AGM vs Lithium for Overlanding. Follow-up. My recommendations.

Will Prowse Youtube channel for solar and off grid applications:

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4xOverland is the world's largest global 4WD adventure motoring channel. Established in 1996, it is hosted by well known 4x4 writer, explorer and filmmaker, Andrew St Pierre White.

[PrimalOutdoors]

Great information Andrew, I am building the dual battery for my van and I have chosen to stick with AGM, but you make a very good point about still using a DC-DC charger over a single stage alternator. Though if I had my choice which I don't I already checked I would go with a dual alternator and the second alternator would be externaly regulated with a three stage regulator. The reason being is most DC-DC chargers use 50% more amps on the input than they output. So there is a slight cost in running them. Since I am using a 40 amp DC-DC charger I have also opted to upgrade my alternator to a high output alternator to make sure I have a enough amps to feed my vehicle to keep it running properly and feed my DC-DC.

Will Prowes is a great recourse very smart kid.

Jason

[stephenpwilks]

You are right Will knows everything about off grid systems .

[sierramantrvlnus]

I'm glad you're giving lithium a try. My recommendation is not to have it as a start battery, but used for the running of the rest of your gear. Will Prowse is phenomenal in his explanations and break down of a good lithium solar and charging system. Good video Andrew.

[HJ-brbs]

My odessey parallel agms may have quit holding charge after 10 years with zero issues...i Let them run a but low at about 10v due to leaving it connected to truck for the alarm for a couple months..I now figure it's best to park and store either disconnected or use a cheap recoverable wet cell on a float charge maintainer....

[MyDurbo]

Andew

A fantastic presentation on the Lithium / AGM debate. As a consumer retiring in twelve months to tour our great country your topic as always was well presented. Well done. Hopefully I will see around a camp fire shortly
Mark, Largs NSW

[traveleats]

Funny thing, I just stumbled onto your first video of Lithium vs AGM. so now I am watching this one and instantly notice the opening screen on 'Will Prowse Off-grid Solar' on your screen in the first 1 minute.!! He has some awesome information from everything on how to use a multi-meter to things like batteries in serial v Parallel..

After your first video I became a subscriber, this video just confirms it.

[colinross]

That's where I did most of my research on Lithium was Will Prowse videos. His battery tear downs are great. A young Sheldon. He's got it when it comes to electronics.

[mickmorgan]

Your the MAN to test these lithiums ANDREW, let us know the outcome THANK YOU take care, stay safe.

[TimsBitsnPieces]

A great additional follow up video and Yes, you are right people need to understand the differences between normal other types of batteries and Lithium batteries and their charging parameters. I have also been watching Will's channel for a while now and He also knows his stuff. Keep up the great work and I'm glad I've been following you for quite some time now it is paying large dividends to me now.

[markpalmer]

I think your summary in your garage was perfect. Spot on.

[frodoadventure]

Will P. is a superstar. Glad you plugged his channel Andrew--Will is a fantastic source of information for 12 and 24 volt syystems.

[swidahooverlanding]

Luckily I understand everything you are talking about. Use to build and fly RC aircraft at the time the the Li-Po batteries began to come into popularity a few years back. It was a learning curve for sure. Thanks for the update! See you on the trails, George.

[Escape.Idiocracy]

I still have a lot to learn, tons more reading.
It sounds to me like you are still running an AGM for your cranking battery and run an isolated lithium setup for your camping system.

If you have already done a video I am asking for- my apologies...

Can you walk through your system- the vehicle battery, through to your dc-dc charging system. Do you run off road lights on your lithium, or your agm vehicle- do you run your camp lights on the lithium... etc.

Your videos are awesome! I appreciate the time and detail you put into them. Thanks!

[alananderson]

Thank you Andrew. Another great video. It's great to have a resource like your channel. Personally, the agm batteries are still the way to go. Here in Canada with our temperatures I throw my automotive and motorcycles on the charger regularity. It's simplicity for me.

[philipbotha]

When talking of lithium it is important to note that there are three common chemistries: Lithium Ion, Lithium Iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and Lithium titanate (LTO).

LiFePO4 usually lasts around 3 000 80% DoD cycles. LTO can last up to 20 000 80% DoD cycles. LTO though has much lower capacity. LTO is the most robust and safest followed by LiFePO4.

LiFePO4 can last roughly 5 years if you are discharging it 100% every single day, an LTO would probably last 20 years. I would recommend LiFeP04 for mobile applications where energy density is an issue. I would not choose Lithium Ion.

[heathwellsNZ]

In the summary at the end there was a missed opportunity to stress a point that Heiner made in the previous (WELL worth the watch if you haven't already incidentally) video and that is: What is your intention for the vehicle? One of the main advantages for Lithium is the lifespan. If you are only intending to keep a vehicle for a short time (and even 3 to 5 years could be considered short) then why oh why spend considerable money for someone else to enjoy. If you are keeping the vehicle for a long time then Lithium is well worth the long-term investment for it's niche application of running the ancillary gear you want to have in your vehicle.
Thanks Andrew for these two videos!

[jamescullis]

Will Prowse has a fantastic forum as well as the youtube channel, an excellent source for beginners through to advanced for 12v solar/lithium, he provides free blueprints for solar setups, some of the products discussed American but generally universal.

[obadiaoracle]

Hi Andrew,
Another advantage of Lithiums are that they can be stored for relatively long periods (weeks, months) at partially charged levels between 20 and 90%, without sacrificing life expectancy.
Lead batteries life is reduced when not stored fully charged, with a trickle charger. Also, if they're not charged immediately after being used, the capacity is reduced, whereas Li batteries need not be charged immediately after use.
Thanks for all your informative videos...

[milesabove]

2022. I’m using 2x 120ah 12v lithium batteries in series for my 24v trolling motor on my boat.
Works perfect all day and night. Gets charged overnight on an agm profile just fine.
If I charge each battery separately at 12v on the lithium profile it makes no difference to the estimated run time.

[capt.stubing]

Great video, Will Prowse is truly an amazing resource if you really want to understand how things works.