New RV Power System! Upgrading The Unity FX

[@jlarm3]

I am so happy to see Lithium technology is finally getting its just due!!! I don't know why so many people continue to resist it. Sure it costs more, but it delivers more. Of course you can get by on lesser batteries, but Lithium gives you so much more freedom to camp and be comfortable in any situation. I live in Texas, and our nights in the summer are very uncomfortable without air condition running. I love that I am able to run that a/c without having to deal with a generator when boon docking.

[@Erin-Thor]

So... I learned something! While you can’t put a square peg in a round hole, you CAN put a round peg in a square hole. Thanks for a great video!

[@zackdemundo]

Wonderful overview of the system and it’s basic components and the system that feed it. Jennifer’s bottom-line questions are a great summary for the advantages. According to Dean at the recent L.A. RV show, all LTVs now feature a 2000W inverter.

[@mannykeller]

We've just replaced our lead acid batteries with two 120amp hours lithium batteries With our 300 watt solar it is awesome! One smaller 750 watt inverter takes care of charging e-bike batteries and laptops etc) and with our 2000 watt inverter we can cook with our induction plate and heat up food in the microwave. 12 V items such as Fridge, and fantastic van can run all day and don't even make a dent in battery consumption.

[@thuff3207]

Li based batteries for your coach is the way to go over AGM for most systems. Just is the weight savings and energy density.

[@kradwonders]

Looks good. The hardest part is finding professional help.

[@Dr.SalvatoreVinciguerra]

Looks like an amazing upgrade for your RV. Thanks for sharing how it works and why it is great for boondocking. Have a great day.

[@cleanerlakes]

I literally just installed my VictronConnect BMS last night. What a game changer.

[@dlg5485]

I'm amazed that LTV is still resistant to lithium. They seem to make nice coaches, but the electronics they use are woefully inadequate for modern day traveling. I've been looking at B vans for years and I am evermore convinced that a custom build is the only way to go. It may cost a bit more, but you're assured of getting exactly the rig that will work best for you. This is a great upgrade, but the average person won;t be able to afford to by an expensive RV and then spend $1000s more on electrical upgrades on a brand new coach.

[@RVLifestyle]

They no offer them. Had two put on mine.

[@roderickl9539]

I like your video. Very informative and there's not a whole lot of useless chatter. I will certainly save this video for down the road. Thank you and be safe!

[@latada2198]

We just picked up our 2020 Tiffin Wayfarer on Friday! It has the 1000 watt inverter with two AGM batteries. It also has two solar panels on top. I’m not sure if we will need or want to upgrade yet, but this video is spot on if we decide too. Thanks for sharing

[@Colaaah]

Run your set up until it's time for new batteries. The biggest change you can always do in the meantime, depending on how efficient your set-up is already going for Boon-docking, would be to look into upgrading your solar charger to the same one as shown here, as in will make your charging more efficient with your solar charging rate. That is with the - Victron SmartSolar Charge Controller MPPT 100|30, from memory (Check to be sure) you can program it for AGM or for LiFePO4 lithium batteries. So it will boost your charge rate with your existing solar set-up alone before deciding to add any solar panels etc. Then once your existing batteries give in, you are already on your way for a lithium battery set up, and you will also have the luxury of the bluetooth app that he showed you for with your Lead-Acid batteries. My Mother has been traveling the country for awhile now, and they would always needed to book into RV paid sites to top their batteries up. I sat down and calculated how much that was costing every time, compared to biting the bullet and upgrading to the full lithium set up. And now they are always boon-docking, system already paid for itself!

[@Badgolfdowling]

Nice job! You hit the nail on the head, Mike. Being a EE, power is everything.

[@re575817]

Great Presentation! Thank you both for making this simple to understand. We still need a solution for the A/C. Oh well.

[@stevelongobardi6870]

Nice video on the retrofit - but please provide total cost ( equip and installation) so your viewing public can way the pros and cons.

[@trustinwwjd1997]

Whoa,,, thanks so much for sharing,,, Safe, happy & blessed travel on your all journey,,,

[@miamisammy4020]

Excellent information! Look forward to seeing you folks on the road sometime in my 2019 Unity CB

[@leerothman7570]

A guy after my own heart. A wonderful clean and organized install.

