Paragon1
Member
Hey OP, Brevard county neighbor here.
I went through this last year. I have two AGMs in my 5th gen and one in my 4th gen. I still put a charger on my batteries every couple of weeks to keep them topped off, mostly because of lack of use, but I installed a Dirty Parts - Alternator Voltage Booster.
Now there have been plenty of people who have modified a GM diode to do what the DP booster does for a lot less money ($10?), but you eliminate a fuse in the process. The chances of having issues are slim, but still there with a fire being the worst case scenario. If you do the DP unit, make sure you designate you want the 5th gen, as the fuse box is laid out a little different from a 4th gen.
Here is the one I installed: Dirty Parts
This one is more expensive but a pretty cool switchable model w an over boost mode: ARC LIGHT LEDs
I did a short video of the install on my 4th Gen:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yvDRFNEYBrg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Got the part installed today, think its going to do the trick. Stereo monitor shows 14.1 at idle, meter between +/- posts on the battery shows 16.8v vs 14v before the swap.
Thanks to everyone for all the pointers. Wish i would've asked about this issue before making the expensive purchases. Anyone want a brand new DC Power Alternator for $30 off? PM me...