Increasing Your RV Battery Bank Power Without The HIGH PRICE TAG -- Why We Switched!
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- čas přidán 16. 04. 2021
- *Typo in the text of the video. (4) 12v interstates equate to approximately 324 amp hours. 50% usable would be 162 amp hours.
In this video we give you a detailed look at our recent RV battery upgrade. We upgraded our batteries from RV 12v lead acid to RV 6v lead acid batteries. We also installed an Auto Generator Start. We talk about why we chose RV 6v over RV 12v as well as why we did not chose lithium batteries. We also talk about the cost of our upgrade vs the cost of a similar upgrade using lithium batteries and how we increased our Rv Battery Bank On A Budget.
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Smart advice - do the upgrades that matter based on your personal needs. Thanks for sharing the details and logic of your choices.
There is no right or wrong, it’s best to do what works for you and your style of camping.
Exactly!
Another great video, I agree on going the cheaper route if you stay hooked up to shore power. Look forward to seeing your next, you to share so much.
Thanks William.
Really helpful! I'm brand new to the RV world after inheriting a Class A Monarch and it's looking like I need to replace the batteries. I'm hearing more about the 6v set up and it makes a lot of sense.
You guys never do anything stupid! Love the channel and me living in a travel trailer, these batteries are looking like the way I think I need to go. I'm always plugged in but in the event of a power outage (i.e. the blizzard and freeze from last winter) it would be nice to have longer lasting batteries. Thanks for the great information and again, I love the channel!
Awesome thanks Bob! - MJ
I was amazed why I discovered you can get more AH using 6v. I decided against lithium for the same reason you gave, we rarely boondock. That's why I asked the thinking behind the new King Aires coming with lithium. However they do weigh less. I added it all up and running the generator cost much less than buying lithium, plus you need to exercise your generator anyway.
I can’t speak for Newmar but the craze is lithium so I would imagine that may have had something to do with it. You are correct if you are hooked up (which I think many KA owners are) then lithium is really not worth the huge cost.
Thanks for watching Roy
I think that's a great setup and it really makes sense over cost of lithium.
Yes, definitely, for us right now, it does. It's a great setup! - MJ
I love your set up. Your videos always teach me things I didn’t realize I needed to know
Glad to help
Nice choice. You'll love the auto-gen-start.
We are loving it definitely!!
I think you made a great choice of going the route you did. It takes care of your needs. You can take the money you saved & hang on to it incase you have an unplanned expense that wasn’t budgeted for. Thank again for the great information video have a blessed day & safe travels
I totally agree! Thanks James. 👍 - MJ
I didn’t go with lithium either but did go with AGM just for the higher amp hours and low maintenance.. you did inspire me to install a battery cutoff because like your rig my rig cutoff switch doesn’t cutoff everything! Thanks!
That is awesome!
Great video Izzy! I will definitely look to have this kind of set up! Thanks for sharing! Safe travels!
Glad it was helpful!
As always! Thanks
Totally agree with your choice. We have AGM batteries with auto gen start on our Renegade super-C and don’t need lithium based upon our camping style either.
Unless you are not “off the grid regularly” our opinion it’s not needed especially if you have a generator. Thanks for watching and the comment.
I agree with getting Lithium batteries, which stirred me away from private sales,some dealers do have them and I'm checking costs,I plan on going full time soon. I do enjoy ur videos. I love diesel Super C and Class A.
Another great, very informative video. Thanks guys.
Glad you enjoyed it. Stay well! - MJ
Thanks for this very informative video. I agree, if you go to a 6 volt system the batteries are much better at discharge/recharge.
Unfortunately that isn’t a great option for us. We own a 2022 smaller class A Winnebago gasser. The fridge is a 12 volt compressor fridge. We live in Arizona and often camp on our remote land, BLM land or state parks. No hookups. We do go to campgrounds with hookups but that is only 50% of the time.
Our coach has two group 31 Interstate batteries (60 lbs each) in a tight spot under the step. Not an ideal setup since they are squeezed in and not a simple drop in. Not possible for me to change and fit 6 volt. I hate this and had to replace the 12V already and they were a struggle.
Our coach is equipped with a factory installed solar panel. We just had the factory install a second panel. Prior to adding the second panel we would have to run the generator every 7 to 8 hours. We decided to go to lithium to eliminate having to run the generator so often, eliminate changing batteries so often ( they don’t last more than 24 - 30 months living with 115 degree desert heat), and also reduce a little weight.
The lithium are crazy expensive, but our RV camping style and Coach configuration forced us to go this way.
Thanks again for your videos. Great stuff.
