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obiwancanoli's avatar
obiwancanoli
Explorer
Aug 13, 2020

RV Batteries - Lithium as Option

I've read enough to develop questions I can't seem to find the answers to, so I'm here once more to soak it in.

I've had some concerns that the current and original batteries on my Class A might need replacement, even though they're about 3 years old, in part due to my lack of experience in depleting voltage to a point that running off the batteries inevitably runs out of power in the wee hours, with the meters showing me LOW VOLTAGE somewhere in the 11's, so, I'm considering Lithium.

I also have 480 watts of Zamp solar, maxxed out at 26.1 Amps, along with a separate portable 120 watt panel, and a Zamp Solar 30A Controller. Am considering adding another panel or two -if I can find a place to mount them, and realize I'd need a new Controller, maybe 45-60 Amps, MPPT, and should be more than sufficient.

Having recently retired, I now have time for some extended travel, and boondocking will almost certainly be a part of that. I'm looking forward to getting off grid periodically, so power resources are key.

I'm aware of the cost, and believe that this is the most economical long-term approach to my power systems. So I'm willing to consider Lithium, and need some answers to fill in a few holes...

My rig came with 4-12V batteries, each 115 min at 75 Amps, 220 AH@ 20Hr.

If I connect Lithium in parallel, do I double available amps?

Are Lithium's all 12V, and if so, would I need only two to replace what I currently have?

What changes, if any, must I make to existing systems in order to accommodate Lithium batteries?

24 Replies

  • naturist wrote:
    If I read correctly you have 220 AH capacity, of which you should only use 110 AH for battery health, but you have frequently over used them.



    actualy he has 440AH, 220 usable. he has 4 batteries. I have 4, 235ah 6v batteries and with my 480 watt solar set up we do just fine. dont run the ac at all though...

    Idealy i would lover to upgrade it to 24V panels and a MPPT controler.

    Steve
  • Theres also ,,DIY solar power with Will Prowse,, chanel on YT
    Highly recomend checking that
  • If I read correctly you have 220 AH capacity, of which you should only use 110 AH for battery health, but you have frequently over used them.

    If you parallel lithiums, yes you will be able to double the draw, as it will come from two batteries.

    200 AH of lithium batteries would work just about right with 480 watts of solar panels.

    And lithium batteries come in voltages other than 12. They also come in sizes other than 100 AH.

    Finally, changes needed include different charging parameters. May I suggest having a look at mobile-solar power.com for answers and suggestions for suppliers.

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