New batteries

[Sadiemarie]

I have a 2018 flying cloud Bambi 20 ft . My batteries are going down to about 9v and when I plug into 20ampshore power only charges to 12 ish...
my question is it worth it just to swap out the lifeline batteries ?I do have solar one panel and a 1000 W… I called the dealer to see what lithium batteries would cost but the whole package is about $4500… That’s not in budget right now… My question is should I just replace with the same batteries? Is upgrading to lithium really worth that much money? Thanks Andrea

[subfan1]

The lifeline batteries should last longer than only a few years however, they do have a excellent warranty that is prorated so they shouldn’t cost a lot if they are indeed bad. Find your nearest dealership and take them there for testing. You’ll need to verify if your charging system in your trailer is working correctly. If you don’t have a multimeter go and buy one and start checking your voltages in the circuit breaker distribution box. Look for the converter manual that came with your trailer.

[hotdogakamik]

4500 for lithium? for that money you can get 2 100ah battleborn and keep around 2K in your pocket. granted u'll need a new converter to charge it but 4500...?

[JMynes]

Sam’s Club has a deal on batteries most every spring. Watch for their sale, and pick up two 6v golf cart batteries. Bring in your old batteries to avoid a core charge. Instant, inexpensive upgrade.
Hook them up in series, obviously.

[Bill M.]

I would say unless you know you need lithium to just replace what you have. Maybe take a look at why they have gone bad.

I do not have lithiums but I have been looking and plotting. Lithiums give you double or a little more usable capacity than lead acid. Lithiums charge faster and more completely when running the generator. I am sure they charge better on solar. That might actually work out to 3 times the usable capacity. Is that "worth it".? I dunno, I am still on the fence. 10 years ago when we did a lot more camping and boon docking it would certainly have been. Now with my CPAP it might be. With Battle Born batteries it looks like about a $3000 conversion to do it myself. Batteries plus converter plus monitor plus DC to DC converter plus new cables.

Has anybody had a defective lithium battery yet or had one to fail? I can see limping around all summer trying to get a replacement?

Currently I am thinking maybe just put a pair of AGM's or flooded cell in and kick the decision down the road for a while. I could use them in my boat if I decide to make the big change for some reason.

[DaveP]

You can get good lithium 100 Ah now for about $600, like SOKs. Take a look on Amazon. Look at the Will Prose reviews and teardown.

[kidjedi]

If you are looking for the cheapest band aid until you can find a "real" solution, Costco sells golf cart 6v batteries with a good warranty for $100 a piece (you would need two).

[rmkrum]

Sam’s Club also sells decent GC-2 size 6 volt batteries. Advantage of golf cart battery is that you can get them darn near anywhere.

[Sadiemarie]

Thank you

[waninae39]

Lion batteries are far less expensive over their whole lifetime ie TCO

though lead acid is cheaper as a purchase, they don't last as long and and their lifetime goes down as you pass the 50% capacity consumption mark

where as lion can go down to 10% without harm

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by waninae39

Lion batteries are far less expensive over their whole lifetime ie TCO

though lead acid is cheaper as a purchase, they don't last as long and and their lifetime goes down as you pass the 50% capacity consumption mark

where as lion can go down to 10% without harm

Very true, but I can buy a lot of lead acid for the modest loads I power at the moment.