AGM Batteries Old Ferro charger

[Alegria]

My flooded batteries gave out after 5 seasons. Would like to put in agm batteries. Best price and type I found was optima agm.

I've read the threads that agm are just like flooded batteries and have read the stories of them not being the same.

So I am nervous getting the optima batteries due to the stories of them dying prematurely since I would like to keep my charger which is a old promariner 30 ferro type model.

So do I just go flooded until I am ready to replaced the charger or do I get the batteries and a new promariner 1230 charger.

Thanks!

 

[kaz911]

You can use your old charger - but AGM can charge a LOT faster than normal LA batteries - so I would get a new charge with more "power"

Remember - you do not change alternators when you put in an AGM battery. But an AGM optimized charger will extend the lifetime by a bit.

I have not had good success with Optima Blue Tops (marine) - but that is in very hot climate. Many people in "colder" climates have great success with them. Some say the later model Optima's are not the same quality as earlier ones. But I have not had any of their "older" battery types - so all I can say about them is not pretty ...

My preference is Lifeline AGM batteries. They last for a very long time and are very solidly built compared to the Optima's. The PO of my boat got 4 new Optima blue tops in in January 2012. One bank is already close to departing for the battery heaven. Once that happens I'll replace them with Lifeline.

 

[carterchapman]

I put Sears Platinum PM1 Grp 31 AGMs in Reward two years ago, so far so good. The PO of One Sweet Day (sad - the late Dominic) installed Optima Blue Tops in 2012, so far so good.

 

[Alegria]

Thanks for the replies! I was down today pulling the old batteries off. I think I will go with the PM2 models of the diehard batteries they are on sale now at sears. I don't think my battery trays will hold the PM1 size.

 

[Nehalennia]

Just double check the charging requirements(ranges) for your AGMs and see if they match your charger's output.