I Bought a CHEAP Lithium Batteries on AMAZON for Living in a Van

[@donnamount151]

Following Will Prowes, I was able to put solar in my 40' 5th wheel and everything works...my plug in's, my full size house fridge freezer, my Wynter freezer, abd my smaller appliances and all at once...I am a retired female living alone....in Colorado.. Thank u SOOO much Will...u r my hero, I have 265 in solar and 4 agm batteries...going lithium in 2023...😁😁😁

[@bld2342]

⁰

[@chuckspeer2163]

will prowes is wonderful

[@desertcrawler999]

@666J6R6M6666 Very few DIY solar products are UL/HOA approved. If you want a 100% code-friendly system, you need a professional installer. If you have the skill/confidence and lax codes in your area, DIY solar/battery systems can save a huge amount of money over professional installtions.

[@judgegarry]

Hmm, retired female... Colorado... alone, could use a handy gentleman, who's self sustaining... Ummm, yeah, my name's Garry, I'm a retired Judge/craftsman, pleasure to make your acquaintance Donna. What books are you looking at now?

[@judgegarry]

&&&&&&&&&&&& Sorry, I'm totally joking 😅. I couldn't resist, the world needs far more humor! ;

[@tomwilliam5118]

You can also get a solar charge controller that has low temperature disconnect and use that with lithium batteries that don't have a BMS with low-temperature disconnect

[@Dreamysunshine23]

Awesome information 😊

[@jedics1]

It also works out to be 1/3 the price.

[@catemitten5857]

Thanks Ausia

[@montereyspike]

You probably hear this all the time, but you really are a great guy Bob. You have helped so many people who you will probably never meet, and I am one of them. Lived in my truck and teardrop for many years and used to watch your videos a lot, made me feel like I wasn't so alone. Anyhow, I've had housing for a while now, but may be losing it soon. But at least now, I know that I can do it and will not be crippled with fear by the thought of doing it once again. Just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my Heart for being the genuine man that you are.

[@ediejohnson3301]

Thank you, Bob Wells, always leading the way to bring RVers the latest and best information and equipment reviews. Will Prowse is absolutely amazing to watch and he demonstrates and explains all things electrical, so well. The two of you make a great support team.

[@joepeach997]

Will Prowse is a great recommendation. He is one of the most knowledgeable KZbinrs when it comes to Solar, Batteries, Power Stations and more. Everytime I watch one of your videos I understand why I trust you because of the people you associate with. Thank You for all you do.

[@kathyfann]

Thank You Bob I will need to upgrade my Batteries in about a year. I believe. Using First Interstate deep cell and they are AGM however haven’t missed a lick.

[@vincentrisalvato9921]

HEY BOB, IVE BEEN LIVING IN MY VEHICLES FOR ABOUT 16YRS NOW AND NEVER HAD SOLAR OR BATTERIES, I REALLY WANT THEM BUT JUST COULD NEVER REALLY AFFORD TO MAKE THE JUMP.... NOW I REALLY THINKING OF DOING IT, IM SAVING MY MONEY AND IM ABSOLUTELY INTERESTED IN A GOOD SYSTEM..... THANK U FOR ALL U DO, BEEN WATCHING U FOR MANY YEARS AND ACTUALLY TRY AND GET SOME OF THE PRODUCTS YOU SUGGEST, KEEP UP WHAT UR DOING, UR HELPING US OLD FOLKS GET BY....

[@thizizliz]

We put solar on our house but SCE suddenly began messing with us and has turned off power to our end of the street 4x this year. So we are looking at batteries & this is really helpful info. Thank you Bob!

[@markwisner3972]

Good video. I have had my SOKs for 2 yrs. Love them. I can go 4 days without having to skimp on my usage with my two 100AH SOKs. One thing you may want to mention, if the viewer is currently running lead acid, they will also need to upgrade their battery charger/converter or at least change the settings.

[@waynejoseph1603]

Did you get them in the US

[@markwisner3972]

@@waynejoseph1603 I ordered them and had them delivered to my US address.

