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Concise Guide to RV Batteries
Charging, which involves putting electricity back to the battery, can take the sulfate coating out of the plates, moving them back to the electrolyte. During charging, oxygen and hydrogen will also be released.
This type of RV battery is actually popular for its numer- ous benefits, including the following:
• Works effectively in handling overcharging – In com- parison to other types of deep cycle batteries, the flooded lead-acid can manage the process of over- charging more effectively because of the hydrogen venting process since it is not sealed.
• Long life – An owner can expect it to be able to serve its purpose for quite a long time though it requires constant maintenance through watering, maintain- ing the cleanliness of the terminals, and equalizing charges.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
This is another type of deep cycle battery that is ideal for RV applications. In comparison to the flooded battery, AGM is often tougher and stronger. It also requires less maintenance.
AGM is a form of a lead-acid battery wherein a fiberglass mat absorbs the electrolytes. Among the distinguish- ing features of AGM are its plates that appear as flat-like flooded lead-acid batteries. You may also notice them winding into a tight spiral making
To know whether AGM batteries are good for your RV, here are some of the benefits you can gain from them:
• Maintenance-free – AGM, on the other hand, is not that vulnerable to sulfation. The flooded lead-acid battery actually needs regular maintenance as well as a topping charge semi-annually to minimize the risk of accumulating sulfation (de-sulfation process).
• Does not spill – This specifically means that the AGM battery does not cause its electrolyte to spill out even if it is turned upside down.
• Does not emit hydrogen or gas during charging.
• Stable and sturdy – One can expect them to stay in good condition even during extremely low tempera- tures. AGM offers a great option because of the sand- wich construction making them vibration-resistant.
Deep cycle gel
An owner can opt to install deep cycle gel batteries into the recreational vehicle. The difference with the flooded type is that it comes with gelled electrolyte that is highly viscous.
Recombining the gases that are generated while charg- ing takes place at a slower rate. In other words, charging the battery must be done at a slower rate than AGM and flooded lead-acid. Also, charging it too high might cause the formation of gas pockets on the plates which might decrease its capacity.
With that in mind, note that while it is one type of RV battery, many still prefer the others to ensure they will not end up dealing with certain negative issues.
Lithium-ion Batteries
Of more recent development is the lithium-ion type of battery being built for recreational applications. They
are attracting attention with RVers. It is noteworthy to point out that the term, lithium-ion, is somewhat generic because there are variants of the type. An example of the lithium iron phosphate type (LiFePo4).
Some say lithium-ion, and in particular the LiFePo4 tech- nology, is the perfect type of deep cycle battery for RVers. One big reason why LiFePo4 is a better option than AGM and flooded lead-acid is that it is lightweight. In addition, it is also capable of offering users with a high charging effi- ciency as well as much longer life cycle. For instance, going from 3000 cycles to 5000, an appreciable difference.
Here are just some benefits from choosing LiFePo4 deep cycle batteries for the RV:
• Greater safety – One thing that sets Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries apart from the rest is the inclu- sion of a built-in safety measure. Once the battery is already close to overheating temperatures, it shuts down automatically, thereby preventing explosion or fire.
• Goes further – It is capable of going further com- pared to lead-acid, which only lets you utilize approx- imately 50 percent of its rated capacity. With that,
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