Lithium ion swap October 04, 2019, 01:55:18 pm Can lead acid batteries be simply swapped out for lithium ion bats. My 2002 26' mid bath unit has 2- 100 watt factory installed roof solar panels. This could seem to be a reasonable investment if the existing charging system is compatible with the new Lith ion bats. Most of the time the lead acid bats seem fine but I read some compelling stuff about the Lith Ion bats. Thanks.
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #1 – October 04, 2019, 03:48:08 pm The short answer is "No."There are sellers who will tell you otherwise--that they have "drop-in" LiFePO4 replacements--but from what I've seen, they're not to be trusted.LiFePO4 batteries have many advantages, but they require different charging than lead-acid batteries--no absorb, little or no float, no charging below freezing, etc. Your 2002-vintage converter/charger and solar charging controller will most likely damage a set of expensive lithium batteries.I like lithium batteries. I've installed them in both my rigs. But I designed those charging systems from scratch to work with the new LiFePO4 batteries. Unfortunately, you can't just swap them into an old lead-acid system. 1 Likes
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #2 – October 04, 2019, 07:47:40 pm Battle Born seems to have a good reputation and they claim that with their integrated BMS etc, their product is "Compatible with your current charger, smart charger or inverter charger".Andy's concerns are valid since your rig has 2002 vintage equipment, but you might want to contact the manufacturer directly and see what they recommend.Contact - Battle Born BatteriesSteve
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #3 – October 04, 2019, 09:04:20 pm Probably an old converter wouldn’t hurt a Lithium battery with it’s 13.7 volt charge but it is a waste of a battery that can charge at 60+ amps for one and over 100 amps for two. The old converter would be lucky to hit it’s rated 45 amps. Put in a battery monitor and try it.A lithium battery cannot be charged below 32F. I often deal with temperatures like that which means the Lithium battery should not be in a vented Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) battery box. It needs to be inside.I have two Battleborn batteries and they have worked very well for almost two years. Generator run times are measured in minutes, not hours.You need a lithium battery, a 60 amp or more lithium charger, an inside battery box and a battery monitor. You are looking at $2500 including wire, battery lugs and a crimping tool for two batteries. 1 Likes
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #4 – October 04, 2019, 09:55:00 pm Quote from: hbn7hj - October 04, 2019, 09:04:20 pmYou need a lithium battery, a 60 amp or more lithium charger, an inside battery box and a battery monitor. You are looking at $2500 including wire, battery lugs and a crimping tool for two batteries.Or you can buy two 6-volt deep cycle batteries from Costco for $200.https://www.costco.com/Interstate-6-Volt-Golf-Cart-Battery.product.100476406.htmlThe better Trojan batteries cost around $170 each, still less than $400 for a pair. The Trojans in our LD are eight years old and still working fine.Trojan T-105LPT-MV Group GC2 BatteryChanging to lithiums is better suited to a newer rig, one that has chance to to take advantage of a lithium's very long life.I designed and installed battery, solar and charging systems in LDs for over ten years. For the majority of LD owners, unless they are full timers, two lead-acid batteries are adequate, if they have solar..As Andy suggested, a large, dedicated lithium charger should be used, lithiums are much too expensive to experiment with.I can't tell you how many LD owners I know that have had electrical problems or a poorly designed charging system that burned up their batteries.A $2000 failure would be tough to swallow.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #5 – October 04, 2019, 10:34:38 pm If you are interested in the Trojan T105 check around at local battery suppliers for golf carts. I just purchased two of those for $115 each in Mesa, AZ. Prices were all over the place and this was by far the cheapest.Jim 1 Likes
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #6 – October 04, 2019, 10:38:18 pm For now, lead acid batteries and the time tested and economical (?) way to go. Unless you have some specific desire that requires Lithium, I think the technology needs some time to mature.That said, I also think there is space for someone who is a tinkerer to make some progress with 48v panels and salvage electric vehicle batteries. For example, something like this could be the start of a really nice system. http://azlithium.com/shopexd.asp?id=152Here is someone who took Nissan Leaf batteries and put them into an RV. They claim around 2000 Amp-hours @ 12v! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV8fyzOTjsk10 years from now we should have some options that really make our 6v lead acid batteries look ancient by comparison.Rich'03 MB in NC
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #7 – October 05, 2019, 12:00:40 am Quote from: Jim & Gayle - October 04, 2019, 10:34:38 pmIf you are interested in the Trojan T105 check around at local battery suppliers for golf carts. I just purchased two of those for $115 each in Mesa, AZ. Prices were all over the place and this was by far the cheapest.Good to know.Larry
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #8 – October 05, 2019, 10:52:45 am Quote from: Jim & Gayle - October 04, 2019, 10:34:38 pmIf you are interested in the Trojan T105 check around at local battery suppliers for golf carts. I just purchased two of those for $115 each in Mesa, AZ. Prices were all over the place and this was by far the cheapest.JimI did the same thing in the Denver area.Chris
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #9 – October 07, 2019, 11:36:49 am That was a lot of really good information! This Forum is GREAT. Thank you all. 1 Likes
Re: Lithium ion swap Reply #10 – November 13, 2019, 03:02:24 pm Quote from: Larry W - October 04, 2019, 09:55:00 pmOr you can buy two 6-volt deep cycle batteries from Costco for $200.https://www.costco.com/Interstate-6-Volt-Golf-Cart-Battery.product.100476406.htmlThe better Trojan batteries cost around $170 each, still less than $400 for a pair. The Trojans in our LD are eight years old and still working fine.Trojan T-105LPT-MV Group GC2 BatteryChanging to lithiums is better suited to a newer rig, one that has chance to to take advantage of a lithium's very long life.I designed and installed battery, solar and charging systems in LDs for over ten years. For the majority of LD owners, unless they are full timers, two lead-acid batteries are adequate, if they have solar..As Andy suggested, a large, dedicated lithium charger should be used, lithiums are much too expensive to experiment with.I can't tell you how many LD owners I know that have had electrical problems or a poorly designed charging system that burned up their batteries.A $2000 failure would be tough to swallow.LarryWow lots of good info here. I'm going to need to replace my Trojans and I think I'm just going stick with them for now since we are not full timers. Weekend warriors at best right now.
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