Batteries: Choosing the right one for your RV

[@allan6021]

We always camp with an electrical hookup, however, we’ve experienced power outages a few times at campgrounds. So a few years ago I opted to buy two 6V Trojan T-105 lead acid batteries. The problem is they are very heavy. The attraction of lithium batteries for me is strictly related to their lighter weight because I have a bad back.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Many are seeing the benefits to lithium. If you are interested in learning more, go over to www.bigbeardbatteries.com and request a consult.

[@allan6021]

@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy Looks like you only have a 200 AH battery that weighs 58 lbs? That’s not much lighter than the T-105. I’d only be interested in a couple 100 AH batteries so they would be under 30 lbs each.

[@mr.p960]

Folks there are some very good charge controllers out there But I recently purchased a VICTRON CHARGE CONTROLLER 100-30 There are no words to explain this product but I can tell you in my words that the quality & the workmanship of this product is second to none. I am so taken back on how beautifully this equipment performs. The reviews of this product is right on and I highly recommend on a scale 1 to 10 9-1/2 seven STAR

[@Hugo-Hernandez]

Great info, good luck Todd with your new business.

[@cherylalmstrom7301]

Always learn a lot from your videos. This video was great, but we especially liked the bloopers….the song…and more….made us laugh!!!😂

[@countrysideworkshop]

When is Big beard batteries actually launching? l am looking to upgrade by the end of the month because I have a lot of boondocking coming up.

[@Dougy_Fresh]

Someone already mentioned the converter needing to be lithium ready. Also if you have solar, the controller needs to be lithium capable as well. On the subject of solar and budget friendly : if you have small draw requirements, a single cheap solar setup can get you out there indefinitely. Especially if you have two batteries already or add one. A pair of decent size batteries and a 12v fridge with good sun you should be able to top off through the day and last all night.

[@paulborchardt8427]

I currently use 2 six volt batteries. What do you suggest in a lithium battery to get in terms of amp hours? Also do I need to change to heavier gauge cables?

[@tomballard4794]

Can you use two 6 volt batteries for more amps and amp hours.

[@konavader]

Except, as you explained in your last video, you would have to also switch converter to a lithium compatible unit, that's pricey and not something a weekend warrior rv mechanic can tackle. Do you have any suggestions as to a converter/battery combination that is reasonable for the budget? Aloha

[@newenglandrvadventures]

The converter charger is a 10 minute job for someone decently handy.

[@GatorsRock0219]

Changing the Converter/Inverter isn't too bad. I had to also order new cables as my old converter took the stranded ends of the 12V cables but the new one needed eyelets. Otherwise very straightforward.

[@mccarthy7566]

Great information.

[@MarkIaquinto]

What's your suggestion on a battery that also needs to start a built in generator?

[@bertkelly7650]

Will older converters handle lithium? I'm hearing different points of view.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

No a typical converter will not charge the lithium battery fully. My BMS inside my battery will keep the cells balanced but it might only get charged 80%. So having a lithium capable charger maximizes the batty.

[@craighofer7890]

Can you talk about what the voltage drop should be before we recharge? I have 4 6v flooded batteries and get conflicting answers on how low to let the voltage drop.

[@3232rlarson]

What about the RV and Car charging systems they are not setup for lithium batteries?

[@chato1977able]

Great video as always!! Maybe I missed it, but how do I know how old my tanks are and where do I exchange them when it’s time?

[@MechanicMark613]

I have 2-12 volt batteries, since you can drain them further would 1 Lithium 12 volt battery give me as long a charge or do I need 2?

[@kevinbohn2024]

I love the idea of lithium batteries BUT the best I can tell it cost about the same to design a charging system as it does for the battery. $3000 to $4000 is a lot of money.

[@mrzif0013]

For me I go cheap and old school.. But I have a 12v fridge draws 6a.mps. but we have a demand mostly to keep the fridge running while traveling. And I seem to be not the best on charging back to 100%. But I do a good job of battery fluid levels maintenance. And I going to generator/invertor vs the onan 4k loud anchor.

[@hickboy3067]

Aren't they worthless in the winter months? Or highly temperature sensitive

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

@@hickboy3067 some batteries that do not have heat this is true.

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

My thing is not rather I want lithium or not it is we have a 2011 jayco Greyhawk and we have only one battery so is it worth it to go and get everything transferred over or wait until we get our next motorhome and that one will be in fulltime?

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

To be honest, I would wait if you are looking say within a year, personal opinion. Some may say it could sell faster as buyers are starting to learn and ask questions prior to the purchase.

[@brucewallace3860]

Question: I am at a place where I need to make that switch, however, why not spend that same thousand bucks (or whatever) on a generator? I know, some parks don’t allow generators - we don’t camp in the west all that much anyway. It would seem two 12-volts and a small generator would be an option. Your thoughts?

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Generators are a great option. It’s up to the individual based on noise, maintenance, and don’t forget fuel cost. It’s not one purchase on that genny, fuel, oil, filters over the same 10 years a lithium battery provides, all the maintenance and fuel could be more costly

[@calvinchristensen4949]

I have two interstate 12 volt batteries. If I switched to lithium how do I charge them? Do I need to disconnect the camper charger?

