Why is it so difficult to find AGM batteries?

[leslie]

My husband and I have been to several places looking for 6 volt AGM batteries with no luck. We want two of them. So far, we have been to Sam's Club, Batteries and Bulbs+, Wal-Mart, Carquest, O'Reilly's, etc. All for naught.

[tinkeringtechie]

[quote source="/post/3973/thread" timestamp="1412116184" author="@leslie"]My husband and I have been to several places looking for 6 volt AGM batteries with no luck. We want two of them. So far, we have been to Sam's Club, Batteries and Bulbs+, Wal-Mart, Carquest, O'Reilly's, etc. All for naught.[/quote]I'd be surprised if you found 6V batteries there at all, let alone the AGM variety. You'll need to go to an RV shop or a place that sells/maintains golf carts. You could also order them online if you can't find them locally, but the shipping may be prohibitive.

[daplumbr]

The local Sams Club in Lansing, MI has 6 volt Duracell AGM "golf cart" batteries in stock. I've used the Duracells in solar installations and can vouch for their quality. The Sams Club web site lists KY and IL as 2 of the other states where their stores carry those in stock. From your sig line it looks like you may be in one of those states? If so, perhaps your local store is temporarily out? If you're into paying shipping, you can order 6 volt AGM batteries in several different capacities and brands from Arizona Wind and Sun. They specialize in high quality deep cycle batteries for renewable energy that would work well for our Camplites. I'll probably go 12 volt Duracell AGM in my set up, but only out of convenience and good pricing. 

[kodabear]

I'm pretty sure I saw Optimas at Costco last time I was there.

[nmken]

A question about whether dual 6V GC2 batteries is a good move on the hitch of our trailers.  Assuming we've added 500 lbs of gear/water, the 130 lb for those two batteries right at the tongue seems like we'd be getting very close to the 500 lb hitch limit.  Have you guys looked at that and figured out you're clear?

[daplumbr]

Good question on the weight and I've certainly though about it. I do have dual batteries that weigh 57 lbs each. But there was one to start with (although somewhat lighter), so I've really only added a bit more than 1 extra battery in terms of weight. Thoughtfully loading the trailer with a balanced load should take care of tongue weight issues. I will check tongue weight when I mount a fully expeditionary force next spring.