Do you guys have any experience with Dakota Lithium Trolling Motor Batteries? It’s time to replace the batteries on my Ranger and I really like what I am seeing with this brand. Are the Dakota Lithium batteries better than whatever else is out there? The price is high, but if they can deliver with what I am seeing on the Dakota Lithium Website, then these batteries might be worth it in my opinion.
Dakota claims twice the power of traditional batteries, 1/2 the weight, 5-times faster charging, and claim that they will last 4-times longer than any other battery. This is all backed by an impressive 11-year warranty. The details of the warranty can be found here. The battery weighs in at around 31 pounds.
How is this possible? The batteries are LiFePO4. What the heck is that? I thought the same thing. It turns out they are Lithium iron phosphate batteries. If you really want to know more, than read about them on Wikipedia.
DAKOTA LITHIUM BATTERY CHARGER
Check out this charger, it looks like a laptop charger with alligator clips. One of these chargers will charge two batteries in a serial or parallel configuration. This is stated in the notes section at the bottom of this page. Every battery comes with a charger.
How does this work if you have a 36V setup and a starting battery? Would you need more than one plug? How long would it take to charge 3 batteries that are low?
I know there are other companies that make LiFePO4 batteries, so I need to know what you guys have experience with, both good and bad. Please leave your comments below or send me a message here.
I’ve pre ordered mine (should ship June 10th) and customer service thus far has been great!
I’ll update after I get some use out of it!
Alright folks! End of a busy season here and I have the 54AH model and it arrived earlier than expected!
Boat: 1976 12.5ft Valco deep V
Motor: 12v 55lb Minn Kota PowerDrive
I can say that I’ve had this outlast my giant deep cycles hands down. I’ve been able to run this as long as needed on any of my trips and weight is never a factor. Multiple full day trips between the gas engine and the electric(trolling, shallows, pulling kids around) I’ve yet to drain this in one run. And many on electric only lakes as well. The deep cycle I would always notice after a couple hours start to lose that full power and the lithium keeps going.
Other than the boat due to the battery being light I also use it around the house and camping. Between inflating giant slip and slides, air mattresses, charging devices, LED fishing lights etc its been a great investment. I just hope it lasts as long as intended!
Jim, I have some experience with LiFePO4 batteries with a company called Amped Outdoors. They are a direct competitor to Dakota, I imagine they are very similar. I built a battery box for my ice fishing adventures, a 60amp hr. box. It weighs 18lbs total and all fits in a 50cal plastic ammo box. The power is amazing, it is not like lead acid, it is more efficient and it’s like the 60ah battery is equivalent to an 80ah lead acid battery. The owner of Amped Outdoors was incredibly helpful in my building of the box. I am sure he can answer all your questions. If I recall correctly his name is Scott?
Thanks so much! I will do a google search and take a look. Thanks bud!
Jim