Hey guys thanks again for all of your great work. I just watched your video on the new class B from jayco
I you said class B is becoming very popular, I have to tell you your spot on. I found a company called outside Van in my opinion they’re the best they specialize in the class B and have been doing this the longest of any other companies best to my knowledge. They are a bit more expensive but the quality is light years ahead of the competitors. Many people really respect your integrity and opinions. It would be great if you did a review on the company outside van located in Portland Oregon.
I am not a employee of outside van , just a fellow camper.
God speed to you all
Stay safe
Thanks for this. We are going full time newbies in January. Your videos are very very helpful. Hopefully we will get to meet you on the road.
Awesome, best of luck!
Good information. We replaced our 2 12v batteries with 4 6v batteries in series/parallel on our travel trailer as well. Our price was identical to yours, about $600/4 batteries. Lots of amp hours. Darn they are heavy!
Thanks for doing a video that Lithium is not for everyone at the high price tag. I will feel better about just replacing my lead acid batteries. Good job on the video.
Thanks Mike
Good common sense set up. Lithium isn’t required for everyone like many would have you believe. Great video. 👍👍
We agree. For us the cost of lithium was not justified. Thanks for watching and the comment.
@@EndlessRVing same here. We have a toy hauler with a generator, two AGM batteries and 200 watts of solar. Living in a place with 320 days of sunshine...no need for lithium.
If we were full time then maybe. 👍
Right on point balancing need vs cost. We too are typically plugged in , even when parked at the house, or running the generator.
I got myself in a bind by discharging my coach batteries to the point of ruin. Between the coach being set up w/ 3 batteries and a looming time crunch for an upcoming trip, I replaced them with 12V AGM until I can tackle installing / running cables for the 4th battery (6V conversion needs an even battery count).
(note to self: always make sure the refrigerator is switched to propane or off when unplugging at home for a couple days.. 😒)
The key is getting the setup that best works for your needs. Thanks for watching and the comment
I agree with your assessment, There is a third option Lifeline AGM, 300 amp/hr per and no maintenence this is what I chose for my Newmar Ventana.
Thanks for sharing
I enjoyed this video -- even though I just put lithium batteries in my Airstream 😂, good information. Love your channel.
Nothing wrong with Lithium. Like we said they are the best in the market we will take them when a company gives them to us lol!
Great Video ... I love the knowledge u share. I think it's a great setup, do what works best 4 U... no apologies
Thanks for watching and the comment. The setup has been working great so far!!
Good ideas…food for thought. My issue is keeping my new chassis crank batteries charged in storage. I’ve now added a dual bank MinnKota charger for storage or long term stays.
Hi . After living full time for 12 years , mostly off grid , i would definitely recommend LifePo4 today . When we started in 2003 , lead acid were only available. Terrible .
Solar with max watts , 600 amp hr batteries, LifePo4. That is what we intend to have fitted next . Renegade Valencia 40
Another great job. Keep on keeping On.
Thanks, will do!
We went the same route. Juice isn’t worth the squeeze when your hooked up to shore power 95% of the time. Well done!!
We agree. Thanks for watching and the comment
Thanks for all the great information
Our pleasure!
As always perfect timing.. I am getting ready to change to 6 volt batteries.. I only have 2..(30 amp coach) deka is what I'm looking at.. hope all is well with y'all and thanks again for the INFORMATIVE video.. Lee and Luanne Horton
The Deka setup will be perfect and give you a nice bump in amp hours. Thanks for watching guys.
For YOUR STYLE of RVing, it makes a lot of sense, guys. Like you said, one needs to consider THEIR STYLE of RVing - if you're plugged into shore power, lithium (and solar) probably doesn't make sense ($$$ and CENTS!!). Certainly look forward for a follow-up later this camping season on how it performed, MJ and Izzy (and Jason, of course).
Y'all Be Safe!
We agree. So far it has been working great. We get through the night and the AGS does not even kick on. It’s perfect for us. Thanks for watching and the comment
Great information. Love that auto start. That would solve a lot issues.
You nailed it..!!!!!!
I ran your idea/battery set up past my Mater electrician (best friend)...and he agrees with you on your set up.
I was not aware of the Gen starter option for the Onan....thanks
For the record , I love Litheum batteries....not the price...great option for off grid..boon Dockers tho.
Thanks for sharing Rob. They are working out well for us.
Great video. We just took delivery of our new Tiffin class A with Lithium. I am sure that Lithium was way over kill but i have had 6V batteries that kept discharging and i was worried about that. It’s what made me happy but i can certainly agree that you getting 6V was a great idea. And the auto GenStart is great as well. I’m sure this system is going to work out great for you guys, at least until you get that Super C.. lol...
