AGM Battery Query

Linksdale
Linksdale Forum Participant Posts: 32
edited March 2 in Parts & Accessories #1

Help please, 

I Recently discovered that my two year old standard wet cell Platinum Battery was U/S, flat beyond recovery, so I have invested over £200 in an AGM replacement. Having since learned that AGM batteries require a different and specific charging regime, I have replaced the factory fitted Truma SDC10 solar control panel with a Victron unit.  Regarding the factory fitted Bailey PDU/Charger I was/am concerned that it may not actually be suitable to deal with an AGM battery. I asked Bailey and they replied --

 “I can confirm that your vehicle/charger, is suitable for charging an AGM battery, the setting on the control panel should automatically be set to AGM.”

My question is, how can this be so? There does not appear to be any indications re battery type, nor do I really believe Bailey would go to the expense of fitting such a sophisticated piece of kit. Opinions please.

PS. The SDC10 was found to be faulty.

 

Comments

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383 ✭
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    edited March 1 #2

    What is a PDU charger, surely that is not the make? I doubt very much it will automatically set to AGM but without knowing the make and model it is difficult to verify.

    peedee

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 1 #3

    PSU?

  • Linksdale
    Linksdale Forum Participant Posts: 32
    edited March 1 #4

    Sorry, I assumed that as both Bailey and Prima Leisure (and other companies) refer to it as such, everyone knew it is not a brand name but stands for Power Distribution Unit.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383 ✭
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    edited March 1 #5

    Thanks and it would appear to be produced by the BCA Group but I cannot find any technical information about the product. Suggest you contact >BCA< and ask the question.

    peedee

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 1 #6

    Linksdale

    The handbook for my Bailey motorhome clearly states that the battery charger can charge AGM batteries with no adjustment. (I have recently changed from a wet Banner to a sealed AGM) As far as the Truma controller is concerned mine allows adjustment for different varieties of batteries including AGM.

    David

     

  • Linksdale
    Linksdale Forum Participant Posts: 32
    edited March 1 #7

    David - I have read the book for my Unicorn IV, specifically pages 48 to 59, starting with the heading Mains Unit (PDU) and ending with good/reasonable coverage of the SDC10. The small entry regarding the fitted charger part of the PDU is included. I cannot see any reference/mention of AGM batteries. My faulty SDC10 was correctly set up for AGM.

    Peedee - Exactly, like you I cannot believe it will automatically set itself to AGM. Thanks for the info that it is a BCA product, email sent but they close at 1200 Fridays so not expecting anything back until next week.

    I'll keep everyone interested informed!

     

  • Linksdale
    Linksdale Forum Participant Posts: 32
    edited March 8 #8

    At last, a brief reply from BCA--

    Thank you for your email. "Yes,  as long it has a BMS between or charger and the battery."      I think most of us will take that as a NO its not suitable, unless we have all fitted an after market BMS into the system somehow.

     

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 8 #9

    Linksdale

    I wonder if there is a difference between caravans and motorhomes in terms of charging equipment? AGM batteries are very heavy which might put people off for that fact alone whilst perhaps not as critical in a motorhome?

    David

  • Linksdale
    Linksdale Forum Participant Posts: 32
    edited March 9 #10

    David, the 5 or 6 lb weight increase (on average) doesn't really bother me and I actually bought the AGM without doing my homework. Stupid Boy!  It was only afterwards I realised the fitted  BCA charger could shorten the life of my expensive mistake. With that in mind I am removing the charger part of the PDU and installing a NOCO Genius 2 which is definitely AGM compatible. 

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