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Lithium Batteries


spindrift

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The article is a good introduction to Lithium Batteries.

 

I don't agree with one statement about operating a microwave on a 60AH lithium battery. While the battery will "operate" the microwave, the large power draw will mean that the battery will be discharged to the 75-80% level pretty quickly.

 

For more info, do a search for "lithium battery" or "lithium batteries" on this forum for a number of discussions and info about the batteries.

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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"AGM batteries, however, require approximately 300 amp hours for this type of load."

 

Dunno.. but @2.5ah's/minute it sure seems to me you'll get more microwave minutes with 150ah's available over 48ah's.

 

"lithium batteries have a life span of up to 10 years (while AGM last up to five)."

 

Dunno where they get their figures from, but properly maintained.. wrong on both counts.

 

"Lithium batteries can last up to three times as long as AGM batteries."

 

Wait a sec.. I thought they just said they only last twice as long as AGM's (?).

 

"If you are going to have your RV for just two years, definitely consider an AGM battery bank. If you're thinking of full-timing or planning on traveling for many years, lithium batteries are the way to go."

 

~ Doesn't deserve comment. ;)

 

I won't pick it apart any more. Some good info but don't take it too close to heart.

 

"AM Solar is proud to sponsor this article."

 

That shocks me a little. I wonder if the author of the article actually sent a copy over for AM Solar's review before posting.

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I agree there is some "hype" in the article. However there are many reasons to really like and prefer the lithium batteries. I know I do.

 

Be sure to search this forum for lithium batteries for lots of discussions about the pros & cons of lithium.

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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FWIW---just happened to be part of a recent conversation about batteries on large (50-100kW) solar/battery backup systems, and the following comment was made by a long-time professional: "Lithium looks attractive, but the reliability just isn't there yet, so we continue to recommend AGM."

 

WHen you are buying $50K of batteries,...!

No camper at present.

Way too many farm machines to maintain.

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There is a guy on this forum working on installing a battery from a Chevy Volt into his Truck Conversion. He's done a ton of research and documentation. Follow that for the best info on this topic.

'03 United Specialties truck conversion, Freightliner FL112, Cat C12, 10 sp Autoshift, 295" w/b, 26' living quarters.

 

St. Paul, MN

 

www.bobwinsor.com

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There is a guy on this forum working on installing a battery from a Chevy Volt into his Truck Conversion. He's done a ton of research and documentation. Follow that for the best info on this topic.

 

I wouldn't call it done, but that Chevy Volt battery pack has been running since February. There's a presentation I'm giving tomorrow on the subject at the HDT Rally--but somebody isn't here with popcorn, cookies, and drums....

45' 2004 Showhauler -- VNL300, ISX, FreedomLine -- RVnerds.com -- where I've started to write about what I'm up to

Headlight and Fog Light Upgrades http://deepspacelighting.com

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I wouldn't call it done, but that Chevy Volt battery pack has been running since February. There's a presentation I'm giving tomorrow on the subject at the HDT Rally--but somebody isn't here with popcorn, cookies, and drums....

I sure wish I was there. My sister-in-law came to MN to run the Twin Cities Marathon. Her sister (my wife) said we had to stay here to cheer her on. I'd have rather been in Hutchinson. Making cookies and popcorn. And playing drums with Henry.

'03 United Specialties truck conversion, Freightliner FL112, Cat C12, 10 sp Autoshift, 295" w/b, 26' living quarters.

 

St. Paul, MN

 

www.bobwinsor.com

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I sure wish I was there. My sister-in-law came to MN to run the Twin Cities Marathon. Her sister (my wife) said we had to stay here to cheer her on. I'd have rather been in Hutchinson. Making cookies and popcorn. And playing drums with Henry.

You should keep her sister happy. We'll all be here again next year.

 

And seeing how you're retired, you should think about Crossville in April!

45' 2004 Showhauler -- VNL300, ISX, FreedomLine -- RVnerds.com -- where I've started to write about what I'm up to

Headlight and Fog Light Upgrades http://deepspacelighting.com

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  • 2 weeks later...

I just added some more stuff on my project. I haven't put together a trip summary, but I did do enough boondocking to get to where the inverter's low voltage protection kicked in. For the full Volt battery, that was at 8 days--with the refrigerator, portable ice maker, and power-hungry laptop running non-stop, along with some TV time and other normal use. I'm hoping to get some solar on the roof soon, to extend that quite a bit.

 

http://rvnerds.com/2016/10/24/more-electrical-changes/

 

I'm going to add a little more detail to my slides from the rally and send over to Mark soon.

45' 2004 Showhauler -- VNL300, ISX, FreedomLine -- RVnerds.com -- where I've started to write about what I'm up to

Headlight and Fog Light Upgrades http://deepspacelighting.com

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello Nuke-E,

 

I just added some more stuff on my project. I haven't put together a trip summary, but I did do enough boondocking to get to where the inverter's low voltage protection kicked in. For the full Volt battery, that was at 8 days--with the refrigerator, portable ice maker, and power-hungry laptop running non-stop, along with some TV time and other normal use. I'm hoping to get some solar on the roof soon, to extend that quite a bit.

Say again, you mean 8 days with all that load on the lithiums and no charging!?

 

Wow! Amazing! I've been following your blog for a few months now, but hadn't realized you didn't have solar yet...

 

Looking forward to your expanded slides. Can you please tell where they will (or perhaps already have) show up so I can watch for them?

 

Congratulations on a spectacular system!

 

Cheers,

--

Vall.

Getting ready to join the RV full-time lifestyle in 2017!

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John and Vall,

 

I just uploaded the presentation, but there are already a few more updates on the blog. Here are the slides: http://rvnerds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/HDT-Rally-2016-Lithium-Battery-Systems.pdf

 

Solar is in the works, but it's going to be a pretty custom setup. Just haven't gotten around to it yet.

45' 2004 Showhauler -- VNL300, ISX, FreedomLine -- RVnerds.com -- where I've started to write about what I'm up to

Headlight and Fog Light Upgrades http://deepspacelighting.com

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Nuke-E,

 

Great presentation. I want you to do a Lithium Install on my ShowHauler when you have a solid and time-proven installation! This would be a great line of work for you!

 

RV'er need your expertise.

 

Thanks, JohnnyB

2014 ShowHauler Motorhome 45'

Jacksonville Beach, FL

32250

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