Checking out LITHIUM Batteries for your Sled or ATV!

[@darrendombroskie3644]

Great video! I’m definitely going to consider buying one because my four wheeler also is hard to start in the winter. 😃

[@MyOldSled]

Well my ATV has started flawlessly since I installed the battery last winter.

[@martyfield694]

Nice battery video. I've been using lipos in my RC planes and helicopters for about 10 years. I don't feel that is alot to pay for a high quality lithium battery. Most serious sledders are ok dropping a few extra bucks for peace of mind when it comes to being able to start their sled in cold conditions.

[@jackmiller6672]

So I live in Yellowknife .. just bought a ETX36D, put it in my 2020 Skidoo Renegade Adrenaline 900 ACE (no pull start, just electric start) .. fully charged the battery with CTEK Lithium US charger before installing in sled. First night tmp got down to -20C, sled started but a bit sluggish, rode sled about 15km. Next night it was -26C, sled started very sluggish after three attempts, rode 10km. Next night it got down to -38C and the sled wouldn't even turn over, had to take battery into cabin to warm up and charge, meanwhile my other sled (same model) fired up with old YUASA battery ... I put the ETX36D in the warmed up sled and used the YUASA to fire up the cold sled. From comments on here I guess the Lithium batteries are ok for Southern Canadian winter but from my recent experience I wouldn't recommend them for colder Northern Canadian climate, especially if a reliable battery is a must for your sled..

[@MyOldSled]

Have you spoken with EarthX. I have had one in my ATV for 2 winters and we are often -30c and I’ve never had an issue. This is not just starting my machine but running the winch when I’m plowing.

[@jackmiller6672]

@@MyOldSled Yep, I reached out to EarthX and one of their Techs responded, had a few questions which I answered, waiting to hear back from him. It's possible I have a faulty battery, we'll see. As I said, It worked fine the first day but each successive colder day was a struggle.It's too bad, I had really high hopes for it.

[@MyOldSled]

Keep me posted. I haven’t had to charge mine at all, and plowing puts a lot of load on it.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Jack, Just doing some cold start testing in our recent cold snap and I saw this. I haven't had a problem yet, but I see they are rated for -30 °C to +60 °C. Wondering how this worked out for you.

[@jackmiller6672]

@@MyOldSled I’ll stay tuned to see how your tests go. As for me, I never put the EXT36D back in my sled, went with an AGM.

[@oculuszen4821]

Looking forward to this years videos! Figured I’d see if there was any new content, you where the first channel I checked out when I got into snowmobiling 2 years ago

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Oculus. Thanks for hanging in...I'm editing today hopefully posting tomorrow. What a year...

[@andyschad6882]

Please do an update on Lithium batteries, including the new NOCO NLP14, which fits most sleds and features 500 CCA. Thanks!

[@ktm7668]

Interesting review. I cant speak for the battery you tested but my experience with Lithium batteries in Motorcycles is that they don't like the cold. its kind of the opposite effect to a lead acid battery where with lead your strongest cranking is when you first turn the key and it slowly loses amps the more you crank. With Lithium they don't crank well when cold so the more you crank the better they start to perform as they warm up (within limits) Be very careful with a conventional charger on a lithium battery. It may work but i have heard of a few people whose batteries went up in smoke.

[@MyOldSled]

These are rated for cold. As I mentioned, earthx has a lot of info on charging on their website. The charger I demo in the video is rated for lithium batteries

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Joel. Sorry you had a bad experience. Earth-X makes a range of batteries for specific applications. I can't comment on your specific issue because I don't know what model battery you used or what type of charger you charged it with. The one's I demonstrated in the video are designed for low temperature use, and specifically for sleds. All I can speak to is my own experience and I can honestly state that the two I installed last year have worked flawlessly. I live up on the Bruce where we get a fair bit of cold weather and they have both been outside in unheated conditions through all 4 seasons.

[@loriandmike267]

Great video , I am replacing and relocating the battery in my SxS and this looks like the perfect option ...thanks

[@MyOldSled]

Glad u found itbhelpful

[@austinrosebrugh8109]

Vids are great. Would you consider doing like a cleaning your sled at end of season and end of season maintenance

[@IXxMcCoyxXl]

Can’t wait for some fresh snow to play in and new videos from this channel

[@MyOldSled]

Here’s hoping. Editing a video now :) thanks for watching!

[@edlonglad3230]

Another informative video. I purchased an ETX36D for my AC 4 stroke 1100 turbo 3 years ago and it runs flawlessly, and I run a lot of accessories (276Cx GPS, seat/thumb/bar warmers, sometimes with accessory seat heat, 2 face-shields). I have an OEM lead acid battery in my other sled I use when I bring friends out, another 4 stroke - and it struggles compared to the EarthX.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Ed. They are far superior batteries if you have the cash. Thanks for watching.

