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Topic: Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries? (Read 281 times) previous topic - next topic
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Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries?
I am about to order new AGMs for our 2004 rear bath (stored in the aft facing dinette bench next to the original battery compartment).

In a previous discussion here, one member mentioned that he has 4 Full River dc250-6 (6v, 250A) in that location. 

Are there opinions on the merits of Full River vs. Trojan?  I had planned to install Trojans until I saw this post.  The Full River batteries are a better fit in the compartment to obtain total 500A capacity.  I am biased by previous discussions to favor Trojan in general.  But the Full River configuration for my constraints is very appealing.

Go with Full River to get 500A, or stick with Trojan, but with a lower capacity?

Thanks--Ted
Re: Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries?
Reply #1 –
followup.  Both Fullriver DC250-6 and Trojan T-105 are GC2 group size.  Trojan produces 217A and the Fullriver 250A.  Trojan weights 68 lbs. vs. 79 lbs. for the Fullriver.

It appears that Fullriver packs more capacity and weight in the same group size.  I would be skeptical of the Fullriver if the weight were the same, as I have been taught here that weight is one indicator of quality (thicker plates).

So, what do you make of all this?  I trust Trojan, but Fullriver seems to be marketing a very attractive product, give storage space constraints.  What's the smart choice here?
Re: Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries?
Reply #2 –
Curious as to the warranty for each battery. That should be a consideration.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries?
Reply #4 –
Price comparison?
Dale from Downey 27’ 2012 RB,”Casa Verde”, 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Formerly1991 RB & 1990 Jeep Wrangler.
 
Re: Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries?
Reply #6 –
Never heard of Full River batteries.
Who is the manufacturer?
I prefer to stick with known companies, Trojan is very well known.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries?
Reply #7 –
Quote from: LD-TED  - 
Trojan about $250
Fullriver about $300

So the Full River is a little more expensive but the warranty is a little longer.  The Full River has more capacity.

I tend to agree with Larry on this one, stick with a known factor; but if you decide on the Full River, let us know how they perform!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries?
Reply #8 –
A higher weight in the batteries likely means more plates to produce more storage capacity. However, the plates may also be thinner, to fit a higher number of plates with sufficient spacing for the electrolyte. Neither 18 mo. nor 24 mo. warranty reflect usage in a typical RV environment where they are likely to be used. Industrial uses such as golf carts, fork lifts, floor polishers, etc, are a harsher use environment, and when batteries are designed with this application they have shorter useful lives. I would check with industrial users to see what brand they use, and why...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries?
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Never heard of Full River batteries.
Who is the manufacturer?
I prefer to stick with known companies, Trojan is very well known.

Larry
Full River is a Chinese company with world-wide distribution.  See:
worldwide site:  fullriver.com
US site:  fullriverbattery.com

There is another member here (Bob L.) who has an array of 4 DC-250-6 for 500A /12v installed for two years, going strong, by his report.  First heard of them from Bob L.'s response to my post a few weeks ago about reinforcing the floor for heavy AGMs.

A Google search of reports from  rv owners with these batteries identified a number of consistently positive reviews and no negative reviews.  It's not a rigorous survey, but the best information available.

I agree, it would be nice to know the thickness of the plates.
Re: Trojan vs Full River AGM batteries?
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
A higher weight in the batteries likely means more plates to produce more storage capacity. However, the plates may also be thinner, to fit a higher number of plates with sufficient spacing for the electrolyte. Neither 18 mo. nor 24 mo. warranty reflect usage in a typical RV environment where they are likely to be used. Industrial uses such as golf carts, fork lifts, floor polishers, etc, are a harsher use environment, and when batteries are designed with this application they have shorter useful lives. I would check with industrial users to see what brand they use, and why...

Steve

Just spoke with "Matt" at Full River USA.  The positive plates are 2.6mm (.102") and the negative plates are 1.8mm (.071)".  He refused to reveal the number of plates.  I have also confirmed the GC2 dimensional specs for Trojan and Full River are virtually identical.  (I checked because Matt said their case is a GC2H, implying a bigger case than a standard GC2.)

Can the engineers among you who have compared AGM batteries comment on these specs?

Matt also confirmed that the rv house battery application for these batteries carries a 24 mos. full replacement warranty.