Is Upgrading To Lithium Worth The Cost? | Redarc Battelborn UPGRADE

Is Upgrading To Lithium Worth The Cost? | Redarc Battleborn UPGRADE
In this video I install a 50 amp hour BattleBorn lithium battery into my FjCruiser. Combined with the REDARC BCDC1225D I test this system for 3 months to see how much it better it does than a traditional deep cycle battery. Is upgrading to lithium really worth the cost?
REDARC chargers change the game. You don't have to mess with switches, just drive or let solar take care of everything for you. It really is the best way I have found to keep the fridge running and the camp lights on.
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[@IndependenceOverland]

REDARC: bit.ly/3U2EqMf Redarc BCDC 25/40/50 Chargers: bit.ly/3Uy2xnP REDARC Rogue: bit.ly/4b4fUBz Redarc Redvision Prime Manager 30 combo: bit.ly/3xFjL9z Redarc Towpro Elite: bit.ly/4d6nSMj BCDC Wiring Kits: bit.ly/3U7ei2O

[@delectrical2387]

Really excellent video. Loads of good points . Worth watching again. Well done. Solid point on investing in the future when buying stuff. How are those new seats working out ?

[@IndependenceOverland]

Seats are awesome! I plan do get caught up on videos this fall, I promise I’ll get a review up for you before too long!

[@can5projects563]

great video information one of the best Thank you

[@IndependenceOverland]

I am glad it was helpful!

[@jeffreyscott4564]

You did a great job of explaining this install. I've been researching this for 3 months. My set up will be the REDARC Manager 30 with a Battle Born 100AH. My Gladiator build is well underway and the electrics are the last detail to complete. I'm not cutting corners in this build and hopefully the money spent will be well worth it. Note,, if you drain the battery flat just use a little jump pac to wake the BCDC up..super easy

[@IndependenceOverland]

Yeah I actually carry just a jumper wire, and in the one instance it ran flat I went from the starting battery to my six fuse panel for just a second and it did the trick. That gladiator should be a sweet build! It’ll be really cool to have a shore power option with the manager 30!

[@robertv6220]

Great video. What do you use (or would recommend) to monitor the battery charge percentage since the BCDC1225 kit only comes with voltage gauge monitor. Thanks

[@IndependenceOverland]

I ended up with a Victron 712 system. They now make a wireless only shunt, so Bluetooth is the only way to monitor it. Thats a pretty cool feature so you wont have to drill a big hole for the face of the unit. I do hope Redarc makes something similar in the future for their smaller DCDC setups that dont require the entire Manager 30 and Redvision. I think a good budget set up would be beneficial for all. Gauge with monitor: amzn.to/3mtZhck Bluetooth only: amzn.to/3BafWpp

[@rondre3]

The reasons you stated is why I went with the redarc 1225 when I put together a dual battery system in the FJ. I have yet to take the plunge into lithium, once the AGM goes out I will. Regarding your solar panel, why did you go with a fixed vs a suit case type? I too have the AluCab tent.

[@IndependenceOverland]

I just did that for simplicity. The Alucab pops up to a near perfect angle for a solar array, but even laying flat it collects a lot of amps at peak hours of the day. I mostly didn’t want to worry myself when I’m away from the vehicle for hunting trips. I’m paranoid about my stuff getting stolen. On my next build, I may do a suit case type. We will see.

[@funvangroovn176]

Great video! I've used BBs in a few different applications and think Lithium pay for themselves in their longevity. Just as importantly and as you mentioned, they stay at a higher more constant voltage while being used which appliances love. The lighter weight and ability to accept partial charges without degrading longevity is ideal for overlanding. I'm less familiar with the Redarc system and really appreciated your assessment there. I'll be giving the Redarc some serious consideration when it's time to build up my jeep. I think winching is my only real question. I don't have one yet and don't plan to use it a lot when / if I get one. If a 100aH BB was used, could a winch be connected to that, rather than the starter battery?

[@IndependenceOverland]

No, you can’t winch with the lithium. The way to go is to use a Yellowtop or similar for your starter battery, and winch off that with an upgraded alternator. That’s the route I took. For basic winching it will be fine. When you get into rock crawling and using the winch for hours a day is when you really NEED the secondary winch battery.

