Gel battery

[bitzz]

... and how many of you have a 9 yr old "maintenance free" battery? The serviceable battery in my truck is 8 or 9 yrs old.
My point was/is: you can maintain a battery with caps. if you overheat a "maintenance free"; there's a good chance it is done.
A "maintenance free" battery is convenient, a maintainable battery should last longer... IF you maintain it, "maintenance free" is not free.

[rphillips]

Since I've been using them the AGM's, I haven't noticed a difference in them and the old Lead Acid, as for how long they last.

[Grimly]

... and how many of you have a 9 yr old "maintenance free" battery? The serviceable battery in my truck is 8 or 9 yrs old.
My point was/is: you can maintain a battery with caps. if you overheat a "maintenance free"; there's a good chance it is done.
A "maintenance free" battery is convenient, a maintainable battery should last longer... IF you maintain it, "maintenance free" is not free.

I've got two AGMs in my bikes, I tend to swap them around every year to even their wear out. Both are at least nine years old now.
Prior to that, I had a calcium-doped maint-free battery in my van. It left the factory in 2001, and I sold the van with that battery still working perfectly fine, in around 2017.
So, in short, I'd disagree.
However, look after the charging system above all else.

[Baatfam]

However, look after the charging system above all else.

I agree with this.

Another thing I've have learned to be cautious of, is Battery Tenders.
I don't leave mine plugged in during storage. Once a month I'll but it on until it's charged, then take it off.

[rphillips]

I've looked, though not recently, for a trickle charger, or tender, that turns completely off when batt. is fully charged then comes back on when, if, batt drops a little. as many chargers and marine chargers do, seems simple. Maybe I'm not clicking the right buttons but so far I haven't found one...Thinking my regular charger set on 2A that turns completely off when batt. is full charged should be better than a tender that never turns off, just drops to a very low charge rate.... Opinions?