Time for new batteries...

[tanglemoose]

Ok you battery grus, our 6 volts are going on 5 years, starting this Jan. 2025. We have had two rvs with 6 volts, have no desire for AGM. Our converter will not work with lithium. So. We have the Zamp solar controller. Have never turned it off. I am doing pre thinking on process to change out these batteries.

1. Do they make a sealed 6 volt, where you don't have to add water? I am guessing not.

2. Guessing zamp controller has power button to turn it off.

Thoughts, experience. Last evs we just traded in for new, so have never changed out batteries... lots of wires with solar, controller, xantrex inverter. Thanks,

 

[Isaac-1]

Seriously consider switching to LiFePo4 Lithium batteries, the prices are now down to less than double the price of Lead Acid, and are on par with AGM, at least until the new import duties hit in January.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Yes, they do make 6v AGM batteries (which are what you refer to as "sealed" batteries) Pricey however.

have no desire for AGM

WHY? (I've been using AGM batteries in my vehicles for a while now, great batteries, zero corrosion or mess)

SLIGC6VAGM Duracell Ultra 6V AGM Group GC2 Deep Cycle Golf Cart and Floor Scrubber Battery

DC224-6 by FullRiver Battery (FullRiver is probably the best of this type of true deep cycle AGM battery)

C250-6 by FullRiver Battery (also a GC2 configuration but higher capacity.

Interstate GC2-HD-AGM

Charles

 

[rvlifer]

Are you replacing the batteries simply because of age or is there a problem with them? Some people get a lot more than 5 yrs out of their batteries.

Do you have a battery monitor installed?

What makes you think your converter isnt compatible with lithiums? I cant think of any reason for an incompatibility

If the solar charge controller is wired conventionally as a battery charger there shouldnt be any need to turn it off except for service and there should be breakers installed so you can turn it off that way.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

have no desire for AGM.

1. Do they make a sealed 6 volt, where you don't have to add water? I am guessing not.

You can get a sealed LA battery that isn't AGM but it won't work as well in an RV as an AGM will. Maybe you're confused with the acronyms?

You may believe that lithium isn't for you but at least run the numbers. Sealed LA batteries of any flavor are quite spendy compared to flooded, making lithium a pretty compelling alternative.

2. Guessing zamp controller has power button to turn it off.

Or, cover the panels.

.. lots of wires with solar, controller, xantrex inverter. Thanks,

Take notes, and pictures of what's there now.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[DonTom]

Ok you battery grus, our 6 volts are going on 5 years, starting this Jan. 2025. We have had two rvs with 6 volts, have no desire for AGM. Our converter will not work with lithium. So. We have the Zamp solar controller. Have never turned it off. I am doing pre thinking on process to change out these batteries.

1. Do they make a sealed 6 volt, where you don't have to add water? I am guessing not.

2. Guessing zamp controller has power button to turn it off.

Thoughts, experience. Last evs we just traded in for new, so have never changed out batteries... lots of wires with solar, controller, xantrex inverter. Thanks,

Your L-A converter should work well enough with LiFePo4 Lithium batteries. The solar will charge them to full where your converter stops the charging. And even if you did not have solar, you would still be able to charge above 80% SOC or so. So that is not much of an issue.

I agree with Isaac-1 in the 2nd message. These LiFePo4 Lithium batteries can be installed anywhere, no water or anything to add, cannot cause the cables to corrode, do not need any venting, and are lighter, higher voltage, so they run things better. Less warning when fully discharged, so be careful about that, voltage can drop fast at the very end of the discharge if you ever let it get that low.

You can even put these batteries upside down. They solve a lot of issues, in case you want to change to a much larger battery as I did in this RV. 300AH that I am sitting on top of right now, as it is under this bench seat. I only had 100 AH stock with the LA and at a lower voltage.

-Don- Tucson, AZ