[@davidrucci]

Thanks Tyler! Curious what kind of battery are you running as your starter battery with this system. I’ve gotten word that you can’t mix batteries, but I’ve also heard you can. Do you know which is true? Curious because I want to get a lithium aux battery, but use an AGM as a starter battery.

[@IndependenceOverland]

Re replying to this, the holidays had my head buried apparently. If you use an old school solenoid dual battery system, you cant mix batteries. As a matter of fact, you should even use basically the same battery for both and they should be the same age, or else they can kill each other faster. With the modern DC-DC systems using something like a Redarc, you can use a mix of battery chemistries. My starting battery is an Optima, and the Battleborn 50ah for the aux/house battery. Keep in mind that lithium can not be mounted under the hood, the heat will cook it.

[@millzee]

Thinking of redoing my FJ set up as well. I been using the National Luna for 8 years and on 4th battery now and new alternator. Removed the last dead spare (Ultima yellow) and installed new starter battery (flooded) and its going dead now. Will be disconnecting the LN. I was never impressed with the setup as batteries never seemed to get charged. I was running ARB fridge and radio gear but not heavy use . Perhaps the RedArc would be better. Ive only used winch one time in 9 years and that was pulling my Dads mower out of the mud.

[@IndependenceOverland]

I can't praise the Redarc chargers enough. Especially paired with a little lithium battery. Its nice not having to even think about it.

[@davemcilwain7371]

Thanks for the video, what electric blanket do you use? I'm struggling to find one with good reviews.

[@IndependenceOverland]

I went cheap! The 30$ amazon special works great, as I use it on the mattress rather than as a blanket. With good layers it will help you stay warm all night. They shut off after 45 minutes, but they help you get your core temp up and it seems to help you stay warm all night, even after it shuts off. amzn.to/3pKJ7tl

[@thiswanderlove3500]

So I have a traditional agm dual system with the blue sea MLACR switch and want to add a third battery lithium in the back of the 100series lc using a redarc manager 30. So you see any issues doing that?

[@IndependenceOverland]

No, aside from you will need another battery charger such as the Redarc, and you might consider upgrading the alternator. I’m not sure how many amps the 100 series outputs, but adding an additional 25amps of load to it while driving could prematurely wear it out if it’s too demanding.

[@tribalsean]

Outstanding video, thank you. Researching and found you here. Really great info and experience given. Appreciate it. So far I've got a 100ah bb and the bcdc1225d. Still need to figure out appropriate wire gauges, fuses, location, etc. ... ? What do you think about the redarc smart isolator? Is it necessary with the 1225? .... thanks again for the great video. Will check out your others. Awesome FJ, too. 👍🏻💯

[@IndependenceOverland]

I wouldn’t worry about the isolator, the BCDC unit will do that automatically. On wiring I ran 8ga. Heavier wiring for long runs is best, even consider 6 if there’s a chance you will upgrade the BCDC in the future. The wiring I used is this stuff, it’s very easy to work with and high quality. 8ga amzn.to/3VuWmyM Use either a 40 amp Blue Sea breaker amzn.to/3VxjyMM Or the Redarc fuse system: amzn.to/3ukEYR8 Typical blade fuses can’t handle the load so rule those out. The Redarc fuse kit can be pieced together from brand “little fuse” for a bit cheaper but the Redarc kit is high quality and has everything you need. Either way will be fine.

[@tribalsean]

@@IndependenceOverland .. awesome. Thank you kindly for the response. Really appreciate the advice, too. Will def go with 8 or 6 gauge, now. I hear and understand you on the blade fuses. I wil get the redarcs for continuity and quality. Thank you for the references, also. Take care and be well. Happy trails

[@IndependenceOverland]

Your gonna love it!

[@djdeeish]

Hey Tyler, after years of having this in the fj, do you still enjoy this setup? I'm looking at the 1250D with 2 battle born 100ah thoughts on that setup?

[@IndependenceOverland]

I am VERY happy with this setup, however Redarc upgraded me to the 40 amp charger and I like it even more. 200ah is a ton of power combined with this charger. I would evaluate your use to make sure you aren’t wasting money on that second battery. If you drive for even 2-3 hours per day, or have some solar, consider just 1 battery to begin with. The reason being is that these systems charge so incredibly fast that it’s rare to run out of power. My next vehicle build will have a single 100ah battery and a 40 of 50 amp BCDC, and it will be enough for me to camp + charge all of my camera gear.

