Best Deer Feeder Batteries: Mach 1 Lithium 12.8V

If wildlife management is part of the routine or a hunt is the reset button, a solid deer feeder helps keep things predictable. But the one behind that consistency is the battery. 

Most folks grab sealed Lead Acid batteries because they’re common and cheap. They work… until the sag, the weight, and the constant swaps start getting old.

The Mach 1 Lithium 12.8V lineup changes that story.

Such as the 

• 12.8V 5AH LIFEPO4 Deep Cycle Battery
• 12.8V 6AH LIFEP04 Deep Cycle Battery 
• 12.8V 7.2AH LIFEPO4 Deep Cycle Battery 

The upgrade is obvious in the first season. Less babysitting. 

More reliable feed drops. Lighter pack-ins. If the goal is fewer trips and smoother operation, this is the move.

See why it’s worth the switch, how it beats SLA, and which size fits different setups.

 Why Mach 1 Lithium 12.8V?

• 5,000+ cycles vs around 500 with typical SLA. That’s 10x the lifespan and way fewer replacements.
• About 2x the runtime per charge compared to an SLA with the same rating, thanks to better usable capacity and a steady voltage curve.
• Around a quarter of the weight of similar SLA batteries, so hauling and swapping is easier.
• Consistent power delivery that keeps motors and timers happy from full to almost empty.

If consistency, fewer runs to the property, and long-term value are on the wish list, this checks all three.

How It Changes the Routine

With SLA batteries, swaps are a chore. They are heavy, awkward, and need to be done more often than anyone wants, especially when feeders are spread out or tough to get to. Lithium changes that.

A Mach 1 Lithium 12.8V is much easier to carry in and out. You can check more feeders in less time without feeling worn out. Instead of swapping every couple of weeks, you can usually go a month or more, even when the weather turns cold.

Performance stays steady from a full charge right down to almost empty. Throws stay the same, timers stay on schedule, and you do not have to wonder if the motor will fade in the middle of a cycle.

For land managers, that means fewer interruptions to a feeding program. For hunters, it means the pattern you have built stays reliable right up to the season. In both cases, there is less downtime, fewer missed feed drops, and more predictability.

The result is simple. Less hauling, fewer miles on the truck, and more time focused on the property instead of the battery. Over a season, that adds up to less work and more peace of mind.

1) Built to Last: Real Cycle Life That Saves Time and Money

Cycle life is the quiet killer with SLA. In real use, they start fading after a few hundred cycles. Mach 1 Lithium batteries are built for well over 5,000 when charged and used properly. That one spec alone flips the math.

What it means out in the field:

• Fewer emergency swaps when a feeder goes weak.
• Less lugging batteries back and forth.
• Lower total cost over a couple of seasons, even with the higher upfront price.

Lithium also tolerates partial charging and deeper discharges better than SLA. If the feeder runs year-round or sits in the cold, that extra durability really shows.

2) More Runtime per Charge: Not Just a Spec Sheet Thing

Two batteries can both say 6Ah and act totally different. SLAs drop performance fast under load and in cold weather. Lithium holds its own. That’s why the Mach 1 Lithium 12.8V typically runs about twice as long between charges compared to an SLA with the same rating.

In practice, this looks like:

• Fewer visits during busy months.
• Reliable feedings at sunrise and sunset.
• Extra breathing room if the feeder has add-ons like a timer, light, or cellular controller.

If multiple feeders are spread across a property or the drive is long, doubling the time between swaps is a huge win.

3) Lighter and Easier: Your Back Will Thank You

Weight matters. If the feeder is tucked away or up high, carrying a brick of lead is the part everyone dreads. Mach 1 Lithium batteries are about one-quarter the weight of similar SLAs.

That means:

• Quick installs and swaps without feeling wiped.
• Safer climbs and less awkward hauling over rough ground.
• Faster checks across multiple feeders in a single run.

Even if battery changes happen only a few times a season, lightweight always feels better.

