Dakota Lithium batteries perform best when charged by a lithium compatible charger. Lead acid or SLA chargers, on-board chargers for AGM batteries, or other non-lithium chargers will charge a Dakota Lithium battery but only to 70-80% of capacity. This is because Dakota Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technology charges and is full at a higher voltage then traditional batteries (Dakota Lithium charges at 14.4 Volts). Chargers with a lithium battery setting or designed for lithium will charge at the appropriate voltage. See our full catalog of LiFePO4 battery chargers here. All batteries 54Ah and larger include a free LiFePO4 compatible charger. For troubleshooting tips download the Dakota Lithium battery user manual here.

Dakota Lithium batteries are UN 38 certified and built from grade A cells. Dakota Lithium’s cells are UL1642 certified and have been tested per IEC62133 standards. UN Manual of Tests and Criteria certified, and meets all US & International regulations for air, ground, marine, and train transport. Select battery models are ISO Certified ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System & ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System for use in industry applications. IEC62133 certifications and additional laboratory services are available as required by our OEM clients.

The industry standard house battery size used in most RVs, Campers, and #VanLife builds is the DL 100Ah battery. This is a drop in replacement for AGM and most lead acid batteries. If you are charging off your engine’s alternator we recommend a Victron DC-DC smart charger. If charging off solar panels we recommend a Victron Smart Solar charge controller, or if you have a solar charge controller choose the lithium setting. A handy size chart for number of batteries needed by size of RV is available here.

Dakota Lithium is a proud sponsor of over 200+ professional athletes in the fishing industry. Here’s batteries sizes recommended by our pros depending on the size of your trolling motor:

Motor Thrust / Max Amp Draw (A) @ Voltage (V) / Recommended Battery

• 20 lbs / 20A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60
• 25 lbs / 25A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60
• 30 lb / 30A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 or DL 100
• 45 lb / 42A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 or DL 100
• 55 lb / 50A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 or DL 100
• 70 lb / 42A @ 24V / 24V Single or DL 54 x 2 or DL+ 60 x 2 or  DL 100 x 2
• 80 lb / 56A @ 24V / DL+ 60 x 2 or DL 100 x 2 or DL 200 x 2
• 101 lb / 46A @ 36V / 36V Single or DL+ 60 x 3  DL 100 x 3 or DL 200 x 3
• 112 lb / 52A @ 36V / 36V Single or DL+ 60 x 3 or DL 100 x 3 or DL 200 x 3
• >112 lb / Up to 100A @ 36V / DL+ 60 x 3 or DL 100 x 3 or DL 200 x 3

For wiring multiple batteries in series we recommend Connect Ease trolling motor connection kits available on our trolling motor battery page.

For a deep dive on trolling motor batteries read How to Choose A Lithium Battery for Trolling Motors

Dakota Lithium batteries are 100% safe & reliable. Our signature chemistry, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), does not contain rare earth elements (like Cobalt) or heavy metals, is non-toxic, including no lead or acid, is non-corrosive, does not off gas, requires no watering or maintenance, can be placed in any orientation, and unlike other lithium batteries will not explode or catch fire. In addition, each Dakota Lithium battery is protected from over heating, over charging, and short circuiting, by a battery management system (BMS) microchip that also extends the lifespan and is contained in a rugged, waterproof case (although enough water can conduct electricity between the terminals, so don’t submerse the battery). For best performance & reliability we recommend using a LiFePO4 charger.

The LED on your Dakota Lithium battery CHARGER will turn from red to green.

For all Dakota Lithium batteries we recommend using a LiFePO4 charger. A 12v SLA charger may work, but will only partially charge the battery resulting in reduced performance and lifespan.

In order to comply with DOT regulations, lithium batteries are required to ship via sturdy, specially marked boxes. Available at UPS Stores, FedEx office locations, or contact support to purchase a lithium battery shipping kit.

LiFePO4 batteries should be “topped off” after each use. For greatest longevity, we recommend not fully discharging the battery nor over-charging by leaving it connected to a charger well beyond its full charge cycle. Remember that over the long term, the battery has a limited number of charge and discharge cycles with “one cycle” being either a complete charge and discharge cycle, or a cumulative of both to add up to a full cycle.

Store Dakota Lithium batteries in a cool dry place, and be sure to fully charge them before storage. If storing it for an extended period of time, we advise charging them up at regular intervals–typically “topping off” every month or every other month. For further details, please refer to our article on storing Dakota Lithium batteries here.

Yes! Connecting multiple batteries together to create a higher voltage is called connecting in series. Our 12V batteries can be connected in series up to 48V maximum. For more on wiring batteries in series or parallel, both processes are detailed fully here.

Wiring batteries in series is common practice in the boating and solar storage community. For example, a number of the pro-bass fishing champions we sponsor use three 12 volt Dakota Lithium batteries in parallel to run their trolling motors. It provides the high voltage needed for big motors, while providing the long amp hours needed to run a trolling motor for a full day.

Yes, Dakota Lithium batteries are ideal for series and/or parallel connections. Should you be unfamiliar with wiring batteries in series or parallel, both processes are detailed fully here. 

Please note that while most Dakota Lithium batteries can be wired in series for a higher voltage, none are rated to exceed 48V maximum.

Yes, generally speaking, a solar charger can work with Dakota Lithium batteries. However depending on the wattage and amperage rating of one’s solar panel, a solar charge controller may be necessary. Dakota Lithium offers a 12 volt solar panel that can be directly connected to our batteries without the need for a controller. Please note that any system using more than 20W of solar power it is highly recommended that you use a solar charge controller like our DL Dashboard.