[@aaronlawrence3127]

Great video! What are you using to monitor the level of capacity of the lithium battery to know how many AH you have left? Thanks!

[@IndependenceOverland]

Hey Aaron! I ended up using the Victron 712 which is decent. Not quite plug and play and requires some programming to work right. I far prefer the Redarc RedVision system but of course that is much more expensive. It looks like the Victron units have gone up in price since I got one, and you can also get a Bluetooth only version which is a bit cheaper, and the direction I would have gone but they weren’t out yet. I’ll drop an affiliate link below, but also know that you can score them cheaper on eBay. www.amazon.com/dp/B07F3C7ZV7/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_WF4NNR7BFPNC1R24X877?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ml2&tag=independenc09-20

[@aaronlawrence3127]

@@IndependenceOverland thanks brother! I’ve been enjoying the content. Keep it up! 👍🏼

[@fjcruiseroverlanderscarlos4612]

Greetings my friend. Where you connect the black wire out the redarc? I know is groung but just wondering where do you connect it. Thanks

[@IndependenceOverland]

I believe I connected mine directly to a bolt hole where my rear seats used to bolt up.

[@fjcruiseroverlanderscarlos4612]

@@IndependenceOverland awesome thanks for the quick response. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@fjcruiseroverlanderscarlos4612]

@@IndependenceOverland by the way. Great Channel

[@IndependenceOverland]

@@fjcruiseroverlanderscarlos4612 thanks for checking it out Carlos!

[@H3LLZ]

What are you using for starting your vehicle? Is it the agm?

[@IndependenceOverland]

Yes sir, lithium does lack in the ability to start a vehicle. I use the Optima red top for this.

[@erich964]

Fantastic video quick question please using round numbers how much does a dual battery set up cost for the batteries and installation generally speaking? Meaning two lithium ion batteries installed or to AGM install? Any guidance again using round numbers would be fantastic. Thanks in advance

[@IndependenceOverland]

It depends on how much battery power your looking for. The system as shown here with a 50ah lithium will cost about 1000 bucks if you just do it yourself, its pretty simple. Going with two Battleborn lithium batteries (I will assume with 2 batteries you want max power, so 100ah for this estimate) that will be close to 2000 bucks. The Redarc system with 2 AGM batteries could be as cheap as around 800 bucks but you will replace them much sooner and ends up costing more in the long run. Also, 200ah of AGM only equals about 100ah of usable battery. 200ah of lithium equals 200ah of usable power.

[@erich964]

@@IndependenceOverland thanks

[@erich964]

Sorry one final question. I have a 200 series land cruiser. If money was no object and I was to buy two lithium batteries and a radar. Which model battery would you choose? What brand? Thank you again

[@IndependenceOverland]

@@erich964 Ask as many questions as you need! I would absolutely buy Battleborn batteries. There are lots of less expensive lithium batteries but in testing a lot of them fall short of their claimed energy. Awesome choice on the 200 series!

[@michaelfrymus]

Why cant a Lithium go under the hood? Is it because of the heat? I have space under the hood, so I do want to use that valuable space, but I don't want an AGM battery. So, if a Lithum cannot/should not go under the hood due to heat, wondering how else I could use that space instead

[@IndependenceOverland]

The heat under the hood will kill the lithium battery. Not sure what to do with the space. Check out my hot water video, you could build a system like that for that area. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHvEmoimhpamoc0

[@4estrnr472]

Do you have a wiring diagram? It sounds simple enough but I don’t want to overlook anything. Are you using a fuse box of some sort for your lights and fridge? I didn’t see that in the video. Where are the lights you are running off of this battery and fridge plug into?

