.
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Old 03-05-2022, 10:51 AM   #5
jcurtis934
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You don't need battery boxes for agm batteries, they have a much longer lifetime than flooded acid and hence do cost more at purchase. Use a battery tray, which bolts to the floor and has a upper ring that clamps the battery in place. I bought my trays and batteries from West Marine in Florida, but you should be able to get them lots of places. John
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Old 03-09-2022, 01:42 PM   #6
RVDH
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian S View Post
Has anyone upgraded their batteries in a 295RL or similar? I want to go with AGM and true deep cycle and more amp hours. We don't boondock per se but want to be prepared and a little flexible. My concern is if there is enough room for larger batteries or even a larger battery box. Looks tight where the two are stuffed in now.
I use two 6v golf cart batteries, plenty of power
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Old 03-09-2022, 02:33 PM   #7
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Regular FLA (flooded lead acid) batteries off-gas toxic and explosive fumes when charging. For that reason, batteries are put in covered boxes that are vented to the outside. I don't know about AGM batteries when it comes to off-gassing but it seems to me that if they have vented cell caps then they will off-gas. Best to be safe since the batteries are right under your bedroom.
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Old 03-09-2022, 03:58 PM   #8
432bartman
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Went with two new Duracell AGM deep cycle batteries, group size 31 from Sam's Club and have been very happy. They are $189.52 each.
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Old 03-09-2022, 06:36 PM   #9
H. John Kohl
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Here is a good review on RV batteries.
https://www.mortonsonthemove.com/bes...eid=f82201e8db
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Old 03-09-2022, 07:26 PM   #10
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Brian S.
We have a 2021 295RL
I plan on replacing the Originals with AGM's when they start getting weak.
I was going on seven years with my last set from Sam's club when we sold the Titanium.

And, Yes L-Ion's are the best in some ways, BUT very hazardous and Very high priced!

My plan is to rearrange that compartment, add a shelf, and run with (4) AGM's
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Old 03-10-2022, 09:16 AM   #11
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Brian, regardless of which battery you go with, put in a battery gage like a Victron. With AGM batteries, you only should use 50% of the rated amperage. I read a while back where someone was down to 10.5 v. Their battery is permanently damaged at that point. Best of luck. (By the way, after getting lithiums, I’ll never have anything but lithiums).
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Old 03-10-2022, 11:05 AM   #12
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Brian,

The only real advantage of AGM over FLA is not needing to water them. If you are planning to keep your rig for a few years lithium may be less expensive in the long run.
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Old 03-10-2022, 11:11 AM   #13
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Unless you're doing a lot of boondocking, upgrading over lead acid isn't necessary. Two, cheap RV/marine batteries can do the job. And, although many people told me I killed my batteries after they were run down to nothing more than a couple of times, they're still going strong after three years.
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Old 03-10-2022, 11:15 AM   #14
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AGM batteries

We switched to AGM group 24 12 volt when we replaced the batteries in our 3820FK. They were no bigger than the batteries we had in there. Love that we don't have to worry about maintenance with them.
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Old 03-10-2022, 03:06 PM   #15
dannyrver
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Just installed 2 vmax 127hr agm deep cycle in my 305rl about 70 lbs a piece. I don’t boondock but it helps with things like jacks and slides when not connected to power.
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Old 03-11-2022, 06:39 AM   #16
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There are a number of advantages of AGMs. The big one is no noxious gasses, therefore, safer and no venting required, you can mount them any way you want (on their sides), they are literally, install and forget. However, your charger must be set for them. Disadvantage is cost and a few pounds heavier. I can see going to lithiums, but not until they come down to a reasonable price....which they will eventually.
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