I thought that equalizing was specifically forbidden with AGM since
overcharging is one of the few things that can kill them. How do you
replace the water boiled off?

And when you say "down to 12.1 volts" what load is on it?


wrote:
I have 2 4D Lifeline batteries. I bought them new last Augaust before
we left for Mexico. We have been having a great time but the batteries
are not doing nearly as well as advertised. They are in one bank of 420
amps for the house bank and I use it for everything including starting
the engine and leave another battery charged for emergency starting. We
use about 60 amps a day. I have been discharging to between 80 and 100
amps then charge back to between 20 to 40, depending on how long we
want to hear the motor running. I had thought this was a good way to
maintain the batteries. Unfortunately we are now down to about 12.1
volts after about a 60 amp discharge. I have done a 5 hour 15.5 volt
equalization and it now goes down to about 80 amps before it reaches
12.1 volts. I feel I should expect it to go down 200 amps before it
reaches 12 volts. Should I equalize again? Did I get bad batteries? or
am I doing something wrong? I have checked all connections and
separated the batteries, they don't discharge by them selves and they
go down in voltage at the same rate. Any suggestions would be helpful.
We are hoping to go to Hawaii in May from La Paz.
Thanks
John
S/V Pangea
Swan 38