Lithium RV Batteries - High quality and affordable! - Power Queen

[@Steve-Goff]

Pretty incredible how affordable they have gotten. Same goes for power stations (solar generators). Power Queen seems like a really good option

[@freeandhappy8562]

I agree 100%. No reason now to use any other batteries but LiPo4. They have EVERY advantage over all other current battery types. Thanks for the review Rick!

[@CITAP1]

Lifepo is such a game changer in the rv. I bought my LifeBlue 200AH batteries a couple years ago now for 1600.00 each. Yeah, they saw me coming, I have been traveling and living with these babies and enjoying all the bennies that come with them. Where I used to have to keep an eye on the state of charge with my old AGMs, now I haven't a care and live like I'm at home. 2 laptops all night and a couple room lights on, whatever else electric that needs to be run like the furnace. I have yet to wake up to a state of charge under 70 percent. I do like the Bluetooth interface with all the information it gives. To compliment the batteries, I'd get 30% more solar watts than AH batteries. 300 watts for 200 Amp Hours. 600+ watts for 400 amp hours. Works great in Northern summer climates and Arizona winters. Also recommended is a Victron 30 amp dc to dc charger off the alternator. Glad to see you and Linda getting on the lithium train. As I say, your camping is about to get better. PS: I run my fridge off solar about 5 hours a day saving propane.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the info on your system. My first lithium was a Renogy 100AH that listed at about $750.

[@CITAP1]

@gonagain With lithium, you install a Disco ball over the dance floor in your trailer and you and Linda could be up waltzing all night

[@paulhunter546]

Wow..pretty affordable ! When I upgrade from my current AGM battery I'll definitely check them out 👍

[@CITAP1]

Remember Paul, with great power comes great responsibility! Are you ready for that. Or perhaps that quote was meant for a different circumstance. 😅😅😅

[@paulhunter546]

@@CITAP1 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Erica_Brenda]

Thank you! This is great information! I bought a 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery, Built-in 100A BMS, Max.1280W Load Power, Up to 15000 Cycles & 10-Year Lifetime and that worked great for me.

[@gonagain]

That sounds like a good battery.

[@rogertemple7193]

Always great info for the people who are iut on the road traveling Thanks. 👋☺️👍🇺🇲

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

I have been running a 100AH Power Queen for a few months now here in Jamaica and i love it!

[@kmckean3005]

Hi Rick, Mac and Kathy here. Hey did you know that the charge system on trucks or cars does not put out enough power to charge a lithium battery. If not altered the alternater will go out every 4 or so months due to trying to match the static level of lithium battery. Also the regular system on a RV or a Solar set up needs to be altered for the lithium battery. Also the systems will charge very slow because they think the battery is full but actually is only 2/3 or so.

[@gonagain]

Yes. you're right. I don't charge from my cars alternator, but if I did I would go through a DC to DC charger that will adjust for the lithium batteries. Also, lithium takes a special controller, but most controllers these days are made to handle lithium.

[@doskraut]

Watching Will Prowse and hobo tech is a wise move, both give excellent advice and reviews.

[@StratRider]

add "Lithium Solar" to that list 😃 Will watches and refers to him also.

[@gonagain]

Those guys are on a whole different level!

[@carltoncopp3032]

Nice review and good to see that something “Lithium” is dropping in price. I used Energizer lithium AA batteries in my Blink cameras and price is skyrocketing lately. A 16-pack is $37 at BJ’s now.

[@gonagain]

I hear you and I went to rechargeables some time back for most of my smaller devices. The only thing I use lithium AA and AAA cells for now is things that stay outdoors in cold temperatures, where lithium is better.

[@skippylippy547]

Wow, impressive prices on those batteries. Thanks for sharing this information. I need a couple for my boat and electric trolling motor.

