What is your favorite 9 amp battery for 12v feeder motors? I dont solar charge, but please list if its a really good battery.
Did a THF search and couldn't find any recent info, but if there is any recent discussions then please post.
The power sonic is best in my opinion.

PowerSonic are usually pretty reliable for SLA,
but LiFePO4's are catching up pretty fast and offer MUCH longer life - https://www.amazon.com/Battery-HWE-Lithium-LiFePO4-Outdoor/dp/B095K38M6C/ref=sr_1_12_sspa

how well does the Howel energy batteries do in the Texas heat?

specs show can be used even at 70deg C. -
their 'self discharge' is way lower then SLA batteries keeping even 80% charge after 8 months at high temps.

The best part of these type batteries is they have protection from 'over discharge' -which will kill even SLA's that don't have protection.
They're priced just a bit higher than SLA's , but if they last 10+ years that'd be worth it

I'm really getting interested in the new lithium batteries that are coming out, especially for use in solar-charged feeder and camera set-ups. My only concern is the charging as from what I understand, lithiums are more sensitive to charge voltages, especially when cold. To charge in the cold (the ideal feeder/camera situation), there has to be some battery management system or warmer that managed the temp of the battery for successful charging.

Since the batteries are coming along, surely the charging systems are too- but I haven't seen any for what we would use them for. Any intel on that?

The charge/overcharge/over-discharge electronics (BMS) is built-in to the batteries like the one I linked above in the 2nd post!
They are not 'raw cell' batteries (much like a SLA is) - way better and managed per cell!
That kind is truly plug-n-play for SLA replacement but even better, even in high-current applications like computer UPS units, even for multiple batteries.
The LiFePO4 cells that are inside the battery unit are designed for use between -20°C to +70°C (charge or discharge).

This video shows a sample of what's inside these kinds of batteries:


Link to the battery in this video at Amazon , for $27 - https://www.amazon.com/VATRER-POWER-LiFePO4-Battery-Rechargeable/dp/B0BNL5RMJD

Thanks. I've researched them for RV applications and I knew BMSs are built into many LiFePO4 batteries, and some even include their own warming system to account for charging in cold temps. However, I admittedly haven't looked into the small Ah 12v batteries. But a point to make is that the battery you linked to says that for solar charging, it can/should be charged with solar cells with MPPT. Don't think I've ever seen any 12v solar panels for feeders or cameras that have MPPT.


I have a handful of solar setups, and if it's truly plug-n-play, then I may start switching over my SLAs when they expire to LiFePO4s.

Yeah, a MPPT would be overkill in a low-current/use application (feeder/camera)with tiny solar panel with low charge current anyway where you’re just keeping a LiFePo4 (that already has BPS) topped off.

I do use one in an application (Wi-Fi relay) where I have a 20watt solar panel ( as the Wi-Fi relay uses substantially more power).

Another nice thing about these LiFePo’s is you get 89wh per charge -vs- the 42wh of a SLA - double the useful energy storage!

The other thing is the spec for the battery you linked to on youtube, is only rated for charging above freezing. Depending on location (I'm in the Panhandle), one might go a week before temps get above freezing.

I used a cheap 5°C N.O. bimetal switch (in my wifi relay) to open the solar circuit (not charge) below 5°C (41F ) - like this one...https://www.ebay.com/itm/314706486001

That's a handy piece of kit! Will check it out. But I do think until the manufacturers figure out how to make a true plug & play, self-contained LiFePO4 suitable for solar feeder/camera use in ALL conditions (and at a competitive price), the AGM/SLAs will continue to be the most practical option for most.

They would have to either add a third terminal (for charging) and put the thermostat switch inside,
and/or put an 'internal heating pad' that runs off the 3rd terminal only (so you don't ever 'discharge battery) until warm enough begin charging.
(With only 2 terminals, you'd have to essentially 'turn off power' to the running device to 'prevent charging' )
I doubt you'll ever see either, as with 3 terminals suddenly it's not 'true plug&play' - and the application is just too specific and adds too much 'cost' for a low-cost mass produced item.
Sure some 'hunting supply' outlet could produce one - but suddenly the price would double or more - again, just too application specific.

They do offer 'internal heating' on the monster (100A+) LiPO4's for solar power applications - but then you're never gonna be 'trickle charging' those with a tiny solar panel.