[@zeeb6]

good point we went with 2 BB then SOK came out and got 2 they play very well together I should also mention the LiFePO4 battery Isolation manager if you plan on using your Alternator LiFePO4 will burn up an Alternator

[@beaudansizen2157]

@@zeeb6 Interesting - Battle Born came out with a video saying that their batteries are "Plug and play" for those who currently have lead acid batteries - that nothing in the charging system or the alternator needs to be changed (due to the onboard BMS)

[@Jay-zd9kx]

What is the difference in the lithium battery charger?

[@lonestarlaurel]

Thank you, Bob. Huge gratitude for this marvelous, game changing, life changing good news. So well presented, easy to understand. Love that Will Prowse fella, you introduced. Wishing you, team and all, happy trails. 🙏🏼🐾🎶

[@Mmbohn1]

I tried to watch Will but he is so technical for a person like me, I just didn’t get what he was saying....but that’s just me.... I think he’s a great teacher for someone with previous knowledge on electrical stuff

[@jazziered142]

There are a lot of videos out there that explain solar very basic.

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

Go back and watch his earlier videos. The more you watch the more you learn. Keep that mindset that "I can do this "!

[@alive.off-grid]

Hello Bob, I've lived off road over 20 years. And watching your videos as enlightened my life. Finding better ways to chill my food power my home. I never been able to afford the higher price batteries on my budget. But I see there are better batteries now. Thanks so much

[@bookathevanman9948]

Building out a van next month and this is exactly the info I need! Thanks for everything Bob!

[@jeanmkelly1933]

I always go with your recommendations. I went with a Bluetti AC200P and I love it. One of the reasons I went with it was because I wanted a product that would last a long time. A solar generator worked best for me because of my situation. I appreciate you and the information you share.

[@cmquinn2000]

Was just out camping and my 6 year old lead acid battery on my trailer was struggling. I am going to go with an SOK. I watch Will Prowse's channel. Will take his recommendation and buy used panels for the solar. My current solar setup is not permanent. Afraid the portable panel may walk away some day.

[@Relaxed161]

Bought my 230 W panels from SanTan Solar for less than $90 each. Very happy with them- in service about 10 months, now.

[@lyfandeth]

Just a friendly reminder: Take off all jewelry before working with batteries. If you have a metal ring, and it manages to short out the battery, your finger will be amputated. If you have a watch with a metal band and bezel, the bezel will be welded in place. Even an ordinary lead battery can do this!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Glad to see you finally went to Lithium’s. I’ve been on them since Jan 2019 and love them! Well worth the money.

[@johnrand2862]

I follow Will, too. I recently purchased my first LiFePo4 battery in components an d assembled it myself. 280 amp hours for $750. I learned a lot by doing it this way.

[@debjustdeb4301]

I wish I had the confidence to try that. I bought 2 Battleborn. I got 2 100ah for almost $2000. Ridiculous.

[@smcgee3236]

John what exactly did you buy

[@Relaxed161]

@666J6R6M6666 Why not use your name so we can know the source?

[@dorisshanks7295]

@666J6R6M6666 HOA's??? RV use is what we are talking about here. Not home usage.

[@nortonnewmann3711]

Just remember that if you have a motorhome or campervan, etc. - any vehicle which charges the "house batteries" along with the chassis battery (most do) that there MAY BE additional up-front expenses and changes you need to make. It's not as simple as plopping the new lithium batteries in and expecting them to work perfectly. Lithium batteries have a much different "charging profile" than your old lead acid batteries. If you simply swap out your lead acid for lithium without any other changes, your new lithium batteries will never fully charge - due to the different charging profile. You will need a "battery isolation manager" - a small $175 device (usually mounted in your engine bay) which keeps your chassis battery AND your house batteries charged using the proper current. Of course if your house batteries are completely isolated, and you never charge your house batteries off the engine alternator, a battery isolation manager isn't necessary. BUT... having that additional charging option it is a HUGE convenience. In addition, you will need a solar charge controller which is "lithium compatible", which simply means a selectable charge profile optimum for lithium batteries. So... when tallying up your total "lithium conversion" cost, remember to consider these "gotchas". It's often possible to have an additional $300 over and above the cost of the batteries alone.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Good to know I had forgotten about that so thanks.

