[Steve]

I was not planning on doing a cost comparison on LI vs AGM until about a year from now which is when I would plan on changing out the Lifelines but with the latest round of discussions it was bugging me so I did. This comparison is for my coach and my needs. It does not consider the reputation of the manufacturer or their products but does use their claims. I personally would not consider Starlight for many reasons but would consider looking into companies like Smart Batteries at lithiumion-batteries.com or Relion. For this excercise I used the Smart Batteries technology and prices. I have (6) Lifeline 8D batteries rated at 255 AH each for a total of 1,530 AH. Using Jon’s rule of thumb for maintaining a reliable bank for 5 years I would only consider using a max of 1/2 of the capacity or 765 AH. Personally, I will pay for someone else to install the Lifelines and they can deal with disposal and the risk of injury. So I figure 2 hours (@$120/hr) worth of labor to swap out the batteries, clean the terminals and properly torque the connections. I’ll ignore the initial installation so for years 5 and 10 the combined labor will be $480. For the batteries: (6) @ 600 each = $3,600 over 15 years it is $10,800 again, this is using Jon’s method of comparison. Total over 15 years for labor and materials is $11,280.

The Smart battery costs $3,000 for a 12 vdc 8D 260 AH direct drop in replacement. The 260 AH rating is all completely usable so I would need (3) batteries for 780 AH to match the 765 AH of the Lifelines (at 50%). Apples to apples AH hour comparison is $11,280 – $9,000 = $2,280 benefit for the LI.

Add an additional battery for a total cost of $12,000 and now the Lifelines are ahead by $720. Per year, this equates to a difference of $48 per year. But you will run the generator less, use less fuel while travelling (lighter weight) and avoid the hastle (especially as a full timer) of having to order and install the new batteries. Now I have an N+1 system that can be taken down to a 32% of discharge in comparison to my exising system with no ill effects. It will also help offset any reduction that will likely occur over 15 years. However, you can always add another battery.

They also have a 300 AH version, for whatever it is worth, at a cost of $10,500 (for three).

These batteries will shut off at 8 vdc so generator auto start will not be a problem. They also turn back on when they see a charge voltage. Set your charger to the following settings: Bulk at 14.4 vdc, absorption at 14.6 vdc and float at 13.6 vdc.

Lifetime Limited Warranty is 5 years non prorated and will cover the repair or replacement at no charge (less shipping). In the rare event that it is not repairable after the 5 years, you can buy a new one at 35% of the price of a new one. Obviously their verbiage is longer but worth checking out if you are interested.

If I sell my coach, those batteries are coming with me and in their place will be brand new of whatever makes sense to me at the time.

I like the construction of the battery and their video is worth watching but I would like to see one in person. For those that may hold a similar interest, they will be at the Electric and Hybrid Marine World Expo Show in Tampa January 16th – 18th which coincides with the Prevost-Stuff Show. I am going to try and attend.