Battery AGM vs Gel

[donaldN01]

I am considering new batteries for my Keytone Bullet 248RKS, I am really torn between AGM and Gel batteries. I will be getting 2 100ah batteries. Looking for any input to help me decide. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Anyone have either and their likes or dislikes?

[JRTJH]

Have you considered two 6 volt GC2 golf cart batteries? They are much better suited for repeated "deep discharge" and can be purchased at Sams Club for $89 each or at COSTCO for $100 each. Sams GC2's come with a 1 year warranty, COSTCO's with a 3 month warranty. Both are significantly less "initial cost" than either AGM or Gel batteries.

[flybouy]

Why the choice between AGM and Gel ? Both are "typically" used in situations that place the battery under stress loads like high G's, vibration or impacts like offroading, rock climbings, speed boats, etc. As John suggested a pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries will give you a lot more "bang for the buck".

[donaldN01]

I just looked at the Sam's club GC2 batteries. They are traditional wet cell batteries, correct? Also it does not give an AmpHour rating. I was also looking for maintenance free batteries, thus the AGM or Gel. Not sure why, but I would like to stay with the 12v batteries. I guess it is so if one battery fails I at least can use one and still get 12v to have some power.

[bobbecky]

You need to look at the specs on your converter to see if it can properly charge a gel cell battery. The AGM batteries will charge OK, because they really are a wet cell, but the gel cell batteries need a different charge method. On our converter, there is a location on the circuit board where a jumper can be installed to make it work with a gel cell battery.

[donaldN01]

I did look at the converter manual that came with the RV. It indicates the Absorption Mode is 13.6V, the Bulk Mode is 14.4V, and the Float is 13.2V. According to my research this should be OK with either type, correct?

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by donaldN01

I did look at the converter manual that came with the RV. It indicates the Absorption Mode is 13.6V, the Bulk Mode is 14.4V, and the Float is 13.2V. According to my research this should be OK with either type, correct?

Do some more research...

From the WFCO FAQ section: https://wfcoelectronics.com/faq/#tab-60b0349f52401
Can I use AGM or Gel batteries?
AGM batteries are OK. We do not recommend the use of GEL batteries except when using the WF-6800 Series. See the Owner's Manual for more information.

Although there are ways to "work around most owner inspirations", many of them become ZEBRAS... Try finding a vet familiar with a zebra problem in the middle of Nebraska.... Now if you had a mule or a horse, he'd have everything needed to keep it healthy.... Same with RV "upgrades"...

[donaldN01]

John, Just checked the manual for the converter and it is the WF-8900 series. Thanks for the heads up. With that said, I have a "manual" for the WF-8900 series, I will have to run to the camper tomorrow and check the actual panel to verify it is the WF-8900 series.

[JRTJH]

Your power center "should be the WFCO 8955PEC (brown front) or WFCO 8955PEC-B (black front).

The converter/charger is the WF 8955. You can download the manual for the converter/charger here: https://wfcoelectronics.com/wp-conte...-Manual-RP.pdf

The converter/charger manual is NOT the same download as the power center manual. You'll need both of them, depending on which part you're troubleshooting or researching.

WFCO has an excellent customer support section, both via email questions and/or by telephone at 1.877.294.8997 WFCO CS is also available in a "chat function on their website (lower right corner) but I have not yet used that feature. Give them a call and get the "manufacturer's recommendations for how to best use their power center/converter/charger.....