AGM Batteries for Dry Camping

**stephenpjohnson** · 08-14-2016, 10:11 PM

Going through a vexing experience with my salesman and dealer because I tried to order AGM deep-cycle batteries for my new Imagine 2600RB. I plan to do a lot of dry camping so I wanted to maximize my battery capability. I asked if I could upgrade to two batteries, and my salesman said, "Sure". I asked what the biggest battery was that would fit, "Size 24", he said. (The owner's manual says size 27, but that it isn't available until after you buy the trailer, so I have a pair of size 24's.) I have some experience with AGM batteries, so I asked the salesman if the batteries would be AGM. "Sure", says he. I go to take delivery, and there are flooded dual purpose marine batteries installed. I balked. Couple days later I try to pickup my trailer again and there are AGM automotive starter batteries installed. I balked. Day later I go back and there are AGM deep cycle batteries installed, but a smaller size (size 34) and only 55 AH instead of 80AH. I balked. I helped the parts people find a supplier for the correct batteries and they should come in next week - the day I'm supposed to leave on vacation with my new trailer. The parts people have been very nice, but they don't know much about different types of batteries. The salesman confided that he answered "yes" to my AGM request because he doesn't know anything about batteries.

So what's the point of all this? Prospective buyers should know a few things in advance of talking to their salesman if they are trying to increase battery capacity/performance for dry camping / boon docking and they can't afford or otherwise don't want to go with lithium-ion batteries.

1) You can fit two size 27 batteries (not just size 24) on an Imagine trailer. I don't know if the popular 6v 220 AH golf cart batteries will fit.
2) AGM batteries are sealed and have a paste in them instead of liquid.
3) Deep-cycle AGM batteries have some advantages over flooded cell batteries (e.g., can be charged faster, have less self-discharge, are low maintenance, can be shipped without hazardous materials surcharge).
4) Deep-cycle AGM batteries are available in size 24 and 27 from several manufacturers/sources (e.g., Trojan, Crown, VMAX), and unless you go with a certain premium battery manufacturer they aren't much more expensive than a flooded deep cycle battery.
5) There are multiple types of lead acid batteries: 1) automotive starter batteries, 2) "marine" dual purpose (starter & deep cycle compromise), and dedicated deep cycle batteries, and their designs are optimized for these different purposes.
6) Your RV salesman and parts department may not know this information.

**Toypuller** · 08-14-2016, 11:16 PM

I use 4 group 27 odyssey AGM batteries. They work fantastic and they fit no problem.

**stephenpjohnson** · 08-14-2016, 11:32 PM

You fit four on the frame up front? Or two there and two more in the pass-through storage?

**dloase** · 08-15-2016, 04:44 AM

At least you balked and stood by your guns. I know many who aren't willing to deal with the balking part and maybe walking away from a deal they aren't completely happy with.

**LCBoyer** · 08-15-2016, 05:17 AM

Some salesmen will tell you what they think you want to hear

**el Rojo** · 08-15-2016, 07:26 AM

I have 4 6-volt 220 AH AGM batteries in my pass through compartment. They work great for dry camping. I don't let them get below 12 volts before recharge. They work great for us. I would have stuck to my guns too and got what I ordered.

Red

**TucsonJim** · 08-15-2016, 09:25 AM

I've been using two 6v AGM Batts in my reflection for a couple years now. With solar charging, the work great and we have never run below 70 percent charge. If I install an inverter, I'll probably add two more batteries.

Jim

**fishkiller1** · 08-15-2016, 07:55 PM

had 2 agm's in my camper worked great had the trimetric i liked the setup. No maint, and worked well for boondocking. bullet proof imho. Bought reflection 303 early this year, Wanted 6 volts but dealer would not install due to ventilation...go figure. When I went to pick up they installed 2 agm's forgot brand lifeline I think. boondocked for a week no problems but I don't have the trimetric installed yet to get the real voltage use..

jk