Thread: AGM battery questions

See the answers I'd give below.

Originally Posted by buffresources

Just bought new exide AGM battery at Academy and have a few questions:

Do I need a special charger? Most automatic chargers will say that they can handle an AGM battery. If not, I'd talk with folks who know the charger. If it's a manual charger, make sure you keep a close eye on it, as you can damage an AGM battery.

Right out of the box it shows a weak "fully charged" should I put it on the charger until fully charged light is a steady glow? Always a good idea to keep it fully charged. I keep mine on an automatic charger that feeds them a trickle charge when needed, and they've lasted over 6 seasons.

I assume from reading you need to charge these right away after a fishing trip? I would, so that they don't develop a memory, and keep it hooked up (if it's an automatic charger that handles AGM's right up until your next trip.

Boy, with back problems I think I will really appreciate the lighter weight of the AGM and no more falling over in the boat when hauling having to deal with battery acid.

Thanks in advance

George

thanks for the info

what automatic charger do you use on your AGM?

AGM and Glass Mat batteries take a slightly higher charge rate than standard lead acid batteries. To save your back I would buy a onboard automatic charger. Most have a set up where you remove a plug or slug or add one to set the proper charge rate for the type of battery you are charging. Your standard charger may charge at a high enough rate to recharge. Charge that new battery to full capacity before using. BBG Marine has a really good sale going on Minkota chargers right now. Think a single battery setup is like 69.00 and change. Need to call to get right pricing and Brian is a fine fellow to do business with.

Just remember that when it comes to batteries, less weight translates into less capacity. An AGM of equal capacity to a flooded cell will always be heavier than the flooded cell. The Exide Vortex batteries only have about half the capacity of a typical group 27 TM battery.