[@GPOutdoors]

Excellent episode David. It's my understanding that generally lithium batteries can not be charged in negative celsius temperatures with the exception of Lithium Iron phosphate batteries - is that what these are made of? Thanks! Great video today!

[@MyOldSled]

Hi G. Yes, they are LiFePO4. Definitely wouldn’t be a good choice for a snowmobile if the couldn’t be charged cold.

[@EarthX_Lithium_Batteries]

Hello GP Outdoors. These are lithium iron phosphate chemistry cells, also seen sometimes as LiFePo4 or LFP for acronyms, but another features of the BMS is regulate the amount of current flowing into the battery in negative temperatures. Excellent question!

[@rltkktlr]

David, great informative video!! I am excited to try one in my Assult as I mentioned a while ago, I have had a few batteries in my 2016 and still issues, usually when colder. Thanks again. Bob

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Bob. Lots of good info on the Earth X website so Id spend some time reading up and make sure your getting the right one for your application. Thanks for watching.

[@rltkktlr]

Will do. Thanks again

[@upnorthvlogs]

I use a walmart precharge one in my atv and sled worked as good nice video

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching!

[@kwadlife4106]

I just watched your other video about batteries and commenting about lithium but I found this one

[@danielcook5749]

Hey myoldsled just curious what part of ontario do you live in im in the gravenhurst bracebridge area and would love to possibly shoot some video with you. Educational or just for the sport of it im currently working on a mod polaris indy wedge an old 89 chassis that i purchased used for 200 dollars and a used artic cat el tigre 440cc liquid im getting in it with an mbrp pipe and a few other interesting bits!! Maybe we can get some footage lol

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Daniel, It's enough of a challenge to find time to shoot my own content when we do get some decent snow ;) but thanks for watching. Sounds like you've got lots to keep you busy this winter.

[@albertliebregts1040]

Excellent analysis.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Albert. It’s a great product

[@brycetaylor1633]

Hey Dave you should do a video on cans/exhaust and why u would or wouldn't buy one!

[@MyOldSled]

Lol. I can imagine the hate I’d get.

[@drbobvs]

This will be my next battery, SO TIRED of my cheap walmart sled batteries lasting only 2 years. Last month the battery I installed in my '09 Yamaha, (that I had on a maintainer all summer) in Feb of 2018 left my wife and I stranded on the trail!! THank got I had jumper cables (I've learned from past experience to keep them on the sled).

[@ArcticJeff]

My sleds don't have a battery (carb and pull start), but I've always wanted to put a Lithium battery in my street bike. I've seen folks save money and build 'homemade' lithium batteries for their power sports toys, but they don't have the power mgmt board. I would rather pay the extra $$ for peace of mind for the power mgmt board.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Jeff. Well, I haven’t used them much, but so far i find it performs much better than the sport battery I had in my ATV. Lots of good info on their website so Id spend some time reading up and make sure your getting the right one for your application.

[@spencermoser7350]

Will you cover things about studded tracks vs a regular track

[@hoonigan2004]

Hey, I was wondering what kind of grips you have on your snowmobile and where you found them. Thx. Great video as always

[@MyOldSled]

Grips? Do you mean handlebar grips or the rubber foot pads?

[@hoonigan2004]

The rubber foot pads

[@scotsmanthompson9191]

great video

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Scotsman.

[@peadaysadventures3666]

I just run no battery when I’m trying to race but it’s dreadful to pull in -35

[@skyfly51]

Always thought you shouldn't charge lithium batteries below freezing?

[@MyOldSled]

I’m no expert, but I’ve never had an issue. According EarthX the cells are rated to -30C. They are starter batteries which means they are designed to output a lot of current for a burst of seconds to start your vehicle. This is different than a deep cycle type lithium battery When you go to start your sled, the battery will go from “cold” to warm internally within moments so that when you start riding and the charging system is “charging” this is no longer a cold battery. So your understanding might he true for some lithium batteries as it depends on their rating, their internal resistance and how sophisticated or not their BMS is.

[@carlosloko257]

My son has a toy car and it has speaker Do you think It's going to work and it has lights and subwoofer Can it work with solar panel

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Carlos. I have no idea. I’d say email Earth X with the specifics, ie how many motors, is it 12v, 6v..what type if solar panel and its charge rate and see what they say.

[@dylansmith697]

Hey David, I was wondering what kind shed/tent is that where you are storing your sled. Thanks

[@MyOldSled]

Shelter logic’s

[@dylansmith697]

@@MyOldSled Thanks for replying. I was just wondering because I just got a 98 ski doo mxz 500 for a great price and its practically brand new so i wanted to have a decent place to store it.

[@farmark457]

Interesting information, can you boost another machine off them? Do they have technology to survive incorrect booster cable attempt? Just wondering. Thx

[@MyOldSled]

I believe there is information on the Company site, but I don’t think it is recommended.

