Lead acid dual batteries have their days numbered.

[Taco2Cruiser]

A little while ago, I decided I wouldn't waste money on a lead acid dual battery set up. A 35 group AGM has 60 amps of total power, but they don't like to be discharge below 30-40%. Plus they drop voltage as they discharge making 12v accessories like fridges not able to use all the power. So really you only get about 40 amps out of typical dual battery setup (just the auxiliary). That costs about a $1000, but you could also buy a 33amp lithium battery that could fit under one of the front seats. It would only weight about 10 lbs, and cost about $400. Lithium is a 1/3 the weight and can maintain their volatage almost to full discharge. Price is the killer right now for the bigger lithium batteries, but like anything, give it a short amount of time, and lead acid will be outdated.

Check this awesome 200 (and their on board air is pretty legit also, but in the US, we have a subwoofer in the way)

Meet Mr Grey - ARB Coopers Plains

 

[tabraha]

I've been looking hard at a lithium secondary setup in my 100 and yes amp hour per pound it's slick but good grief the premium is hard to swallow. I was looking at 100aH rated batteries though. Not sure on your pricing on a traditional dual batt setup. Mine was nowhere near a grand. Lithium can't touch lead in the dollar per amp hour dept. it's the size, weight and maintenance that sucks with conventional batts.

LiFePo4 will be the next big move in overlanding/off grid setups. With my dual batt system pretty well sorted in the 100 already I've considered tinkering around with a standalone lithium/solar system to run my fridge etc. That way I can feel my way through things and worst case I have my old faithful, but small in comparison battery bank to fall back on.

Thanks for the article. That is a seriously potent setup. $2500 just in batts!!!

 

[Chocolate]

The reduced weight of the lithium ion battery is welcome, who wouldn't want a 25 pound starter battery. Right now there are not many manufacturers of lithium ion automotive/marine batteries, any group 27F battery is over 1,000 dollars.

 

[Sandroad]

One of the drivers of the move from lead to lithium will be the boating/RV industry. We're already seeing lithium deep cycle set ups for campers wanting to dramatically reduce weight in mobile applications. Stationary applications like home/business for solar/wind where weight doesn't matter, lead will be around a long time because the cost is so low.

 

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

Interesting article but any weight savings by running Lith Ion versus Lead Acid is surely negated by all of the other "stuff" that we bolt on to our rigs. Lithium Ion seems to be the future but until they sort out all of the battery fires and make a safer product, one will not be in any of my Cruisers.

 

[mcgaskins]

Interesting article but any weight savings by running Lith Ion versus Lead Acid is surely negated by all of the other "stuff" that we bolt on to our rigs. Lithium Ion seems to be the future but until they sort out all of the battery fires and make a safer product, one will not be in any of my Cruisers.

Agreed. It makes sense on things like motorcycles and race cars but I can't see the cost/benefit to save a few pounds on a 3+ ton rig.