[@kingsamoanOG]

Easily once you ad all the hardware and accessories running to your converter,your Mppt charge controller,your BMS, a shunt etc etc there is a lot more than just throwing a battery in and calling it a day. If you want it done properly you won't skip all the stuff to manage and watch your batteries as they're not cheap when you stsrt buying bigger banks running 24v or 48v banks things get real expensive real fast.

[@wadedblade]

I would get 2 apere time batteries and 2 heat covers for them. Thank you for your advice you are great.

[@bondee5865]

Good point about premium acid battery being the same as the low-end lithium battery; so the Lifepro ($389.00-...10/17/-22) is the best for my situation. Your channel is the best as you cover many possibilities of RV traveling/living. Thank you 🙏

[@SarahsAtticOfTreasures]

Thank you for this. Danny had me looking at the links tonight. Have a great rest of the week.

[@josephkingston9252]

Since I live on battery power, I'm so glad I came across this video.

[@havenonwheels5158]

Four months too late for us, but great advice and video! I had 2 top end AGMs installed in January rather than Battle Born. It’s all a learning process and your videos are so helpful! Making many notes preparing for our next rig. Thank you Bob.

[@Relaxed161]

Great comment, this is a rapidly changing market, batteries are way cheaper than they were a year ago, and probably more expensive than they will be a year from now. Buy what you need when you need it and not before. I just bought 412 Ah of SOK batteries for about $2200. Happy, but I won't follow the price after they're in use, it'll drive me crazy.

[@marcelleroux4224]

? 7th 8

[@marcelleroux4224]

@@Relaxed161 Ontario

[@randybobandy9828]

Battleborn makes a good product but it's absolutely overpriced by over double.

[@markbrownell4890]

I got the Ampere Time 200ah-Plus that allows for a full 200 amp discharge if it needs it. It was around $950 at the time last year. I spoke with the manufacturer in China about my method to heat it if it needs it. I told them that somebody makes a 12v heating blanket for RV water tanks. That's good enough. I ventilate the mechanical room where the batteries go. A small 12v computer fan pulls living space air out through the mechanical room where that warmer air can keep the plumbing and the batteries warm enough to charge. If I get cold I can turn on the heat blanket for the Lifepo4 battery. In summer, three more ducted computer fans can be turned on independently to move hot air out of the van, including the mechanical room. Batteries can get too hot to charge also. My Charge controller has a temperature sensor that watches out for too much heat and shuts things off if it gets too hot. The Ampere Time has a protection circuit built in for too hot also. Great stuff Bob.

[@valnpaulvanorden]

Thankyou bob!!!

[@randybobandy9828]

That's smart, tank heaters would be perfect and cheap.

[@fritzkabeano1969]

Bought the SOK 206 ah when it first came out. Put it in a small plastic cooler with a $15 reptile aquarium pad heater and paired it up with the Renogy DCC50S MPPT charge controller which charges from solar or alternator or both at the same time. Got 2x 200watt solar panels and run everything through a 3000-watt inverter. Keep in mind the max continuous amp discharge of your battery (100 amps=1200 watts w/this model) I always double up on my needed inverter's spec'd wattage output to prolong its lifetime. I'm a happy camper! Great battery and the company stand behind their products.

[@4314832]

I have the SOK 206 amp hour battery and it was the best $1029 I ever spent. I run ICECO 65, lights, TV, DVD player, computer and it never drops below 90% with one 175 watt solar even on rainy days

[@michellelaclair]

That's incredible

[@4314832]

@@michellelaclair yes it is. I started with two 6 volt batteries and killed them in one year.

[@fritzkabeano1969]

@@LJ-jq8og I think my SOK 206 weighs around 55lbs if i remember correctly

[@campgoerOne]

I hit that 👍 Bob! It was awesome to meet you at the RTR! Thank you for another great informative video!!! 👍

[@sharonkennedy8537]

Hi Bob Been watching you for years. Retired brought a campervan years ago because of you and your channel. Then had health problems. Finally about to take a trip out west to Ca. Hope to meet you at the BYOV Just traveling through. Skennedy.. Don't mind helping out.

[@michaeld1398]

Love your videos Bob... Been watching Will Prowse for years, very smart.

