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Souljourner · 10-05-2021, 11:18 AM

I've asked a few questions on two other threads and I have done my online research and I now know more than I did a week ago about Lithium batteries, which means I went from knowing nothing to knowing a little bit more. ;-) I'm looking to purchase a battery this week, but I'm concerned that I might not know what I don't know. Some help would be greatly appreciated.

Some info:
I have a 22' TT and frequently dry camp, usually for not more than 4 days in a row, often for only a night or two, and then I drive several hours to a new location. The drive has always recharged my batteries.

I have a 190 watt solar panel and it has been sufficient for my needs.

I only use 12 volts when dry camping and I'm OK with that. I have a plug in inverter but have never used it. No AC or microwave or hairdryers.

My daily usage usually consists of a few LED lights for a couple of hours at night, water pump, slide and awning in and out, parasitic draw. Fridge is propane.

Usage:
My controller shows that I used 1000 amp hours over 22 days of dry camping. Not sure if my thought process is accurate, but if I divide 1000 by 22 days that gives me an average of 45 amp hours per day?

I suspect that a 100 Amp Hour battery will be enough for my needs, but I'm also considering something smaller. What would you suggest?

If I went with a smaller battery, 75 for example, if it allows for a parallel connection (do all Lithium batteries allow for this?) can I add more amp hours later with an additional battery to save some money now?

Does the physical size of the new battery need to be able to fit into my current battery box, mounted on the front of my
TT, or is a new battery box easy to purchase and install?

I live in the northeast but spend my winters in warmer climates. Rare, but possible, for temps to be below freezing. Do I need to worry about charging below freezing and purchase a low temperature battery, or could I simply disconnect my battery if temperatures were to be unusually low?

Once I decide on the size battery I need -
***my biggest question is for a recommendation of battery, make and model as I'm ready to purchase now. ***

I camp about 120 days a year and would spend a little bit more to get a better battery. I don't need top of the line but a good mid-priced battery would probably be my choice, unless there are reasons why a top of the line battery would be a better choice.

On another thread, this Renogy battery was mentioned as being on sale. Price sounds awesome. Any thoughts about this battery as a good fit for my needs?

Renogy is offering their 100ah battery with Bluetooth for $499
https://www.renogy.com/12v-100ah-lit...y-w-bluetooth/

I'm looking to make a purchasing decision ASAP as I need to replace my current battery. Any guidance you could provide to help diminish my feeling of being overwhelmed by choices would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

JJH3rd · 10-05-2021, 11:23 AM

Your first question should be: Can my charger(/converter) work with LiFePo4 cells? These cells do not charge the same was as wet cell or AGM batteries do, so check and make sure you can adjust the charge to work with the LFP batteries.

HarryStone · 10-05-2021, 12:25 PM

Yes, all lithium batteries allow parallel connection. Yes, you 'could' get by with a smaller battery, but you run the risk of not getting a full charge one day, cloudy day etc. and a larger battery would have the depth to get you thru. The Renogy sounds like a good deal. If you are concerned about cold weather, you could turn off your charger, or put a heater in with the battery. Or, even better, if possible, put the battery in the warmed area of the trailer. It gives off no gas, and has no potential for sparking/fires because of a closed area.

Souljourner · 10-06-2021, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJH3rd

Your first question should be: Can my charger(/converter) work with LiFePo4 cells? These cells do not charge the same was as wet cell or AGM batteries do, so check and make sure you can adjust the charge to work with the LFP batteries.

By charger/converter are you referring to the controller? If so, it has a setting for lithium batteries.

RonandDeb · 10-06-2021, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Souljourner

By charger/converter are you referring to the controller? If so, it has a setting for lithium batteries.

Yep, I believe that's what he means. Sounds like you're all set.

If you're using less than 50ah per day, for the price, the Renogy deal sounds almost too good to pass up. Also having 100ah is better in my opinion as it leaves you some headroom, if by chance you get a string of cloudy days when you're relying on solar.

Souljourner · 10-06-2021, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonandDeb

Yep, I believe that's what he means. Sounds like you're all set.

If you're using less than 50ah per day, for the price, the Renogy deal sounds almost too good to pass up. Also having 100ah is better in my opinion as it leaves you some headroom, if by chance you get a string of cloudy days when you're relying on solar.

Thanks for commenting as I’m feeling a bit insecure about my understanding of electrical thing, especially when it comes to making a somewhat expensive purchase.

If I was willing to spend the money, would there be any sense in buying more than 100 amp hours, or with my usage would that be money better spent on other things?

inthepines · 10-06-2021, 09:21 AM

Start with the 100, see how it does.
If you find it not enough buy another.
A month or two isnt going to be that unbalanced.
Also, look at the sok battery, I like them better than renogy

RonandDeb · 10-07-2021, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Souljourner

Thanks for commenting as I’m feeling a bit insecure about my understanding of electrical thing, especially when it comes to making a somewhat expensive purchase.

If I was willing to spend the money, would there be any sense in buying more than 100 amp hours, or with my usage would that be money better spent on other things?

Yeah, that's always a tough decision. If you have less than 100ah now, going to 100 would be a good choice. At least that's what I would do. Sounds to me like you'll be fine with that. I know these are expensive and this needs to be a one time purchase. Your boondocking doesn't sound like it's that dramatic and these new lithium batteries are pretty sweet!

As for the make, I would stay away from the big guns as I think they are overpriced and you're paying for much more than the battery. Again, my opinion, I just wouldn't spend a grand for a battery when I can get the same performance for half the cost. Read reviews and see what others have to say about the different brands.

I'll be replacing my deep cycles in the spring. I have two 100ah batteries now and that's what I'll stick with.

Good luck!