Initial thoughts on LifePO4 (Lithium) battery conversion in my 2017 Newmar Ventana

[TheLooks]

More battery is better then more solar panels. They allow you to run longer when the sun does not shine. They can be charged by pedestal or generator. If traveling and charging the capacity is needed to take advantage of the time charging. They do not fit my needs at this time and I cannot for see needing them. After going thru the solar class at school and participating in a $30,000 install, I am aware that full timers that boondock or Harvest Host a lot can take advantage of them. But at great cost.

My post came as you guys were pointing out the uses.....

 

[Rich W.]

For me solar, lithium batteries, and inverters became a hobby and pretty much peaked with my last two RVs. But with this coach I would rather be on hard surfaces so I might as well go where the pedestals are. Also I wasnt towing then, so I was more inclined to take the coach to some very out of the way places. Now the jeep can cover that duty and the coach can stay where it belongs. Pics are a Victron Color Control GX and a 24 module battery bank from a Nissan Leaf battery (36 modules) on the Bay Star. That system would run an AC all day and for about 7 hours after sundown.

 

[Neal]

But still, if you have to replace your house batteries, what would you replace them with? Forget boondocking etc.

 

[Rich W.]

But still, if you have to replace your house batteries, what would you replace them with? Forget boondocking etc.

Probably just AGMs because I get tired of pumping water into my LA batteries so often. I’m somewhat opposed to LiFePO4 batteries just because I have Li-ion technology available, but going down that road involves more mods that I think I’m willing to get into at this point. So, probably AGMs, maybe 8 of them or some other configuration like 3 8D or something like that.

 

[Neal]

I assume this is the preferred battery for the AGM option?

https://www.interstatebatteries.com/products/gc2-hd-agm

Edit: started a new thread so we don't derail this thread. AGM discussion at:

Question - Best AGM batteries for motorhome?

If I opt to not go for LifePO4 per this thread, what are the best AGM batteries to use? I have 8 x GC2's now (FLA) and would install 8 x AGM. https://www.interstatebatteries.com/products/gc2-hd-agm https://www.vmaxtanks.com/XTR6-235-6Volts-235AH-Deep-Cycle-XTREME-AGM-Battery-_p_152.html...

rvforums.com

 

[Richpatty]

Also to be considered… how long to you expect to keep your Ventessex?
If not so long, maybe less AH or get AGM…

 

[Rich W.]

Also to be considered… how long to you expect to keep your Ventessex?
If not so long, maybe less AH or get AGM…

Another important consideration and one of the reasons I have held off converting my coach to lithium batteries.

 

[Neal]

Also to be considered… how long to you expect to keep your Ventessex?
If not so long, maybe less AH or get AGM…

At this moment in time I'm keeping it for the long haul. Hence why I replaced TV's and ran upgraded wires, etc. in that this coach is perfect for me. With Newmar's price hikes and quality issues among the economy etc. I don't see a new coach in the near term. My next coach would likely be luxury line such as MA or LA but it would need to be on a FL chassis (let's not go there) but that's my requirement. With that said my mindset is to continue to make my current coach amazing, to me, and keep going the places it takes me. I do have a desire to disconnect (go off grid) and approach near full timing, if not full timing completely but also continue to learn. Much of what I've done in this coach has been about learning including solar so the LifePO4's would go under that learning theme. I wouldn't mind reducing weight and improving storage by taking better advantage of the battery compartment.

 

[Neal]

I'm not sure my house batteries are needing to be replaced. That's first and foremost, it's just been too hot to pull the plug at night here in Hot Springs, AR. I need to do another test and use the BMV-712 to see what my draws are. The time recently that got my attention was actually correct per the 31A continuous draw going on. I use the pro fill battery watering system which may have helped maintain these batteries but the battery bay is corroded as you know and that would be nice to stop, but this all may be for a year from now.

 

[B52Bombardier1]

At least for the one Lithium Iron Phosphate battery that I have here in an indoor amateur radio solar power project, my research indicated that it can be used below 32 degrees F but cannot be recharged below that freezing temperature. This is no problem here with the battery in the house but for an outdoor application, my LiFePO4 battery would need a smart enough charge controller with a battery box temperature probe to avoid damaging the battery during freezing temperatures.

Rick

 

[Neal]

Battleborn has a BMS in the GC3 to prevent damage, etc. Certainly keeping within params is still something to pay attention to in both building the battery bay as well as use in the field. I've RV'd in both extremes.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Some batteries have built-in heaters to avoid the cold charging issue.
Or you can put an electric heat wrap around the battery that is triggered to heat when temps fall below 40f.

 

[Neal]

Nice articles by Tito:

RV Electrical System - RV With Tito

Does your RV electrical system confuse or scare you? Learn about your RV's electrical components plus upgrades upgrades to improve your camping experience while boondocking or connected to at an RV park.

www.rvwithtito.com

 

[Neal]

It appears 3 x GC3's would fit in the existing battery slideout tray. I'm not sure if LifePO4's have to be enclosed but for winter I could see an enclosure that would go over top of them to box them in. Or create a box with the lid off for summer, install it for winter. The alternative is obviously gut and build a completely new compartment and that's fine, but it's interesting the slider could still be used if desired.

 

[Richpatty]

True… my main reason to remove the tray was so I could properly insulate the compartment…. But your alternatives would work too.