Lithium Batteries

[Rlippe]

I'm thinking of upgrading my AGM batteries to Lithium, any suggestion on brand and also converter.

[rowiebowie]

Space in my AS Avenue class b was my deciding factor. Renogy makes the smallest 100Ah batteries out there (they've since come out with a newer model but still sell the ones like mine). They are smaller than a size 27 group battery and just fit the inside compartment I converted to hold them. We went with 2x100AH batteries.

I also went with the Renogy 3000W inverter/charger because it was relatively long and slender and, again, just fit the space I had available. It was pretty much plug & play to replace the old Tripplite. Renogy also has a 2000W model inverter/charger but in the same size case, so I went with the bigger output. I already had a lithium compatable Victron solar controller, but added a Renogy DC to DC charger between my engine alternator and lithium batteries to charge them while driving down the road.

Finally, I added a Renogy State of Charge (SOC) monitor to track charge status since it's not as simple as lead acid batteries where simple voltage tells you what you need to know.

It all has worked flawlessly for the past 6 months and a bonus is it was cheaper by about $1000 (still cost $2700) than a top of the line Victron/BattleBorn setup which is the way to go if you have the money and space.

We increased usable power by approximately 2-1/2 times, can run the microwave, toaster, or hair dryer for short periods which is nice. My van now sits in the driveway unsued for weeks to a month (solar off) and the battery level stays the same.

I did the install myself with the help of this forum, another forum, and calls to Renogy. Their support is less than stellar, but they were patient and perhaps I wasn't asking my questions in the proper terminology. I had to figure out a few problems by myself through trial & error and some were my own programming settings (they give you lots of options and documation is not very clear).

Glad I did it. Before we could boondock one night no problem with full batteries and compressor fridge. Now, we don't worry about power use, can go two nights, and even three nights if we implemented to old power conserving ways.

[ROBERT CROSS]

We went KISS...Two 100a 12v Battle Born and a Boondocker.👍

Others folks have other options, other folks spend more, other folks are happy with that.😅

POI...we also use 360w of Zamp Portable solar from Amazon

Good Luck

Bob
🇺🇸

[PKI]

The change to Lithium is liberating. Not having to worry about driving wet cells below a 50% charge level relieves a lot of stress. If you can afford the upgrade, do it.

The Battleborn cells have an internal battery management system that protects them from overuse and/or overcharge. A Victron Battery Monitor (700/712) gives you visibility of state of charge for the bank. A Progressive Dynamics 4655LI will keep the bank charged quickly and effectively.

Note - the 4655LI charges continuously at 14+ volts. That works well for getting back to 100%, but is not so good for long term float. Shutting off the charge helps to preserve the life of the bank. Alternatively, you can use a 4655 without the Lithium charge option. The dongle lets you boost the charge voltage to over 14 volts for a period of time. This method must be more hands on, but is recommended by some. The lower voltage seems to work as a float charge. It was not recommended by Battleborn. May well depend on your use profile.

What is clear --- Lithium makes your RV experience much easier. It is just an expensive power storage option.

Good luck with the research and hope to see you down the road with a smile. Pat

[ghaynes755]

Do a search on the forum. 100’s if not thousands of posts on Lithium...

[waninae39]

we use Battleborn cells and love them
we also moved to Victron products

this is out schematic

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Rlippe

I'm thinking of upgrading my AGM batteries to Lithium, any suggestion on brand and also converter.

BattleBorn seems to be the flagship.
Lion Energy is also nice.

[tbaugh]

Originally Posted by PKI

The change to Lithium is liberating. Not having to worry about driving wet cells below a 50% charge level relieves a lot of stress. If you can afford the upgrade, do it.

The Battleborn cells have an internal battery management system that protects them from overuse and/or overcharge. A Victron Battery Monitor (700/712) gives you visibility of state of charge for the bank. A Progressive Dynamics 4655LI will keep the bank charged quickly and effectively.

Note - the 4655LI charges continuously at 14+ volts. That works well for getting back to 100%, but is not so good for long term float. Shutting off the charge helps to preserve the life of the bank. Alternatively, you can use a 4655 without the Lithium charge option. The dongle lets you boost the charge voltage to over 14 volts for a period of time. This method must be more hands on, but is recommended by some. The lower voltage seems to work as a float charge. It was not recommended by Battleborn. May well depend on your use profile.

What is clear --- Lithium makes your RV experience much easier. It is just an expensive power storage option.

Good luck with the research and hope to see you down the road with a smile. Pat

I completely agree.

[Aviator]

I like what I have seen from Battle Born. They are also very responsive to tech questions

[rowiebowie]

I know my diagram is crude, but I had to make it understandable enough that even a dolt like me could follow it.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by GMFL

BattleBorn seems to be the flagship.
Lion Energy is also nice.

Anyone contemplating...might wait 'til Spring, see if the rumored improved option is available by then.
Or go for the existing when it goes on sale.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[rowiebowie]

My main fear is my lithium upgrade will cost a fraction of what I paid in a few years. But by that time, I'll have enjoyed many trips with it. Great news for those of you that can wait.


But I also have a feeling that lithium packages will be over-priced by manufacturers who will offer it as a option. Charging for the lithium-compatible componets while giving no credit for deleted items. I'm seeing this in some class b's where some companies charge $3000 for an under-hood generator, while giving not apearing to give credit for deleting the standard Onan generator.

