Hey team, I'm looking to upgrade my battery on our 2016+ when it comes time for replacment. Really like to go to the dakota lithium 60Ah lifepo4 for longevity and versatility. I'm aware the charging profile/voltage is different for this chemistry and I'll mitigate that soon with a victron dc-dc controller. I was curious if anyone had taken any measurements on the charging amperage the alternator puts out currently. Limit for the 60Ah is 60amps. I know it's a 180amp alternator but wasn't sure it actually put that out to charge the battery. I know the victron will manage that too but wanted to get the battery in now and come back to the charge controller installation next paycheck without damaging the battery. Any info or points to threads are appreciated.
Actual alternator charging amperage? Dakota lithium 60Ah starter battery upgrade....
- Thread starter kdubbya
- Start date
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Lithium batts aren't designed for starting current nor for underhood temps. They're for long use and deep discharge.
My advice would be to get a high quality replacement lead acid (not AGM) for the starting battery. I use the Toyota True Start but there are other quality batts out there. And I wouldn't compromise my starting system with an inline DCDC. Keep the truck side electrical all OE and it will serve you well.
Old school lead acid batts do great in the intended role. If you need something for a house batt consider a Goal Zero, Jackery, or build out your own.
My advice would be to get a high quality replacement lead acid (not AGM) for the starting battery. I use the Toyota True Start but there are other quality batts out there. And I wouldn't compromise my starting system with an inline DCDC. Keep the truck side electrical all OE and it will serve you well.
Old school lead acid batts do great in the intended role. If you need something for a house batt consider a Goal Zero, Jackery, or build out your own.
bloc
SILVER Star
Yeah, my big question would be why the need for the Dakota over FLA in the first place?
This
Not 100% duty cycle high current battery. And under hood temps can exceed the 167.
Sounds like you really want this to work. Which it could, for a while. But it’s taking a well-engineered solution and making it fragile. It’s just not a wise choice.
And, FWIW, the Dakota brand has some really good marketing but in my research the Battleborn is the Toyota of Li Batts.
Yeah, people get bent on using Lithium for starting batteries and almost always end up going back after a year or so. Arguing with them is a moot point in my opinion
Seems like wants to add a bunch of extra parts to a usually very simple system
Depending where ya live, lithiums don’t like to crank in low temps. I learned this the hard way on my old GSA1200 moto. Put back old lead acid and it fired right up.
There are 3 experienced members on here who have said don’t do it, and I’ll make it a 4th. If you absolutely must have lithium under the hood for a starting battery, reverse your plans and install all the complex charging system for it first.
I have had a Dakota Dual DL+ 135Ah Battery on order since September; they were having production issues and hope it ships out in January. I plan to install as a second battery for deep cycle loads (fridge, lights, etc) and as an emergency backup for starting. Similar setup as @gluaisrothai
What have you done to your 200 Series this week? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-have-you-done-to-your-200-series-this-week.818471/post-15443181. Will have the RedArc 25A DC-DC charger and a high amp solenoid for momentary connection to the main start FLA battery for emergency backup and boost power if I install a winch.
I am very impressed with the specs on the Dakota battery, but I would not give up my reliable FLA battery for starting and do question if the Dakota would survive reliably starting our big 5.7l engines if used as the main start battery.
What have you done to your 200 Series this week? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-have-you-done-to-your-200-series-this-week.818471/post-15443181. Will have the RedArc 25A DC-DC charger and a high amp solenoid for momentary connection to the main start FLA battery for emergency backup and boost power if I install a winch.
I am very impressed with the specs on the Dakota battery, but I would not give up my reliable FLA battery for starting and do question if the Dakota would survive reliably starting our big 5.7l engines if used as the main start battery.
I have had a Dakota Dual DL+ 135Ah Battery on order since September; they were having production issues and hope it ships out in January. I plan to install as a second battery for deep cycle loads and an emergency backup for starting. Similar setup as gluaisrothai - https://forum.ih8mud.com/members/gluaisrothai.180031/
forum.ih8mud.com
What have you done to your 200 Series this week?
Buddy of mine helped build it, 1 off right now as we work out how it performs at Moab. Frame mounts were all table cut though so could be replicated. We’re using the E3 latch, and a stinger design because I was worried about a regular tire plate carrier flexing too much with the 37. The swing...
forum.ih8mud.com
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
Just wondering...
What happens with cold temperatures and charging? Most Lithium batteries don't charge below freezing unless they're internally self-heated. I would ASSume that a car battery would have this under control but I couldn't tell from a quick check on their website.
I wouldn't bother with this myself. However, I currently have an AGM as my 2nd battery. Lithiums have come a long way for use under the hood and I'd consider adding a Lithium as a 2nd battery charged via a DC-DC charger.
What happens with cold temperatures and charging? Most Lithium batteries don't charge below freezing unless they're internally self-heated. I would ASSume that a car battery would have this under control but I couldn't tell from a quick check on their website.
I wouldn't bother with this myself. However, I currently have an AGM as my 2nd battery. Lithiums have come a long way for use under the hood and I'd consider adding a Lithium as a 2nd battery charged via a DC-DC charger.
The Dakota 135ah has internal heating to support charging below 32F. I was more concerned with excess heat during slow summer crawls so I made an active cooling system.
forum.ih8mud.com
Function and capacity have been excellent. I run a fridge pretty much all the time and Starlink a lot of the time…topped up with the 25A DCDC and 200W of roof solar.
Engine Bay Temp Data Logging Thread
There was some discussion in the the 'what have you done this week' thread regarding the temperature impact to Li batteries mounted under the hood. I currently have an X2Power AGM in the Slee bracket. I mounted a little data logger to the engine side battery terminal just to see what was going...
forum.ih8mud.com
Function and capacity have been excellent. I run a fridge pretty much all the time and Starlink a lot of the time…topped up with the 25A DCDC and 200W of roof solar.
Most lithium batteries that is. The prices will make your eyes water but check out DCS' batteries. The DCS sole US distributor is in your neck of the woods too in Lake Oswego, OR.
Have a 75Ah in the 200 and a 180Ah from them in our trailer. Carl is great to deal with.
A 75Ah lipo battery is like having a 150Ah AGM/FLA battery given its usable capacity profile. The size/weight/capacity tradeoffs made the price tag livable for me.
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