AGM vs Lithium??

[Rebolator]

I am struggling to find the "right" answer on which battery should be the heart of my system. I am building out an enclosed trailer for sled hauling and winter camping. Based on my calculations (most of my stuff is DC, but I'm planning on an inverter for AC applications), I am planning on getting a ~200Ahr battery.
Wish list to include a light, streamlined system - one battery, not two - no generator, solar-powered - with either a truck alternator recharge or shore power/converter as supplemental

I've been looking at lithium-ion options (i.e. https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/270ah-12v-lifepo4-deep-cycle-gc3-battery/) but various buddies are insistent that the price isn't worth it/necessary.
AGM options abound, and at much better prices - (https://www.renogy.com/deep-cycle-agm-battery-12-volt-200ah/) but also appear to add weight/builk

 

[Joe917]

First the two batteries you link are not remotely comparable, that Battleborn has 3X the effective capacity of the Renogy.
I would also argue that AGM's are not worth it compared to flooded lead acid.
How many Ahrs do you need? If it is 200Ahr you need a 400Ahr lead battery.
How important is weight? that is a big factor between the two.
Can you regularly (at least once a week) get your battery bank back to full charge? For lead this means solar or shore power. This is essential for long lead acid battery life. If that is not possible then go LiFePo4

 

[Ninelitetrip]

I stumbled across this YT of a trailer setup. Far more than what you maybe looking for, but maybe useful. Key thing is that they used Silicate Salt batteries on the install. Perhaps something to consider. Installer in the video is also the dealer. Based in Utah.

Batteries – Watts247 Wholesale

watts247.com

 

[Joe917]

I stumbled across this YT of a trailer setup. Far more than what you maybe looking for, but maybe useful. Key thing is that they used Silicate Salt batteries on the install. Perhaps something to consider. Installer in the video is also the dealer. Based in Utah.

Batteries – Watts247 Wholesale

watts247.com

The Silicate salt battery looks very promising.

https://shopsolarkits.com/products/genezen-100ah-advanced-silicate-salt-battery-deep-cycle-solar-battery?variant=34361364512908

 

[john61ct]

Forget bleeding edge.

LFP aka LiFePO4 is well proven at 3.2Vpc, 4S makes 12V.

Do not use li-ion chemistries at 3.6-3.7Vpc.

Lead is tried and true, 1/7th the price per usable Ah, 1/4 the lifespan and triple the weight & volume.

Yes FLA is better value than AGM.

The best battery value in the world by far is Duracell (actually Deka/East Penn) FLA deep cycle golf cart batteries, 2x6V, around $200 per 200+AH @12V pair from BatteriesPlus or Sam's Club.

NAPA relabels it here: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBP8144 Deka self-labeled also sold at Lowes.

But yes two batts, 60lb each

No matter what, 120+ lbs required to get 200+Ah worth of lead.

Note that is only 100Ah usable, double that if you actually need to use 200Ah per cycle.

Takes 7+ hours input to get back to 100% Full, most cycles for longevity.

LFP has no such flaw, can recharge in 2-3 hrs if you have the amps, and it lives longer if it **doesn't** sit at high SoC%

 

[Ninelitetrip]

You mention winter camping, so here is some cold temperature testing on a Bolt Ultra Silicate Salt Battery..

 

[Ninelitetrip]

The Silicate salt battery looks very promising.

https://shopsolarkits.com/products/genezen-100ah-advanced-silicate-salt-battery-deep-cycle-solar-battery?variant=34361364512908

Initial impression, yes it does. The dealer, Watts247 also have their own branded larger capacity batteries Besides the Genezen Bolt Ultra.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

Re flooded LA Vs AGM - my experience.
I traditionally used flooded LA for crank batteries and AGMs for the house. I could not work out why the AGMs lasted 5 - 9 years and the flooded LAs lasted 2 - 3 years, so I tried an AGM as a crank and lo and behold it lasted 9 years.
Why?
We travel lots of corrugations - hundreds of km at a time sometimes. The flooded LAs simply shake to pieces internally. The plates in the AGMs are fully supported and stay together.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[john61ct]

Only certain (and few) lead battery brands/models are suitable for true deep cycle use.

Besides EPM/Deka, good FLA include Others include Rolls/Surette, Trojan, U.S. Battery, Crown and Superior.

Only.

If you truly want or need AGM, then

Odyssey, Northstar & Lifeline are the good makers in NA.

 

[Teardropper]

Keep in mind, you can't charge a lithium battery below 32º. You'll have to keep it in a heated area while charging.

T

 

[billiebob]

I am struggling to find the "right" answer on which battery should be the heart of my system. I am building out an enclosed trailer for sled hauling and winter camping. Based on my calculations (most of my stuff is DC, but I'm planning on an inverter for AC applications), I am planning on getting a ~200Ahr battery.
Wish list to include a light, streamlined system - one battery, not two - no generator, solar-powered - with either a truck alternator recharge or shore power/converter as supplemental

I've been looking at lithium-ion options (i.e. https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/270ah-12v-lifepo4-deep-cycle-gc3-battery/) but various buddies are insistent that the price isn't worth it/necessary.
AGM options abound, and at much better prices - (https://www.renogy.com/deep-cycle-agm-battery-12-volt-200ah/) but also appear to add weight/builk

I'm leaning to AGM since I;ve had it in the past. But the reason I won't consider Lithium is because they say Lithium is going to be replaced by some better, longer lasting, cleaner technology in the next year.

 

[billiebob]

I stumbled across this YT of a trailer setup. Far more than what you maybe looking for, but maybe useful. Key thing is that they used Silicate Salt batteries on the install. Perhaps something to consider. Installer in the video is also the dealer. Based in Utah.

Batteries – Watts247 Wholesale

watts247.com

good video, tons of detail, typical tradesman messy install but thats the nature of the industry

I've never seen this in a home or RV


not sure I'd trust glue to hold the solar panels, I'd definitely use 4 bolts for each panel

 

[craig333]

Only certain (and few) lead battery brands/models are suitable for true deep cycle use.

Besides EPM/Deka, good FLA include Others include Rolls/Surette, Trojan, U.S. Battery, Crown and Superior.

Only.

If you truly want or need AGM, then

Odyssey, Northstar & Lifeline are the good makers in NA.

I rolled the dice on the chinese Vmax batteries and so far, five years in, I'm very happy with them. I expect to get another five years out of them.