EVGC6A-A DRY CELL Traction Industrial Battery Vs. 8AGC2 AGM Battery

[sdunn4]

We’re in the process of purchasing new coach batteries for our 2015 Roadtrek SS Agile and we’re heading toward a straight replacement (Deka?) with 4 AGM batteries, part # 8AGC2, 6 Volt. However, I was just made aware of a “dry cell” battery, model # EVGC6A-A. I can possibly get a better price and these are the same dimensions, made by Discover.

Do any of you have experience with these dry cell batteries? Is Discover a reliable / well-known battery supplier?

Thanks for any input!

Steve

[mkguitar]

I use dry cell 6 volt batteries in my antique motorcycles - for a simple generator with voltage cut out relay, they work fine

I tried a dry cell odysey in a more modern motorcycle about 10 years ago, it failed internally ( open) and the warranty replacement shorted internally catching fire... I heard it and cut the cables with bolt cutters and saved my motorcycle, garage and house. it burned up in the driveway.
That doesn't reflect on all dry cells, just that brand.

Some of the battery charging systems in a class B may not respond well to a dry cell- I don't know ( my pleasure way has a "charge wizard" on the converter to condition my deep cycle battery)- you should look into that.

I do have good experience with Deka/ East Penn AGM batteries, I use them in my more modern motorcycles ( Harley uses as OEM).

Cheers,

[GeorgeRa]

I don’t know this company. AGM batteries are dry cell batteries, Discover could be using organic fiber keeping electrolyte between cathodes and anodes vs glass mat (AGM). Very little is written about them, no details about technology, just marketing mumbling.

Video below “compares” benefits against flooded battery, not an AGM battery.
Go with a known brand. I am very happy with Fullriver, but there few other as good or better than Fullriver.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAHk9Pmk6Ag

[mkguitar]

George, any thoughts or comments regarding the converter and charging of a dry cell battery vs a wet battery ?


My Pleasure Way uses the InteliPower PD9245C with the "charge wizard" which varies the charge to battery, in storage a 13.2 VDC supply will change to 14.4 VDC for 15 minutes every 21 hours.
Normal supply is 13.6
A battery below 90% will get 14.4 VDC


Thanks

[GeorgeRa]

Originally Posted by mkguitar

George, any thoughts or comments regarding the converter and charging of a dry cell battery vs a wet battery ?


My Pleasure Way uses the InteliPower PD9245C with the "charge wizard" which varies the charge to battery, in storage a 13.2 VDC supply will change to 14.4 VDC for 15 minutes every 21 hours.
Normal supply is 13.6
A battery below 90% will get 14.4 VDC


Thanks

This topic was covered in depth, my advice it to follow battery manufacturer charge profile. AGM can explode if overcharging occurs, the relief valve catalytically converts hydrogen back to water but it has limited conversion capacity. Flooded batteries can either boil or electrolyze water which can be replace with deionized or distilled water. I would definitely use a charger with correct profiles for your AGMs.

I think charge wizard turns InteliPower PD9245C converter to smart charger with option to select correct charge profile for your batteries but I am not familiar with it.

[sdunn4]

Thanks guys,

Great information! I am a little at a loss as to how I can insure that over-charging, for example, doesn’t occur with the dry cell vs the existing AGM’s. I’m also not sure Roadtrek could help. Do you have some layman’s pointers as to how I can figure out some of the electrical parameters you’ve mentioned? The Discover EVGC6A-A batteries were quoted to me by a battery distributor as a replacement for my current 8AGC2 batteries, but I sure do want to make sure they will function properly and not overcharge. My background is in chemical engineering and I will freely admit I am not an experienced electrical authority by any means. What information would I need to look for or research in order to insure compatibility?

Thanks for your help!

Steve