Certainly lithium is the best choice if we did not have a budget. The AGS will assure our batteries don’t discharge to a dangerous level. Thanks for watching and the comment Annie
Wow, an other informative session. I panicked and purchased very expensive lithium batteries for our Class A, just had the fear that our coach would freeze up someday in the middle of the desert and I am NOT handy like you. Did I mention we are part-timers too, it was an over spend. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks George!
I think you guys have the right idea
Thanks Mike
Also for those of us that hunt, we boondock in the fall/winter. Most Lithium batteries have temperature restrictions on charging (discharge down to -4° but can only charge if 32°). This makes lithium less desirable. Temperature restrictions can be negated by putting the batteries inside, but not all RVs have space for that.
Times change. New batteries actually can be had with self-heating pads, to keep them warm, and cold temperature shut-offs that will not allow them to charge until they've warmed enough to do that safely.
Awesome video and is the reason I’m going with these. I just wanted to give you a heads up. I emailed Deka Pro asking where I find these in my area and the rep informed me they make that same battery for Sam’s under a Duracell label part number GC2. Just wanted to give you and your followers the heads up. Thanks again for all your help through the channel.
Thanks for the update
Good video. Our six volt batteries are now five years old and will need replacing soon. I've considered lithium but if I go that route we would need to upgrade out inverter/charger on our 2006 Ventana as it has no lithium setting. We do dry camp on occasion but mostly are hooked up to electric. We may consider agm batteries but as long as you keep up with the water needs of flooded batteries they work pretty well also.
Good luck!
If I was planning on keeping our coach for 8-10 years then Lithium 'might' make sense. My old 8 Interstate 6v flooded batteries were 8 years old and needed to be replaced. With the flooded batteries I had to check them every month and top them off with Di water and they would take close to a gallon of water. I decided to go with AGM's and SAM's Club has Duracell GC2AGM Golf Cart batteries for $179.73. You have to check the dates on them though. I had to go to 4 different SAM's Clubs in order to get 8 batteries with a 2021 date sticker on them. Even though I had a Pro-Fill battery watering system on the old flooded ones that made it east to maintain them not the only thing I need to do to maintain them is to check the terminal connections. I do still use my PowerPulse battery maintainers though as I do believe they are what helped extend the life of my old batteries and they are relatively inexpensive. BTW, we have only boondocked once in the 3 years we've had the coach but now I do plan on taking advantage of our 3 year old Harvest Hosts membership occasionally. ;-)
We agree. Pretty much the same as you with our “camping”. Thanks for watching and the comment.
Well done, informative , clear message on point . Good production value . Get your case of Beer for that one Blue Team ! Thank you for sharing ....Btw , Many of my cop friends are looking fwd to retirement because of you guys . Me and my Firefighters.. Ahh were already too busy RVing to think about it ; )
Thank you Brian
Common sense makes easy decision points. Great idea w 6v batteries- maybe leave the pic of the battery cables on screen a bit longer or the diagram of same. “Serial parallel” description went over many heads..... good video!
Thanks for watching and the comment
So many RV YT promote Lithium because they got a deal. Most RVers would never get the benefit of those vs Lead Acid. We are currently boondocking for 3 months with 4 6V batteries. For us right now the benefit, assuming 3 100ah lithium, is running deeper before a recharge and recharge faster. We have solar, but even clear days not enough. LI would save about $2 a day in fuel vs LA. $180 vs $1800 for batteries. We have the auto Gen start, set for the voltage level and quiet time restrictions. It’s the greatest piece of mind leaving your dog behind in the rig if power went out in the campground when we have hook ups
God video. I think you are right. I don't camp without being pugged in and if I do I have auto gen start. I completely understand Li but can't justify paying for it.
Thanks William!
Bingo! This is why I use 6V 375Ah flooded myself!
I love this video Izzy and Mj! It makes sense to get the cheaper lithium batteries. I work at a lithium battery plant. We made packs for a kit of vendors or just sent the cells out and they made their own. But I like the way you bought the less expensive. I would do that too. That’s a lot of money for those. How often Izzy do you need to change those out? Is it like when you change car batteries every 2 to 3 years? I never knew Rvs took batteries until I watched your channel. This is all so good to know. Thank you Izzy and Mj. See you both soon. Have a great day!
These are commercial grade 6v batteries. We should get 5-7 years out of them. Thanks for watching Sherri
@@EndlessRVing That’s great to know thank you Izzy and MJ!
