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Topic: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty? (Read 884 times) previous topic - next topic

AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

I was doing some looking around at various brushless alternator manufacturers and came across a company called KEI Alternators.  On their site, they had a link warning about the use of AGM batteries with their products and the hazards associated with the use of those type of batteries. 

Included in the warning, among other things:

-If using AGM Batteries, only the same exact Model/Manufacturer can be used in multi-battery vehicles. Same model etc..... You can't use any other battery !
-AGM Batteries have .000002 ohms of resistance. This could cause the alternator to be at max output continuously!
-K.E.I.'s Warranty makes the use of AGM batteries a voidable, by K.E.I., warranty situation!

Has anyone heard of another manufacturer voiding their warranty if AGM batteries are used?  Has anyone noticed any overheating problems from the possibility of the alternator running continuously at maximum output?
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

Reply #1 –
I would guess a majority of the members on this Forum have AGM batteries in their coaches.  If their alternators were bursting into balls of flame, or otherwise self destructing, we probably would have heard about it.

Sounds like BS to me...I would choose another manufacturer.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
I would guess a majority of the members on this Forum have AGM batteries in their coaches.  If their alternators were bursting into balls of flame, or otherwise self destructing, we probably would have heard about it.
Sounds like BS to me...I would choose another battery manufacturer.
What Chuck said: the only work done on our alternator was in 2011, when it was overhauled @ 154,000, having now 170,000.
This coach has always had AGM batteries, bow and stern, so were it to have blown up, I would not be writing this from this coach.
'Optima' for starting, 'Lifeline' for house with a 'True Charge 40' that I keep a close eye on.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

Reply #3 –
They maybe  referring to the use of Lifeline AGM's as they mention the ultra low resistance internal cell connections in their construction.  Hence the different profile for them in our magnum.

Their  mention, I think, was to not mix different batteries in a bank.

AGM's would fail in a single installation at high temps and with a non temp corrected std high voltage alternator?

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
AGM's would fail in a single installation at high temps and with a non temp corrected std high voltage alternator?
One thing Optima says in their cut sheet: "You can use a high performance alternator with a Optima battery". That's also the confusion about using Red Top, Yellow Top or Blue top. Batteries are batteries, but HOW YOU CHARGE THEM, is the big deal.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

Reply #5 –
Red, yellow, blue and dark or light case on optimas denote different technologies inside.

Best Batteries - Car, Truck, Marine | OPTIMA® Batteries | Ultimate Deep...
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

Reply #6 –
How do you determine which red top to get for a 2001 Foretravel. I presume that you would choose red top for starting power ?  They sure are a little pricey....no??
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

Reply #7 –
Only one red top.  IF you never kill it they are extremely long lasting.  Like leave your headlights on.

Lots of 12 year reports here
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: GleamB –
They sure are a little pricey....no??
No, when you consider how long quality AGM batteries last!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: AGM Batteries Void Alternator Warranty?

Reply #9 –
Two points:

How would they know that the battery technology is what killed the batteries?

And, any battery technology, if the battery bank is both large and deeply discharged WILL run the alternator at max amps. This is one of the reasons for starting the generator and letting the inverter/charger to the initial "heavy lifting".  This has been discussed for decades.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020