Mounting AGM’s on their side?

[LouK]

In reading Lifeline’s literature, it states that their batteries can be mounted in any direction except upside down- is anybody laying them on their sides? I’m trying to cram more amps than I can find room for (+/-400 AH) and the additional space saving would make a difference. I realize they need to be set into a tray or container of some sort, but, looking for a reality check.

The thinking is that the only way I can get +/- 400 AH in the space available (vertical configuration) is w/ 4@ CG-2 6V golf carts. I think this means I would have to use another 2 CG’s for my start bank. Not keen on the price for two more & would like to keep the chemistry all the same. HOWEVER, if it is not ridiculously stupid to lay them on their side, I could do this with Group 31’s or 4D’s.

Thanks!
LouK

[rslifkin]

If you have the height, look at L16s instead of GCs. They're taller and higher capacity. My pair of them is good for 415ah at 12 volts.

[LouK]

Height is an issue, that’s why I was curious about laying them on their side….

[Jim Cate]

Lou, I'm not sure I understand your second paragraph, but FWIW, we use the standard 4 T-105s for house and a simple group 24 sealed lead-acid unit for the start battery. works just fine starting our Kubota 43 hp engine, and no issues charging via an Echo-charger.

Jim

[BillKny]

Check the manufacturer specs on the batteries. Some brands (Lifeline for example) are fine with any orientation except upside down, others have more limitations. G31 size of Firefly battery must be upright, while the 4V Firefly can sit on their narrow side.

The manufacturers specifications will be have a much higher chance of being accurate than random advice from internet strangers...

That's my opinion and it's worth what you paid for it.

[OS2Dude]

I had two 98Ah Grp 27 AGMs on their ends for over a year. No Problem.

[Lionshooter]

Mine has been standing on end for about 7 years.

[bcboomer]

4 Firefly 31s will fit your boat and give 464 Amp hrs.

In my experience they are happy discharging to 60% and sometimes to 20% so functionally give you a lot more useable power.

Not cheap but effective.

[Minggat]

2 TPPL AGMs on their sides for 9 years.

[Dougtiff]

I put AGM batts on their side, no problem.

[Beausoleil]

Our Fullriver DC-400-6 L16 AGM 12V bank has all four batteries lying on their sides since 2008. Will finally be replacing them this winter...

[wholybee]

If you are trying to fit more usable Ah in the same space and are willing to spend a bit more, consider LifePO4.

I fit 300Ah of LifePO4 (12 100Ah Calb cells) in roughly the same space as 2 group 31. That was from 100 usable Ah (half of 200) to almost 300Ah usable. Basically 3x the capacity in the same space.

It cost a lot, but was the best solution for the problem.

[LouK]

Thanks, all- super helpful. After much thought & not wanting to scrap brand new charger, decided against Lithium as it would have required a new alt, Ext VR & serpentine belt., good option but too much buck for the bang right now, perhaps next year.

Found great boat show pricing for 2 new Lifeline L16 or 4D & will check fitment tomorrow. Building a new battery box on Sunday & installing a 375ah solar next week on the davits.

[Skipper Lee]

G-31 Fireflys are not supposed to be laid down, But great batt's.

[bcboomer]

Originally Posted by Skipper Lee

G-31 Fireflys are not supposed to be laid down, But great batt's.

On the OP's boat they don't need to lay down. G31s fit upright.