As you stated, "If you don't use it, it doesn't matter". We do boondock about 70% of the time but still could and can not justify the expense of Lithium (LIPO) batteries. 5 years LIPo were about ~$1300 ea now ~$900 ea. Having a degree in Accounting + 40 years in the finance field I think I am able to "do the math". I have 2-100w solar panels + controller (portable) that I configured + 2-6V 235 amp/hr golf cart batteries + Champion inverter / generator + a small inverter(12V to 110V) . All in at ~$850. I would have done the solar & small generator regardless. I doubt i use 2 gal of gas a year in the generator. So the cost of my batteries 5 years ago was ~$200 vs $1300 for LIPO . Today my lead acid batteries are still fine as they never discharge below 70%. Solar keeps them 100% during the day and the gen is for backup & occasional 110 use. Assuming I replace my batteries today though, my replacement cost would be ~$240. Still less than the ~ $900 for a LIPO. In rough math it would take ~15 -18 years for me to break even. So far in the past 5 years the price, quality, competition, technology and chemistry has changed for LIPO as well. For us, it doesn't make any sense even in the long range.
We agree. Thanks for sharing.
I have a '21 Baystar an electric refrigerator and dry camp in our Provincial parks. Everything in an 'A' class is great for dry camping except the batteries. Larger capacity is the way to go but weight is an issue. Those heavy batteries have to be moved and stopped for every traffic light. I think heated lithium is the way for me, might be cheaper in the long run.
One thing to consider when dealing with Lithium Batteries is they don't like cold climates.
One important thing to mention with the 6volt Gc Batteries is they are certainly available with higher Ah than the ones you purchased.
For your setup though you have an appropriate battery bank 👍
No batteries like cold weather. Unless they are self heated. THen they also use a bit of their energy to stay warm.
@@SparkeycarpLead acid don’t like cold & lithiums are completely dead in cold weather. Like stone dead - no voltage - nothing.
Thanks for another great video. For us, the best decision was starting with 6 volt batteries and solar since we mostly boondock is the desert during the winter, then plug in during summer beach trips. Batteries are always 12.4 to 13 volts.
Thanks John!
Good video. With all that you have upgraded on that rv I hope you don't get rid of it any time soon.
I have 6 6vlt batteries and usually never worry about dead batteries. I boondock overnight while traveling and my voltage barely even drops watching TV with lights on etc.
I do have solar so usually the next day they get topped off and I'm right back at full charge.
I don't even know how to program my Auto Gen. It's on the list of things to learn 😄
We will be in this coach for a bit. We just had a major suspension upgrade an now it drives like my Ram pickup. No need for another coach for a while. AGS is nice when you figure it out!! Thanks for watching.
@@EndlessRVing wow that's awesome!
Being able to relax and have a comfortable ride is crucial to traveling.
Our first trip is this weekend if only I filmed all of what I have been going through. Kitchen faucet broke from winter.. Upgraded the front TV to a Smart.. Had all the fluids and filters changed, topped off Propane.. So much stuff.
Eager hear how your new Suspension rides in a future video. 👍🏾
@@FadeToBlackLLC there is always a lot to do when you have a motorhome. If your not handy your screwed!
Interesting thoughts on the battery matter.
Thanks for watching and the comment.
I would add solar in your situation. I priced out one I put together off Amazon. And for $500 with one of the best charge controllers you get a 200W system. That is everything needed to install. And another $160-$200 will get you 400W. Plenty for no docking occasionally.
In the next 2 years I’m going out west and want to overnight boondock. And that is the system I’m doing. As well as I’m going to be installing an auto gen start this year.
Good luck!
great videos! my go to site now. my boondocking adventure found the acid lead batteries were not charging and not maintained. big deal not checking the electrolyte levels... i know now my batteries are not
no-maintenance. for me the high tech systems are only as good as the one who installed them. i am heading to get the my batteries out from the stairway and into a outside cargo bay. and installing a separate battery for the generator. and turn off switches for all systems engine-coach -generator. my concern is when the crazy driver hit the motorhome in the battery bay there will be a hazmat issue?
you can also use 2 -6 volt batterys instead of 1 -12 volt works better as well
Your reason for not going lithium makes sense. But the reason I went with lithium and i do not bondock is I know I will get ten years or more out of the batteries so I see what your cost were times 2 for the batteries. Plus I do not have to worry about making sure they are charged if left in storage for a year as lithium lose very little during storage. Plus I plan on keeping my rig for at least as long as the lithium batteries last. Now for some one who does not think they will have they rig for say ten years and does not bondock I agree lithium probably is not the best choice. But for me having to worry if the batteries were charged after storage is what drove me to lithium. I got tired of low batteries after sitting a long time. Great video.
