Quote:
Originally Posted by aguyintx
We have a 2020 Newmar Kingaire that currently has 16-6 volt agm house batteries. We want to upgrade to lithium batteries but understand that the lithium batteries need to be climate controlled. Our current batteries are in a non climate controlled space. We are happy with our current 2- xantrex 3000 watt inverters and the way power is managed now via silver leaf.
We know a new Victron System would be better but can’t justify the expense.
What would the experienced battery savvy rv’er do here.
Thanks in advance
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When you say unconditioned, do you mean they are in an unheated compartment, or are they in an open compartment/drawer?
Do you expect to boondock in below freezing weather?
I recently upgraded to Lithium, and worried about the same issue. My rig has an open battery tray. Here's what I learned:
Lifepo4 batteries can be used down to 4 degrees F.
They can be charged down to 32 degrees F.
Good Lifepo4 batteries will have low temperature protection where the BMS will not allow a charge until the battery reaches a safe temperature.
You can buy self heating batteries.
You can add heating kits.
When I had my batteries installed, the dealer didn't have any self heating batteries in stock, so I had them install heating pads. I have four batteries in a line side by side, and they installed two pads between the batteries. Each pad warms two batteries.
We do boondock, but have no intention boondocking in
very cold weather. If the unexpected happens, and I get "stuck" boondocking in cold weather, I can throw a moving blanket over and around the batteries to help them stay warm(er) and turn on the heaters. As my wife said, "If very cold weather hits, we can always head for a campground - after all, our house is on wheels."
The most likely situation we expect to encounter is the temps dropping to around freezing at night, and will warm above freezing during the day. That should leave time for our solar to charge before the sun goes down, and the temps drop again, and if we need to supplement with some generator time while it's warm so be it.
If your batteries are in an unheated but enclosed compartment you may be able to add insulation and at the very least can get either self heating batteries or have heating pads installed.
The pads I have, come on just above freezing and turn off at 40 degrees. They have switches so I can turn them off in warmer weather.
I've been running lithium for several months now and they are great. Previously I had spent good money on 4 premium 6v golf cart style AGMs and they only lasted a little over two years and weighted 70lbs each. I now have almost twice the capacity with the same number of batteries, each weighing 23lbs. One big advantage with lithium is the ability to charge quicker because they accept full amps until almost completely charged. With my AGMs, the last 10% took as long as the first 40%. I'm no longer obsessed with watching my battery monitor to keep the SOC above 50%. My wife is happier because I'm not getting grumpy every time she leaves a light on.
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