Lithium VS AGM

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 4wayflashers, Dec 26, 2025 at 9:02 AM.

  1. 4wayflashers

    4wayflashers Road Train Member

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    Happy happy everyone. I’m getting some slow to start cranks in around 20 degrees mornings. I figure it’s time for new batteries after about 4 years with my AGM starting batteries.

    I have an EPU and 4 batteries behind the sleeper (they’ve been run down quite a bit but still function but will need replacing before long). 4 starting batteries under the drivers steps. All AGM. My inverter is set to charge on AGM.

    So, basically I’m not sure if I can replace only the 4 starting batteries.

    Can I replace the starting batteries with lithium batteries?

    If I put in lithium starting batteries and leave the older AGMs for the EPU do I need to worry about them charging differently? The inverter is set to charge AGM. I’m guessing the inverter charges the EPU batteries and the alternator charges the starting batteries.

    Should I stick with AGM starter batteries?

    I’ll likely need to replace the EPU batteries when summer comes along.

    I know that’s a lot of questions but I don’t want to fry anything out.
     
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  3. Accidental Trucker

    Accidental Trucker Road Train Member

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    Isn't the inverter on the draw side of the system, and the alternator on the charging side?
     
    4wayflashers Thanks this.
  4. 4wayflashers

    4wayflashers Road Train Member

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    honestly I’m not really sure. I know the controller for the inverter has settings for different battery types. I think I read that it charges the batteries differently. Ag is for AGM.
     
  5. 4wayflashers

    4wayflashers Road Train Member

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    This video is about changing the voltage shutoff settings but he shows the chart that’s in the Eaton owners manual. His is set for Fl (flooded). He doesn’t mention it but if you pause when he shows the page and change your settings to match your battery type I believe it charges the EPU batteries. I’m not really sure what it does but there is a setting for battery type.

     
  6. REALITY098765

    REALITY098765 Road Train Member

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    From what I gather and probably wrong is,
    A lithium battery at 100% is 13.3 volts and a lead acid or agm is 12.7 volts at 100%.
    So if you charge an agm on li. setting it will overcharge the la or agm.
    conversly if you charge an li battery on agm setting it will not fully charge.
    so the ah number will be''off''
     
  7. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    I have a thread on my Lithium starter batteries. I’d go with them if you have the money.
     
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