Ask another traveller which is the best battery for your caravan, and you’ll quickly find yourself in the debate of AGM vs lithium.
AGM is the more traditional option – but that’s because for a long time it was the only option! Then along came lithium batteries promising higher efficiency and better life cycles in a lightweight package.
Suddenly Aussie caravanners everywhere had a decision to make: AGM or lithium?
In this article we weigh up AGM vs lithium to help you decide on the right battery for your caravan.
Read On For Our AGM VS Lithium Review:
Battery Capacities
In the battle of AGM vs lithium, the first factor to consider is battery capacity.
This is where lithium batteries always come out on top. They pack more energy into smaller, lightweight package which is ideal for RV, caravan and 4WD adventures.
Size & Weight Comparison Example
Enerdrive eLITE 100Ah Lithium Battery:
Dimensions: 310 x 170 x 236 mm (L x W x H)
Net Weight: 19.2 Kg
Average100Ah AGM Battery:
Dimensions: 483 x 170 x 241 mm (L x W x H)
Net Weight: 42.5 Kg
Hot tip! Check out the Enerdrive B-TEC 200Ah Slim Metal Case Lithium Battery. It packs a punch with 200A of power, yet doesn't compromise your precious storage space.
Depth Of Discharge & Cycle Life
Next, consider the battery’s depth of discharge (DoD) – this is the percentage of the battery that’s been discharged relative to its overall capacity. E.g 100% depth of discharge (DoD) = all the batteries capacity has been used.
There is a relationship between DoD and cycle life for all batteries. One battery cycle is counted each time you discharge and recharge your battery. The lower the depth of discharge the more cycles the batteries will give you.
Lithium batteries are able to be discharged to a very high percentage and with a very high cycle life. Therefore, over the lifespan of the battery you will get more useable amp hours. For example, when comparing cycle lifes, we can see the figures for a Victron Lithium 100Ah battery below:
80% DoD - 2500 cycles
70% DoD - 3000 cycles
50% DoD - 5000 cycles
Whereas if you were to discharge an AGM battery to 80%, the maximum cycle life you would see is around 750 cycles.
Therefore, in the showdown of AGM vs lithium, it’s a no-brainer as you get more bang for your buck with lithium!
Applications
When it comes to AGM vs lithium applications, AGM has the edge. It offers a range of hybrid batteries which you can use for cranking and deep cycle. Most lithium batteries cannot be used as a cranking battery.
More About Size & Weight
This is a battle that lithium batteries win outright. AGM lead acid batteries contain more lead, which obviously makes them much heavier than their lithium counterparts. Lithium batteries are renowned for being a more compact, lightweight option – in fact, lithium batteries can save up to 70% of the volume and weight compared to similar traditional lead batteries. That’s a huge saving, and one your RV will thank you for.
Cost
If it’s a cheap battery you’re after, AGM batteries could seem like the obvious choice. They are cheaper than lithium batteries, simply because they are the cheapest battery type to make.
But that doesn’t mean they are cheaper in the long term. While you pay more for a lithium battery, the higher performance and longevity mean you get better value in the long run. Best of all, innovations in the technology mean the price is dropping fast.
If you buy a lithium battery bundle, you can save money and get everything you need for your caravan power system.
AGM Batteries We Recommend:
Power AGM:
Power AGM batteries are reliable and built tough. With a range from 55Ah to 270Ah, their 135Ah deep cycle battery is very popular with our AGM customers. These batteries are designed to be used in caravans, RV's, boats, ATV's and even forklifts. All Power AGM batteries come with a two year warranty for private use. Check out this battery and battery box combo for a quick and easy portable setup.
Zeal:
The Zeal AGM range offers a reliable, maintenance free unit with low self-discharge, giving you a great value for money option. Choose 7Ah, 105Ah and 125Ah options.
Lithium Batteries We Recommend:
Enerdrive:
The Enerdrive ePower B-TEC lithium batteries all come with a built in Smart Phone monitoring system and an Internal Battery Management System or BMS. The BMS monitors each cell in the battery to protect the battery from over charge, over discharge, over temperature and short circuit.
The 200Ah ePower is a great choice and our most popular model for caravan owners. For a smaller price tag, the Enerdrive Elite 100Ah battery is a stripped back version of the ever popular 100Ah B-TEC Lithium battery. Check out the new 300Ah lithium battery from Enerdrive, ideal for running a 3000W inverter and powering high current appliances like induction cooktops.