[Rlippe]

Thanks to everyone who responded ….looks like I have a lot to consider..

[Steamy1]

I just received a flyer from COSTCO that the Lion Energy UT 1300 is on sale, $300 off list at $699?

Any one have experience with this brand?

The 23 Lbs. weight each is attractive. Would take 86 Lbs. off of my hitch by replacing my two LifeLine 6 volts that weigh 66 Lbs. each.

[rowiebowie]

Steamy, that's tempting. Search youtube and see what's out there. Will Prouse may have "disected" one on his channel, but can't say for sure.

[LMAlmo]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

Space in my AS Avenue class b was my deciding factor. Renogy makes the smallest 100Ah batteries out there (they've since come out with a newer model but still sell the ones like mine). They are smaller than a size 27 group battery and just fit the inside compartment I converted to hold them. We went with 2x100AH batteries.

I also went with the Renogy 3000W inverter/charger because it was relatively long and slender and, again, just fit the space I had available. It was pretty much plug & play to replace the old Tripplite. Renogy also has a 2000W model inverter/charger but in the same size case, so I went with the bigger output. I already had a lithium compatable Victron solar controller, but added a Renogy DC to DC charger between my engine alternator and lithium batteries to charge them while driving down the road.

Finally, I added a Renogy State of Charge (SOC) monitor to track charge status since it's not as simple as lead acid batteries where simple voltage tells you what you need to know.

It all has worked flawlessly for the past 6 months and a bonus is it was cheaper by about $1000 (still cost $2700) than a top of the line Victron/BattleBorn setup which is the way to go if you have the money and space.

We increased usable power by approximately 2-1/2 times, can run the microwave, toaster, or hair dryer for short periods which is nice. My van now sits in the driveway unsued for weeks to a month (solar off) and the battery level stays the same.

I did the install myself with the help of this forum, another forum, and calls to Renogy. Their support is less than stellar, but they were patient and perhaps I wasn't asking my questions in the proper terminology. I had to figure out a few problems by myself through trial & error and some were my own programming settings (they give you lots of options and documation is not very clear).

Glad I did it. Before we could boondock one night no problem with full batteries and compressor fridge. Now, we don't worry about power use, can go two nights, and even three nights if we implemented to old power conserving ways.

Since you did the install yourself, did you have to change wires out, or were you able to use existing wiring?

Also, since you have the 3000W inverter, can you run your air conditioning? If so, how long? We are looking at the 300 or 400ah lithium with the 3000W inverter.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by LMAlmo

Since you did the install yourself, did you have to change wires out, or were you able to use existing wiring?

Also, since you have the 3000W inverter, can you run your air conditioning? If so, how long? We are looking at the 300 or 400ah lithium with the 3000W inverter.

I only have 2 - 100Ah batteries installed. The goal was to double my previous usable battery capacity and run the microwave without having to be plugged in or start the generator.

I moved the lithiums inside my "b" van so I did have to run new wires. But, as we were getting ready to leave on a trip, I initially used the same 4 ga. wire size as the original van wiring, since that was all I could find at local auto parts stores. Since the longest run was only 48" long, I think I was fine (same gauge, shorter runs).

But since I was now using the microwave (1100-1200 watt draw for a "700" watt model); considerably higher draw that originally intended by Airstream; I decided to re-wire with 4-0 cable. Harder to work with for sure, and overkill to the max. With such short runs, I should have stayed with a smaller gauge. But it was only incrementally more costly and I'm set for any future situation.

I ordered 2 more lithium batteries, but have not installed them as we do not want to sacrifice any more precious interior space. But even with 400Ah, I have no intention of running the roof ac off them. I figure after some re-wiring, I'd only get a couple of hours run time. Then, I would have run the generator for an even longer period to recharge them, so no net advantage there.

Recharging is always the downfall of large battery banks. At our present 200Ah, we don't notice much difference from the original set up. Except the better capacity and quicker charging. 400Ahs is probably the sweet spot for enhanced boondocking.


If you get a combined inverter/charger, the change is pretty much plug & play, at least in my case. Don't forget a DC to DC charger between your lead-acid chassis battery and lithiums. Plus, a Battery Monitor is a must to track usage and remaing charge. I love the Rennogy monior. No buttons to scroll through. It shows all info at a glance.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Flathead1984]

I have a new 2020 FC 25 with 2 solar panels and AGM batteries. Given my intended use for a fair amount of boon-docking in Montana and Idaho. I am researching lithium batteries. A number of the posts on the Forum are dated. Some great systems, but very pricey. My dealer says I can add a 3rd solar panel and covert to lithium batteries. Does anyone know if something better will be out soon?

[Flathead1984]

I should add, the alternative is to add a Companion Honda to my 2200i for I can run everything during the day. However, it can be annoying to neighbors to have 2 generators running. But that option is only about $1200 all in.

[farafield]

I am going to need to replace my single 12v AGM battery soon. Since I mostly boondocks, I would like to increase my capacity. Limited budget--but the lithium ions sound like the way to go. To start, how important is it to get all the Victron stuff? Could I just go with a BB lithium ion and a portable solar panel to start?