LiFeP04 batteries are not a 1 to 1 replacement for a lead acid model. They come with some caveats that you have to observe. Make sure you know what to expect before you buy and know that your present battery charger just isn't going to work. Either buy a dedicated charger or a new model that is capable of charging all types of batteries. They don't need charging as often but as WW noted, charging them wrong can be fatal.Be sure to read the instructions, if any, that come with your LiFePo4 battery. My 50ah battery is not supposed to be hooked up to any more than a 10 amp charger. A friend of mine has killed two LiFePo4s using a 20 amp charger. At $200 a pop it's an expensive lesson.
I have a 36lb, 100ah dakota LiFePO4 with a dedicated 10A charger that came with the battery. 1/2 the weight, twice the useable amp hours, 3 times the lifespan, 3-4x the cost.
This article gives a good overview of what to expect and how to look after your new LiFePO4 battery. I will know in another 7 years if this was a good purchase. So far, so good
How to Find Happiness With LiFePO4 (Lithium-Ion) Batteries – Solacity
By: Rob Beckers You have just sold your first-born into slavery, remortgaged the house, and bought yourself a lithium-ion battery! Now you want to know how to take care of your precious new purchase: How to best charge lithium-iron batteries, how to discharge them, and how to get the maximum...www.solacity.com
This is important.and know that your present battery charger just isn't going to work
I have a 200-watt solar "suitcase" I use when in the big camper. But I go fishing in a little slide-in and tow the boat on a flat trailer, so no room. You would still need two batteries, so you could be charging one while using the other. Sometimes my buddy runs his generator, though, and I can plug the charger in there, so I'm good for five days or so.Solar panels baby!
On multiday trips I always have solar and a generator options for my trip.
Mike, your experience dovetails with my decades of buying things for my various interest. Almost without exception the highest price to be paid was by the local guy who seemed to assume that his business had a near exclusive on the product I wanted. The attitude was somehow that: I've started this business, now help me support it. No, if you can't survive without gouging people don't expect any sympathy from me. If I buy something for XXX dollars that I can get somewhere else for XX dollars I have made a poor decision.I have always used one of the 40-50lb deep cycle marine and rv batteries for my trolling motor, but this thread got me thinking. So I went in to my local battery store that has always been helpful, and where I have purchased most of my batteries. They had a 100Ah lithium battery but the cheapest one was over $1000 after tax! This LiFePO is a steal compared to the one in the shop. Exact same warranty, same Ah, not sure about size as I was only going off the picture for the LiFePO, but what a price difference. I try to buy local when I can, but not for 3x the price.