Rockford Fosgate TM400X4AD 400W Amplifier Concern

[keikat2]

First of all, I would like to give a special shout out and say "THANK YOU" to Papa Zook for helping me reset my Trike Talk website password. For some reason, when requesting a "forgotten password reset", I am unable to receive the website's forwarding email to reset my password. Once again, "THANK YOU" to Papa Zook for all your help and support.

Recently, I added a Rockford Fosgate (RF) TM400X4AD 400W amplifier to my 2014 Tri-Glide's Infotainment Audio System. According to Rockford Fosgate's technical specs, this amplifier draws approximately 28 amps when actively playing music. My Trike's only other aftermarket accessory requiring major power draw is a set of "LOVE JUGS" fans used during the summer months when driving slow in hot temperatures. Using less power, my Trike's driving/running lights are all LED and I use a Road Zeppelin seat with power only needed when applying air to the seat's bladders.

On occasion, when I am in the garage where my Trike is parked, I like to play the Trike's Infotainment Audio System. Of course, the RF amplifier is powered on when the Infotainment Audio System is turned on. Most of the time, in the garage, I can play the Audio System about 40 to 45 minutes before the Trike's current DEKA 30AH 400CCA battery has to be recharged. When driving it, I fill confident the Trike's 12V electrical charging system can provide enough power to safely operate the Trike and keep its battery charged. However, after the 40 to 45 minutes of playing the audio system, when parked in the garage, and resulting recharging of the current battery, I am wondering do I need to "bite the bullet" and replace my current battery with a higher performing lithium battery having more amp hour and wattage availability. In addition, it is my understanding a lithium battery supplies a continuous static "non-dropping" voltage, improves amplifier performance, requires less time to recharge, and can be recharged many more times than a conventional Lead Acid, AGM, or GEL battery. The only issue I have read about lithium batteries is there needs be a power draw on the lithium battery to keep it warm during cold temperatures. In turn, let me know your thoughts/concerns regarding lithium batteries or if you know of a AGM or GEL battery that might better meet my requirements and concerns. Thank you, in advance, for your comments and suggestions. Allen S.

 

[rhino 2]

First of all, I would like to give a special shout out and say "THANK YOU" to Papa Zook for helping me reset my Trike Talk website password. For some reason, when requesting a "forgotten password reset", I am unable to receive the website's forwarding email to reset my password. Once again, "THANK YOU" to Papa Zook for all your help and support.

Recently, I added a Rockford Fosgate (RF) TM400X4AD 400W amplifier to my 2014 Tri-Glide's Infotainment Audio System. According to Rockford Fosgate's technical specs, this amplifier draws approximately 28 amps when actively playing music. My Trike's only other aftermarket accessory requiring major power draw is a set of "LOVE JUGS" fans used during the summer months when driving slow in hot temperatures. Using less power, my Trike's driving/running lights are all LED and I use a Road Zeppelin seat with power only needed when applying air to the seat's bladders.

On occasion, when I am in the garage where my Trike is parked, I like to play the Trike's Infotainment Audio System. Of course, the RF amplifier is powered on when the Infotainment Audio System is turned on. Most of the time, in the garage, I can play the Audio System about 40 to 45 minutes before the Trike's current DEKA 30AH 400CCA battery has to be recharged. When driving it, I fill confident the Trike's 12V electrical charging system can provide enough power to safely operate the Trike and keep its battery charged. However, after the 40 to 45 minutes of playing the audio system, when parked in the garage, and resulting recharging of the current battery, I am wondering do I need to "bite the bullet" and replace my current battery with a higher performing lithium battery having more amp hour and wattage availability. In addition, it is my understanding a lithium battery supplies a continuous static "non-dropping" voltage, improves amplifier performance, requires less time to recharge, and can be recharged many more times than a conventional Lead Acid, AGM, or GEL battery. The only issue I have read about lithium batteries is there needs be a power draw on the lithium battery to keep it warm during cold temperatures. In turn, let me know your thoughts/concerns regarding lithium batteries or if you know of a AGM or GEL battery that might better meet my requirements and concerns. Thank you, in advance, for your comments and suggestions. Allen S.

Just make sure if you get the lithium battery you also buy the charger that’s made for lithium batteries.. Or have your fire insurance up-to-date..

 

[keikat2]

Yes, I understand to manually recharge a lithium battery charger is required. However, when driving, if you rely on your bike's 12v charging system to keep your installed lithium battery charged, why is a lithium battery charger necessary to recharge when manually charging the lithium battery? Allen S.

 

[rhino 2]

Yes, I understand to manually recharge a lithium battery charger is required. However, when driving, if you rely on your bike's 12v charging system to keep your installed lithium battery charged, why is a lithium battery charger necessary to recharge when manually charging the lithium battery? Allen S.

Batteries are mysterious black boxes yes, I thought about the Trikes charging system on a lithium battery but I guess it doesn’t cause a problem but New York City has 300+ fires a year that they know of because of people charging those batteries on a regular charger..

 

[keikat2]

Thank you, Rhino2, for your comments. If I decide to purchase/install a lithium battery, I will definitely be purchasing a lithium battery charger to "pig-tail" connect to the battery for charging manually. I am still trying to figure out why it is O.K. for the 12V motorcycle charging system to charge the lithium battery but not O.K. for a regular 12V battery charger. Thanks, Allen S.

 

[Trampas]

Why don't you just put a stereo unit in the garage to listen to, that is what I have, have receiver in center back wall and two speakers on each side and that works for me. Then no worries about battery life. Receiver and speakers don't cost that much either if you shop around.

Each to their own

All for now Trampas

 

[keikat2]

Your right Trampas. I have been thinking about putting a home stereo/radio receiver in my garage which is what I am probably going to do. In fact, after reading stories/comments about Lithium batteries getting too hot, exploding, and igniting, during the charging process, has definitely changed my mind about replacing my current AGM battery with a lithium battery. Lithium battery technology just has not advanced enough, as of yet, to be safe/reliable. Thank you, Allen S.