Another leisure battery thread.. sorry!

[AXR862]

I have searched through all of the relevant threads but cant quite find the answers I'm looking for - hopefully someone can help.

I have a 1996 westy California and looking to replace the leisure batteries. Photo attached is of the current set up - 2x 80ah gel batteries.

Questions
Can i replace these with AMG batteries? or does the change need to be like for like and keep with gel batteries?
Can i upgrade the ah? looks like i could get ones at 85ah that would fit the space. Or would these not work or not charge fully?

Bonus question!
Any idea how old these batteries are? The stickers on them say "original Westfalia quality" but surely these batteries aren't from 1996..?

 

[AXR862]

Photo of batteries

 

[calibusje]

Yes, that should be possible. Check the buttons at the back of the control panel. A (acid in a) gel battery also has some advantages over AGM (battery acid contained in fiberglass mats), you can look it up on the internet (e.g. more charging cycles, higher discharge rate, can withstand extreme temperatures better).
I'm no expert in this, so be sure to check everything

http://www.weetjewel.nl/phpbb3/download/file.php?id=65838

Some more info: https://westfaliat4.info/VW-T4-Westfalia-CaliforniaCoach-Manual-English-1998.pdf
& https://www.westfaliat4.info/
Greetings

 

[TripleBee]

The higher Ah, the longer you can run off of them. As long as they fit in the space, it's not problem to upgrade.
Concerning type, as @calibusje says, chech your charger if there are settings.
And maybe a quick search on the internet may give you more information about the difference between gel and AGM.
I think gel is better for this specific use, but would be higher in price. AGM I think is decent in price, and will take you far enough.

All factory Californias come with AGM, and mine already last 14 years, so I don't think you really need gel.
But that decision I leave it up to you.