Outdoors
More time out there, less time worrying about the battery.
Whether it's an RV, a van, a bass boat or a kayak, the questions are the same: how long will the battery last, what size do I need, and is lithium worth the higher price over AGM? Every answer here starts from the motor, fridge or sonar maker's own amp-draw figures, so you can check the math.
If you camp with a CPAP or just want power at the campsite without a generator, a portable power station may be all you need.
RVs, vans and camping
Size a house battery for your fridge, lights and CPAP, and see what switching from lead-acid saves.
- PickerLithium RV batteryWhat switching from lead-acid saves and what size you need
- CalculatorLithium vs AGMCost per year of use, with today's prices
- ComparisonPower station for CPAPNights of sleep per charge, with and without the humidifier
- ComparisonBest portable power stationsFor camping, RVs and the campsite
Trolling motors and fishing
Hours on the water for your motor and battery, and which battery to buy.
- HubElectric boating and fishingThe full guide to batteries, outboards and fish finders
- CalculatorTrolling motor run timeHours for 30 to 112 lb motors on lithium and AGM
- ComparisonBest trolling motor battery12 V, 24 V and 36 V lithium compared, with a picker
- ComparisonKayak trolling motor batteryLight lithium for all-day fishing
- Comparison24 V vs 36 V trolling motorThrust, run time and battery cost side by side
- CalculatorFish finder batteryRun time for sonar and live sonar on 10 to 50 Ah
Electric outboards and charging on board
Going electric on the stern, and keeping lithium full away from the dock.
Questions people ask
- How long will a trolling motor battery last?
Divide the battery's usable amp-hours by what the motor draws. Full answer
- What size battery do I need for my trolling motor?
Match the voltage first, then pick capacity for your day. A 12-volt motor runs on one 12-volt battery; for 24 or 36 volts you wire two or three 12-volt batteries in series, or use one 24- or 36-volt lithium battery. Full answer
- Can I charge a lithium trolling battery with a regular charger?
Use a charger with a lithium (LiFePO4) setting. Redodo specifies a 14.6-volt LiFePO4 charger for its 12V 100Ah battery and says a 20-amp one refills it in about 5 hours. Full answer
- Is lithium worth it over AGM for a trolling motor?
Lithium wins on weight, usable capacity and life; AGM wins on up-front price. Full answer
- Are electric outboards worth it, and how far can they go?
They make most sense on small boats at slow speed, where makers' ranges hold up, and they cost little to run. ePropulsion rates its 1 kW Spirit 1.0, with a 1,276 Wh battery, at up to 22 miles at a steady 4.5 mph cruise; at full power the range is under 8 miles. Full answer
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Photo: Jackery Power Station on Unsplash (Unsplash License).