[@darrylfujita5475]

I have had my two SOK 12v 206ah batteries with Bluetooth since January 2023. This battery charges faster than my lead acid batteries, more capacity and are lighter. This was the best battery upgrade and well worth the $1k/battery. I call them my Super OK batteries.

[@chasingsimpledreams]

I have two 200 amp hour Ampere time batteries in my Toyota Dolphin which work with my 1040 watts of solar to help power a small air conditioner and my fridge etc. bc of the worry of cold (I am in Florida currently and there were a few days earlier this year it did get cold) so my friend who set up my system had me get a heating pad and we plugged the Rv in those few nights. I had to go out every few hrs to restart the heating pad (for safety reasons it shuts off on a timer) but he helped save my batteries. I don’t want to stay in cold places anyway but having those heating pads definitely came in handy. I like the idea of the temp gauge. Will ask my friend abt that as well. Thank u for this video!

[@mickeyroberson9082]

Thinking about buying SOK LifePO4. Thanks for sharing your info.

[@808pathfinder]

I scored 8 100a SOK's for my solar setup, lots to learn in this game

[@dianashelton1371]

I flipped over to Amazon and noticed a 300AH that is same size as the original RV coach battery. Would love a review. Although expensive it is less expensive than buying 3 100AH batteries

[@TrevorBoughtABus]

Have you checked Will Prowse's channel for a review? He regularly dissects and reviews batteries as they hit the market.

[@dianashelton1371]

@@TrevorBoughtABus I have not seen Will on the 300AH but will double check. I rarely miss one of his videos. Thanks

[@patrickmccoy8169]

I installed two of these in February. Love them. Added heater and Victron temp sense.

[@randybobandy9828]

In sure the 300 is just as good as the 100ah ones. I would buy it if it was cheaper per amp hour.

[@fauxque5057]

Enjoybot is the manufacturer for Ampere Time, Chins, Redodo(formally Zooms) batteries. If you can wait for a sale, you can buy them for as low as $319. I have 12 of them and the highest I paid was $339. I'm heading into my second year and I have had no problems with any of them. Next time the price drops I'm buying another 4 of them. .

[@tomc.4860]

Thank you so much for doing these videos. They've helped us a lot in deciding what to get. I did buy two 100 amp hour lithium batteries for $365 a piece. So far they work great. I'm betting that by the time these batteries die that I'll be able to replace them for half of what these original batteries cost so I really didn't want to spend five or $600 per battery at this time.

[@randybobandy9828]

Those batteries should last well over 10years.

[@CBAmakingAusername]

Love watching you Bob, you are a wealth of knowledge.Very helpful x

[@deanmills5106]

You have such a gift for explaining things, nice job..

[@jasonchesnet3922]

Suggestion if you going to buy one of these 100 amp hour batteries, you might want to buy 2. Helps with larger loads,charge at high rate.I have chins (same maker as ampere time)300amp hour battery works pretty well for my needs. Runs 2 12volt frigs, 700 watt instapot, computer. Struggles with 900watt coffee maker.

[@mucarew]

Great job Bob! Thanks for all you do. I follow Will Prowes and he is the gurus when it comes to solar.

[@Cruzinsusan5101]

Thanks for the review and info about the SOK - I too watch Will Prowse and have for eons. I've watched you many years ago when I thought I was going to sell my condo and go full time RVing but that never happened. I still love watching you though. You have a very interesting KZbin channel and I still love it. Keep up the good work.

[@treysuniverserv1576]

I will be ordering 2ea. SOK batteries with heaters to install in our Full time travel trailer. Because of my health condition and needing AC during the heat of the day we will be charging via generator and not always solar but lithium is still the way to go. It appears I can charge the batteries by generator in 3 hours daily which in turn will give us 21 hours of quiet, clean power daily. Differently a win win situation for our Nomad life!

[@1cosmocat]

Great info. Definitely watch Will for some great knowledge about solar and battery systems

[@anonacea]

Selco thermal switch

[@dennyj8650]

Well it's good to get the info on AGMs! Will be waiting on a lithium battery as the price comes down.

