MontereyDave Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 I've had good experiences with sealed Optima gel batteries in the engine compartments of several vehicles so I'd like to replace the marine battery that runs the camper appliances. Do you guys know any reasons why I should or should not do so? Thanks, Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Toyota Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 i have heard the older converter chargers are better suited to normal flooded batterys they can boil the battery if left on to long. if you have one of the new high tech chargers should be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MontereyDave Posted November 16, 2012 Author Share Posted November 16, 2012 Thank you, 5Toyota. My rig is a stock original 1988 so it sounds like I better stick with a regular battery. Perhaps I should follow the advice in a separate thread and get a CostCo battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Toyota Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 on that i could not say i buy my batterys at les schab. but i know people have had problems at the walmart here anyway i run a standerd group 27 flooded deep cycle rv not boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MontereyDave Posted November 16, 2012 Author Share Posted November 16, 2012 Thanks again, I'll do that. I'm glad I asked. I'd hate to mess up the converter charger with the wrong battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Toyota Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 dont think it would do anything to the charger but battery life can be shortend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Toyota Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 thank you too i want to put an optima in my car next time never had one my dolphon is allorg also 1987 it is my seventh toyota had three trucks two moterhomes 2 cars enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MontereyDave Posted November 16, 2012 Author Share Posted November 16, 2012 I've had Optima in a car, an SUV and a similar gel battery made by Duralast in another car and they've always been strong reliable and maintenance free. Perhaps a little lighter as well and I'm always looking for ways to reduce weight in my Toyota motorhome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stamar Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Costco used to sell optimas. I think you will find that however long an optima lasts... a costco battery lasts longer. An agm battery is definitely better if it vents to any part of the cabin you sleep in. I believe an 88 has the updated charger. Charging any deep cycle with a 3 amp charger is an exercise in futility in most situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunneys Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Have a look at these batteries: http://www.odysseybattery.com/batteries.html I use one in my kids ride on toy (the smallest 12V one), it has been abused for 3 years now, works 100% I'm thinking of using these from now on. (I am using optima in my DD and love them) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Toyota Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 those look great never heard of that name thanks. I doubt any 1988 or older would be high tec mabe by 1991 i dont know myn is not but still works ok . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bajadulce Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Maybe there are some regulating screw/pin settings on your charger to reduce the voltage? And what happens when one replaces a wet battery w/ a gel one in engine compartment in terms of the stock alternator/charging unit? Are those type of starting gel batteries designed w/ this in account? What is the difference in full charging voltage? I see on my Solar Charge unit it has a switch for gel/lead. The gel being less. And are AGM batteries to be charged the same voltage as wet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MontereyDave Posted November 17, 2012 Author Share Posted November 17, 2012 Maybe there are some regulating screw/pin settings on your charger to reduce the voltage? And what happens when one replaces a wet battery w/ a gel one in engine compartment in terms of the stock alternator/charging unit? Are those type of starting gel batteries designed w/ this in account? What is the difference in full charging voltage? I see on my Solar Charge unit it has a switch for gel/lead. The gel being less. And are AGM batteries to be charged the same voltage as wet? I was unsure with my first Optima for an 06 Mustang GT so I asked the Autozone technician to install it and he simply disconnected the original battery and hooked up the Optima gel and it has worked perfectly since then. After that I had the confidence to do the install myself in our 2000 Lexus RX300 and our 88 Toyota Winnebago. They must be designed for direct swaps with conventional batteries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MontereyDave Posted November 17, 2012 Author Share Posted November 17, 2012 Have a look at these batteries: http://www.odysseyba.../batteries.html I use one in my kids ride on toy (the smallest 12V one), it has been abused for 3 years now, works 100% I'm thinking of using these from now on. (I am using optima in my DD and love them) Thanks, Bunneys. That Odyssey battery looks impressive. In my case the nearest dealer is a couple hours away but it just might be worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bajadulce Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 You got nice taste in cars. Might have to start calling you CarmelDave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 AGM batteries have a different float voltage requirement 13.5v, than a flooded cell (lead/acid) battery 13.2v. You should have the proper charger if you switch over. An AGM also charges faster at a lower voltage than a Lead/Acid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maineah Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 The Optima is really just a flooded lead acid with spiral wound lead plates. If you are using it to start the truck you need a standard battery not a deep cycle. If you are looking for one for the coach then you need a deep cycle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maineah Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Be prepared to reach deep into your pockets if you are thinking AGM batteries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Nope, an Optima is an AGM battery. http://www.optimabat.../agm-batteries/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stamar Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Definitely an agm battery. They have deep cycle and starting versions, but actually all optimas are both agm and deep cycle, even the ones not called deep cycle. They have 3 colors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Toyota Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 thats why i dont have one in my 2004 dodge car about double the money. for myself i would not put one in my moterhome. and if your buying the deep cycle you should have a newer type converator even the older bench chargers i have are not recomened for agm batterys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stamar Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 im curious what about charging the agm battery only with the alternator, does it have a problem with alternators? not that id buy one im pretty set on costco batteries but for academic purposes or installing under the bench seat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 im curious what about charging the agm battery only with the alternator, does it have a problem with alternators? not that id buy one im pretty set on costco batteries but for academic purposes or installing under the bench seat. AGM or conventional flooded-lead-acid deep-cycle batteries do not charge "perfectly" with an auto alternator.. Auto alternators use voltage-control, whereas AGMs and deep-cycle do best with current-control. It is not a huge issue and an auto alternator works well enough while on the road and travelling. When home or parked where AC grid-power is available - the coach batteries should be hooked to a proper charger for AGMS and/or deep cycle batteries if you want the most life out of them. There are ways to work-around the problem but I don't regard the added expense as worth the bother. You can build or buy a "battery to battery" charger to the cranking batteries get charged one way, and the coach batteries another. AGM battery charging: Bulk charge – 13.8-14.4 volts, Float charge – 13.2-13.5 volts Equalize - Charge @ 15.5 volts for 8 hours - BUT - many companies that make and/or sell AGMs say NEVER to equalize.. Gel batteries the same but NO equalization for any I've ever heard of. Flooded lead-acid deep cycle battery – 14.8 volts bulk, 13.2 volts float. Equalize at 15.5 volts. A typical auto alternator seeks to raise the any battery to 14.8 volts as fast as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MontereyDave Posted November 21, 2012 Author Share Posted November 21, 2012 Thanks for the info everyone. And, the compliment, baja. CarmelDave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 These guys make some serious stuff. Have a read.http://www.hellroaring.com/index.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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