[@EfficientRVer]

It's nice to see an entire battery video without even one glaring technical mistake. You even pronounced LiFePO4 the same way I do! People who don't know an amp from an amp-hour (or worse yet, say amps per hour) drive me nuts when they try talking about batteries, solar, and so forth. I'm almost assuming you must have been an engineer, as I was. I even like how you described lithium ion versus LiFePO4, even if technically LiFePO4 is just another type of lithium ion battery. I think it is best to not be technical/nitpicky about that, because the industry standard is to use "lithium ion" to mean the previous chemistries which do have fire hazard, and to not ever call LiFePO4 just "lithium ion", but to call it by its chemistry.

[@gonagain]

Thanks, but I'm definitely no expert!

[@ChuckisOutside]

Thanks for the review. I recently bought two Power Queen 100 amp batteries. I connect them parallel then through a 12v to 24v converter. They are charging my Bluetti AC 180 at around 185 amps.

[@gonagain]

That's the best of both worlds. I installed my Bluetti yesterday for redundancy.

[@NoFeeArea]

Cool beans! Got the a/c out and made a custom door in that place. Bought a 6000btu Vissani which I will set up with two ducts (even though it has only one. It probably draws about 800 watts so next maybe 2 power queens at 200ah each and some of those double sided solar panels and thick gauge cables to handle the 400 amps at 12v parallel with inverter. That way we can camp in moderate heat and high humidity in the midwest summers (at least sleep) without shore power. Thanks Rick and Linda.

[@gonagain]

That was a nice improvement on your Aliner. The double sided panels are high quality but very heavy, just so you know.

[@vitoconginejr3283]

In your future intent diagram, why are you adding a jumper from each battery (- & +) when your adding two separate bussbars? The bussbars perform the same task.

[@dianaj3139]

Very much appreciate everything you are sharing here! I especially appreciate the reminder about fully charging both batteries before putting them in parallel. For someone like me who only dabbles occasionally it's good to watch videos like this... btw love Will P> another great reminder to go over and watch him again.

[@gonagain]

Thanks, Diana. I'll have a video out on how to hook up the batteries in parallel using buss bars in the near future.

[@CHEECHMUN]

1st one to post that I was the 1st. But, 12 have seen this, so far.

[@Go4Corvette]

Thanks, Rick, for the info. At least one thing went down in price, lol. Take care, Mike

[@cetifoxproductions]

Thank you so much for the recommendation! Last year we upgraded our Gel Hybrid to a Weize 200ah LiFePo because those had really started to come out at a reasonable price for the features. But knowing there are other alternatives that are both good and reasonable is very, very helpful.

[@gonagain]

Isn't it nice to not have to watch the voltage any more?

[@cetifoxproductions]

@@gonagainFor the most part, yes. While 200ah is still a pretty "light" answer to power needs (even if you don't rely on an inverter), I do find it comforting that Lithium lets us push the envelope more. Doubling our solar panels to 400w helps us when we don't have as much sunlight to recover at least a little bit. I still think our Bodega R50 upright fridge may be using more ah than advertised, but I'll need to install a meter to see for sure. Renogy just announce their new Smart Shunt, so that would help us truly tell how much capacity is available on our battery (their One Core device estimates based on reading voltage compared to how much charging is needed to reach/keep 12.6v). But, overall, a LOT fewer headaches. Once again, thanks for the great work y'all do!

[@jeffreygraf3358]

Thanks Rick! I bought 2 100 ah LifePo batteries 5 years ago, and I cringe when I think of what I paid for them. They have given me good service, but it's nice to know I can add on more for a 1/3 of the cost.

[@wrxs1781]

Good video Rick, and yes they are great batteries and becoming more reasonable. The buss bar mod will be a good upgrade, looking forward to the video.

[@gonagain]

I just shot that buss bar mod video yesterday and will have it up later this month. Thanks!

[@teresaf5480]

Great info and instructions Rick 👍👍

[@boscodog4358]

I use pad type water heater for my batteries. Works great using very little energy.

[@gonagain]

I'd like more information on what you're using. Would you mind emailing me at [e-mail]?

[@williambingham2459]

Good job, Rick 😊.

[@Luke_Stone_321]

EXCELLENT! Thank you very much!