[@matthewhoopes7757]

wow, haven't watched Bob in many years. What a difference! Plus over 600k subs.

[@MsNZgal]

Thanks Bob. Hello from Australia. I am learning very slowly about solar so I appreciate your insight.

[@DanielLDavis-df3uy]

being on a very fixed income and building my solar system piece- meal I went with the 12V-100AH AGM as it was just under $200.00. A Life-po 4 at 390.00 is just out of reach. I still need to buy one more 100 watt panel, to efficiently charge the battery for the 1500 watt inverter. And this is all in the hopes that sometime this summer we will buy a new to us travel trailer. So that additional hundred bucks is alot. Love your videos thanks for keeping us all well informed and entertained.

[@SheThe1Who]

Always check Craigslist & Facebook marketplace.used batteries one up sometimes

[@ey8134]

LOL!! 9:52 A miniature person inside! 😀😃🤣🤣😁😄

[@villagelightsmith4375]

I use a stack of Lead Acid batteries I got from wrecking yards. They can be wired together to produce your preferred voltage and many amps.

[@rpcraighead]

At first I thought "Who IS this guy?!" INSTANTLY liked your content. Thanks!!!

[@lifeisatrip8993]

Bob you bring the best product reviews and recommendations on KZbin. Thank you.

[@teresalee2302]

Love all your videos Bob! They’re always very informative and easily understandable, thank you

[@johntaylor1947]

Thanks for the info. When I buy battery's it will be the SOK. In the 1980s I installed large home solar systems and the major flaw they all had was the lead acid battery's, they were expensive required routine Maintenace very heavy and potentially explosive. They would last about 5-6 years and replacing them cost as much as half of the electricity the system made. The systems only made sense when commercial electricity was not available.

[@thebreez4278]

I am Currently Attempting to do a Van Build, First one on a VERRY small budget. I have a solar panel system with no battery's " expensive" I am Saving up for 1 or 2 batteries. I am in Wisconsin and trying to get this done before winter so I can go west or south. rents getting to expensive. These batteries are in my price zone for now I am for sure going to get some. Thanks for the review

[@lyndaphillips3520]

We read Will’s book on building a solar system. Easy to follow and we now have three Battleborns in our rig. Awesome because I never worry about running out of power. The only time they do not charge is in thick smoke.

[@joeo7257]

Like you, Bob , I have two Battle Born batteries. They are great! When the SOK came out, I wanted to add them to the BB. DON’T DO IT. The battery management systems will not work together. Great video👍👍

[@Nifty-Stuff]

I'm just amazed at how little wind noise your mic picked up with all that bluster. Whichever setup you're using, it's doing GREAT!

[@wrxs1781]

Good you mentioned the cold climate issues with lithium batteries in general, if in a camper take them out in cold weather especially for charging. A great product with limitations.

[@mustseevideos7777]

Bob, the indepeth information you share is invaluable. Thank you Dear Sir.

[@danseals4790]

Haha buddy I'm an Alaskan bush rat born in Kodiak and from the Mentasta area South West of Tok and every Die Hard battery I ever had did just that!! Froze n busted wide open. ( But not the gel cells under the cowlings of my Super Cub) or under my bed in my current cabin in the NE mountains of Washington State. I have 14 Long duration 100 amp gel cells under my bunk. Perfect match foot print. At $550 each then warranted for 5 years. They are currently 18 years old and still charging and doing their job. But like me they're old and tired. Still doing the job. I'm knocking on 80 and still doing the job --- but tired. Haha Best $7,000+ I ever spent. Thinking bout these new style batteries?? But --- if it ain't broke don't fix it.?? Maybe not . Dandahermit

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

I agree! If you don't need it why buy it!

[@BackpackandGear]

I have a 2009 Toyota Prius and it eats 12v batteries! I have an AGM 48 month battery but they usually only last about 2 years. I live in Florida so it's not cold that I worry about, it's the heat! My car sits in a hot garage during the summer with 90+ degree temps almost everyday and it just kills these batteries! I'm thinking about maybe next time getting a 12v Lithium Iron Phosphate battery if they even make them for a 2009 Toyota Prius! The AGM battery isn't that big and it goes in the trunk. I will look online to see if they make them but I've heard good things about the Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries both from you and from the Electric Viking on KZbin.

