Have you installed a lithium battery in your RV? They do have many advantages and they are very efficient and flexible compared to lead-acid batteries, according to Greg Illes in his article, “Why would you want a lithium battery pack?”
If you want to learn more about lithium batteries or lithium battery chargers, listen to Mike Sokol’s recent webcast. He gives out a lot of great information and you’ll be glad you listened. Find it here.
Please tell us if you have installed a lithium battery in your RV in the poll below. Thanks for voting!
I get by with one deep cycle in my MH. I just run the motor for a while every three days or so to keep it charged as I don’t use a lot of power when I’m boondocking. I use shore power when I need to run the A/C.
I am not much of an electrician so I have resisted the urge to trade our AGM batteries for lithium ones. Also, thanks to the recent podcast that Mike Sokol did, I understand that much more is needed than merely changing the battery type. I anticipate having lithium batteries one day, but not for a while (as in a few years from now).
It’s a simple cost vs. benefit decision: Lithium is too expensive, and adds more expense to modify the charging system. Our 9.5-ft truck camper has very low 12vdc needs for diesel air heater, lighting, and RV frig ignition. Portable deployed solar panels, an MPPT controller, and a single deep-cycle flooded lead-acid battery meet these needs. There’s a basic rule: conservation and demand reduction is the single most cost-effective energy plan going. We two can go many days boondocking while being frugal with propane and solar. Yes, I’d love to reduce the battery weight and increase the amp hours. But… would it pay? Not for us, not yet.
I wouldn’t consider myself a ‘greenie’ but there is an environmental impact of lithium battery production. Mining and processing of lithium, however, turns out to be far more environmentally harmful than what turned out to be the unfounded issues with fracking. This is what I found on a quick search. https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/renewable/the-environmental-impact-of-lithium-batteries/
A must have on the next trailer. While we generally use campgrounds and have a couple of 2kw generators, the solar option provides additional options.
Jeez, I spent enough money on my two 6v AGM’s! $750
There’s no reason to go to lithium unless you do a LOT of boon docking and since I never do, wet cell batteries work perfectly good for me.
Yep, OEM AGMs were toast. Installed 2 Battleborn LifePO4s, Victron monitor, new converter/charger and added a 2K watt inverter. Love not having to worry about the 50% discharge level any more. Like having a new coach!
Replaced two 6 year old 6volt batteries with two 12volt Battle Born Lifepo4. Half the weight, twice the usable power, and eliminated the need for venting and maintenance. They produce a slightly higher voltage which make fans, pumps and lights work better. With a lithium charger they will recharge multiple times faster than lead acid which reduces generator time.
No lithium for us. Replaced our standard lead acid (needs refilling) House batteries with four 6 volt AGM batteries. Holds charge longer, charges quicker and sealed batteries do not require refilling. Works for us. Stay safe, Stay well, Safe travels.
You needed a poll for the going to install lithium battery’s! We are going to upgrade our 3 8D batteries to 4 lithiums and most likely battle born. Since we have a 10k generator, it makes it a little harder to spend the money on solar, but sure would be nice!
I recently replaced my not-that-old 6 volt batteries with two 100ah Lithium units while in Quartzsite. $2,000+ later I was ready to go. I also added a pure sine wave inverter to replace my 15 year old modified sine wave unit and some other ‘stuff’. These new batteries are a marvel! Everything I ever hoped for and more.
But – my solar controller is not set up for Lipo’s and much fiddling has been required to get this whole system up to speed. Even the Intellipower 9200 series converter was not up to speed. After much back and forth emailing to a Morningstar tech support guy (Chris, who has endless patience), I was able to do custom programming to my MPPT solar controller and finally get it all straightened out. I was disappointed in the install. Part of the problem was that we had to leave town a day later so I was unable to go back and have the installer fix all this. Nevertheless, I’m thrilled with the technology, but if you are not a boondocking lover, don’t waste money.
No, still too expensive. A conventional battery bank and solar panels does fine.
Thinking about it. More amps, less space. Have to deal with a different charging cycle. Be looking at Perry.
I am interested in getting the lithium batteries, but the lead ones I have are brand new. Maybe when these die I’ll look into it. I’d also like to get it for my motorcycle. As long as they have more ‘oomph’ for a longer time, it may be worth it.
I purchased a Antigravity ReStart Li-Po Battery for my Victory motorcycle plus a Li-Po Charger for when it is stored during the winter. Absolutely love it!
What is the benefit for a motorcycle? I didn’t think there was one for cranking amps and if you have an alternator continually charging then why? Is it just the size/weight benefit?