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

So it depends on the type of charger you have. Lithium needs to have a charge voltage of 14.4-14.6 to be completely charged. A converter might only charge to 13.6 which will charge the battery somewhere around 80%

[@1024gerrydeb]

Something you don't address is charge rate. You make it sound like I can just drop in a lithium, but its my understanding that those of us with older rigs need to change the converter/charger and our rig alternator isn't up to the task and we will need to make changes in our charging system.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

So for optimum use of the battery you are absolutely correct you would need to consider changing the charger. I apologize if it came across as that isn’t something necessary. I have covered it several times in previous tops and possibly I assumed that was already provided.

[@hammer48ful]

I've been told that those of us that live in northern climbs that you should bring your lithium batteries in for the winter or they could freeze.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

So cold is a factor on all batteries. Lithium batteries equipped with a BMS and a cold sensor will cut off the charge feature of the Lithium battery if it gets too cold to protect them. Finding ways to keep them above freezing helps. We also have a battery heater inside. We are about two months out on that build.

[@patrickhall3878]

Do all that..spend All that… or buy a good generator for 1/3 the cost..

[@johnr5545]

Great job god bless

[@tomb1734]

I am about to replace my 6-100amp deep cycle batteries with Victron SuperCycle AGM 170Ah batteries. I don't want to have to change my Magnum inverter and my understanding is that it is too old to charge LiPo batteries. I was told these batteries can be safely discharged to 70% constantly and 100% up to 200 times. Any suggestions here?

[@scottyz]

You don’t want to use LiPo batteries. You want to use LFP batteries like the one in the video and have many thousands of charge cycles.

[@canadiantwig4772]

I understand the draw to lithium, but my question is where do the minerals for these batteries come from? Is it from China?

[@allan6021]

There is a lithium mine in Quebec, Canada. I don’t know if it’s product is used in the lithium batteries we can by in Canada and the USA. It seems that most of the battery cells are from China? I suspect that a lot of the social media negative hype about lithium originates from people wanting to protect lead mining in the USA.

[@canadiantwig4772]

@Allan I like the idea of lithium, but want the cells to be made in North America. There's just way too much made in China. I appreciate the response.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

So to my knowledge over 80% of the lithium mines are owned by China, US owns very little.

[@canadiantwig4772]

@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy that's unfortunate.

[@markstevens1729]

So.. choosing the battery I manufacture? Gotta love America. 😂

[@divinee.155]

New is not always better

[@W.MGamer360]

Todd, were you starting to say that you had been around as long as lead acid battery technology has been. 😅😅😅

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Ouch! ;)

[@jc525exc]

Battery comparison wet vs LiFEPO4 was good. But Big Beard Batteries & when to switch?? A couple times now you've shown Big Beard Batteries in your videos and the website doesn't work (at least each time I've looked or searched it)??? I suggest you get your website working before you keep promoting Big Beard Batteries. Kind of like an RV Tech showing up to repair your RV and forgot this tools & volt meter.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

It works when we go to it. Maybe the server went down for a moment. Try it again www.bigbeardbatteries.com

[@friedenhiker1032]

This is an RV guy. If you research solar and batteries by experts who are actual ENGINEERS, you'll learn that, other than weight, lithium batteries are not superior. There are so many negatives to lithium batteries, I'm dropping weight in other ways so that I can add on another battery or two.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Oh you mean engineers who make lithium batteries? All engineers agree? Where is your proof?

[@rodl12]

So when a Lithium battery dies they're not recyclable. Why doesn't anybody talk about that. At least lead acid batteries are recyclable. Why not mention 6v batteries, more ah and recyclable.

[@newenglandrvadventures]

Life expectancy for lithium is very long, most cheap batteries will do 4 years to 80% they’ll still function fine however lower capacity. Most times it’s the BMS that fails, but that is replaceable.

[@blucy10]

Why do you believe that LiFePO4 batteries aren’t recyclable? What parts would not be?

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

So lithium batteries are being recycled and repurposed. Technology and innovation always catches up.

[@rodl12]

@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy I still can't justify $1,000 over $100. I know the prices are coming down but they are still very, very expensive. So is it just car lithium batteries that are not recyclable? What's the difference?

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

​@@rodl12 So I tried to supply links to EPA providing info on sites to send lithium to CERTIFIED RECYCLERS FOR LITHIUM. Not sure how "you cant recycle lihtium" gets out there when there is easy access to learn where to send it.

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

Can I take these lithium ion phosphate batteries in my camper in the fall when it goes down to 0 degrees? NO. So now I need two sets of batteries for when its freezing. Please tell all the facts. Can I charge Lithium ion batteries with my truck? NO. it will fry your alternator. Please tell all the facts.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

So what you need is self heated batteries like Big Beard Batteries. They will heat the batteries when the internal temp hits around 34 degrees. FACTS provided.

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy Thanks for clarifying. I am trying to filter out the noise I get from converting from lead acid to my next batteries for my camper. I tend to stick with what I know. Thanks again.

[@KOGMIDC]

Your funny

[@guyrelax]

For the love of God, get rid of those awful sound effects

[@진수편-f2f]

We always camp with an electrical hookup, however, we’ve experienced power outages a few times at campgrounds. So a few years ago I opted to buy two 6V Trojan T-105 lead acid batteries. The problem is they are very heavy. The attraction of lithium batteries for me is strictly related to their lighter weight because I have a bad back.