This is my Dakota Lithium vs Battleborn battery match up.
If you’re thinking of replacing or upgrading to lithium ion phosphate RV batteries, it’s definitely worth matching a leading brand battery maker against lesser known brands.
Battleborn are probably the most well known brand of battery in the RV community, but there’s no escaping the fact that they are expensive.
Let’s match Dakota Lithium against Battleborn and see how they compare.
Contents
Dakota Lithium vs Battleborn – 100 Ah Battery
Winner: Battleborn 100 Ah
Dakota 100 Ah
Battleborn 100 Ah
Build Quality
Output & Efficiency
Features & Functions
User Reviews
Value For Money
Build Quality
Build Quality
Dakota Lithium has a long history of lithium battery production and sales in the USA, the company has been around since 2008.
Externally, the build quality of the Dakota Lithium appears to be very good.
Build Quality
The build quality of Battleborn batteries is excellent. The manufacturing standard is evident looking at the materials and components used.
Battleborn batteries are made in Reno, Nevada, and are tested rigorously in-house. Quality control is high.
Build Quality Verdict
The proven build quality of Battleborn batteries gets my vote here. Various tear down videos will attest to this.
Build Quality Winner:
Output & Efficiency
Output & Efficiency
| Voltage | 12 V |
| Capacity (Wh) | 1200 Wh |
| Surge Capacity | 200 A (10s) |
| Dimensions | 13″ x 6.7″ x 8.6″ |
| Weight | 31.9 lbs |
| Battery Type | LiFePO4 |
| Battery Life | 2000+ Cycles |
| Low Temp Disconnect | No |
| Max Charge Rate | 50 Amps |
| Warranty | 11 Years |
Output & Efficiency
| Voltage | 12 V |
| Capacity | 1200 Wh |
| Surge Capacity | 200 A (30s) |
| Dimensions | 12.7″ x 6.8 x 9″ |
| Weight | 31 lbs |
| Battery Type | LiFePO4 |
| Battery Life | 3k – 5k Cycles |
| Low Temp Disconnect | Yes |
| Max Charge Rate | 50 Amps |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
Output & Efficiency Verdict
Battleborn comes out on top in the specification match up. The superior cycle life and low temperature cut off function are a big plus.
Output & Efficiency Winner:
Features & Functions
Features & Functions
The Dakota Lithium has a good durable casing with the trademark red top. A nice feature is the molded plastic cable guides on either side of the casing. The terminals are an M8 bolt screw thread type.
The battery features a BMS which will provide high and low voltage protection, as well as short circuit protection. The BMS will balance the lithium cells and also cut off at high temperature.
This battery can be wired in series for higher voltage and also in parallel for more capacity.
Dakota Lithium offers an industry leading 11 year warranty with their 12V 100 Ah battery, which for some is a major selling point.
The company also offer lifetime technical support for all their products.
Features & Functions
Battleborn uses very good quality components when assembling their batteries. The casing is made from heavy duty plastic and the terminals are flag style, eliminating the possibility of over torquing connection bolts and stripping terminal threads.
The battery has a BMS which is mounted above the lithium cells inside the battery, also separated by a plastic barrier. This design stops the BMS from overheating.
As well as all the usual BMS functions, a great feature of the Battleborn is the low temperature disconnect function. The battery will cut off charging below certain temperatures, stopping any chance of irreparable damage.
Battleborn batteries can be mounted in any orientation, and can be wired in parallel and in series.
Features & Functions Verdict
Dakota Lithium falls short on features compared to Battleborn. Details like flag terminals and a proven good quality BMS put Battleborn in front.
Features & Functions Winner:
User Reviews
User Reviews
User reviews for the Dakota Lithium 12V 100 Ah are somewhat mixed.
Reviews are on a much smaller scale due to Battleborn’s popularity. Some are happy, but others think customer support could be improved.
User Reviews
User reviews for Battleborn batteries are overwhelmingly positive.
Users like the quality, performance and customer support offered by Battleborn. Negative points raised are mostly cost related.
User Reviews Winner:
Value For Money
Value For Money
Dakota Lithium batteries command a high price for performance and features that can be matched by far cheaper brands.
For a battery in this price range I would expect far more in the way of features and cycle life.
The 11 year warranty may be worth the price for some.
Value For Money
There is no doubt that Battleborn batteries are expensive compared to most of their competitors. In this case, I think you are getting what you pay for.
The quality, cycle life, real world test history, 10 year warranty and excellent customer support are worth the price in the long run.
Value For Money Verdict
For me, the Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah specification simply doesn’t justify the price. Some may decide the 11 year warranty is worth the price tag.
Battleborn has a proven track record with this particular battery, and although expensive, I believe you are getting what you pay for.
Value For Money Winner:
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Assembled In USA
- Long Track Record
- 11 Year Warranty
- Lifetime Tech Support
Cons
- No Low Temp Cut Off
- Customer Support
- Lower Cycle Life
- Lack Of Reviews
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great Build Quality
- Low Temp Cut Off
- Good Performance
- Manufactured In USA
- High Cycle Life
- Lifetime Tech Support
- 10 Year Warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Dakota Lithium vs Battleborn – Winner
Battleborn batteries have a long track record of producing very high quality batteries. They are expensive, but in the long run, they will be worth the money.
FAQ’s
Why Are Battleborn Batteries So Expensive?
The quality of components and build quality are very high. You also benefit from a 10 year warranty and lifetime technical support.
Are Dakota Lithium Batteries Made In The USA?
Dakota Lithium batteries are assembled in the USA, using components from various sources.
There are some great alternatives to the Dakota Lithium and Battleborn brands.
See my review on some of the best RV batteries.
Please check out my other equipment reviews.
See how we rate products in our reviews here.
