The workshop consumables checklist: what to keep on the shelf
Lithium is the new standard for serious off-roaders, but AGM still has a solid place. The right choice for an auxiliary battery depends on how far off-grid you go, how much weight you can carry, and what you want to spend up front. Here is how they compare.
AGM pros
AGM remains the sensible choice for a lot of setups:
- More affordable
- Simple to install, with no battery management system required
- Reliable and rugged
AGM cons
The trade-offs are weight and usable capacity:
- Heavier
- Cannot be fully discharged without damage, so you only use about half the rated capacity
- Slower to recharge
Lithium pros
Lithium (LiFePO4) earns its price on long trips:
- Ultra lightweight
- 80 to 100% usable capacity
- Up to ten times the cycle life
- Charges around three times faster
Lithium cons
What you pay for that:
- Higher up-front cost
- Needs a DC-DC charger with a lithium profile and a battery management system
Short version: AGM for value and simplicity on shorter trips; lithium for weight, usable capacity and long off-grid stays. RedPoint supplies both, and will guide you to the right match for your driving style and adventure plans.
