LearnedButt
Active Member
Is it worth it to go lithium for my battery or should I get another AGM?
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My thinking goes along with this. If the main benefit is goign to be longer lifespan, it really becomes a simple math problem. Does the extended life warrant the increase in price (also factoring in a new battery tender). The answer is pretty much a solid no. Good find on the AGM. Thanks for the tip, that's a good price.I considered this recently when I tested the battery, and it was weak under load, so time to get a new one.
I ended up getting an AGM ( YTZ14S) from Chromebattery.com for 38.10 ( 10% off coupon) including shipping. The most inexpensive Lithium battery is about 3X as expensive, and I really don’t think the Li battery will last 3 times as long- I usually get 4-5 years out of the AGM batteries.
I’ll wait for the price to drop…
AGM lasts longer than what? Longer than lithium?I went with a AGM from Walmart, $35. I'm a 4 season daily rider. Learned about cold weather riding below freezing in Denver. AGM batteries last longer.
@bigbird - great summary of the pro's and con's. I have a friend who put an EarthX LiFePO4 battery in his aircraft. He is on his fourth battery now. The first one, he accidentally shorted out and destroyed it instantly. (For AGM or standard lead acid, shorting the battery just produces a big spark, usually no harm done). The company was kind enough to send him a free (!) replacement. The second one had an 'internal error' on the controller. And the third died suddenly without warning. Maybe another brand would be better (or an automotive vs. aerospace version), but FYI YMMVPotential failure issues with the LiFePO4's built-in BMS (battery management system) electronics.
@bigbird - great summary of the pro's and con's. I have a friend who put an EarthX LiFePO4 battery in his aircraft. He is on his fourth battery now. The first one, he accidentally shorted out and destroyed it instantly. (For AGM or standard lead acid, shorting the battery just produces a big spark, usually no harm done). The company was kind enough to send him a free (!) replacement. The second one had an 'internal error' on the controller. And the third died suddenly without warning. Maybe another brand would be better (or an automotive vs. aerospace version), but FYI YMMV
¯\_(ツ)_/¯. The battery doesn't run the ignition system, just the electricals. The engine will keep running with a dead battery, but all of your radios, electrical instruments, and screens for navigation will go blank. And the starter motor.A dead battery on an Aircraft is slightly more inconvenient than with a motorcycle.