[@davidclark2286]

No no no. Lithium iron batteries are not suitable for use as starter batteries and should not be charged with a standard car alternator. Lithium batteries like lead acid batteries deteriorate faster in high temperatures which is probably the main cause of your problem. Note discharged batteries degrade quicker in high tempratures, and probably the self discharge rate is higher. Might be worth getting a quality battery charger to make sure your lead acids are kept fully charged.

[@williewest5574]

A/c is a must in hot weather

[@justmona9647]

I've not decided what I'm going to do regarding solar, other than keep my AGM battery as long as possible.

[@graysondameron4146]

I went with HQST Solar 100ah lifepo4, $378. What makes it superior to the other budget lifepo4 batteries? Functional cold temperature cut-off protection. Ampere Time doesn't have cold temperature cut-off protection. I have only been using them for a few months, but I am highly impressed. Currently running 300ah of bank connected to 480w of solar suitcase panels, through a 40a MPPT controller.

[@danshively5253]

You can use a Ampere Time below 32f, you just can't charge them.

[@graysondameron4146]

@@danshively5253 same can be said with every lifepo4 battery on the market, without cold temperature cut-off protection or self heating function. Being able to charge below 32 degrees F is very important to many customers.

[@hikesail9281]

My travel trailer came with a small solar system. 160 watts and agm batteries. The system works well for what it is. I would love to upgrade to lithium, but I’ll wait until the current batteries need replacement.

[@LaVonneEllis]

My travel trailer’s battery (one of two) blew up the other day and I need to replace it, of course, but I am confused about the difference between these batteries that run the lights in the trailer and the AGM batteries that I have in my van that connect to Solar and run fridge, lights, everything. The trailer does not have solar yet and is now hooked up to electricity but I don’t know what I will need when I travel with it. So my question is, since I have to replace the batteries anyway, should I go with lithium? I don’t plan on installing solar on the trailer. Or would it be smarter to replace the van batteries with lithium instead? I could possibly run the trailer power off of that with an extension cord.

[@jamescampolo7824]

I just got a RED ODI 100Ah Mini, Awesome, small and 19lbs.

[@offgridliving4128]

I own both the Enjoybot Chins 300ah and Signature Solar Eg4. Both great batteries at an affordable price. Will also recommends them. Eg4 has low temperature cut off but the Chins does not but they also have a heated model as well. I think the Chins is a renamed Ampretime or made in the same factory. Also $20 cheaper when I purchased mine.

[@timesup6386]

Don't forget this one, DJLBERMPW Lithium battery,12V 300AH LiFePO4 Battery Deep Cycle Battery

[@aliciabrowndocken4660]

I have an SOK 12V 206AH LiFePO4 Battery that I bought just before Christmas for $909.00 with free shipping and no Sales Tax. It absolutely Rocks.

[@MishaDaBear]

Another option to keep your lithium batteries from freezing. Just add a solar hot water system to warm tanks of antifreeze in the same room as the batteries! Need circulation for a hotwater panel use an older photo voltaic panel to run a pump when the panel reaches X tempature all running on older PB or LI batteries

[@brianleonard6885]

Will prowess is amazing like you Bob.

[@lindaSee89]

A lot of new education. Thanks Solar power is confusing to me. Know very little.

[@docbohemian1328]

Excellent advice. I am in my prebuild/planning phase and this video taught me some very good things.

[@belindah9790]

I was so excited to see this as I am just shopping now for a new system I can’t find these SOK as you explain the higher price of the heated one - for under $1100! Wow In 3 months the price doubled ?? Do you know a cheaper supplier? Thanks Bob Been watching you for 5 years now - I live full time in my RV now for a year ☺️ **never mind! I’m looking at the 206 amp 🤦‍♀️

[@rogerhill4427]

Just got a pair £400 each 100A lithiums for my mobility scooter. Saved 20lbs over lead. Goes 3x as far per charge. Thanks for the “Don’t charge when freezing tip!”