[@jeffreykropp7664]

Yes, I have switched to Lithium. I ran with 16 golf cart batteries that lasted for 13 years! Worst part was adding water monthly during cold Winter weather.

[@gonagain]

Wow, that was a great run for those batteries!

[@jeffreykropp7664]

I equalized and watered the golf cart batteries every month and never ran them down below about 70%. Still, lithium is better in all ways.

[@Sonya60andlearning]

Another great job . Thanks

[@jamsessionrecordshop8343]

Great info Rick!

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Great video Rick, That's a heck f a lot cheaper than the Lithium batteries we checked out for our RV when we first bought it. JT

[@gonagain]

These are good batteries too. I tested the low-temp cut-off in actual conditions this week and it works perfectly.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

@gonagain That's awesome !

[@GypsyJvan]

great info, rick..thanks..

[@janebray9392]

Ohh Dang! You keep finding the stuff I can't live without,lol!!! I swear, I spent more money watching your channel than any other! My prob is, I don't even know enough to know I don't know😂🤪 I also only have 1 95watt solar on the roof and no idea what size charge controller..it's like I need to go back to school!!🤔🤓

[@gonagain]

Jane, you're a LOT smarter than you give yourself credit for! But I know that you're just kidding. I hope you guys are doing well up there in the frigid north. What am I saying, we've been below zero F twice already here!

[@janebray9392]

@@gonagain I am heading to AZ in 10 days!!! Towing for the first time by myself...hubby has made me hook & unhook, drive, dump, etc by myself, and he must be satisfied cuz I scored a 9/10😅👊👍🏆🙋‍♀️🛻🇨🇦❤️‼️(hitting Los Algadones for dental🦷)

[@markreynolds3850]

👍👍 thanks for sharing!

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Definitely going to look into them. I haven't purchased any for my system yet.

[@Volunteersunrise]

Time to go lithium Rick. Great review and I have 200 Amp hours and ready for Quartzsite. 😅

[@NarleyAdventures]

👍👍👍👍👍, Good info!

[@kmckean3005]

AKA YOUR ALTERNATOR GOING OUT AGAIN.

[@KiloFeenix]

Half usable capacity, low voltage cutoff for lead acid is 10.8v

[@gonagain]

The nice thing about the lithium is not having to watch the voltage like you do with lead acid because you can't damage the lithium like you can with the lead acid by taking it down below 12.2V.

[@mikemorgan8588]

LiFePO4 batteries are the way to defeat the battery fire propaganda.

[@pureblood2020]

A 70" 4k television was $4,000 -$10,000 a few years ago. Saw them at Costco for $279 last week. (I don't watch or buy televisions.) I do use batteries. Must be the only 2 items that have gone down in price in the the last 3 years.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

👍

[@Theoldfiredog]

Thanks for this info. Question---- With the batteries in the camper trailer all the time,no charging or discharging. How cold is to cold for the batteries just sitting there?

[@gonagain]

That's a great question and I just happen to have the PowerQueen manual at my elbow... it says that the batteries can be used down to minus 4F (minus 20C). I don't think colder temperatures will damage them, just don't draw power out of them if it's below -4F. I'm going to put a small heat lamp on them this winter though, because -30F happens here.

[@Theoldfiredog]

@@gonagain thank you very much for your reply. That's what I was thinking. A heat lamp or small 50 watt heater might work. Live in Ontario Canada ,and we get the same weather. Thanks again

[@biglug9364]

I believe it would be very helpful to you to use bus bars to run your cables to instead of having multiple cables connected to your battiers

[@gonagain]

Yes, and I'll be showing how to do that in a future video.

[@mikemorgan8588]

Multiple conductors of the correct gauge may dissipate heat better than single conductor cables.

[@bryanclark3739]

Just received my Power Queen battery, which I ordered thru your Amazon store. In reading the instructions, it says the ideal storage temperature should be between 50 degrees F and 90 degrees F. Living in Colorado, my garage dips into the 30’s most nights during the winter. Does this mean I need to store the battery in my house? Been following you and Linda since your trailer broke a spring outside of Cedar City, UT.

