Ok Lithium gurus

[Neal]

Looking forward to seeing your new dream come true. Congrats and enjoy every minute!

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

On the SilverLeaf control panel one can set the AGS based on % SOC vs voltage (voltage doesn't work for Lithium you must go by SOC). You are able to specify the battery type in the configuration screens, which then leverages SOC instead. I would assume ATC config screen(s) would allow for similar, no?

Best,
-Mark

 

[TheLooks]

The other part of the equation you didn't get answered is longevity of certain battery amp hours. A 13500 btu AC unit draw about 13 amps while running. There is a burst at startup. Based on the running amps, and knowing that there is some losses due to system inefficiencies, you can divide your battery AH by the running amps and multiply by 80 to 90% to get the hours you can run. Figure 100% SOC down to whatever SOC you want to stop pulling from the battery. 930/13=71.5x85%=60.8 hours. This is a rough estimate as it won't run steady and it is hard to calculate the toll the startup draw will take on the battery depending how many times is starts. Plus I didn't take any capacity out for stopping the drain at 10 or 20% SOC.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

The other part of the equation you didn't get answered is longevity of certain battery amp hours. A 13500 btu AC unit draw about 13 amps while running. There is a burst at startup. Based on the running amps, and knowing that there is some losses due to system inefficiencies, you can divide your battery AH by the running amps and multiply by 80 to 90% to get the hours you can run. Figure 100% SOC down to whatever SOC you want to stop pulling from the battery. 930/13=71.5x85%=60.8 hours. This is a rough estimate as it won't run steady and it is hard to calculate the toll the startup draw will take on the battery depending how many times is starts. Plus I didn't take any capacity out for stopping the drain at 10 or 20% SOC.

And you didn't take into account the added amp draw to get the proper wattage at a lower voltage as the battery level drops.

 

[TheLooks]

And you didn't take into account the added amp draw to get the proper wattage at a lower voltage as the battery level drops.

Lithium does not drop like LA. It maintains voltage far into the discharge cycle then crashes. But I am sure there is an effect.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Lithium does not drop like LA. It maintains voltage far into the discharge cycle then crashes. But I am sure there is an effect.

Under load there is a drop, but not linear like lead.

 

[TheLooks]

Yes, and it makes the calculation more difficult to pin down. So I generalize. For people that can't get into the weeds easily.

 

[Underboss]

They install their own AGS and that replaces the one that came with your coach. Small item, not a big deal. Just like my Magnum stuff went away for their product. All controlled from your phone, browser, etc. if you get the Victron setup. I can start and stop my GEN remotely such as I do to exercise my AC's in storage (I can control my HVAC from my phone too using the Smart Thermostat). Far more modern and advanced than anything you're getting out of Newmar IMHO. Here is a screenshot of my web interface for Victron Remote Management (VRM) where I can control inverters, GEN, etc.

View attachment 32392

I got an answer about integrating a lithium install into the atc panel on a 2026. If I do a lithionics setup, its easy and can be added very simply. If I do another set up, its possible to add it but not guaranteed.

 

[Chuggs]

And you can’t disregard the Alternator. Depending on how it is configured…it may help a little (LI-BIM) or more (parallel DC-DC chargers). And like Neal mentioned SOLAR. Batteries get you thru the night….but only if you arrive your destination charged. If you are sitting for days..,then the alternator part is out of the equation.

Chasing the 70 degree latitude helps too.

 

[Neal]

I got an answer about integrating a lithium install into the atc panel on a 2026. If I do a lithionics setup, its easy and can be added very simply. If I do another set up, its possible to add it but not guaranteed.

In my opinion and guess, Lithionics will be the most expensive LiFePO4 option you could choose. Personally I would not do it. I fully trust Brian (owner) of SES Indiana there in Nappanee and that's who I would develop a plan with and get any questions answered. Not for now obviously and most importantly, please share with us that FPU/CPU dream you're living this week. So excited for you!

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Lithionics is not the cheap option. Our Lithionics system is ~8+ years old, works like a champ.
Lithionics complies with UN DOT 38.3 safety standards, one of the first to do so. Years ago, back before Winnebago purchased them, they used to list military as an industry they supplied to.
The prior owner of our coach, who had the Lithionics installed, only had one incident with the battery, when an installer for a separate system drilled into a battery. No run away thermo issue, Lithionics swapped the battery out, great customer service.
When I have called asking questions they pull up the drawings for the install and can tell me what they did and provide direction.
Cheapest option, no. Excellent product and consistent product, yes.
Are there other good products out there, I assume so.

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

So can you run the one ac all night on a 80 degree night with the 960?
Thanks

Yes, but... I also make sure I arrive with AC already running such that I'm maintianing a cool temp vs. trying to cool down down the rig after I park and set up.

If you are chasing your desired temp and not giving the compressor time to rest, it's not going to cool things down much and will just wast battery power. For example, I drove 4 hours to the rally today, running the one AC the entire time to maintian a cool temp. Between solar and alternator I only lost 6% SOC during my drive in. I had similar results for the last two days as I stopped in Boise, ID and then near Brigham, UT at night.

Best,
-Mark

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

In my opinion and guess, Lithionics will be the most expensive LiFePO4 option you could choose. Personally I would not do it. I fully trust Brian (owner) of SES Indiana there in Nappanee and that's who I would develop a plan with and get any questions answered. Not for now obviously and most importantly, please share with us that FPU/CPU dream you're living this week. So excited for you!

Agree. My rig had them already installed when I purchased off of the dealer's lot. If starting fresh there are MUCH cheaper options. That said, you can smash a Lithionics battery into something at 60mph without an issue. However, I think you have bigger problems than a battery if something directly hits yours at that speed.