Question Replacing house batteries

[lostinfla]

This is a really tempting battery. 2 of these would replace the 8 I have now due under 2k

SK12V314PH | 12V314Ah Battery,Built-in heater & Bluetooth,Victron CAN Comms | SOK Battery

SOK 12V 314Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries.ABS housing, best for RV or marine applications!Up to 12000 cycles.Bluetooth Function,self-heater pad built-in.CAN Communication with Victron InverterPeak Discharge Current: 800A 10S Support connect 10pcs in Parallel

www.us.sokbattery.com

Not having a Victron system, can the shunt SOC monitor (Magnum) be used with this battery?

 

[redbaron]

Not having a Victron system, can the shunt SOC monitor (Magnum) be used with this battery?

Yes, it would work the same as it does today

 

[Richpatty]

That is a nice price for that battery…. If I did not already have lithium, it would be tempting.

 

[Retired1]

I just replaced the oem 6 volt with these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPHXYFZT...sin_title&th=1
Along with a Libim:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DY8S815...fed_asin_title

We haven't been anywhere yet, so no real world experience, but for under $2,000, slightly more usable AH, 435 lbs less, and a whole lot of extra storage space in the battery compartment, I'm pretty happy

 

[newmarokie]

I have had the 206ah SOK batteries for a little over a year. They have performed well. The thing I see on the 314ah batteries that is exciting is that they can discharge up to 800 amps for TEN seconds. Absolutely no worries starting the genny, or anything else for that matter. At 1600 amps for ten seconds I think you could start a 9L Cummins comfortably. Without looking at the LA's rating, I am remembering 1800 cca for two.

 

[lostinfla]

One more question, does the engine's alternator play well with the lithium setup or does something else need modification?

 

[Retired1]

You would need to upgrade your BIM to an LIBM such as: Amazon.com

 

[Richpatty]

I have been running with a LiBim since I installed my lithiums in March 22 without any issues. Some say you need a dc to dc charger in between, but that is another discussion.

 

[Retired1]

One thing to note is that many AGM systems (auto gen start) will not work with a lithium conversion due to the fact that the lithium does not decrease in voltage as they lose charge so the generator is unable to sense lowered voltage.

 

[Neal]

If you're going to go the path of improved batteries consider a shunt so that your controller measures in percent "state of charge" and that's what triggers AGS, not voltage. Far more accurate, no spikes that could trigger AGS, etc. For a magnum system such as @lostinfla it's the ME-BMK that should be installed and also the ME-ARC50 advanced control panel. I don't know if Magnum has anything newer out, that's what I used prior to LiFePO4 and going all Victron.

 

[Retired1]

Thanks Neal! I will look into the shunt. I took my Xantrax invertor out and had it gone through by a Xantrax shop and he was the one that first told me that the AGS only looks for voltage. So then called Silver Leaf and they confirmed that the AGS would no longer work with the Lithiums,

 

[lostinfla]

I already have the shunt and the upgraded panel to see SOC and I'm assuming it will readout with the new battery. I'm ashamed to say I have no idea where the BIM is located. Any direction there??

 

[Neal]

That may be the case depending on your setup. As I switched to Victron I have a custom solution designed by the installer of my setup, Solar Energy Systems. It probably depends on the components used and that should be checked but in @lostinfla's case with Magnum I think his Magnum AGS unit still works as it's tied to the inverter.

 

[Neal]

I already have the shunt and the upgraded panel to see SOC and I'm assuming it will readout with the new battery. I'm ashamed to say I have no idea where the BIM is located. Any direction there??

Behind the shore power reel on the wall.

 

[lostinfla]

So, in conclusion, with the inverter and control panel compatible with lithium, and the new LiBIM installed, I should have no problems with the alternator. Are there any other potential modifications / problems I should look for?

 

[Neal]

Well, there are a few concerns you need to be aware of:

1. You'll no longer have to worry about low voltages or voltage spikes
2. You won't have to worry about getting near 50% and killing your batteries
3. You'll have to deal with increased storage and have to figure out where you put things
4. When boondocking such as at the balloon fiesta or a harvest host your GEN will charge significantly faster than those around you so you'll be annoyed by their GEN running while you have peace and quiet
5. You can have krispy kreme again since the battery weight is significantly reduced, don't share with neighbors, they have heavy batteries, be thoughtful...
6. You won't have to deal with batteries for around 10 years so you'll need to find a new hobby, or grill, or clock

That should about cover it. Did I miss anything Lithium friends?

 

[punkinhead]

That should about cover it. Did I miss anything Lithium friends?

Since lithium doesn't significantly self discharge during storage you'll have to find something else to fret about if your rig is stored in a place without hookups.

 

[lostinfla]

Well, going from "I really don't need lithium" to "I have all the stuff on order now" didn't take long. I'll get some pics of the conversion when I finally get around to doing it. Thanks all for the info and prodding!

 

[Neal]

@GlampDaddy needs lithium now. True.

 

[punkinhead]

As far as shunts go, I decided to hold off on installing one when I did my lithium conversion last month. We're three weeks into our first trip since conversion and I'm finding that occasionally checking SOC on my phone using Bluetooth from the batteries is working just fine. I don't feel the need for a separate display.