[@tomwilliam5118]

Will is definitely the go-to guy for anything related to solar. You can also buy beehive heaters and take them to your batteries to keep them warm. To have them come on automatically you would have to connect them to an electronic thermostat or a switch if you know the temperatures going to fall down below or close to freezing I wouldn't go past 40° personally

[@michaelgegoski3288]

Your videos are great 👍 I have 2 SOK battery's in my minivan for boondocking and I am very happy with them One 100ah was used for 2 cpaps and a fan all night and still enough juice to power a fan all day. If you can afford the SOK battery, do yourself a favor and buy these.

[@djf2918]

Hi BOB, You know I forgot how good your video's are.. I have about 11 Mobility Scooters and half the units had the batteres go bad because I didn't charge correctly.. YOU are my reference for the LifeOo4 batteries.. I'll start out with 2 bats for my tiny Go Go Ultra 3 Whl scooter. . My big ones are EW-1000 4 whlrs.. 17 mph (5 batteries). I'll wait 'till this coming winters over with before buying more batteries.. Moving from GavinNewsomeHell to Tennessee about Dec.. God Bless ya Bob, stay frosty :)

[@bombdiggitydave3881]

It always is a pleasure to see you describing the everyday items you choose and use. Thanks

[@OldManJimmy1]

Great advice and Will is the man when it comes to solar systems and Lipo batteries!

[@Bartonsrving]

Just what I needed all the info I needed. Was worried I would get the wrong one or get ripped of thanks.

[@offgridcitytrapper7545]

I just upgraded to lithium batteries. Wingda 100 amp hr. New mppt charge controller for them. Plan to run 2 window ac units this summer and a fridge. 1200 watt solar array. Columbia mo USA

[@ScottsLifeOffGrid]

I bought four SOK 206Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries after watching Will's review of them a few months ago. I haven't had a chance to set them up yet. Each battery had twice the amp hours as the battleborn.

[@ScottsLifeOffGrid]

@@gufredd9675 BattleBorn makes great batteries, however if you can find an individual 200 ah battery they are $1898 for BB vs $1029 for SOK, A lot of folks can't afford that kind of $

[@Charlie-do6wv]

Point A is to go 24v with your system uses half the current as 12v which=less amp/hrs reserve to do the same job and B keep them inside your unit=zero possibility of freezing!

[@rayvelez3736]

Good Review and topic, I would think where you live may help your decision weather wise. I am in the northeast, Also your wallet and application. Tks for Sharing 🤟

[@kristiangronberg3150]

In my case, I'll live in Finland, where it's getting cold easily, I live in a wan, don't have a fridge, basically just using the power for the diesel heater and charging my phone. And I'm usually traveling the winter and leaving the car parked over the winter for 3 to 6 months. I have two led battery's in the car, one is connected all the time to the electrich system, and then I have a really connecting the start battery in the system when I'll key oon the car, it means that there always going to be enough power to start even if the hobby battery gets flat. Other things is that I don't need to do anything specific with the charging system, the stock output voltage is 14.2v from the alternator and that's enough to charge but not fast, I might mod the alternator regulator to be manually adjustable to get faster charging in some point. For me it's still the cheapest way, and if something break's I'm not down on a lot off investment

[@Oblivionsurveyor]

I just purchased 235 ah 6v lead acid pair for my camper. That doubled the 100ah i had. I realized i needed a way to recharge my dewalt space heater battery's. furnace Heating alone can drain the battery's down so i have decided I will try to not use my RV furnace and mainly use a propane/battery powered dewalt space heater. The space heater should be able to run on alot less juice and gas. I was really wanting to purchase a battery generator/power station. All the kit brands cost triple what it cost to simply buy the battery's and inverter. So i have created two battery banks that will have hot plugs to solar arrays. One bank lead acid isolated outside on the tongue of the trailer. The other bank lithium ampere 200ah PLUS 200amp bms, located inside with a solar recharge plug and 2500 watt pure sine wave inverter for 120v small appliances and portable heater recharging. Ill be able to use the lithium bank for most my power needs and that way I can keep my inferior lead acid battery's well above 50% even on bad solar days. Anyone else tired of rv campsites? Off grid time baby. The more i think about it the more i love this idea of having two battery banks to cycle power needs from.

