Lithium battery upgrade

[Isaac-1]

Have you consider some of the non-automotive form factor batteries, like the Big Battery Owl Max2? Measures about 10.1x7.25x12 for 228AH at 12V https://bigbattery.com/products/12v-...28ah-3-018kwh/

[Kid Gloves]

Originally Posted by jx450

Thanks to all for the great responses. Yes, these are the large, heavy, L16 6v, setup as 2s2p. One pair per battery bay (so logically a 12v in each bay, parallel bay to bay). There are plenty of pos/neg connections in each bay, which doesn't exactly follow what I understand is best practice for parallel connections.

They are each 10x7, side by side, making each pair 10x14. The battery bays are small (19x14 or so), and won't accomodate the 20" length of a 200ah lithium. So for now I'm going with 100ah (~ 13" x 7"), which I can make fit. When it's time to upgrade these, I'll do some creative construction that will allow me to handle the 20" batteries. Maybe prices will drop and we can go with 4x400ah and solar, so we can boondock as long as we want.

You may be able to boondock as long as you want with much less than 1600Ah’s of battery capacity. You’ll need 2 things: sufficient battery capacity to get through a 24 hour period, actually just overnight, and a solar array that is capable of fully charging the batteries before sunset. A little extra capacity from both is a wise choice. Enhancing charging capability (solar) is generally more cost effective than adding storage capacity (batteries).

If you’ve been using a battery monitor, you’ll know your usage patterns and will be able to size a system that suits your needs, under typical conditions. If you park in full shade or it rains for 5 consecutive days, there may be a need for some generator run time.

[Marine359]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

Have you consider some of the non-automotive form factor batteries, like the Big Battery Owl Max2? Measures about 10.1x7.25x12 for 228AH at 12V https://bigbattery.com/products/12v-...28ah-3-018kwh/

I’ve had a 170ah Owl 1 for 18 months now. It’s been great. I’ve actually (but try not to) run it down to zero SOC low voltage disconnect. Fires up in a few minutes f receiving some charge amperage. It’s very small. I go for 3 days without generator and some sunlight for solar panel. offloading many 12v chores (like cpap) to an inexpensive power station helps a lot. If I had an absorption fridge, I could probably go 5 days.

[Johneb]

I purchased 8 3.2v 302ah lithium cells and a jbd bms (battery management system) from Docan power. ( no affiliation)for $1200. While I put mine together as a 24 volt battery at 300 amp hour, this would give you 12v 600 amp hour inthe same space. Or you could just buy four and have 300 ah with space left over. If you think you would like to do this there is plenty of info and help at http://www.diysolarforum.com. Hope this helps.