4) Consistent Voltage: Smooth Performance from Start to Finish

SLA batteries sag as they discharge. That can cause weak throws, inconsistent drops, or missed cycles. Lithium’s steady voltage curve keeps motors spinning the way they should until the very end.

The result:

• Consistent throw distance and feed amount.
• Fewer hiccups in cold mornings or at low state of charge.
• Less strain on motors and electronics.

If a feeder has ever sputtered right when activity is peaking, this fixes that.

5) Safety, Storage, and Low-Maintenance Perks

Beyond power and weight, a few quality-of-life advantages stand out.

• Low self-discharge, so the battery wakes up ready after sitting.
• No acid or corrosion, which protects wiring and housings.
• Faster charging with a proper LiFePO4 charger.
• Plays well with solar when the charge controller supports lithium profiles.

It’s a cleaner, simpler system with fewer surprises.

Which Size Should You Pick

All three Mach 1 Lithium 12.8V options work great with deer feeders. The right one depends on how often the feeder runs, the motor’s draw, and how frequently there’s access to the site.

• 5Ah: Best for basic setups with light to moderate use. Once or twice a day, standard motor, short throws.
• 6Ah: The safe middle for most users. Handles moderate to heavy use or longer intervals between visits.
• 7.2Ah: Go-to for high-demand feeders, colder climates, bigger throws, or long gaps between trips.

If the feeder has add-ons like lights or cellular controls, pick 6Ah or 7.2Ah to keep things smooth.

Installation Tips 

Switching from SLA to lithium is simple. A few small checks make it smooth.

• Match polarity and connectors: Positive to positive, negative to negative. If the feeder has spade connectors, make sure the size is right.
• Use a lithium-compatible charger: A proper 12.8V LiFePO4 charger gives full, safe charges and helps extend lifespan. Set the solar controller to lithium. If there is a panel, be sure the controller can handle LiFePO4.
• Secure the battery: It’s lighter, so make sure it doesn’t bounce around.
• Avoid running to empty every time: Lithium can handle it, but not doing it routinely helps longevity.

Payoff for Hunters and Land Managers

• Fewer trips to swap batteries.
• Reliable, consistent feed drops that help pattern wildlife.
• Lower cost over time when replacements, travel, and downtime are included.
• Better cold-weather behavior than SLA, which tends to sag in the chill.

Who Should Switch Now

• Anyone tired of hauling heavy batteries to remote spots.
• Anyone who’s had a feeder go weak at the worst times.
• Anyone managing several feeders and wants fewer maintenance runs.
• Anyone who wants a long-term fix, not another short-term patch.

If the feeder is part of a bigger plan for the property, this isn’t just an upgrade. It’s peace of mind.

Final Take

Upgrading to a Mach 1 Lithium 12.8V battery pays off in all the ways that actually matter in the field. Expect way longer life, roughly double the runtime, a lighter carry, and steady power that keeps the feeder doing its job. 

Pick 5Ah for simple setups, 6Ah for the all-around sweet spot, or 7.2Ah for maximum endurance. Either way, the result is the same: consistent feeding, fewer headaches, and a setup that’s ready for a long season.

If specific product links are available for the 5Ah, 6Ah, and 7.2Ah models, they can be dropped into the size section or added under a quick Shop Now list. Once the exact URLs are shared, this post can be updated to include them cleanly where they’ll get the most clicks.

FAQs

1. Is 12.8V fine for a 12V feeder?

Yes. 12.8V is the nominal voltage for LiFePO4 in 12V systems. Timers and motors generally run smoother because the voltage stays steady.

2. Do I need a new charger?

It’s strongly recommended. A LiFePO4 charger ensures a full, balanced charge and helps achieve that long cycle life.

3. Will lithium harm my feeder?

No, as long as the voltage matches and polarity is correct. The stable voltage is actually easier on motors over time.

4. What if I’m using a solar panel?

Use a controller with a lithium setting. Many newer controllers have it and it makes charging safer and more efficient.

5. How long will it last between charges?

It depends on the motor draw, feed schedule, and temperature. As a rule of thumb, expect about 2x the runtime of a similar SLA, with 7.2Ah giving the longest gap between swaps.