Thanks for sharing Richard
Remember lithium batteries last around 10 years or more so they are cheaper in the long run
I have been using the basic interstate lead acid batteries for years I have replaced them twice in 14 years we are not big Boondocker‘s as you say maybe 2% of the time. But we are headed out next week for seven days of Boondocking my biggest fear is that I will run out of power in the batteries but we have an 8000 W Jenny onboard stay tuned. Thomyt
Thanks for sharing Thomy
Hello, I building a bank of 4 6 volts batteries to get 12 volts. what size wire should I use to connect the batteries together.....I have size 4 awg wires right now. Thanks
Another great video, MJ and Izzy. Auto gen start is, in my opinion an essential system that should be standard in every coach, many of us travel with pets. Did you evaluate AGM type batteries? I opted for AGM batteries when we had to replace the 4 OEM 6 volt led acid house batteries that came in our previous coach. Unfortunately we had to replace the original batteries prematurely because the selling dealer did not properly maintain them while the coach was on their lot - I found (too late) that all of them had their electrolyte well below full thus causing damage to the plates.
AGM is certainly a nice upgrade but we do check the batteries so it’s not a big deal for us.
The life expectancy of the AGM batteries is less than a wet battery.
Plus the fact that they usually cost quite a bit more. AGMs are also heavier than a wet battery.
Two 6 volt wired in series , to make a 12 volt only gives you 1/2 the AMP hours @ 12v... I have 6volt AGM's 206 amp hours each at 6 volt , or 206 @ 12volt..
A
Can you lay your 6 volt batteries on their sides.
This is a requirement of the battery area on my Toyota Tarago campervan. I use 2 x 170 amphr deep cycle gel batteries....with a 65 amp dc/dc charger basically powered by the 110 amp/hr alternator.
Would like to increase it but weight is a major factor.
Great show ...keep up the great work. 👍
Steve.
Not lead acid batteries.
Cost of Chinese lithium “Budget” drop-in’s has come WAY down this past year. We boondock allot so have had large 1,260 Ah 6V AGM pack for past 7 yrs. Weight was 900 lbs! 100% useable 800Ah Li pack will increase usable Ah’s by 200 Ah AND reduce weight by 2/3’s, ALL for $2,500. Your needs may differ, but look at Lithiums again if in need of new batteries.
It works for you and how you RV, so it is a great system. You also answered a question I had about the auto-gen start system so that is a great plus...Thanks!
Thanks for watching and the comment.
Hey great video. Can the auto gen be installed on any generator or are there limitations?
The one we have is for an Onan. Thanks for watching and the comment.
Two six volt batteries wired in series will double the voltage but it does not double the amp hours. Four six volt batteries in series doubles the amp hours.
ok people im going to tell you how to never buy batteries again or long time i drop mine 2 foot in air onto concrete works most time faster for me but the factory where your used batteries go back to when you trade it in ....they pull all caps off charge it on high at 200 amps 15 mins. it will bubble make sure to add more water if needed do this about 4 or 5 times then trickle charge over night it will work longer now its be recycled lol it works try it ..the plates get crusty this is why i drop mine works faster to me i used to work with a buddy that owns a battery place this is what they do they will also clean up your old battery and sell it to people that has a car lot or you can go buy a rebuilt battery at the shop there make sure you keep a ck on water in battery you dont need to add acid ever
Is there a way of knowing if your motorhome (which you don't have yet - we purchased a 2021 Tiffin Allegro 38ka which should be delivered sometime in July) has the Auto Gen Off feature?
Should be in the features section of your MH specs or just call Tiffin.
We almost exclusively boondock, so lithium makes sense for us. But it's pricey! We are saving up our pennies for it.
👍
If you really want lead acid , then go for LifeLine AGMs. 6 volt
I think the takeaway from your new energy storage video is that there are several variables e.g., plugged in or not, length of time you anticipate owning the RV, and cash flow that may drive which battery to buy. I say cash flow for a reason because the cash flow to purchase a lithium battery may be greater than to purchase a lead-acid or AGM battery, however, comparing the cost per total energy produced over some period of time, lithium has a lower cost. I might use the analogy at the grocery store as to which box of Corn Flakes costs more the 18 oz box for $12.37 or the 48 oz box for $14.99. If I am buying just one box the 48 oz costs more. But, it was purchasing the same quantity of corn flakes over time, you would need to purchase 2.67 of the 18 oz boxes costing $33.02. Thus, purchasing the larger box (the lithium battery) versus the smaller box(the AGM or lead-acid battery) may require me to part with more cash today, but after consuming 48 ounces with 2.67 of the smaller boxes my cost is higher. Of course, there are other important factors to consider, such as weight, charging time, the peukert effect, etc. There is a wealth of free information available at batteryuniversity.com. That said, I am a CPA, not an electrical engineer. An electrical engineer evaluated various battery types here: czcams.com/video/iy3hga_P5YY/video.html.
