Short Life From Lifeline GPL31XT

[JimHanus]

I've been using Lifeline AGM batteries for 15 years and have always got long life out of them. I use 2 12V, a GPL31XT and a GPL31T through an A-B switch. I only use one at a time. The 31T is 10 years old and still working, the 31XT is just over 2 years old and just quit. The both use the same charger in the same trailer. Fortunately they have a 5 year pro-rated warranty. Anyone else here use Lifeline batteries and get short life from them? My previous Lifelines got 7 and 9 years each and were replaced before they quit, and I'm still using one in a battery backup sump pump at home.

[JimHanus]

Well, pretty disappointed with Lifeline customer service. Talked to "Dave". He thinks I did something to drain the battery while it sat in storage. Battery was disconnected from everything, A-B switch was set to off. I know because when I entered the trailer I had to turn it to A to have power to turn on the lights. He's making me charge it overnight at home to see if it comes back up. After 15 years (and 15 years with this battery setup) with Lifeline I'm pretty sure I'm going elsewhere. Thought that paying extra for the Pro-rated warranty was a good thing. Guess not.

[JimHanus]

Well, done with Lifeline batteries. Charged it for 17 hours as per directed by Lifeline. Voltage came up to 12.05V. According to Lifeline, since the voltage came up after charging, it was something I did to deplete the battery (even though the second battery in the same trailer was unaffected). According to their published documentation, 12 volts is about 70% depleted. But according to them that's OK. Cost me $200 to get a pro-rated replacement. So long Lifeline.

[Lloyd]

Have you tried an individual cell check on your batteries?
Hydrometer maybe?
Sounds like there might be one bad or weak cell.

[JimHanus]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Have you tried an individual cell check on your batteries?
Hydrometer maybe?
Sounds like there might be one bad or weak cell.

It's an AGM battery so there is no checking of individual cells, but I agree that's probably the problem.

[dagst1]

If the prorated amount is $200.00 what does it cost new?

[JimHanus]

Originally Posted by dagst1

If the prorated amount is $200.00 what does it cost new?

They based it on what I paid for it originally, $368. They gave it to me for $145 plus $52 shipping. Don't know if I did OK or not, but at least I'll have a new battery and can move on.