Question Replacing house batteries

[lostinfla]

Looking forward, I am considering replacements for the house batteries. Current setup is 8 flooded 6v. We don't really ever dry camp and usually only use the inverter when driving to keep everything running. Not sure if Lithium is in my future although it is an option. I was thinking of going with only 4 AGM batteries to save weight. (I understand lithium would be much less weight, but cost is an issue over AGM) I'm thinking they should run the fridge and other components for the 6 or so hours on the road. Has anyone cut back on the house bank, and if so, any issues?

 

[Richpatty]

It might be an option to go Lithium, but with less of them as well. I bet you could get away with only 200-300 amp hours and be fine. You would save a lot of weight.

Will be curious what others think.

 

[Sealyn]

Your alternator will charge as you
drive, but I would replace all 6 with AGMs.

 

[Neal]

I would only buy LiFePO4 going forward. Here is your homework assignment.

What is your amp hour requirement?

What is your cost per usable amp hour?

How long will the battery last and how long is the warranty?

Available aH - AGM you get 50%. LiFePO4 90%.

 

[lostinfla]

Yes, I'm aware the LiFePO4 has more useable energy compared to flooded or AGM, but the fact that:
1. I really don't want/need to go with solar
2. At this point, not sure just how long I'll be keeping the coach, so cost vs return is an issue.
3. I know going either Lithium or cutting the bank in half will save a lot of weight.
4. I really don't know the actual amp hour requirements for our type of camping. The standard battery setup will run our load on the inverter for over a day, but as stated, the only time I really need inverter power is while driving down the road, so I'd like to loose a little weight (the coach, that is)

Any tips on Lithium or AGM units, as far as dependability and price are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[lostinfla]

This seems to get good reviews.

 

[BGMAC]

When I replaced mine last year I went with LiFePO4. I went from 4 lead acid 100 ah each to 1 400ah. The cost was about the same or even less depending on the battery you by. I think mine was about $800. We don’t boon dock much either, but in my mind give a better resale value of the motorhome.

 

[Neal]

People need to stop associating LiFePO4 with solar, there is NO connection. My airplane has LiFePO4 because it's a better battery, lasts at least twice as long, therefore more cost effective, charges much faster, on and on.

As the battery will likely last 10+ years, that needs to be weighed into the cost (you'll likely replace your AGM's twice in the lifetime of the Lithium), however, yeah, you may not keep the coach that long. I'd say it may help in resale but there is no money to be made in resale of coaches, it's a gonner.

There is more labor involved in the first switch to LiFePO4 as you have to seal the battery bay and you have to be temperature aware.

You not only save weight but once your battery bay is "renovated" you now gain a ton of storage too.

 

[BGMAC]

People need to stop associating LiFePO4 with solar, there is NO connection. My airplane has LiFePO4 because it's a better battery, lasts at least twice as long, therefore more cost effective, charges much faster, on and on.

As the battery will likely last 10+ years, that needs to be weighed into the cost (you'll likely replace your AGM's twice in the lifetime of the Lithium), however, yeah, you may not keep the coach that long. I'd say it may help in resale but there is no money to be made in resale of coaches, it's a gonner.

There is more labor involved in the first switch to LiFePO4 as you have to seal the battery bay and you have to be temperature aware.

You not only save weight but once your battery bay is "renovated" you now gain a ton of storage too.

True, I do not have solar. My reason to change was longer life, less maintenance.

 

[Neal]

AGM's can boil off and have a short life, they can die due to discharge too low, LiFePO4 have a BMS that prevents that. They are more fool proof as well.