Lithium batteries jump start

[Rich W.]

Wow - excellent treatise. Far more in-depth than a dealer ever would, or probably even could give you. And even if they could they probably wouldn’t for fear of chasing off customers. Sounds like the R and D folks at Roadtrek need to spend a little more time at the drawing board. If I had a rig that operated like this I’d either fix it or at least carry a jump-starter device - they are handy anyway. This one had me scratching my head, but now I get it.

 

[AbdRahim]

That is why when I have (very seldom, as I discourage lithium) set up a lithium system.

ok. I have to ask. Why do you discourage Li batteries?

 

[BenHennig]

Thanks! Hope others find it helpful.

Indeed. I purchased a battery jumper pack just for this purpose and keep it ready as part of my kit. Good thing to have on hand regardless. I'm not terribly excited about connecting chassis battery to the coach battery, but it *should* work just fine.

My main wish is that Roadtrek put out better information on how their electrical system works and needs to be maintained. I've pieced together what I know from sources on the internet, which is not ideal as you have to sift thru conjecture vs. good info vs. real experience. Their docs aren't very clear how the AGM and lithiums work together. Further, some of their vehicles didn't have lithium batteries and instead have only AGM batteries... so when their documentation refers to AGM, it can be confusing whether they mean a vehicle with only AGM coach batteries, or the AGM battery that accompanies the lithiums. Or their docs show an older control interface which leaves you wondering how much of this info is applicable to my vehicle.

\end rant

 

[Kevin D Pem]

ok. I have to ask. Why do you discourage Li batteries?

The list is large but:

Not environmentally friendly. ( mining and refining)
Fire hazard, every thing that uninformed people recommend on forums can lead to a burned up coach.
Electronics failure is the largest failure point with a lithium battery, and that can lead to the above scenario.
The recycle system is well established with lead acid, and virtually non-existent with lithium batteries. Top that off with the toxic build, when disposed of improperly is just not an acceptable situation.

These things must by law be shipped with no more than 50% charge (what is the state of charge when you take your rig out?).
You are breaking the law if you ship lithium batteries installed in your device via USPS. do you just think that is just an overabundance of caution?

Did you know installing lithium system without certification will not be covered by the installers insurance?

Is that enough? I have more!

 

[AbdRahim]

There you go using that old school, outdated logic again. Shame on you.

 

[seattlesonic]

Hi MWagon73, did you switch on the Inverter with its physical switch without connecting the van to external shore power? How did this red border on the inverter “software button” on the firefly panel resolve?