Renogy:
If you're hesitiant about the larger cost of lithium batteries, Renogy might be the brand for you. Although they are heavier than most brands, they come at a much lower price point, and still offer the standard benefits of lithium plus a 5 year warranty. Their Core Series Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phophate batteries come in 100Ah, 200Ah, and 300Ah options.
Invicta:
What do we love most about the Invicta lithium batteries? The huge 7-year warranty – never before seen in the market until now. Invicta offers a range of lithium batteries in 12V, 24V & 36V and 9Ah right through to 300Ah. Check out Invicta's hybrid lithium range designed for both deep cycle and engine cranking applications.
Deep Cycle Systems:
DCS offer a range of both traditional and slimline lithium batteries that are an ideal upgrade to existing AGM, Gel or other Lead Acid batteries. They offer advantages in weight, performance, reliability and service life so you don't have to worry about running out of power half way through your trip. All batteries also feature a comprehensive Bluetooth system allowing you to forgo the need for a battery monitor. Many DCS lithium batteries can even be mounted under the bonnet and be used for engine cranking - this is a revolutionary innovation from a local manufacturer!
Victron:
Victron is a global leader in off grid power solutions and build their products to last in the harshest conditions. Victron produces Gel, AGM and Lithium deep cycle batteries in all sizes and voltages.
The Victron 200Ah 12.8V Smart LiFePO4 Lithium Battery is a ideal solution for people want to run high powered inverters. Other batteries limit the amount of continuous discharge current available, and therefore limit the size of inverter you can power. This battery will have no trouble powering an inverter up to 3000W. Installation of this battery is a little more involved, an external Victron Battery Management system and Victron Battery Monitor is required to install this battery. A battery management system (BMS) and Battery monitor are available from the accessories list on each Victron Lithium Battery.
Zeal:
Zeal is a budget-friendly lithium battery range which gives you power and performance without all the bells and whistles. Backed by SPB, which has over 25 years of experience in the energy storage industry, Zeal lithium doesn’t disappoint when you want a sturdy, reliable battery.
Baintech:
Baintech has a slimline lithium battery range. This is ideal if you need to fit your battery unit in a tight space. Some slimline lithium battery models even have a built in DC to DC charger. The entire range has a BMS system and are incredibly lightweight too.
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Pro Tip: Check out the Lithium Battery Power Bundles and caravan battery packs. Whether you want an off-grid 4x4 bundle, battery plus solar panel combo, or just a new battery, you’ll find what you need in our store.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
Comments (5)
Add lithium
Hi my battery box is outside in front of the wheel ,a steel box with lots of ventilation but it may get wet if travelling in wet weather is this ok to fit my lithium battery ?By: Mal on 02 February 2024
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
This is a great question, Lithium batteries are designed to be stored and used in dry locations. It would be best practice to ensure your investment stays clean and dry.
Battery conversion to lithium and ventilation requ
Trakka, makers of my van, declined to give me advice on converting to lithium batteries as they say the requirements to seal the batteries in a box and provide ventilation are too difficult. Has anyone experience of this requirement please?By: Andy Lloyd on 18 December 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Andy, the new changes are easy to adapt. The Lithium batteries need to be isolated from anything else in the van. So for example if your batteries will be stored under your kitchen bench seats, they need to be partitioned from the rest of the storage area. Vented to the outside wall of the caravan and the lid sealed with a gasket and latch rather than just a hole on a piece of board. Enerdrive have also released a fitting guide in line with the changes and you can find it here https://enerdrive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ENERDRIVE-DOMETIC-Guide-For-Fitting-Batteries.pdf Please don't hesitate to contact us on 1800 787 278 if you have any further questions.
Solar and batteries
Hi we just had our hibrid checked as our batteries were not charging,they said we need to put three new batteries at the moment we are using AGM is it better to change them to lithium and what price would this be.By: Normell Ward on 28 February 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi, there is shift in consumers moving to lithium. They are lighter to carry therefore reducing your overall towing weight. They can also discharge more than the AGM battery so you can essentially get more out of your lithium. Feel free to reach out to the team using our Live Chat function or give us a call on 1800 787 278 for more information!
Conversation to lithium
Hello. I currently have two 100 amp deep cycle sealed lead acid in our caravan. Wondering if advice / guidance is available on what a conversion to lithium would entail and cost as I finď much of the information from various sources very confusing. Thank youBy: Roger on 05 October 2022
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi! Changing over to lithium seems a little confronting, we are here to help though. Feel free to give us a call on 1800 787 278 or jump on our live chat and we can help navigate you through the process
