Question Replacing house batteries

[lostinfla]

Thx Rich, I'll check it out

 

[BGMAC]

I am aware there is no connection with solar, but most that I have seen go Lithium with solar panels for off grid camping. I just want to loose some weight on the drivers side of the coach and have power without having to worry about going below 60% SOC. I think I'm sold on LiFePO4, but just what is involved with sealing the battery bay? How have those who have lithium done this? I'm sure I could figure it out, but best to learn from those who have.

I’m not sure if you really half to seal it unless you’re going to use the Rv in extreme temps or the battery compartment is vulnerable to debris. I did do mine with thin metal sheets I could bend by hand and self tapping sheet metal screws.

 

[Neal]

Good point, I'm not sure where the "seal the bay" comes from, I don't think it's required other than for temps. But you can take the opportunity to make it a great bay for storage, etc. as I gained a lot of storage space in mine. You could get creative and build a battery box, etc. I believe and that would work which is what ended up happening with mine simply to enclose them as they don't need to be vented like AGM/FLA require.

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

Good point, I'm not sure where the "seal the bay" comes from, I don't think it's required other than for temps. But you can take the opportunity to make it a great bay for storage, etc. as I gained a lot of storage space in mine. You could get creative and build a battery box, etc. I believe and that would work which is what ended up happening with mine simply to enclose them as they don't need to be vented like AGM/FLA require.

Agree. In my prior rig I installed BattleBorn as drop in replacements and didn't seal where they were located. I didn't intend on using the rig in extreme weather and the internal bms built into each of the batteries would have protected them anyways if I had tried. If they come with an internal bms and/or heater built in (or you install a battery heating pad) I also don't see a "requirement" or need to seal the bay. Even an external bms should have a temp sensor to protect trying to charge them in extreme cold.

-Mark

 

[redbaron]

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 15000 cycles.Support NMEA 2000 communication protocol.Bluetooth Function,self-heater pad built-in.CAN Communication with Victron InverterPeak Discharge Current: 800A 10S Support connect 10pcs...

www.us.sokbattery.com

 

[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 15000 cycles.Support NMEA 2000 communication protocol.Bluetooth Function,self-heater pad built-in.CAN Communication with Victron InverterPeak Discharge Current: 800A 10S Support connect 10pcs...

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.