Mark Crootof

On 6/14/2020 at 3:41 PM, mptjelgin said:

I replaced four lead-acid batteries with two 100 Ah lithium batteries from Renogy. I got them on sale for around $700 each so it is worth watching for sales. 

How many you need depends completely on what you use them for.  If you boondock regularly and use an inverter much you will need to do an energy audit or at least get equivalent usable capacity to what you have now, assuming that it is sufficient. Lithium batteries will tolerate a deeper discharge than lead-acid so it is not an amp-hour for amp-hour comparison.  If you only use your batteries once in a while for lights, water pump, etc. it is probably not worth the expense to change over to lithium.

To optimize their use you will need to set up your charger for lithium chemistry rather than lead-acid chemistry. BattleBorn has some good information regarding various chargers and solat controllers and how to configure them. 

Hi, I just went out and bought two 100Ah renege lithium ion batteries also and found out that my new Prism does not come with an inverter( inverter/charger) or solar controller.  I plan to install them ( possibly with a DC to DC 40A charger) My problem is Dealerships are booked into end of February already and they charge $200/ hour and I think are over estimating how much time everything will take. 

I also hope to add some roof solar too( and it is prewired for Go power on the roof but no-one knows where the wiring is inside the unit- guessing near the refrigerator ) Wondering if anyone knows enough to discuss what would make the most sense. Can I do this myself?  Happy to try but so far haven't found anyone to discuss it thoroughly with me. 

Thanks  mark 

Hi folks, We are brand new to this as I just picked up my Coachman Prism (24 ft) 10 days ago.  I had hoped I would be smart enough to 

ask all the right questions but I didn't  and am quickly learning that these new rigs don't always have the items we hope for and / or expect. 

I am a semi retired veterinarian and love my pets and  family. I would enjoy taking my huge labradoodle(over 90 lbs) and my very social kitty

on our trips ( Family is fine but they don't like idea of a litter box being too "open". I know I would be happy to clean it often but that isn't 

getting me anywhere with the others. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions.  Thanks and all advice is needed and appreciated. 

( I assumed all RV would come with an inverter/ solar controller, waste hose, water hose  and a bunch of other items I consider essential.

Totally wrong on all accounts - oh well, very big learning experience) 

Stay safe and be well/ 

mark 

Hi folks, mark  here from San Diego area and totally new to RV'ing. I got a Coachman Prism and and wrongfully assumed it would come with what seemed like basics to me (solar controller, inverter, etc,) rude awakening. 
I want to swap my cheap batteries for New lithium Ion ones ( 2 100Ah Renogy  batteries will fit in the exact same location easily) Can I do that? 
I would think I can turn off the disconnect and do a simple swap. I won't until I am 100% sure I won't mess things up by doing it. I have the Go power portable solar to help charge it and the unit came pre wired with a port on the roof and another one by the entry door for Go Power. I would love to find someone to install an inverter and a a solar controller too, but at $200 an hour and getting quotes of 8 hours of work to do that seems a bit HIGH. I would also love to put some solar panels on the roof too, especially as the port is already there. ( unfortunately no label as to where the prewiring is ( guessing near the refrigerator but no sure location. )
Anyone have any suggestions? I am willing to pay what would seem to be a normal hourly fee but $1600 to put in an inverter seems insane to me. but hey, this is California! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  mark