Simple LiFePo4 Lithium battery poll?

[Isaac-1]

Chris, a lot of those add on items are not entirely necessary with a basic LiFePo4 installation, though I would want to add a class T fuse to the list of mandatory items, something many people do leave out, at a cost of around $50.


Beyond that many existing converter/chargers will function acceptably, if not optimally with LiFePo4 batteries, though this evaluation needs to be done on a installation to installation basis. In my own LiFePo4 installation I am using the same Progressive Dynamics PD9260 converter that the previous owner of my coach installed in 2015, it works ok for the job, though it may be a little slow fully charging, and may potentially drop out of 14.4V bulk charging mode before the batteries are fully charged due to its built in 4 hour time limit on bulk charging mode, unless the manual override button is pressed. (4x60 amps = 240AH max charging before dropping out of bulk charge mode, I have 420AH worth of LiFePo4 batteries). It would then drop to 13.6V float charging which would eventually bring the LiFePo4 batteries up above 90% charge. (the 400 watts of solar panels would then fully top it off if parked outside under sunlight in short order)


DC-DC chargers primarily are used to protect alternators from being overloaded and are generally not needed on smaller LiFePo4 installations under about 200AH in size, which would account for probably the majority of basic installations. DC-DC chargers are also getting cheaper all the time, and a 20A model is now available on Amazon for under $100, such units should be simple to install inline with the existing charging cable adding no more than 20 or so minutes worth of labor in most installations.


So yes there may be some added expenses converting to LiFePo4 batteries, in a basic installation they don't need to cost all that much, perhaps an additional $150-$200 in most cases, maybe less. Add to this that many newer converters are coming from the factory with official "lithium" support by way of a jumper setting, etc. and the this may be get even cheaper in the near future.

[varmonter]

I bought 2 battleborn for our outdoor rv.
So far I cant complain..so much better
Than the LA battery. They charge quicker
And are able to discharge lower than
LA battery. When we boondock as long as we
Have sun we can go as long as we want
Only limited by our tanks. We have 2 170 watt panels on our roof..we cant do ac or microwave without the genny but all else
Runs 12v and the batts are topped off during
The day..yes they are spendy..but the lifespan
Of these over lead acid is doubled so
Combined with their efficiency makes it well worth the cost..I would take negative comments from folks that dont own them with a grain of salt. The only downside is the cost
And actually when you consider you will buy two maybe 3 sets of lead acid to one set of lithium the price doesnt seem so bad.
In our old camper which we stored in winter I would take the 2
6v golf cart interstate out and in twice a year. Stick them on the
Charger in the house..65lbs per. In an old fart and used to put them on a dolly to move them around but still had to lift them up on the tounge. We sold the sticks an bricks..but if we were still there moving these lithium would be a dream at half the weight..

[richpatty]

Originally Posted by varmonter

I bought 2 battleborn for our outdoor rv.
So far I cant complain..so much better
Than the LA battery. They charge quicker
And are able to discharge lower than
LA battery. When we boondock as long as we
Have sun we can go as long as we want
Only limited by our tanks. We have 2 170 watt panels on our roof..we cant do ac or microwave without the genny but all else
Runs 12v and the batts are topped off during
The day..yes they are spendy..but the lifespan
Of these over lead acid is doubled so
Combined with their efficiency makes it well worth the cost..I would take negative comments from folks that dont own them with a grain of salt. The only downside is the cost
And actually when you consider you will buy two maybe 3 sets of lead acid to one set of lithium the price doesnt seem so bad.

I 100% agree. I was thrilled to get rid of my LA batteries as they were rusting out my compartment…

They are better in every other way.

[varmonter]

Originally Posted by richpatty

I 100% agree. I was thrilled to get rid of my LA batteries as they were rusting out my compartment…

They are better in every other way.

Yes and most newer campers will have solar controllers and onboard chargers that will run either. Our outdoor rv only required a flip of a switch in the charger and few button pushes on the controller to go from la to lithium. So my only cost was the price of the batteries..not replacing any other components..older campers may be different as to what needs to be done..

[C Beedle]

We are running 824 AH of SOK batteries in a 12 volt configuration, 1500 watts of solar on the roof, with a Victron charge controller. 2800 watt Magnum inverter.
We are happy campers!!

[creativepart]

I pulled out my 5-yr old OEM AGMs (4-NAPA 100ah) that were still working fine and replaced them with 2-200ah Renogy LiFePo4 batteries.

They may seem like "drop in" but they required a lot of adapating the motorhome's charging systems - removed the BIM, installed a DC to DC charger and an Amp-L-Start to replace the BIMs various functions. My Inverter/charger and MPPT Solar Charge controller both have Lithium charge profiles. So, no changes there.

They're working great and I'm very happy with the installation.

The 400ah of new LiPo batteries cost $1898, plus another $275 for all the other items mentioned above.

Those that say LiFePo4 batteries are not worth it are the same guys that want to haul around 300lb of 6v batteries and have an RV Fridge... and probably a 15 year old RV.