Technical follow-up on lithium battery storage in an RV

Dear Readers,
I recently posted a question from Rudy regarding storage of lithium batteries inside a coach, which you can read here.

Here are a couple of comments posted by our readers:

This is from Brian:

While I share your concern about the flood of low-end LiFePO4 batteries on the market, I have to take issue with the “requirement” for cylindrical cells. There’s no doubt that they’re very good – assuming that they’re from a reliable source and properly packaged into a battery. However, compared to prismatic cells, cylindrical cells add unnecessary weight, bulk, complexity and, therefore, cost. High-quality, documented automotive-grade prismatic cells are every bit as reliable, again assuming quality construction. There’s a middle ground price-wise where there are several brands with proven track records of producing top-quality batteries with prismatic cells. They offer outstanding value. —Brian

Terry had these thoughts:

As we watch the lithium industry battery fires being fought with no ability to quench the fire, I think of a recent homestead rescue TV show where flooded acid battery fumes drove them out of the house; solution was to replace with lithium. Hindsight tells me MIGHT BE MUCH SAFER to put ALL battery systems in remote buildings, as is recommended for FLAMMABLES AND EXPLOSIVES? FAILURE of a lithium system MIGHT find sleeping users waking to flames? Same could apply to an RV? We all also recall the laptop and toy fires on airplanes and skateboards out on a sidewalk, not on a charger? —Terry

This comment came in from Dave:

I seriously think this is a big issue. Many think it isn’t, but it is. —Dave

Back to Ask Dave

There were several more comments, even one from a reader who has had a set of lithium batteries under his bed for more than four years.

However, I did receive a very detailed response from Battle Born Batteries which I felt was well worth reviewing.

From Tyler at Battle Born Batteries

It’s all about the battery itself, as there are a lot of factors that go into this. Can it be dangerous, yes. But not all lithium batteries are the same. So, if you focus on choosing the right battery product for this application (energy storage vs. propulsion or starting) and one that includes proper safety precautions within its design, you should have no issues at all.

For example, we have nearly 400,000 batteries in the field and not once has one been the cause of a fire. And the majority of our installs ARE inside the coach.

So here’s what to look for. Choose a battery that you can trust what’s inside is what the manufacturer says it is. There’s a lot of false advertising claims out there from foreign companies. (Tip: If all the product photos on the shop page look fake, 3D or AI generated… run away.) Avoid unknown brands without reviews on sites like Amazon or eBay.

The battery should then be LiFePO4 Chemistry. This is very different than what is seen in most EV’s (often NMC or NCA) and where you hear of fires. LiFePO4 is known as the best solution for long lasting, reliable, safe power. Basically it’s the most stable lithium chemistry.

And then you can look to a battery pack with a built-in Battery Management System (BMS). This board protects the user and the battery from an unsafe event and shuts down the battery before anything bad happens.

Then, and this is more rare, go with a battery that utilizes cylindrical cells. This is a huge benefit over prismatic or pouch cells. You sacrifice a bit of energy density, but gain a ton of safety thanks to passive cooling, individual burst caps, etc. This video shows it well.

And lastly, we’ve worked closely with the RVIA to determine appropriate listings that are required for batteries to have in order for OEMs to install them. These listings show that the battery went through extensive third party testing and meeting industry safety standards.

 You might also enjoy this from Dave 

Is lithium ion or lithium iron phosphate battery better in RV?

Dear Dave,
What’s the difference between a lithium ion battery and a lithium iron battery? Is one safer than the other for a 33′ 5th wheel? —Troy, 2005 Alfa See Ya

Read Dave’s answer.

MORE FROM DAVE ON LITHIUM BATTERIES

• Can different type and age RV batteries be mixed? Can I add a lithium battery?
• Can I switch to lithium? How long will it run roof air conditioner?
• What monitor do you recommend for lithium batteries?
• My RV’s converter is not charging. How to check it? Should I switch to lithium?

Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”

Read more from Dave here. 

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