Seedc2

iTrader: (1)

Standard battery has just died, the odyssey batteries have always appealed to me due to size and weight but have heard that they don’t last long? How is lithium, anybody running one?

Also for those running smaller batts, what type of mounting are you using?

zeroptzero

Lithium are awesome if you don't mind the price. A nice alternative is Braille AGM batteries, smaller and lightweight, but they still have great CCA, and they aren't toy batteries like the Odyssey, I had my Braille battery for years and never failed me even after sitting in my garage for 2 months without use. Their 15-17 lb battery is a nice balance between power and weight.

thadon805

iTrader: (3)

i had a braille 15lb i think.. recently found out deka is the original brand... braille just rebadges them. $200 for braille or $80~ for deka
cant go wrong

Seedc2

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the info, which Deka AGM battery did you get?

dave7

What do people think about optima batteries? Overpriced?

tony_2018

overpriced, def not like they used to be. lithium? nice weight lost, big price though.

itrdave

Had Scorpion Li (model 51913) in R for about 3 yrs. No problems but you do have to warm them up below 40 F before starting engine (run lights for 1-2 min). Prices have increased on this particular battery from 149 to 211 over the last 3 yrs... Would not recommend them for colder climates.

itrdave

Just noticed Advance now selling lithium batteries - biggest one is 4 lb for only $120 and can probably get 15-20% online discount from them on top of that...

itrdave

As luck would have it, my 2.9 yr old Scorpion lithium battery just died because I left the hatch partially open and it sat for 3 days like that while the stupid hatch actuator drew current on the battery...

Picked up Advance LFP-8 (biggest one they have) at 4.1 lb, $120 list price ($96 after 25% online coupon code).

Seedc2

iTrader: (1)

Quick question on lithium batteries, are we able to use battery tenders on them?

Dave, do you know if the LFP-8 is plug and play or will we need new mounting hardware and terminals?

itrdave

I have a lithium battery tender which has a charge algorithm tuned for lithium batteries, however, I suspect you can use any battery tender and it would work because these batteries are properly charge-maintained with any automotive or motorcycle charging system which works on lead-acid and lithium etc.

Here is pic of LFP-8 in ITR. The terminals can be rotated and have threaded M6 holes. I reversed the ground cable, attaching the loop end to the body with some washers to keep loop from interfering with body. Note there are 2 sets of terminals on the battery to allow a single battery to be used with any cable arrangement. The terminals just screw into whichever ones you want to use. I have since put tape over the other set of terminal ports (barely seen as 2 small gold circles that are mostly recessed with threaded holes).

Seedc2

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the photo Dave! Nifty, just curious as to why you opted to run the cables without use of terminals? What is the foil housing for?

Personally, i'd prefer to keep the look relatively OEM, so I do prefer running the cables on terminals. Does it require a specific size? Thanks again for the help!

itrdave

Terminals add weight - my objective is to minimize weight. You could buy screw-in terminals from Advance etc - not sure if they have M6 studs - if not you could drill out the battery terminal holes or make an adapter plate.

I have a sheet of radiant barrier insulation (can get roll of it at Lowes) wrapped around the battery to keep engine heat away from it. I also use this material to shroud a short-ram intake filter from the exhaust manifold heat etc - works extremely well.

hungsteR

What's that look like?

itrdave

Looks kinda like this - and yes, that is duct tape !. Radiant barrier is super light and amazingly effective insulator. I know a guy that wrapped his entire house in it (under the siding) !

tony_2018

Good idea. Didn't think about a radiant barrier.

Seedc2

iTrader: (1)

Dave, I was able to track down a battery, will be picking it up tonight. Would you please link me to the radiant barrier you've used on the battery?

Hypothetically, if my lithium battery gets low, is jump starting using another vehicle an option? In addition do you have any rec's on lithium chargers/tenders-- Trying to cover all my bases lol

itrdave

Can get roll of radiant barrier at Lowes / Home Depot in the insulation section - about 16-18 inches x 10 ft or something

Not entirely sure about jump starting dead LFP batteries with another vehicle - might want to investigate that. If that's a problem, can always carry a very small LFP battery for that purpose (they have very long shelf-life without need for charging)

I have the Battery Tender Jr that is specifically for lithium batteries, but they now have one that works with either lithium or lead-acid (022-0199-DL-WH) - $35 on Amazon

Good luck.

dave7

Seems like switching to lithium battery is more headache than it's worth?

itrdave

If you don't care about weight reduction, then lithium is not the way to go. If you do, and live in a suitably warm climate, then it's well worth the issues. Carrying a small lithium backup jump-start battery is actually a very good thing (1 lb, relatively cheap, rarely need to charge/top off) - you don't need somebody else's vehicle to jump start...

Seedc2

iTrader: (1)

Cool, almost have the full setup. I'm familiar with using battery tenders on lead batteries, but on lithium, is it the same deal to keep them connected at all times?

Thanks again for all your help!

itrdave

If you got the LFP-8, it probably has about 8 Ah reserve capacity (compared with 21 for the stock battery). It all comes down to how much current draw there is with engine off and how long between drives. My car has no A/C or radio and draws very little current with engine off. When I first installed the Scorpion battery, I checked resting voltage each day the car would sit to see how quickly it was falling off. That gave me high confidence to go at least 10 days without worry. I have had no issues leaving car for 10 days between drives (battery still had near full charge). Therefore, I don't use the charger since the car never sits for more than 10 days.

The charger is just like any other charger - it has lights to show state (charging, full etc). You can leave it on overnight or all the time. You will have to decide if/when to use it.

dpine

I believe this is the product from lowes
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Reflectix-R...5-ft-L/1014123