DIY LifePo4 Battery Build
Was right on the edge of purchasing a pair of 100ah BB or LifeBlue LifePo4 batteries ($1600-$2100) for our truck camper. They were going to replace two GC2's. About 2 weeks ago decided to get advent...
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OP here. Just finished up a 12 day, 2800 mi. trip powering our Northern Lite truck camper with our new 200ah DIY LifePo4 battery pack. The battery pack performed flawlessly. Outside of checking SOC every now and then, never gave it much thought. Used FHU's for about a 1/3 of the trip, dry-camped the rest. Didn't make any attempt to conserve. During our trip through CO, pleasantly surprised to find the battery compartment (with primary access via an exterior door) remained the same temp as the interior (65 deg) during one particularly cold night. Looks like zero low-temperature concerns while camping with the LifePo4's in cold weather.
This was also our first trip with our new Renogy 40a dc to dc charger. In some ways, the Renogy overshadowed the new LifePo4 pack. Used it heavily throughout the trip. Sweet running the a/c off the LifePo4's for breaks on the road. Only takes the a/c about 5-10 min. to make a noticeable difference inside the camper on a hot day. Even if we run the a/c for 40 min. (~60ah), the dc to dc charger has us back to 100% SOC in about 90 min. Perfect since we usually stop for a fuel/food break every 90-120 min.
Big thumbs up for the LifePo4 pack and Renogy dc to dc charger! For us, money well spent!
This was also our first trip with our new Renogy 40a dc to dc charger. In some ways, the Renogy overshadowed the new LifePo4 pack. Used it heavily throughout the trip. Sweet running the a/c off the LifePo4's for breaks on the road. Only takes the a/c about 5-10 min. to make a noticeable difference inside the camper on a hot day. Even if we run the a/c for 40 min. (~60ah), the dc to dc charger has us back to 100% SOC in about 90 min. Perfect since we usually stop for a fuel/food break every 90-120 min.
Big thumbs up for the LifePo4 pack and Renogy dc to dc charger! For us, money well spent!
