ATV Battery ideas/suggestions?

[HomeBru]

We've had some cold snaps here in Northwestern Indiana and I've apparently trashed two lead/acid batteries on our ATV. The first didn't last four days so I brought it back to the dealer and they gave me a second. This one I also installed with a 1A trickle charger/maintainer and it lasted a whopping three weeks...

Has anyone had any experience with AGM (absorbed gel mat) batteries on ATVs? They're "supposed" to not freeze but are also a bit more expensive so I'm hesitant to jump if it's not worth it.

Something like this

Other recommendations?

Thx,

J-

 

[Cougar Allen]

What, are they telling you the batteries froze? While fully charged?

Did the battery in your car freeze too, and all the other car batteries in town? If not, then they're telling you stories....

 

[DaveH]

They probably sold you batteries that were 5 plus years old. Look for a date code on the battery and see if there is an online guide to finding when the battery was manufactured.

If a battery is fully charged it should last longer.

BUT you might want to check to see if there is some sort of leak or short in the electrical system. If there is, that could be draining the battery.

 

[mete]

I have AGM batteries for other uses and they are fine .Off road vehicles ,race cars etc often have them as they take much more vibration and impact. If the batteries were new then I would seriously look for shorts, leaks or other problems.

 

[HomeBru]

What, are they telling you the batteries froze? While fully charged?

Did the battery in your car freeze too, and all the other car batteries in town? If not, then they're telling you stories....

That's my thought, too. I'll have to try and find the date code...

BUT you might want to check to see if there is some sort of leak or short in the electrical system. If there is, that could be draining the battery.

That's my other worry. The electrical system on these things is pretty basic so it shouldn't be tough to find a short somewhere. I may just disconnect everything but the starter circuit and see what happens.

I have AGM batteries for other uses and they are fine .Off road vehicles ,race cars etc often have them as they take much more vibration and impact. If the batteries were new then I would seriously look for shorts, leaks or other problems.

How are the AGMs for longevity? I like the idea of a sealed battery anyway as well as the reports of taking abuse well.

I'm leaning towards bad/damaged batteries since neither would even take a charge after going South. Just enough juice to click the starter.
Thanks guys, time to get out the multimeter...

J-