Voltage booster needed for AGM batteries?

Do I need a voltage booster for my AGM battery? I usually sit around 14.1 - 14.4v. AGM needs more volts than that. Wondering if I need to get the HKB booster fuse for my truck? A lot of the 2nd gen guys believe it to be a requirement.

https://www.hkbelect.com/product/24...nic-fuse-version-micro-blade-compatible-2004/

Thanks

 

I do not use one. The Scangauge says it is being charged at ~13.4 volts. NorthStar 27F was installed 1/2018.

 

I believe the argument is that the AGM battery needs to be charged at 14.6-14.7v, any lower is not ideal

 

Odd

 

Interesting. If the AGM style do need to be charged at higher voltage, than obviously you need to increase the stock output. I'd seen voltage boosters, like diodes added into the circuit, but never seen it built into a fuse, like the link. That's pretty freaking cool. And it's a self resetting fuse. Kinda like a self resetting circuit breaker basically. Although you could add the diode/s yourself for a couple bucks. But that deal in that link you posted is slick

 

If one would be necessary for AGM batteries, you'd thing Odyssey would have one listed under their accessories...

https://www.odysseybatteries.com/accessories.htm

 

I have been using my AGM batteries for a few years with the output of the stock alternator !

I do use a AGM charger for those times they get discharged from long term window or other electrical drains with out the engine running.

Like when fixing lights and I get distracted and get back to it 2 days later oops!

Your best source to answer this is call your battery sales person or there rep !!!

 

Cool idea, but they can't seem to decide on their warranty period. They may be legit, but I am always nervous about companies whose adds have really poor grammar, or a discrepancy like this one.

Middle of the page:
The MK3 Alternator Voltage Booster is proudly designed and manufactured in Australia using only the highest quality locally sourced components and comes with a 3 year warranty covering both parts and workmanship.

Last paragraph:
The voltage booster is designed and manufactured in Australia using highest quality components and comes with a 1 year guarantee for parts and workmanship

 

The question I had is the charge voltage he says is required. I had to look it up because what he sees as clear as day on his battery label, I didn't read it that way. And I don't like assumptions so here is the proper charging voltage info:

Deep Cycle AGM:- AGM batteries should be charged using a charger with a mode switch for AGM type batteries. It is recommended to use a charger, current limited to 20% or 0.2C of the batteries capacity at a charging voltage of between 14.6 – 14.8V following deep cycle use, or 13.6V – 13.8V for standby use.
That high charge number he states as required for charging is recommended for charging it after you've depleted it, or deep cycle use/charge. Day to day use like 99% of the world, 13.6v - 13.8v is okay for charging.

 

I did more reading and searching and seems the spec range I saw for charging voltage from the different battery makers was 14.2-14.7.
I've run deep cycle agm for years in the Cruisers, and hadn't heard of an issue or ran into an issue myself either, that would require a voltage booster. But YMMV, if it makes sense to you to run the booster, than run it. It may not be REQUIRED to successfully use an AGM batt though.

 

I would think rather then add more connections just turn the stock alternator up.

Without looking closer it might be rebuilding the voltage regulator for a higher output

 

The higher voltage for AGM vs is a real thing. However we are talking achieving the last fraction of the AGM's charge capability. From a real world, practical application perspective this is right next to or at the unnoticeable level.
I ran my first AGM for 13 years with the 99 OE 70A alt. This is definitely the high end of average life spans but a fact nonetheless. It only saw a max of 14V for brief moments and never saw an outside charger of any kind. That was with occasional winch duty and campsite draw downs.

I have since put in one of the Delco CS144 140A alternators that puts out 14.6V-14.9V at idle, cold. This gives a nice feeling but no noticeable improvement in function outside of the extra amps helping to cover winch loads.

 

how did you wire up your 140A alternator?

 

I've been running a HBK VBD for 4 years. And it works great. So I'd say yes, only because the AGM. I only went this route because my battery (AGM) didn't seem to keep charged. AGM's typically recommend a higher voltage. I see 14.6 to 14.8 , without the voltage boosting diode, 13.9- 14.2. Those values are when the battery needs to be topped off because it's not fully charged.

 

I’ve had an optima in my truck for the last 5 years and had no issues with charging or anything. Also no corrosion

 

Removed OE "alt to fuse box" lead. Replaced with 2g from alt directly to bat +, no over current protection. Replaced OE neg cable to engine block with 2g. Used the "Denso to GM" adapter pig tale, plug and play. No reason to replace/upsize the starter cable if it's in good shape.
I keep the OE Denso in the truck as a spare. It "just" fits in the excab pass side storage compartment.

Latest glamor shot, now with two, yes two quick disconnects.

 

Apparently there is a Suzuki higher amp alternator that is a drop in for the taco. Know anything about that?

 

From Northstar FAQ (MAY NOT APPLY TO OTHER BRAND OF AGMs!!!)

I have not changed anything with my 1st gen after putting in a Northstar 27F. I verified that the output of my alternator is above 14.1 V.

 

If you mean the "105 amp Denso", heck, it's a Denso. Hard to go wrong, with a footnote.
Footnote, With Denso factory remans, the only actual new parts guaranteed to be installed is a set of brushes. The slip rings are cleaned/trued and everything else is "inspected, replaced if necessary". Both the Denso and CS144 are equally "plug and play".

IMO an alternator upgrade should be based on the owners real needs and maybe a bit for "future" needs. Again IMO, the 105A Denso would be a great OE replacement. It would help cover additional loads short of winching. If one wants to help with winch loads or "long continuous loads" (electrician speak) from a giant stereo or artificial sunlight then the more the merrier. With that said, it's easy for folks (myself included) to imagine them selves winching up K2 and feeling they just gotta have the Grand Coulee Dam level of power. I find most winching to be relatively short with longer episodes handled with the occasional break for battery recovery. Before the Delco I never had an upgraded alt and had my winch for 23 years. It's on it's second truck.

 

Just use a battery charger once every few months. The difference in maximum charging voltage between a wet cell and AGM is not that much different and the alternator is not performing an equalizing charge on your wet cell battery anyway.