[@KRoseVideo-royw07]

Bob, my rig is a 2004 Ford BT Cruiser which charges the batteries as I drive plus I have a built in Generator and, of course, land line connections. Never really needed Solar, but I have that also. QUESTION: Can I install the SOK LiFePO4 battery ( or 2 in parallel) without changing my current charging system? Or do I need to change everything and get a new Inverter? Are there people qualified to change over my system? Or is it too expensive to even consider? Thank you so much for your videos and for your comments. Roy

[@gurgleblurgle7345]

Ok since he asked, here's my 2 cents. I switched to lithium last summer when I found a 200ah on sale for 600 and was having trouble yet again with my marine battery, which I had less than 2 years. It was 135 ah and I could never keep it charged it the winter enough to keep running my fridge even with 200 watts of solar. Well now I'm through the winter with my lithium and let me tell you it never dropped below 13 volts, even when I used my instant pot a bit. I found an article of a guy who had tested different types of batteries and lifepo4 outperformed even the expensive agms by a long way. None of the lead acid batteries even performed to the 50% capacity for which they were rated, which you ont want to go below anyway because it will cause damage. I'm guessing I killed a lead acid battery every winter thinking I could go down to 50% even though I never did.

[@gurgleblurgle7345]

I'm in southern Colorado, plenty of sun, but yeh I've had a really hard time trying to figure out how much I needed in wnter

[@davidgrenis638]

I'M STICKING WITH WALMART'S BEST LEAD ACID BATTERIES BECAUSE THEY WILL REPLACE THEM AT THE DROP OF A HAT AND I KNOW THAT CUZ I'VE HAD TO DO THAT SEVERAL TIMES AND EVERY TIME THEY WERE REPLACED THE WARRANTY STARTED OVER

[@ceeceety2320]

We just bought 3 206amp hour SOK batteries. We also went off Will Prowse's recommendations. We have 9 100 watt HQST's and put them in an array and have installed them on the top using our ladder racks. We are only at the beginning stages of our build. We have a 2011 E-250. Hopefully we will have nothing but the best of luck with these.

[@silaslongshot941]

Some have suggested that one get an extra tank heater pad for the batteries & add it to your tank heater's circuit so that keeping your tanks from freezing also keeps your batteries from freezing as well.

[@gregoryvee4304]

Hi Bob. Most just say “Lithium battery” but it’s actually a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. The scientific symbols for those three elements are Li (Lithium), Fe (Iron), and P04 (Phosphate). This is where “LiFeP04” comes from.

[@waynehowell431]

thank you

[@anthonyking7077]

I can only dream of having either one of those nice batterys.Hopefully one day I can afford them for now my marine batterys from walmart is the only thing with in my financial reach. Thamks for the info.

[@weldorbillinvegas3429]

Great Video Bob!!..Very well explained and since I'm now just getting into solar on my Class C, I find all, and I mean all, of your videos and opinions greatly appreciated and very helpful. Will probably go with the less expensive battery for my application, but the superior battery choice would be well worth the investment. Keep up the great work my friend..we all appreciate you very much! Stay safe and enjoy your living! Hope to meet you someday..Bill in Las Vegas..

[@beverlyheinritz5294]

I bought my Ampere when I found a 200 AH for $850 two years ago. It allowed me to do my first off grid camping. My next step will be adding solar. I am still trying to decide between the simplicity of having it on the roof or the ability to park in the shade and have my panels in the sun.

[@tracymeskel2839]

I have both options. I have 2, 200ah ampertime batteries, and have 420w on the roof and a 140w portable. I’m going to be adding 2 more 210w panels in the roof. We use anywhere from 200-250ah at night, with our CPAP machines and tv and satellite.

[@sweet65mustang]

I went with renergy batteries and love them

[@johnnylightning1491]

Bob, can I extract that little man from the SOK battery? I need him to work on various things for me, my hands are too big. Good video, I didn't learn anything because I've watched Will for a few years now. Anyone who is contemplating adding LiFeOP4 should watch this video.

[@rondaniel6198]

I have 2 battle burns for 2 yrs 330w panel I run the washer Cpap & lights in Az winter some heat full charge about 3K not cheap but works splendid