AGM Battery replacement

[MCH]

Originally Posted by Djarcher

Call Battleborn. I just replaced my NAPA house batteries with BB after talking with them and giving them all the info on my 2016 Travato 59G. Do not have to replace anything, but you do need a better battery monitoring unit like the Victron . Everything works fine, and charges OK. I have no solar.

Hi, just now became a member and read your post. I would like to upgrade to lithium house batteries in my 2017 Travato 59G -- I understand the Zamp Solar Controller is compatible. My question is did you have to replace anything in order to charge the batteries from the van's alternator or shore power? I came across Victron's "Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger" as a solution for safe alternator charging....

Thanks!

[JonMN]

I'm also considering replacing my AGM with lithium. In my case I am looking at a 300AH battery that is physically the same size as my AGM, so I place it in the same holder. Looking thru the many threads on this can be a little confusing. The vendor feels it's a drop-in replacement, just changing the solar and I/C settings. But majority consensus is that a DC-DC is needed.

By the way, the brand I am looking at is "Ionic" from Lithium Hub. They are heated, which is good for my location, and have a bluetooth link for the BMS. They also have one of the best dust and water resistant ratings, which is good for the location I plan on mounting them.

[Rocinante440]

You may also want to consider a Victron Cyrix battery combiner / isolator. Less expensive, and it's what my professional upgrade company put into our van instead of one or more Orion units, so I'm confident it's just fine to use that if it fits your needs.

[robertj1979]

If you replace AGM with Lithium just be aware of the temperature limitations. I have a Thor that was setup from the factory for Lithium batteries but there are many people having problems with this setup in very cold weather environments. Lithium batteries do not like to be charged in freezing temperatures and also float charging them is usually not recommended or needed. There is technology on many of these batteries (Relion etc) that allow charging in colder weather but there have been many problems in reality doing this. If you are in Florida or a warm weather environment not a problem but just thought should mention. I am in North Carolina and have had issues in the charging process etc when dealing with cold weather. The batteries I have (Relion) will protect themselves during cold weather which has left me without any battery power. Perhaps just an isolated case but be aware of the possibility.

[Itinerant1]

Originally Posted by robertj1979

If you replace AGM with Lithium just be aware of the temperature limitations. I have a Thor that was setup from the factory for Lithium batteries but there are many people having problems with this setup in very cold weather environments. Lithium batteries do not like to be charged in freezing temperatures and also float charging them is usually not recommended or needed. There is technology on many of these batteries (Relion etc) that allow charging in colder weather but there have been many problems in reality doing this. If you are in Florida or a warm weather environment not a problem but just thought should mention. I am in North Carolina and have had issues in the charging process etc when dealing with cold weather. The batteries I have (Relion) will protect themselves during cold weather which has left me without any battery power. Perhaps just an isolated case but be aware of the possibility.

Charging LFP batteries is a known limitation at or below 32f and should always be addressed before hand of where the batteries are being placed or how are you going to keep them warmer than the ambient outside temperatures. Not doing so will not leave with a battery possibly needing charge but not able to be charged because the bms went into protection because of low temp, that should not leave you with a battery that can't still be used just not charged.