LiFeP04 Drop In Batteries

[harryn]

If you are going to make such a substantial investment in improving the electrical capability of your RV, I would think additionally about what is actually possible to do with a properly integrated system.

There are units on the market that combine a "matched" (inverter + battery pack) that can be setup to work almost like a UPS for your RV.

Depending on if you are plugged in or on the generator, they can take in the power, pass it through to your loads, and simultaneously accept charge from other sources like solar, etc.

You can set them to auto start / auto off the generator to keep the system charged up as needed and they can carry a full 30 amp x 120 VAC capability, generator on or off.

This isn't completely straightforward to implement yourself, but on pre-engineered units it works well.

[SLO Armada]

Originally Posted by dasadab

I am disappointed at how often and much I have to run the generator when boondocking.

Cheers,
Dasadab

Then you will really appreciate Lithium batteries compared to any lead-type batteries.

As others have said, they will take maximum current up to ~100% state of charge. Recharge rates for Li batteries is limited by your charger's maximum output.

Lead-acid batteries have that annoying long absorption charging time past 80-85% SOC. Recharge rates for lead batteries is limited by what current the batteries will allow depending on their current SOC. It takes hours and hours of running your generator to power an effective "trickle charger" for that last ~15%.

For boondocking, this makes a big difference if you want to only run the generator for a couple of hours, at most. With lead-acid, and only a couple of hours, you will probably only gain about 35% SOC (say from 50% to 85%). With Li batteries (and a good high current charger) you can gain 80-100% in an hour, or two.

[cruzbill]

Dasdab, Did you mention the size of your inverter? Maybe you need a smaller inverter just for your refrig? A smaller inverter will have a smaller 'idle current', that is, it will use less battery power when 'waiting' for a load.

Power Inverters, DC To AC Inverters & Solar Panels | AIMS Power

[nothermark]

Before I put money into Li based batteries I would figure out my power budget to see what I really am doing. Running the microwave, coffee pot and HW tank off the battery is a very heavy power hit. Hit the generator for an hour or two in the morning to cover those loads and you have a lot of your power budget covered.

If you want A/C in the afternoon you won't get it off batteries so you are back on generator and charging the batteries.

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by Smitty77

Forum poster BatteryPro (Larry) and his wife Debbie run Starlight Solar out of Yuma. (Revers Snowbirds. Work in the winter, RV in the Yuma summers...).

Larry is a straight shooter, ...
Smitty

I agree. Larry from Starlight is recommended. Good tech support too.

[Itinerant1]

Larry installed our system (lithium) did a great job.

[757driver]

Just ordered 4 of these lithium batteries from Larry at Starlight Solar. Can't wait to get to Yuma to pick them up in November. http://www.lifebluebattery.com/order...ta%20sheet.pdf

[Itinerant1]

1,200AH with 80% usable sounds like someone with be swimming in power, congrates.

[757driver]

Originally Posted by Itinerant1

1,200AH with 80% usable sounds like someone with be swimming in power, congrates.

Thanks. The possibilities and options will be fun to explore.

[baphenatem]

Originally Posted by 757driver

Just ordered 4 of these lithium batteries from Larry at Starlight Solar. Can't wait to get to Yuma to pick them up in November. http://www.lifebluebattery.com/order...ta%20sheet.pdf

The only thing that I don't like on those LifeBlue batteries is the 100 Amp current limit for pretty much all of their models. It seems like they're trying to get by with only one type of BMS board, instead of having different ones tailored to the various Ah capacities. If you are paralleling them it's probably not a problem.

[757driver]

Originally Posted by baphenatem

The only thing that I don't like on those LifeBlue batteries is the 100 Amp current limit for pretty much all of their models. It seems like they're trying to get by with only one type of BMS board, instead of having different ones tailored to the various Ah capacities. If you are paralleling them it's probably not a problem.

I questioned that as well but with 4 of them I cannot see myself ever needing to pull 400 AH from the pack.

[twinboat]

Seems like a lot of capacity.

Run them down to 80% DOD, and you'll be charging them all day.

[757driver]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Seems like a lot of capacity.

Run them down to 80% DOD, and you'll be charging them all day.

No where near all day. Two inverters total charge 225 amps so it would take 4.5 hours on the generator. That is if it was cloudy for a few days and the 1100w of solar did not keep up.

[CountryFit]

in my experience, a bigger size array of panels is better than a bigger size of batts, if one has to choose one. keeping replenishing up the lost energy in a timely manner is more important. that is the reason i always suggest maxing out the roof space with panels. btw, panel is cheap, 2000w vs 1000w isn't that big of difference in cost if you diy.