BOONDOCKING with LITHIUM vs AGM - Which is Better?
Are LITHIUM BATTERIES BETTER for BOONDOCKING with SOLAR? Sharing real life benefits of boondocking with lithium batteries vs AGM lead acid batteries (plus charging setup tips) after full-time boondocking for 90 days with lithium. Choose a topic below:
1:05 Why did I choose Battleborn LiFePO4 Lithium batteries?
2:12 How much did the lithium batteries cost?
3:02 How much do the lithium batteries weigh?
3:32 Lithium vs Lead Acid usable battery capacity?
4:38 Lithium vs Lead Acid battery discharge rate comparison and test (what can you run)?
6:59 Charging Lithium batteries with solar vs AGM/Lead Acid
8:44 Solar charge controller settings for Lithium Batteries
10:11 Charging Lithium batteries on shore power - Converter / Charger for Lithium Batteries (Progressive Dynamics)
12:50 A typical day boondocking with solar and lithium batteries
14:37 Charging lithium batteries from engine alternator
EQUIPMENT MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO
Battleborn LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries: www.rvwithtito.com/battleborn
Progressive Dynamics PD4655LIV Lithium Converter/Charger: www.ltdrvparts.com/PROGRESSIV...
MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE
This is a follow up to my lithium battery installation video several months ago when I built a custom battery rack for 4 Battleborn LiFePO4 batteries for my Class C storage compartment. Check it out here if you missed it: • DIY Lithium Battery Ra... .
HOW WE CHARGE the BATTLEBORN LITHIUM While DRIVING
• Charge LITHIUM Batteri...
SEE OUR ENTIRE SOLAR/BATTERY SETUP
www.rvwithtito.com/articles/o...
TOUR OUR OFF-GRID SETUP (pre-lithium)
• HOW WE USE SOLAR for R...
OUR FULL SOLAR PARTS LIST
www.rvwithtito.com/parts/rv-s...
CHECK OUT MY E-BOOK (100+ Pro RV Boondocking Tips)
www.rvwithtito.com/product/10...
MORE ABOUT THIS VIDEO
We’ve been snowbirding in Arizona for three months now primarily boondocking on BLM land or attending week long events where we’ve dry camped the entire time.
WHY DID I CHOOSE BATTLEBORN LITHIUM BATTERIES?
I did NOT want to build my own lithium battery pack: I was looking for a reputable ready-to-go drop in solution with these characteristics:
1) At least 400 Amp Hours in a form factor that fit my small class C storage compartment
2) Built in high quality BMS with all the safeguards (not external BMS)
3) Long life (10+ years)
4) Long warranty (7-10 years)
5) Zero maintenance
After evaluating several brands, sizes, reviews I decided to go with Battleborn.
WHAT ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT WAS NEEDED?
My RV was already set up for boondocking and off-grid use. I did have to replace my Converter/Charger which was not lithium compatible (see below). Removing the AGM batteries and replacing them with 4 x 100 Amp Hour Battleborn 12 volt batteries was the most significant part of the project.
CHARGING FROM SOLAR: My programmable Victron Solar Charge controllers were already compatible with lithium. There were minimal adjustments needed. Here are the recommended settings from Battleborn.
battlebornbatteries.com/progr...
#rvwithtito #rvsolar #boondocking
CHARGING FROM SHORE POWER - Converter Charger Upgrade required: I replaced my multi-stage Progressive Dynamics converter charger with the PD4655LIV lithium compatible model. Here’s where I got it: www.ltdrvparts.com/PROGRESSIV...
Lithium chargers compatible with Battleborn batteries: battlebornbatteries.com/charg...
This video also addresses these topics: Lithium battery upgrade, lithium battery upgrade for rv, Agm to lithium conversion, battleborn lithium rv batteries, converter charger for lithium batteries, lithium rv batteries, rv solar.
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This video may include links to merchants with affilliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Пікірлер: 1 200
Seems like a good solar
After reading many reviews and watching a lot of videos, I chose this option for my first backup power station.
I'm so glad he explained Lithium batteries are lighter than lead/acid batteries. No manufacturers ever say anything about weight in their literature. 👍
You, sir, are a brilliant asset to all of us living beneath the sheltering wings of photonic solar arrays which are bathed in luminous volts on sunny days!
You always do a nice job explaining and the quality of your work is top notch 🤙
Love your informative style. Your installs are my envy and I wish I had the time and patience to spend on really quality installs. Very good information!
Awesome! I’m glad it’s working out for you guys.
There are a lot of very good videos by some very knowledgeable people on the web explaining RV solar. But when I need/want a trustworthy, detailed explanation in terms that I can understand, YOU are my go to source.
Great video man! Perfect!
Hi Brian, We bought a Arctic Fox fifth wheel last spring aimed at boon docking. We like you bought Battleborn batteries. We bought a ‘bundle’ from battle born that included 6 batteries, 2000 watt Victron inverter charger, digital multi controller, BMV 712 battery monitor and solar controller. All Victron. We also put 840 watts of solar on the roof. I talked to you back then and you kept me straight on not mixing voltages on a single controller. I want to thank you for that!! The Battle born people have very helpful with getting all of this working properly. We are returning home at present due to the virus issue that the country is facing now. Like you, we run the fridge on electric most days for 6 or 7 hours depending on the sunlight. The system has worked flawlessly!! I couldn’t be happier with the rig. When we ordered our 29 ft. Fox, I tried to get Northwood to switch the lead acid converter with a lithium version. That wasn’t something that they would do. Turned out to be a good thing. The existing converter will keep the voltages in the middle voltage range when hooked up to electric. As you know, lithium batteries do not need or even like to be fully charged all the time and are very comfortable in the median range. The inverter charger will fully the batteries if needed on shore power. I think I will put in another DC controller like you did and run 4 gauge cables back from my alternator and eliminate carrying a generator. We have been out in different BLM areas for 3 1/2 months and only used the generator twice to exercise it. I’m not as techie as you and was afraid that I would get in over my head. But with folks like you and Ray Burr along with Battleborn, it has been faultless. Thank you
Wow Brian sounds like you got it all figured out, Nice job on the video. 👊👍😎
I particularly like your load-shedding approach with the refrigerator :)
Thanks for the informative Video. Love the way you explain things in a simple and clear manner.
Nice video Brian! You and Jared from All About RV’s do a great job sharing your knowledge in a very understandable manner. Thanks for that!
Great, nice to see you are always making improvements!
Thanks for continuing to upgrade and share. Very Cool
Finally! A useful battery video! Thanks Tito.... You rock.
Great video! I like the way you explained things. You took your time and gave your experience. I don't think I learned anything technical about switching to lithium, but I learned a lot about how beneficial it could be to me. Thanks for the video!
As usual great video and inspiration!
Thanks for the video...you made the comparison of Lithium and AGM easy to follow and understand.