BFL13 wrote:
Much info here for RVers too not just boaters, covering many of the things discussed on this forum.
Eg warnings about BMS amp rating vs battery AH size, charging--beware of charger absorption time duration, what about |"floating", using GEL setting, and much else of interest to DIY and drop -in buyers. It is very long so suggest saving it to read in parts in slow time.
https://marinehowto.com/lifepo4-batteries-on-boats/
you can tell this is a very old article, I have to finish reading it but have to go back to bed, working nights. but on his DIY stance 13 years ago when he built his (and the cells he used look from about that erra) you had to do all the sizing and such your self. so the BMS used to be a kit you have to solder the componants on unless you wanted to drop big bucks to get one to do it, then you had to program the settings on them.. well now in 2022, that stuff is all done for you, which take diy to a level that anyone who can set up parralel series batery systems can assemble one. even the matching of cells and such he is talking about is done for you when you buy from a reputable company and there are a few now from china and more starting to pop up in canada and the USA but just because there a north american company doesnt mean there good. I know a few people who have bought out of the US and got b grade instead of the A grade they paid for, so there are scammers everywhere, do your reasearch.
plus the next paragrap he states he prefers drop in batteries, expecialy the ones he sells because he beleaves they are the best.. why would you make DIY sound good if you sell a premade solution.
I wish we could get well written articles that didn't have a alterior comercial side to them....