What Do You Know About Lead Carbon Batteries?
- Thread starter Rain City
- Start date
Rain City
Crew Member
I don't think I want to go that route. Still scares me a bit
I installed Discover Dry Cell batteries just under two years ago and they failed this summer with a perfect charging and use schedule (lowest discharge was 75% SOC) and always fully recharged. Canadian Energy is giving me a full refund or replacement batteries so no harm on my side, but I'm taking the opportunity to go to Lifepo4. Cost is way down and there are no safety issues if installed correctly. I'll be able to almost double my capacity, reduce weight by 110lbs, triple my charge rate, and extend time between replacements by years for around $1k. No brainer
Rain City
Crew Member
Well sure, make me look like an asshole why don't you?!
CBsqrd
Well-Known Member
Not really any different than your standard AGM battery. Same chemistry with some fancy terms applied. I didn’t find any benefit.
Either spend the money on Lithium or stick with an AGM. Lithium is nothing to be afraid of if installed correctly. Lead acid has many hazards as well, we’ve just been dealing with them for years so people are used them.
Either spend the money on Lithium or stick with an AGM. Lithium is nothing to be afraid of if installed correctly. Lead acid has many hazards as well, we’ve just been dealing with them for years so people are used them.
Alex_c
Well-Known Member
From the research I have done LC is slightly more energy-dense and offer somewhat more charge/discharge cycles for a fairly significant added cost.
I just upgraded from AGM to LiFePO4 in my trailer and it’s a game changer. Bluetooth BMS means I can get accurate SoC, and charge/discharge currents from my phone. I was camping for 5 nights last week and only drew them down to 80% with a small (+6%) charge from my solar panels. That’s running lights, vent fan, fridge, water pump, inverter, charging phone etc. Modern BMS are quite safe, so if you go that route, be sure to get one with low temp charging cutoff, as not all of them have that feature.
This is strictly for house batteries obviously - there are only a couple Lithium batteries out there that can operate as starting batteries and frankly I don’t think they’re worth it.
That being said, AGM house batteries are probably the way to go if you’re weary about lithium. Under a grand for 200Ah is pretty good. Realistically you’ll get the equivalent of 120 usable amp hours based on a 60% discharge, which AGMs can handle based on my research and experience. After 4 years of use and a few deep discharges, my AGM is at around 95% of its original capacity, as measured with a 3.8A load, drawing down to a 50% SoC (12.15V) over 12.5 hours.
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Finally figured out what I'm good at, and I wasn't even tryingWell sure, make me look like an asshole why don't you?!
zurk
Well-Known Member
lead carbon is slightly better than AGM but not by much. i suggest lifepo4. risks are fairly minimal at this point. a good system will be terminated with fuses at the battery terminals. use T fuses (preferred) or ANL. I use ANL on my powerboat and T fuses on the yacht.
ca.renogy.com
Add on a sterling APD - https://sterling-power.com/products/alternator-open-circuit-protection-device
and you have a much better solution than lead carbon or AGM.
ca.renogy.com
these will also work as start batteries.
20A/30A/40A/60A/100A/200A/300A/400A ANL Fuse Set w/ Fuse
The Renogy 20A MC4 Solar ANL Fuse Holder offers complete system protection with gold/nickel-plated terminals, high-quality materials, and a protective cover, and includes free shipping.
ca.renogy.com
and you have a much better solution than lead carbon or AGM.
Pro- 12V 200Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery w/ Bluetooth & Self-Heating
Renogy 12V 200Ah Pro LiFePO4 Battery is set to revolutionize how you experience remote living and adventures by providing unmatched safety, reliability, and convenience in all conditions.
ca.renogy.com
DL+ 12V 640Ah Dual Purpose LiFePO4 Battery
A 12V 640Ah LFP LiFePO4 battery with CAN bus and internal heating for charging in extreme cold. Best battery for solar, off grid homes, RVs and sailboats.
dakotalithium.com
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