Lithium Batteries in a Fifth Wheel?

[RVGlen]

I'm looking at installing six lithium batteries in my fifth wheel and would like to install them inside. I'm not seeing where people installed these inside a fifth wheel.

Should I install them inside the closet over the hitch? Or under the front bed that's on a slide? I will be in cold weather from time to time and I have concerns about the hitch weight.

[jcussen]

Do have a cargo bay with water tanks that are heated? Most lithium-ion batteries only need to be above freezing to charge, and lower than that to discharge. Most 100 a/h lithium batteries are 30 lb each.

[CecilD]

I doubt that a 180 lb. weight shift will be critical whatever you do. I would certainly install them in a secure place out of sight.

I've been kicking around installing one 12V Lithium Ion replacement battery but the cost is scaring me off. I'd be curious as to what battery you are considering and the cost as my research has just been minimal.

[Persistent]

Previous posts are good advice.

Add these:

The batteries need to be located close to battery charger and inverter if you have one. Two feet would be ideal. Longer is possible, but requires larger cables.

Mounting in a space the moves out (slide out) would require longer high current cables and they would flex every time the slide out moves in and out. (not ideal)

[astrocamper]

You could put them in the cargo bay under the bedroom. I would create an insulated space using block foam and plywood and run a couple of 140mm quiet Noctua fans from the heated/cooled living space into the battery bay and returning the air back to the living space. This way the batteries get heated or cooled air depending on if you are running the furnace or air conditioning.

I have an Arctic Fox 22G trailer with a fold down sofa that sits in front of the pass through storage. I keep four 100 amp-hour BattleBornBatteries between the sofa and the storage space. My inverter is inside the storage space with the cables passing through the wall.

I added a pair of Noctua 140mm fans to bring air into my storage space so the inverter can run under full load when my storage doors are shut. The fans are quiet and pull very little power.

The BMS on my BattleBornBatteries will stop accepting a charge below 25 degrees. They will still allow discharge at colder temperatures. I plan to run the furnace if it is that cold in my trailer.

[RVGlen]

Originally Posted by CecilD

I doubt that a 180 lb. weight shift will be critical whatever you do. I would certainly install them in a secure place out of sight.

I've been kicking around installing one 12V Lithium Ion replacement battery but the cost is scaring me off. I'd be curious as to what battery you are considering and the cost as my research has just been minimal.

I'm looking at Battle Borne and yes, to damn costly. I bought the five year old RV last month and the batteries are shot so I have to replace them. I want to dry camp half the time and I'm a full time RVer so looking at lithium. I have a residential refrigerator and no, I'm not getting rid of it.

[wingnut60]

I have 4 300ah Lifeline 6volt AGMs in the basement for my solar system. Have been thinking about the Li batts, but still too $$$. However, as to weight, 4 Li batts will be way less than the 4 AGMs I have. Weight should not be a factor as the Li s are about 28-32lbs each. Just need money....

[RVGlen]

Originally Posted by wingnut60

I have 4 300ah Lifeline 6volt AGMs in the basement for my solar system. Have been thinking about the Li batts, but still too $$$. However, as to weight, 4 Li batts will be way less than the 4 AGMs I have. Weight should not be a factor as the Li s are about 28-32lbs each. Just need money....

Heard that. I think I have to abandon the ideal of placing them in my closet. Running the cable appears to be an issue. So now I'm looking at placing them in my front storage area where the generator would be. I've seen others do that but they didn't use lithium. The inverter would be close. I guess I can put a small electric heater in there for the cold climate and work on setting up a small fan for warmer climate.

[1960C182]

Originally Posted by wingnut60

I have 4 300ah Lifeline 6volt AGMs in the basement for my solar system. Have been thinking about the Li batts, but still too $$$. However, as to weight, 4 Li batts will be way less than the 4 AGMs I have. Weight should not be a factor as the Li s are about 28-32lbs each. Just need money....

I got curious about the cost so googled em, holy crap batman. $800 bucks up. If we boondocked I might think about them for a minute or so.

[keymastr]

For the cost of 1 LI battery I can install 8 golf car batteries. I have 2 now and can go 3 days boondocking easily before using the generator to recharge and that includes running my CPAP with the heated hose and humidifier as well as watching movies and running fans. My generator cost $200 delivered from Amazon and runs the trailers charger and everything else except the AC and microwave. You just don't need to spend $5000 on batteries and solar, unless you have the cash then by all means, knock yourself out.

[KRum]

Here is a nice 170ah that is reasonably priced and good warranty...
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-lithiu...12-volt-170ah/

One thing to consider before buying a bunch of lithium batteries is that you can install a solar system and lump the cost of the batteries and solar system together and apply for a 25% tax credit on your Federal tax return ;-)..

[Itinerant1]

Originally Posted by RVGlen

Heard that. I think I have to abandon the ideal of placing them in my closet. Running the cable appears to be an issue. So now I'm looking at placing them in my front storage area where the generator would be. I've seen others do that but they didn't use lithium. The inverter would be close. I guess I can put a small electric heater in there for the cold climate and work on setting up a small fan for warmer climate.

My LFP batteries/ system is in the front compartment, added 2" foam board to the walls. I have had outside temps in mid 20s with compartment low 40s and lfp cells reading upper 40s.

[wingnut60]

keymastr,
"For the cost of 1 LI battery I can install 8 golf car batteries."

Where would you put that 700lbs of batteries?

[RVGlen]

Originally Posted by Itinerant1

My LFP batteries/ system is in the front compartment, added 2" foam board to the walls. I have had outside temps in mid 20s with compartment low 40s and lfp cells reading upper 40s.

Sounds good! I'm unable to see the foam boards. How's it do in the heat? I hear inverters put off heat.