Battery Life?

[jojobafanzi]

My 2 AGM batteries were completely flat a few days ago; Also below 20 degrees F that night. No phantom loads. Charged them both all day and let sit overnight. Full charge got to 12.4 volts and dropped below 12 volts by morning. I guess one of the batteries failed and brought the other down with it. Got them from West Marine and installed in January of 2022. They failed 3 years exactly to the day. I'm guessing that is normal life span of this setup? I never flattened my batteries in the 3 years but did abuse them a bit when the generator had some trouble starting a few times. My previous Class B had three AGM's and lasted 13 years. Any thoughts on replacement battery brands? Joe 2016 RT Versatile 170.

[GeorgeRa]

Originally Posted by jojobafanzi

My 2 AGM batteries were completely flat a few days ago; Also below 20 degrees F that night. No phantom loads. Charged them both all day and let sit overnight. Full charge got to 12.4 volts and dropped below 12 volts by morning. I guess one of the batteries failed and brought the other down with it. Got them from West Marine and installed in January of 2022. They failed 3 years exactly to the day. I'm guessing that is normal life span of this setup? I never flattened my batteries in the 3 years but did abuse them a bit when the generator had some trouble starting a few times. My previous Class B had three AGM's and lasted 13 years. Any thoughts on replacement battery brands? Joe 2016 RT Versatile 170.

I am on the second set of 2 x 115AH 12V Fullriver batteries set. The first one lasted 11 years, it was still OK but had reduced capacity so I precautionarily replaced it. https://fullriverbattery.com/batteries/part-dc115-12/

[booster]

Assuming they were a good battery brand that is know to have decent life, 3 years would be on the low end of what we normally hear. It does happen, though, depending on the use patterns, discharge depths, and quality of the recharging process. And of course how many days a year they are used. Most normal OEM setups and discharges to 20% or lower regularly would probably be in the 3-5 year life average. Lower discharges and better equipment can go longer, like George's or ours that I changed out at 8 years but they still tested at nearly new capacity, so they would have lasted quite a bit longer.

[jojobafanzi]

I installed two Interstate AGM batteries (100AH). Voltage was 12.7 volts at purchase and 24 hours after install, still 12.7 so no phantom loads. The coach battery is also 3 years old Die Hard Gold. Voltage is 12.1 and has been at that voltage for a few days. It has been starting the vehicle with no problems but I don't want to get stuck. Your thoughts? The battery is a no maintenance so I can't check the fluid levels or check the SG. Also something interesting is when I installed the first house battery, there was an electric arc at the battery post and the house electric system became active. I had to shut that off after connecting the batteries. I think I remember that same thing when I changed out the batteries 3 years ago.

[booster]

Originally Posted by jojobafanzi

I installed two Interstate AGM batteries (100AH). Voltage was 12.7 volts at purchase and 24 hours after install, still 12.7 so no phantom loads. The coach battery is also 3 years old Die Hard Gold. Voltage is 12.1 and has been at that voltage for a few days. It has been starting the vehicle with no problems but I don't want to get stuck. Your thoughts? The battery is a no maintenance so I can't check the fluid levels or check the SG. Also something interesting is when I installed the first house battery, there was an electric arc at the battery post and the house electric system became active. I had to shut that off after connecting the batteries. I think I remember that same thing when I changed out the batteries 3 years ago.

I think you are referring to the starting battery for the van at 12.1v and if it has been driven much at all that is way low. Starting batteries rarely are all the way full, and low water use, sealed ones, run a bit low besides. Once ours get to 12.4v on a regular use period, it is time for a change.



Try to find an East Penn battery if you can as they about the best around now, I think. Many of the Napa batteries and some of the private label parts stores are. You can usually identify them by the flag emblem and made in USA sticker.

[sunriver05]

I have a 2014 Roadtrek . Surprised to just replace the 2 6v 225 amp hour batteries. Decided on golf cart batteries, actually Duralast , but not AGM . AGM probably the way to go , but paid $900 to service my Gen, and $800 to change fluid in my ALDE system . Have camper plugged in, I believe trickle charging the batteries. Camper cover not allowing solar panels to charge. Important to disconnect, run the generator once a month. Hoping to get 5 years plus out of these batteries?