In preparation for being able to boondock, I started to convert my RV park queen to be better equipped to be able to go without hookups. I just finished the biggest part- installing 4 Battle Born Lithium drop-in batteries, a Victron battery monitor, and a Xantrex 1000W inverter (as well as fuse, disconnect, and circuit breaker). Between the batteries are 1/0 awg cables; between the batteries and components are 2/0 awg cables; and finally the inverter is wired up with 2awg cables (it came with the inverter when I bought it).I posted info on my FB page (you don't need Facebook to see it) at:https://www.facebook.com/LearnToRV/posts/1446692428731506And I have a real awkward video of me talking through it at:https://youtu.be/sF9N7XK7WJMI also have a full parts breakdown of everything I used at:http://bit.ly/battery-inverter-upgHope that is interesting to someone. :)(Yes, I know lithium batteries are stupidly expensive- for me their benefits vs. AGM batteries outweighed their cost.)

Some folks buy expensive sports cars or jewelry -- other folks buy lithium batteries. Personally, I would prefer amazing batteries to almost any other form of indulgence. Well done!

I've been looking at this myself, yes the initial investment is way more but when you factor the life of the LION batts, the fact that you can discharge them 100%, the weight and space savings,how quickly they charge, when you compare everything "apples to apples" the LION batts are much cheaper per amp hour than lead acid or AGM's. You just have to pay for it upfront, kinda like paying for a diesel vs gas up front.I am seriously considering them for my TH especially after installing a residential fridge and PSW inverter.

Thanks profdant139 and htwheelz67. htwheelz67, you hit the nail on the head as to why I preferred lithiums.The other side of the coin is that they recharge faster and more efficiently- you can make better use of generator time OR make full use of solar coming off of the roof.From a discharge side, I've been reading 80-90% not 100% but still- way better than 50%. What I really like is the lack of Peukert on high-draw uses. If I upgraded my inverter, I could run my A/C for a short time or not worry about microwave/toaster/InstantPot use.Lots of benefits. The downside is initial money outlay.

I have the same inverter and battery monitor. They are still working great into year 5. Unfortunately, no Lithium for this guy. FWIW, with solar and 300 AH of battery capacity, I run a small 120V fridge and all my entertainment devices.Good job on the installation! Everything looks durable and well placed.

Nice job ependydad you'll enjoy the extra power. Lithium might cost extra but the benifits make it worthwhile. How are you going to recharge them?

Upgraded to 4x100ah lithium batteries + inverter

ependydad
Explorer
Sep 28, 2017
Thanks westend and iterant.

The initial plan for recharging is to run a generator. I got it in the event that I want to run a high-load device like the A/C.

I upgraded the converter/charger to a lithium-aware Progressive Dynamics charger. I’ll use that.

At some point, I’d like to move it so that it is closer to the batteries so that I know there is properly sized wiring between it and the batteries. But for now I’m relying on the stock installation.
Itinerant1
Explorer
Sep 28, 2017
Nice job ependydad you'll enjoy the extra power. Lithium might cost extra but the benifits make it worthwhile. How are you going to recharge them?
westend
Explorer
Sep 28, 2017
I have the same inverter and battery monitor. They are still working great into year 5. Unfortunately, no Lithium for this guy. FWIW, with solar and 300 AH of battery capacity, I run a small 120V fridge and all my entertainment devices.

Good job on the installation! Everything looks durable and well placed.
ependydad
Explorer
Sep 28, 2017
Thanks profdant139 and htwheelz67. htwheelz67, you hit the nail on the head as to why I preferred lithiums.

The other side of the coin is that they recharge faster and more efficiently- you can make better use of generator time OR make full use of solar coming off of the roof.

From a discharge side, I've been reading 80-90% not 100% but still- way better than 50%. What I really like is the lack of Peukert on high-draw uses. If I upgraded my inverter, I could run my A/C for a short time or not worry about microwave/toaster/InstantPot use.

Lots of benefits. The downside is initial money outlay.
htwheelz67
Explorer
Sep 28, 2017
I've been looking at this myself, yes the initial investment is way more but when you factor the life of the LION batts, the fact that you can discharge them 100%, the weight and space savings,how quickly they charge, when you compare everything "apples to apples" the LION batts are much cheaper per amp hour than lead acid or AGM's. You just have to pay for it upfront, kinda like paying for a diesel vs gas up front.
I am seriously considering them for my TH especially after installing a residential fridge and PSW inverter.
profdant139
Explorer II
Sep 27, 2017
Some folks buy expensive sports cars or jewelry -- other folks buy lithium batteries.

Personally, I would prefer amazing batteries to almost any other form of indulgence. Well done!

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Upgraded to 4x100ah lithium batteries + inverter

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