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Topic Title: AGM's life span
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Created On: 05/30/2012 06:14:09 AM
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 05/30/2012 06:14:09 AM
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DaleHollow
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Excuse the spelling issues spell check isn't working:
I know how ambigious this question is so b4 all the reasons are explained,

why such a question is impossible, rule of thumb answer, if all the proper criteriea is met,

w/that said a bank of 8 6volt batts agm's designed to match or meet the xantrax,
inverter/charger,..... Once again I do understand charging o/chargeing, draw below recommended %, temperture etc. connections size wire

getting back to the question is 8-10 years reasonable expectation, or am I shooting to long thanks....

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 05/30/2012 09:53:54 AM
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EastTNBoater
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I have gotten 5 years out of flooded batteries, but I treat them well. 8-10 years seems too long even for AGM.
 05/30/2012 09:33:35 PM
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Ej
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5 years on AGM's. You can go longer but the run time is 1/2 as new. I have 30 Lifeline AGm's under my belt and I am starting to think that I should cut my quantity in half and just do a bit more charging. I think I will come out ahead in the short run.

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 05/30/2012 10:17:15 PM
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FranticallyRelaxing
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I've never yet seen an AGM last longer enough than a plain old battery to justify the extra price. When we bought our boat 6 years ago there was a new AGM for the genny. It went bad 3 years ago. But the already 2-years-old-when-we-bought-it engine batteries finally gave out just last year. And for what it's worth, my 2002 Ford pickup turned 10 years old last month, and is still running off the original Motorcraft battery. My 2004 Dodge Stratus is also running the original battery.

I'm sure my experience isn't typical, your battery life may vary.

But to flip the coin, my trusty old 1984 Goldwing is going to get an AGM, because I've gone thru 7 regular batteries in 7 years. If an AGM will get me thru just TWO summers, it'll be worth 3x the money!

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1988 SkipperLiner 53x14
1995 Tracker Party Cruiser 32 *for sale*
2003 Chaparral 260 SSI
2000 Allegro Bus 40' DP
 05/31/2012 06:31:30 AM
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DaleHollow
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With only about 5 years on the agm's I have, listening an reading on over all maintenace. Its clear the life of the batt goes with the quality of attention. That attention is from the charging an drawing the Xantrax inverter does. Not from my efforts.

The fact they are not over cooked, the fact they are not needing fluids being called on to preform w/less than ideal liquid in them.
The gas issues alone from other style batts, is an issue I dont want in our boat I will stick with them at replacement time.

IM sold on them just curious for those who use them what they expect on a lifespan....

BOAT: Bet On Another Thousand

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 05/31/2012 10:03:12 AM
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EastTNBoater
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Battery choice is sort of like engine oil choice. It is your boat, choose what you like.
 05/31/2012 03:30:23 PM
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GoVols
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I'm in Murfreesboro, TN and bought 8 new 6 volt AGMs this year from a local dealer that's also got a houseboat on my lake. They were only $125 a piece and he even made me the custom 4/0 wiring to go with them at that price.

If you're interested in buying from him, send me a PM and I'll provide you his number. He'll want your cores.

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16x66 Sailabration on Percy Priest Lake near Nashville.
 05/31/2012 07:11:21 PM
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DaleHollow
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thanks Vols, if i should lose the batt source i used on these i ll look u up.

the fact he made the connectors for you is big, I made mine too, very time consuming, I have 8 batts also, down in the hull tieing it all together is nerve wrecking in its self.

I was surprised last week putting a wrench back on all the connections everyone easily took a couple turns

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 05/31/2012 07:13:15 PM
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DaleHollow
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Originally posted by: EastTNBoater

Battery choice is sort of like engine oil choice. It is your boat, choose what you like.


absolutely not a right or wrong choice

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 06/27/2012 02:51:43 PM
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joetil
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I have a bank of 4 group 31 AGMs to run the lights and refrigerator when we don't need air conditioning. They were new in 2006 and still perform like new. I agree that the better they are treated with a good smart charger and not discharging them too deeply the longer they'll last. I expect to get at least several more years out of them.
My neighbor has a large boat rigging business that specializes in flat's boats with heavy duty trolling motors. After 20+ years in the business he won't use anything but AGM batteries in his installations.

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joetil
50x15 Burns-Craft in South Fla
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