My Canyon Star came with six - 6-volt lead-acid batteries. They would barely power the residential refrigerator from sundown to sun up let alone anything else. The best answer for me; lithium. I replaced these six with four 100 amp-hour Battleborn batteries. In addition, I added nine 200 watt solar panels to the roof. This setup powers the refrigerator, microwave, lights, televisions, desktop computer and monitor, and all the other incidental electric items in the RV. The only items I cannot run and are not wired through the inverter would be the washer and dryer and the a/c units. Even on the shortest day of the year in New England, I use about 50% or 200 amp-hours overnight and the solar panels will have them recharged by noon (3pm or so if it is cloudy). In fact, I just plugged in this week for the first time since mid-December (I’ve not used the generator other to exercise it either). So for me, this is not a worry-free power system, it is a thought-free power system that is quiet and clean. Moreover, without paying campground fees, this setup paid for itself in a matter of months. Now for those who might suggest I could buy a lot of gas for the generator for the cost of the solar panels. Perhaps in the short-term, but then I have to put forth more effort to maintain the generator, remember to run the generator for several hours every day, etc. From my perspective, even if there is an incremental cost for the cleaner solution we should seriously consider their use to do our part to combat climate change….you know doing our part for the greater good. If the lowest cost was the only answer maybe we should have a coal-fired generator? (just kidding).
Our camping styles are very different, for my situation lithium/solar was the hands-down winner.
Oh, what would really be good is if you would figure out a way to get rid of the disgusting carpet on the slide rooms and do a video on it. Who in their right mind would put 10 inches of shag carpet in the kitchen of an RV?
As always, thanks for the thought-provoking videos.
THanks for sharing that info Richard
I built my own Lithium 12V 280 AH battery using Chinese cells and BMS for just under $700. Weighs less than 50 lbs.. I did spend $200 more for a lithium battery converter/charger in the RV. There are several CZcams videos showing how.
THanks for sharing
Good video
Where is the cutoff switch ? Just one switch for both battery banks ?
Thank You
One rotary switch right in with the batteries. It was added after market.
Interested in adding the auto gen start to my 3626 also. Izzy - Did you have MJ install it :-) or did you have it professionally installed? If you did it, how difficult was it?
Professionally installed
I hope you checked all the wires when you changed the batteries out. I don't know how much battery heating pads are. You might find yourself in the upper 20s at night.
Let's say you want to get 120v DC. Would that make it easier to convert it to a with the inverter?
Everything is working as it should. Thanks for watching and the comment
I really don't like focusing on the amp-hour rating . Each battery has so much power or energy discribed as Watts. That way we can see if we are getting a better battery or not. Increasing the amp hour rating will increase discharge and charge capablilites but does not necessarily tell you if they will last that long. Therefore, if you convert to energy in watts, u can compare what your replacing more accurately. amp hr X volts = watts hr. What you had was 1044 watt hr batteries and u replaced them with 1380 watt hour batteries. So you got 25% more capacity but really?
NEW Lead acid and AGM batteries do not have the capacity at listed. Some new batteries have half of their listed capacity at purchase! Lithium are right at or above their capacity new. U bought 4 batteries and a new SOK lithium with bluetooth bms (12 v 206 ahr )is 650$. That would give you the same energy as what you have now. Plus lithium can have up to 10 year warranty depending on brand, have thousands of cycles and will last probably longer then the life of the rv, can go lower at discharge with out damaging battery, they charge quicker so less generator time and less $ on diesel. For you at best, you would have used 1/4 the space if you went lithium. Things to consider next time.
Is there any reason one would want to add liquid springs on a used Prevost or do Prevost bus conversions have a better system?
LOL. Not on a Prevost but LS is a far better suspension than what is coming on production DP’s. It’s awesome!!
We are very inspired!!! Yee hooo! Aloha! We are making plans to get out of Hawaii bc of the vax passports that they may start to use to our pace to leave is moving faster! Can’t wait to get this party started with our favorite coaches!
Aloha!
Good luck, to you Jeff. :) - MJ
@@EndlessRVing thanks coach!
Enjoy your channel , and yep going six volt this spring. When are you heading to eastern Canada ? :)
Not sure we will make it up to Canada
@@EndlessRVing ok you can have my fifty amp service ;)
Great video. Really good information. Question about the 6 volt; Did you consider AGM’s for the 6 volt batteries. Just curious, we still have the 12 volt wet cell. I’d like to not have the maintenance of checking the water (i know lazy.. LOL). I think the upgrade is awesome. Now my wife is thinking about the auto gen start. We had that on our Thor Quantum but not on the Newmar. Weird Thanks !!!
