I did a search and it's mostly Greek... to me. I'd like to know the key points for, hopefully, a straight across lead/acid to lithium conversion. My old Flow-Rite watering system just overflowed 2 cells (GRRRR) and I'm thinking this might be the time to convert. So far I see that SiO2 is better than Li but I don't know why or what the difference is, and charging is much simpler for lithium and not so fussy. I currently have 2 of the bigger Sams 6gc's that have dimensions and specs similar to T-105s, 2 X 120 watt panels and a Morning Star controller with remote panel/setpoint, that the PO installed.I don't use an inverter for any 120ac loads. I'm nearly always plugged in to 120. I have no big 12vdc loads... my 5er has full LED lighting but I use a 12vdc bipap for very rare boondocking. The biggest addition might be a 12vdc fridge, someday. Is there 6v and 12v lithium batteries? I seldom need the capacity I have now but I don't want to give it up, for the times I need the 12vdc bipap. Can I get similar capacity with lithiums and also fit the 2 x 6gc foot print? How much capacity to run a 12vdc fridge? Do I need a different solar controller or just reprogram my existing one? Thanks bunches! Craig

Don't change. You are welcome! If you want to upgrade an AGM will solve any watering issues. LIthium $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. AGM only $$$$$. Install AGM and never look at your batteries again for 5-10 years.

Lithium batteries when you seldom dry camp seems unnecessary and expensive to me.

Nice... that's simple! I just looked and my Duracells are EGC2 and 75 amps/120 min. per battery. Now that I think about it... I've used "starting" AGM's in a previous truck. Isn't that the red and yellow tops? I think one mfgr went to China and there was one that stayed here. Do you know the mfgr that stayed here? I'll start shopping. Craig

C Schomer wrote: So far I see that SiO2 is better than Li but I don't know why or what the difference is, and charging is much simpler for lithium and not so fussy. In my opinion Li are the fussy. I'm sure the lithiumites may disagree.Since you mainly plug into shore power and no inverter is in use, I would recommend any sealed battery. Your choices are Gel, AGM, Sealed lead acid, or if you have deep pockets SiO2.

If you use the camper a lot, and plan on keeping it for a while, then lithium may make sense as the $/A ends up being much lower over the life of the battery. But if you are mostly plugged in and only use the camper occasionally, you may never see the pay off from lithium. SiO2 is the worst of both worlds, costing much more than AGM, without the benefits of lithium.

Basics of Lithium conversion... I'm lost! | Good Sam Community

86 Replies

BFL13
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2021
Apparently all you have is some broken (badly looked after?) batts. On shore power mostly, all you need is a single 12v FLA, if that. converter can do it all. No need to jump to expensive batts to solve this.

SiO2 are not "better" than LFP, and LFP is not "better" than SiO2. AGMs are not "better" than FLA or VV either.

You just need to sort out what went wrong with the batts you have and don't do that again with new ones, if that battery bank is ok for your scenario.
FWC
Explorer
Apr 20, 2021
If you use the camper a lot, and plan on keeping it for a while, then lithium may make sense as the $/A ends up being much lower over the life of the battery. But if you are mostly plugged in and only use the camper occasionally, you may never see the pay off from lithium. SiO2 is the worst of both worlds, costing much more than AGM, without the benefits of lithium.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Apr 20, 2021
C Schomer wrote:

So far I see that SiO2 is better than Li but I don't know why or what the difference is, and charging is much simpler for lithium and not so fussy.

In my opinion Li are the fussy. I'm sure the lithiumites may disagree.

Since you mainly plug into shore power and no inverter is in use, I would recommend any sealed battery. Your choices are Gel, AGM, Sealed lead acid, or if you have deep pockets SiO2.
C_Schomer
Explorer
Apr 20, 2021
Nice... that's simple! I just looked and my Duracells are EGC2 and 75 amps/120 min. per battery. Now that I think about it... I've used "starting" AGM's in a previous truck. Isn't that the red and yellow tops? I think one mfgr went to China and there was one that stayed here. Do you know the mfgr that stayed here? I'll start shopping. Craig
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2021
Lithium batteries when you seldom dry camp seems unnecessary and expensive to me.
LouLawrence
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2021
Don't change. You are welcome! If you want to upgrade an AGM will solve any watering issues. LIthium $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. AGM only $$$$$. Install AGM and never look at your batteries again for 5-10 years.

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Basics of Lithium conversion... I'm lost!

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