2019 CASITA...UPGRADING TO AGM BATTERY!

[davidcrumpler]

Just finished two Renogy 100w panels on the roof of my Casita 17’ Independence. Added two Lion lithium batts under bed on drivers side along with MPPT controller. Now using batt compartment for tool storage. I built aluminum frames for the panels and stuck them on with 3M VHB tape. I then covered that with eternabond tape. Others are having great success with this mounting method but only time will tell. Thanks to Rusty I became a Casita owner and love it.

[chevycheeseburger]

Hey Rusty I hope the two nuts that held the bracket in is a flat-headed nut and the new battery is just not setting on top of those that might potentially rub hole in the bottom of your battery as you travel and could possibly leak acid out into your Casita camper just something to think about have a great day.

[Will-wzwq]

Hi Rusty, please show us how you programmed the converter to charge an AGM battery VS. a lead Acid wet cell battery.

[joycebarnett]

Another diamond polished. I am excited to see where you are going to take us on the upcoming trip. Have a wonderful afternoon.

[larrysingletary]

Rusty...does your upgrade to AGM battery use the same inverter that came with the Casita?
and if solar is not used to keep battery charged during "off season" for camping, can a normal trickle charger be used on the AGM? I have a 2009 Casita Freedom Deluxe.
Thank you for your response.

[johnilko]

That's great that they left enough wire to pull the battery out to work on. Both our first travel trailer and motor home had short wires. so you had to all the maintenance in the small opening.

[moneymattersproductreviews]

Good to know, because I would not have known how important this is and would have never thought of the AGM as a better idea. Great!

[larrysingletary]

Thanks for your help. In a Casita forum it seems the converter may overcharge the AGM battery. It is discussed about changing out the type of converter to one that is more compatible with the AGM. What are your thoughts on that?

[patriciaredick]

Good job Rusty...now relax and have a "cold one "!

[perrydavis]

I have a agm battery from my camper and I keep reviving it . The camper is a 1996 and the people that owned the camper before me both passed away. The solar panels installed in 1997 still work.

[risingsunadventuretravels]

Rusty, since the Group # 27 battery can't be used with your AGM and it's almost new you should
be able to sell it for 100-150 dollars. I have 2 - 100AH- AGM batteries in my Casita Spirit Deluxe.
One in the battery compartment and one under the seat compartment next to the wall and bed.
That gives me 200 amp hours. So by using just 50 per cent of the 2 in parrell hookup I always
have 100 amps to work with.

[tommymorgan]

Rusty...good video. Have a question though. Will the Casita inverter charge this battery adequately?

[super-sim]

May need to change the charge regulator to 13.8 volts or to gel/agm setting.

[chrislonsberry]

I recently did the same change out in my Casita. I got a Group 31 125AH AGM. It’s a really tight fit and wrestling 70 lbs through that little opening is a job. Great job Rusty!

[Nottazippo]

Just got my new Venture Sonic Lite VRK15 and switched out the Wet battery also! After several years with my AGM battery's on my Little Guy Teardrop it was a must do! It was pricey but in my humble opinion the way to go for this unit and as Rusty says ' For ME" ..By the way I sold my Teardrop in One day! It was a 2011.

[stuartstuart]

Rusty, did you need to adjust your on board charge controller and solar controller for the AGM battery swap?
Also I mentioned it before, but you installed a Zamp charge plug on your trailer. Apparently Zamp doesn’t use the same polarity as some other manufacturers so just something to check out before hooking up your solar panels.

[freisiandraugr]

If I leave the Casita plugged in to a power outlet will it over charge the agm battery?

[robinengland]

I ordered mine from the factory, they left the tray in so I guess they modified it! I boondock I all summer so I have another AGM I set outside and connect with Anderson clips so I can change quickly from one to another! We sometimes have several days without sun, so once in awhile the Zamp won’t keep it charged! You will enjoy the AGM!

[pamelachandler]

Profanity? Never.🤣
Great job, Rusty!

[perrydavis]

I also got three of the four battery’s that I froze the first year I lived in the desert to come back to life.