Trolling Motor Batteries - Lead Acid vs AGM vs Lithium LiFePO4. Is Lithium Worth It? Pros & Cons

[@skyblazerrc7228]

Thanks great info!

[@verdeanpetersen8350]

What is the story about having a special charger. Can I use my solar pannel.

[@KokaneeAddictFishing]

Lithium charges and maintains at different voltages than a AGM or lead acid so you want to make sure you use a charger that supports lithium. I’m not a solar expert but you should be able to charge with solar as long as you use a charge controller that supports lithium.

[@jayirvine2693]

thanks for all your help. I purchased 2 of the batteries that you recommended and my first time out i was able to troll 6 hours and still had 25% charge remaining.

[@KokaneeAddictFishing]

Thanks for the feedback and report!

[@gcslade7487]

Great detail and summary. I just upgraded my RV with solar and lithium batteries made by Lion energy and based in Utah. So far the Li Lion energy LE1300 batteries have been awesome and makes we wish I upgraded to Li batteries sooner. I will be upgrading my costco /interstate lead acid trolling batteries in my Lund boat soon and appreciate the research you've provided. As you clearly detailed, a downside to Li batteries is the cold issues and it is something that concerns me when putting into my boat that is stored in an unheated garage or when traveling or out on the water on in very cold Oct / Nov. mornings. For my RV, I purchased a battery heating mat / box that allows the battery to heat itself when temps get below freezing that may work on my boat as well?

[@KokaneeAddictFishing]

Glad to hear they have been working good in your RV. I think the heating mat would work for your boat also. They just need to be over 32 deg to safely charge. I would recommend getting one that has the cold weather protection so it won't charge unless its warm enough just in case your heater has issues, etc.

[@gcslade7487]

@@KokaneeAddictFishing Another consideration on-board battery chargers in boats / RV's were designed for lead acid or AGM and don't put out a high enough charge voltage to fully charge Li batteries * (80% only) . Li needs to be 14.4 + volts, not the 13.7 or so the current charger profile uses for a float charge. My solar panels controller on my RV are set-up to top off the Li batteries whereas on the boat I will need to either change the on-board charger to an Li compatible version or use an external Li designed charger to top off and get to full charge.

[@KokaneeAddictFishing]

@@gcslade7487 You are correct. I ended up upgrading to a NOCO onboard charger that is lithium compatible - bit.ly/3bYYkWv

[@verdeanpetersen8350]

I have always connected a low amp trickle charger, to my lead acid and moved the batteries in the garage. Lithium are lighter and no acid and can be easily moved indoors.

[@nickparkermtns]

Great video. One thing you didn't mention is that if LiFePO4 batteries are to be stored for a while (off season for example, for a few months), they should not be stored with a full charge. They should be stored at about 50% capacity. This is of course different from lead acid batteries, which should be stored at full charge.

[@KokaneeAddictFishing]

Thanks for the Tip!

[@willieduncan8103]

So if I wanted a lithium on my boat to power my sound system and accessories, can I have an agm deep cycle starter battery to start the boat and have the lithium to power the rest with no problems? I know I’d need some sort of switch. Also would my alternator charge the lithium while engine is running ? I think it has to have dc power to charge lithium but how can I get that besides just plugging it up.

[@fatfreddyscat5173]

Thanks much for this very informative vid! d:^)

[@keepthemgold1]

This perfect timing. Thanks for putting this together.

[@KokaneeAddictFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joeyd1841]

I have agm batteries on my boat with no issues.