[@MyOldSled]

Found this regarding Motorsport lithium batteries: It is not a good idea to “jump” a motorsport battery from a car or truck battery. It is much better to re-charge it if at all possible. On the top of each battery is a label that will specify the maximum amount of charging amps to use and a “jump” start from an automobile is about 150X more amperage than maximum amperage recommended, if not more. This can cause the cells to rupture and even catch on fire. This is true for all batteries, lithium or lead acid, if you must jump start the battery, do it from a like sized battery. A lead acid is much more tolerant than a lithium battery as they absorb the charge completely different. It is perfectly fine to jump start the EarthX battery from another motorcycle sized battery or use a jump pack.

[@farmark457]

My Old Sled Thx for the reply, didn’t know that about jumping a small battery with a larger one. Is it the amperage running through it that is the problem? As a side note my 2000 John Deere 345 lawn tractor still has the original battery and I do top it off regularly and can’t believe it’s still alive. Maybe better old technology. Thanks for the videos.

[@MyOldSled]

Yes, the higher amperage from the larger battery. You’re welcome! Thanks for watching them.

[@elizabethschounard7910]

Hello, I need some help starting my mxz 700. It has a pull start and hasn’t been riden for a year. I tried pull starting it today, and it wouldn’t budge. Maybe I’m not strong enough, but I was wondering if there was something different I could do. I put the key in, turned on the choke, put gas in it, checked everything, and it still wouldn’t budge and would not pull in a straight line, it would make stops, when I wasn’t. Please let me know.

[@MyOldSled]

If you pull the spark plugs out, can you pull it over? (Ignition off)

[@jeremydelarosa7605]

How do you still like your lithium battery? I heard they are a problem extremely cold weather. Im in manitoba -30 to - 50. Whats your take on it?

[@MyOldSled]

I have one in my atv which i use for plowing, so its starting my machine and running my winch and sitting long periods between. Sat for months and started up with no hesitation. Been in the machine since this video with no charge and no problems.

[@jeremydelarosa7605]

@@MyOldSled nice good to know! Thanks again

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Jeremy. Just doing a followup to this video so I thought I'd reach out. These batteries "official" operating temp is -30 to +60 C. Below -30 you may find you need to warm them up, or put some kind of battery blanket around them etc. Each time you try and start it will warm the battery up a bit so you may find you have to try a couple of times to start it. Beyond that I would reach out to the manufacturer.

[@krisjoha10]

Hello! i just bought a 2004 mxz 500ss,why do they call them 500 when its a 600cc engine? and what does "ss" mean?

[@MyOldSled]

Hi. Congrats! Hope you get lots if snow.... SS stands for short stroke. Its a 597 cc. The 600 has a different bottom end with a longer stroke.

[@rltkktlr]

Hey David hoping all is well, missing your videos! I just bought a Lithium battery for my snowmobile. Little confused on why you need a special charger, yet the snowmobile charging system I assume works just fine to keep it charged?

[@MyOldSled]

The sleds charging system doesn’t have a pulse/desulphate mode and won’t exceed safe charge rate.

[@rltkktlr]

Thank you

[@rltkktlr]

One more question David, well maybe 2, are you still running a lithium in your sled, and do you think the sleds charging system keeps it fully charged? Ie does it always start strong? Thanks. Great channel.

[@MyOldSled]

Hey Rlt. Good to see you. I took the one out of my sled to make a change to the battery box and never got back to putting it back in. I have had one in my ATV, which gets used more as it runs my winch for plowing. Never given me any trouble. Its been sitting on the shelf and I suspect it will start the sled with no issues…now I’m curious…

[@rltkktlr]

Understand. I’m going to give the EarthX a try I think, going with the ETZ14C, cheaper of the 4 for snowmobiles but excited to try. I went with a cheaper knockoff for my Assult, it’s ok but a little weak. Thanks for information. How’s the riding in your neck of the woods? We got 2 feet of snow here around duluth. Great for the most part. Did drop a lot of trees, and caused problems on the lake. But I’ll take it!

[@maximus3189]

Just curious. That's a lot of money for a battery. Would you know where that battery is manufactured?

[@MyOldSled]

I believe in the US

[@EarthX_Lithium_Batteries]

Hello Maximus, the batteries are made in Windsor, Colorado. In fact, we are in the process of a building a brand new manufacturing facility custom built for producing the EarthX batteries that we are very excited about.

[@connerrecoskie]

Post again! More ski doo content

[@MyOldSled]

Coming....

[@connerrecoskie]

Start posting again snow is coming soon!

[@SherlocckHolmez]

Waiting for the anti-lithium bots to find this.

[@MyOldSled]

LOL..All I can say is the one in my Sled and ATV have been working Perfectly since I installed them last winter. My ATV has never been so easy to start.