[@gonagain]

It would be best if you stored it in your house, but it is ok down to minus 4F.

[@bryanclark3739]

Thanks

[@martinparmer]

Great video Rick, thank you. My wife and I were just discussing switching from lead acid to LiFePO4 battery. I think I'll have to change out my converter when I do this. My camper is a 2014 model so I doubt the converter would be compatible. Do you have a recommendation? Thanks!

[@gonagain]

There are a lot of good converters on the market, such as Renogy, BougeRV and Victron. I've used the Renogy and BougeRV ones myself with no problems.

[@tm8747]

rick there people out here like me , waiting to see linda drive the chevy and offroad??? to much a passenger

[@gonagain]

Ok, We're going to have Linda drive sometime in the future just for you! That's so funny. She actually drives very well but has never towed anything.

[@tm8747]

hey rick just teasing you, !!!

[@dexterleger222]

What ever happened to. Your blueitt do you not use it anymore? By the way love y'all's vids!

[@gonagain]

I do. I went to a modular system to make it easier to replace components, but just yesterday I also installed the Bluetti for redundancy.

[@timdurrell1170]

After seeing your video I’m ready to switch to lithium. Would you know if the converter/charger in an rv would have to be changed to charge a lithium battery.

[@gonagain]

Yes, the controller needs to be rated for lithium so that it doesn't overcharge and damage the battery. Make sure it's an MPPT controller, they're more efficient.

[@markparr7224]

Forgot to mention the weight difference too Rick.

[@gonagain]

Oh, that's right! These are less than half the weight of an AGM battery at just over 19lbs. each.

[@outdoorzee919]

Sometimes these cheap batteries that advertise low temp disconnect, actually do not work, so a person has to be very careful taking the word of the company who is selling them. The only way to know is to actually take the battery apart and test the low temp disconnect sensor by putting it in ice while the battery is charging. Will Prowse (DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse) recently did a test of some "budget" batteries and had some recommendations on what ones actually worked. He did not test this one you are using. Sure is nice to see these getting more affordable though :)

[@gonagain]

He did test the earlier version of this battery and said it was very well made and I can attest to the Low-Temp cutoff myself. Since I installed these batteries it's been going down below freezing every night and they do shut off as advertised.

[@outdoorzee919]

@@gonagain that is good to hear 👍

[@hshalom9113]

Soooo where would a newbie find info on what battery (batteries) would be good for a travel trailer ie a Minnie Winnie?

[@gonagain]

These would be great for that.

[@hshalom9113]

@@gonagain which ones? I click the link and it's a smorgasbord of batteries 😳😀.

[@GunneyRat]

I use a CTEC DC to DC charger that's powered from my vehicle alternator and my solar. it's my understanding that will not work on thoes batteries, has that changed do you know?

[@gonagain]

You need a DC to DC charger that's rated for LiFePO4 batteries to avoid damaging them after they've reached a full charge. I'm no expert, but it's my understanding that the damage happens when a non-lithium rated charger reaches the "float" stage.

[@GunneyRat]

thanks@@gonagain

[@MikeAndNary]

Battleborn are still asking close to $1k for 100ah lifepo4

[@gonagain]

Renogy dropped their prices quite a bit lately.

[@milesbliss3256]

Nice review Rick but head south 😂

[@gonagain]

I hear you on that!

[@standingbear998]

great if you don't burning down your rv

[@gonagain]

You must not be aware of the different types of lithium. As I mentioned in the video, LiFePO4 batteries are safe from catching fire.

[@huckleberrychris]

I paid 850 for 200Ah. InJan

[@gonagain]

That's actually not bad, Chris. Hope to see you this winter sometime.

[@paulcurtis5496]

Like# 220, getting slow in my age

[@gonagain]

Paul, you need to work on your reflexes.

[@paulcurtis5496]

😆😝🤣

[@seymourwrasse3321]

and mom said procrastination never made anything better. I'll be starting on my solar next spring. Do they ever have black Friday sales on batteries?

[@gonagain]

Yes they do!

[@seymourwrasse3321]

@@gonagain thanks for the heads up