Hey guys. AGM’s are great also but more costly. They will still be far less than lithium and if you get the auto gen start them you don’t need to worry about running down your batteries.
We will eventually get lithium when a company gives them to us lol. Until then 6v is what we will run!!
Cost is a big driver for sure. When you get the free ones, I’ll come get the 6 volt.. LOL!!
Where did you guys get the installation done? I’m thinking the auto gen start should be handled by a pro.
You have to understand how you camp. If you have the extra money get the best. 👍👍
We agree. We will upgrade to Lithium when a company gives us the batteries. Until them the 6v’s are working exactly how we expected them to.
Thanks for watching Rick
The flaw I see is those batteries are still only going to last 3-4 years. The Lithium batteries, if you don't use them will mean they last that much longer (rated for 3000-5000 full discharge cycles). That means with your style you'll have to buy those lead acid batteries more than 4 times while the lithium batteries are still 80% or more of capacity, probably close to 90%. Plus, I can buy one Lithium battery (Prismatic cells) with BMS for about $600 all in, and have 280ah that will last me 10 years or more and only weigh 46#.
Yeah I am reading comments and I don't understand anyone's math, unless they're just defending their purchase because they know darn well they messed up, and should have bought Lithium (LiFePO4). I see this is a year old, and I wasn't shopping for Lithium batteries back then, but I know they weren't $1300 vs $250 for lead acid like some commenter had claimed. That's absurd. If they were even close in price to what you can get them for now, I have no idea why anyone would choose anything besides LiFePO4 batteries. That would be like someone still buying NiCad batteries for power tools, instead of Lithium-Ion, in 2023. Other than low temp charging, which is an easy workaround, there isn't one single advantage I can see from any kind of battery. When I switched from Lead Acid, it honestly reminded me of the comparison I made above to power tools. It was that significant. I sure feel more comfortable going more remote places in my T Trailer now, with a much more advanced technology like Lithium. Along with an Inverter Generator and 2 Lithium batteries, I can go anywhere I want. I let VHS go when DVD came and price came down, then same with Blu-Ray, then streaming. Sometimes people just need to let go of a dying technology. Now if you want to argue that buying batteries like Battle Born are ridiculous? Yeah I'll second that. I wonder how many of those CZcamsrs would buy them if they didn't get them for free. Probably not many at that crazy high price tag.
The beauty of solar power is you only buy it once and it is getting cheaper; LiFePo4 chemistry is also getting cheaper. The beauty of LiFePo4 is the same as the solar power; you only buy it once as long as you don't abuse it. The only reasons to avoid LiFePo4 are cold weather and the outlay cost. I can relate to both, but my batteries live indoors with me, so cold is no issue. The cost is still a bit higher than the lead/acid cells initially, and you can't beat them if you want them to last. Anyone suggesting that lithiums are ok to discharge 100% is partially correct; it CAN be done, but the cycle life suffers a lot. I treat mine like lead/acid. I doubled up on cells in order to keep the discharge below 50%, and at that discharge I should get 7000+ cycles before they have only 80% capacity remaining, which is still useful, if not perfect. Add to that the efficiency of the chemistry and the low resistance (linear charging). If you need to draw huge amperage, most lead/acid batteries can discharge at hundreds of amps while the pre-built lithiums are limited to around 100 amps per battery/BMS, so you can power a large inverter for a short time with a single 12 volt battery (or 2 6v, 3 4v, 6 2v, etc), while you would need at least 3 Lithiums to do the same job. To sum up, it sounds incorrect, but there ARE some applications where lead/acid is still appropriate. Keep the rubber side down. :)
No doubt lithium would be the best choice for most applications if budget and usage justified it. For us it just has not been justified. Thanks for watching and the comment
@@EndlessRVing True, when you're plugged in most of the time and have a genset a modest battery pack will work fine. I'm the other sort; almost never plugged in and my genset is tiny, so batteries are a big deal. Happy motoring. :)
Lithium vs. Lead Acid. Lead Acid, $142 for 115ah usable. If you have four of them, you paid $568 for 230ah. For $480 you can get a 280ah Lishion or Eve 272 or 280 ah LiFePO4 batteries. You save a lot of weight for the same price. You would have to get a BMS for about $100. If you spent $2k you'd have over 1000ah. That's a lot more for the same price, but if you figure battery life it comes out even cheaper than lead acid.
And we would have to put them together, case them, add BMS as well as update our current battery charger. We had a budget to stick to. Thanks for watching and the comment.