[@IndependenceOverland]

images.app.goo.gl/yV9FXM89HSrsARfx7 I use a Blue Sea fuse box. All of my light are run off of a main switch so I don’t have to have the key in the ignition at camp. I can press the button and only use lithium, so my starting battery doesn’t die. The lights and fridge plug into one fuse panel I have in the rear, and accessories towards the front run off of another identical fuse panel. They make them in 6 and 12 circuits I believe. I chose to do a 6 in the rear for the fridge, lights, power ports etc. amzn.to/3kGYJwM

[@4estrnr472]

@@IndependenceOverland Thanks for the quick reply I was wondering what you do if you don’t have the lithium battery in the car. Is this the switch by any chance? This is super solid. I have a 4Runner and will be running a CFX45 and just a few camp lights. www.westmarine.com/buy/blue-sea-systems--e-series-compact-battery-switch-off-1-both-2-no-alt-field-disc--3831393?lsft=mrkgcl:481,mrkgadid:3312353938,cm_mmc:PS-_-Google-_-GSC%3ENonB%3EProduct%2520Type%2520(LIA)-_-3831393,product_id:3831393,adpos:,creative:164945113891,device:m,matchtype:,network:g&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhP2BBhDdARIsAJEzXlGeVOO1Zvd6qc3X9kL5DEmbGyv_wcrTsWY0jI-gWMEdhgnq-XRBTSsaAqNmEALw_wcB

[@IndependenceOverland]

@@4estrnr472 No, mine is a small toggle switch in the dash wired through a 100amp relay. So all my accessories fire up. The lithium battery never comes out, its mounted along with the Redarc and it all stays put. I do have the switch that you linked, but I use it for my winch or for my anderon power to my trailer.

[@4estrnr472]

What solar panel are you using with the Redarc? I mirrored this setup curious what's been working for you. I bought the 50ah battleborn and went with redarc as well. The video was really helpful! Im only running a 46L fridge so hopefully this will do the job.

[@IndependenceOverland]

@@4estrnr472 It'll do the job. I am using the 4thD Solar 165w panel. They are very expensive, but it seriously pulls more amps than anything else. I used my Conqueror Camper for the first time over the weekend, which is equipped to traditional glass solar panels. My 165W 4thD panel pulls more amps than the traditional panels do, and for longer. The 4thD panels seem to collect amps with low sun angle, and cloudy days WAY better. I was hoping I wouldn't have to upgrade the Camper due to the included panels, but after one trip I will be. They are expensive, but they are worth the cost in my opinion. Not affiliated with them at all.

[@mbjones6]

How did you run you wires to the lifepo4 battery?

[@IndependenceOverland]

The Redarc is right next to the battery in the rear. So I ran the cable from the starter battery to the Redarc charger through the firewall grommet and under the factory wiring covers on the floor, drivers side.

[@mbjones6]

Nice. Thanks man

[@TopNoTchVSOP]

Why not use a dual battery isolator that supports lithium battery like Key-line? Currently I am using a 12v 135 amp dual setup lithium battery have a 250amp alternator,a lot of these lithium safety feature guard system BMS(Battery Management System)internally built into them. Dakota Lithium can take heat under the hood. OPERATING TEMPERATURE Ideal for rugged & harsh environments. Much better than SLA or other lithium batteries. -20°F min, +150°F max optimal operating temps (battery performs well down to -20°F). Internal even-heat technology allows for charging below 32°F. BMS high temp cut off at 167°F / 75°C.

[@TopNoTchVSOP]

@IndependenceOverland: BTW I driving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler with a winch for winching you need a higher amp lithium 60AMP isn’t enough to be winching with that.

[@IndependenceOverland]

You cant winch with lithium anyway.

[@camo6344]

Thank you for looking at an Australian company

[@IndependenceOverland]

Australians are the pioneers of a lot of this kind of gear! I’m always incredibly impressed with the quality and practicality of everything from Australia. Even my audio equipment I use for making these videos is all Australian (Rode). Incredibly well built and durable.

[@jands0903]

$999 for a plug and play system from OGE is a deal considering I replace my cell phone every 3ish years.

[@IndependenceOverland]

They make very nice kits

[@dxpvxo711]

What's oge ? Where is this kit any links or do you have a website? I hate when people acronym things

[@dxpvxo711]

@@IndependenceOverland oge ? Where's this kit ?

[@IndependenceOverland]

@@dxpvxo711 www.offgrid4x4.com

[@slap_A_flamingo]

Anyone else see the word Battleborn and instantly think of Five Finger Death Punch 👊🤘

[@IndependenceOverland]

🤘