Good video but be careful of the magnum auto start I had one and whenever the generator would start up the voltage draw would be so low it would reset the magnum auto start and then it wouldn’t know my generator was running and it would just run forever till I manually shut it off
Thanks for sharing
Good content! We are also weekend warriors when we camp, but it would be nice to have a better batteries for an occasional off grid get away. I have no aspirations to boondocks at Quartzsite over the winter, so I also think a Lithium battery bank is not for us. How has your new battery system been working for your off grid camping so far? How long does it take to charge these golf cart batteries back up from a 50% SOC?
Better than stock 12v but we did upgrade to lithium. No comparison
I’ll try to give an answer, but it depends. What SOC do you want. Assume 160AH needed, his generator would put out 90 amps, in 2 hours, your close but that’s not how LA work. Bulk charging gets you to around 80% SOC. Roughly 1.5 hours, then the charger goes to absorption charging, dropping the amps in, so another hour gets you to 90%, then float charging could take another hour to 95-98%. I have solar, but without solar I would run 2 hour a day a live within a SOC of 50-80%. LI charging is 100 amps full charge, no throttle back. So in 2 hours 100% SOC. That is an advantage over LA batteries.
Thx for your input! I've been doing a lot more research, and I'm leaning towards lithium now.
I wouldn't have bothered with the battery upgrade if you were going to do the generator auto start.
But personally, 2 12v batteries work fine for my travel trailer for a weekend. A couple bucks for a middle of the road portable solar panel kit (not hard mounted) if I want to extend the trip an extra day or two.
now are the lead acid battery always maintenance free vs need water added batteries?
Lead acid batteries need water levels checked and maintained.
Question? Watching I see lots of blips. Is that cuts in your video? BTW- nice new set up with the batteries
Yes, they're jump cuts. 👍 Thanks for watching. - MJ
Wife and I are learning so much from your vids. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. House went under co tract yesterday so we’ll be purchasing our first DP very soon.
Izzy thanks for your service to your community.
Retired hose dragger 🤣
Erich & Beth
Very cool. Best of luck to you! - MJ
That was a good idea to put those batteries in your rig at this time your not full time campers
Thanks Stephen! - MJ
Would the lithium batteries have required a change to your charger?
Depends on what kind of charger you already have
so do you have a video on the new batteries you have after you did away with these?? 🤠
Yes link is here
czcams.com/video/eb60mTaRAQ0/video.htmlsi=uqdA3wMY-JPKJxCe
What make and model is your coach? If I may ask?
Newmar Bay Star 3626
I’m surprised that you don’t do more boondocking in some of the wonderful locations especially on the BLM places. There seems to be an abundance of lakes etc... where you can really utilise your set up and for very little cost. I suppose it boils down to choice and ease of use etc...
From this side of the pond here in England (Brexitland 🇪🇺😂), see you on the erm 😳 road. Maybe 🤷🏻♂️🤣
BLM is great but there is no boondocking opportunities on the East coast where we are located plus we like to use water 😉
Thanks for watching and the comment.
This video is great!
Note to viewers -
Re capacity
-If you purchase a quality premium lead acid deep cycle you can pull more than 50% with minimal impact to battery life. The occasional deeper 85% draw is not going to affect life as much either.
Crown Trojan and Deca have well established charts on how far you can draw down batteries and impact to life. Remember when reviewing the chart - it is based on consistently drawing down the battery to that level.
So IMO - Don’t oversize your battery based on occasional boondock capacity requirement using. 50%. If you boondock only a few times per year - you can size based on 85% of battery size. IMO and based on manufactures and my own testing.
----
Re: Cold and batteries
A painful downside for lead acid is say your battery is freezing cold and dead - this damages your battery. So its winter time and in storage and you left a switch on while checking on it one day in cold winter…
Similar for lithium if you try and charge your battery while it is freezing cold - it kills the battery. If it is freezing do not try to recharge the battery when lithium. Some controllers and batts have sensors for battery being cold but many do not.
We came to the same conclusion as you about a yr ago. Went with the Trojan (comparable to Deka) because they can discharge 80% with no damage (50% recommended). An additional expense for us going to lithium would have been the new converter/charger necessary for proper charging. Thank you for the video
We we did not even include the new inverter/charger just focused on batteries. Thanks for sharing
Killed a pair of Trojan 100 amp hour AGMs the first year of our RV. The dealer replaced them with cheaper Interstate batteries. Still going strong after 2 more years. Next time I will shell out for a Battle Born system or trade in my RV for something else.
Where did you get your batteries from? I'm in Jersey also
Robert and sons Garfield NJ. Thanks for watching and the comment t