[@janicevoss864]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing. We have a 2019 Tiffin class A gas motorhome and we are planning to replace our lead-acid batteries with Battle Born. We have heard nothing but great things about them. Safe travels 🤣 - hope to see 👀 you on the road 😊🇺🇸

[@armistrickland7720]

Hello. Can you tell us how much did it cost for them to install the new batteries? Thanks

[@Wachuko-1]

Great upgrade. I already made the upgrade to the Victron 100/30 Solar charger. That made a huge difference from the cheap controller my Airstream Interstate had. And that is the same charger/inverter that I want to upgrade to next... nice!! I just do not get RV builders using 1000 watts inverters! Completely useless for real world RV needs... I need to save up for the batteries... currently have 4 AGM Type 24 in my Class B RV... want to move to LiFePO4 lithium batteries as soon as the budget allows... Thank you for this video. So aligned with what I want to do.

[@Wachuko-1]

@Yar Nunya There is a lot you have to "sacrifice" to make a 1kW inverter work... wife can't use the hair dryer, no decent espresso machine can be found with less than 1.5kW specs, can't use the microwave, etc. Sucks to have to fire up the generator to do some of that stuff... I know...I know... part of going out is roughing it a little... but come on, when you get in rigs like this, roughing it has a completely different meaning, lol.

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

Another really great and simple overview of a system, well done.... thanks.

[@davidternes9503]

Great video on increasing your power system. After your review of the RV I knew you were going to do this at some point. I bet now another 200 to 400 watts of panels and you will never come home 😉

[@242rox12]

Great job as usual Mike and Jen! Excited to see the upgrade on the Leisure Travel with the Battle Born batteries!

[@oursomedayisnow3915]

That's so funny, I just went to Reno 2 days ago, and picked up the exact same setup! we've met Sean and the guys at Dragonfly Energy a few times, and purchased from these guys for our Foretravel, now we'll use the same components for our new Van Build!

[@rd4660]

I’d love to have lithium batteries but it’s a $10,000 option. So I run 540 AH of AGM, 450 watts of solar, 2000 watt inverter, and no generator. Works great. Maybe one day Lithium will be within reach.

[@AaronGeller]

500 amp of Lithium is around $5000 and the inverter can be had for under a $1,000. You can that amount of solar for around $500. So.... $5,500-$7,000 depending on where you buy the parts

[@brianjacobus722]

Oh I forgot my wife and I are praying for you both , we pray you guys are safe and in good health, happy RVing Brian Jacobus

[@colormedubious4747]

You'd need more hardware than merely "more batteries" to run the A/C. A 2000W inverter wouldn't be enough. A soft-start A/C unit would be preferred, too. If you were going to upgrade that, you might as well get a 12V A/C unit instead.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Mike for a great video. We currently have a 235 ah AGM battery that does well. When we have to replace it though I think we will go with your setup in our NuCsmp T@B 400. Thanks for sharing!

[@celestialrvliving]

Thanks Mike.

[@YAYA-bv7po]

Thank you for your information! I would love to buy your old batteries and inverter!!

[@bacc1316]

I'm looking to order a 2020 Leisure Unity IB. On the build out sheet it states that it now does come with a 2000w inverter.

[@raptorav1]

Awesome video, You have a Beautiful Wife. It looks to have been and continues to be a long term relationship. Will be receiving 2 Battle Born batteries this week for our Thor Class C RV.

[@Mackenzieadventures1]

Just bought a 2018 FX looking to do this type of an upgrade.:)

[@bsoutdooradventures9541]

Wozza! Great upgrade.

[@lloyddahlen1141]

Thanks for the info, thanks again for the video 👍

[@kathyfann]

Just bought what I could afford a new because I am alone. I could get the Forest River sunseeker On a Ford Transit 6 Cylinder. It's a class B Plus. I added what I could. 200 watts Solar 2000 watt inverter and a second battery. First Interstate 5 year warranty Batteries. It's all I could afford and still go camping. So I live in California. Looking for a place to enjoy camping. Any suggestions where I can off grid camp? I live in the Greater Sacramento area but can travel within the western states at least. Maybe we will meet out there. I am excited and so looking forward to enjoying the wide open spaces.

[@cocochanel9291]

I want this for my LTV CB.....great job !

[@daphenewhite9500]

The CEO, Dean, who does all the walk-thrus for Leisure Travel as well as UTUBE videos, mentioned to the Wendlands on their factory tour, that all the panels needed for their operation to offer this feature is like a 2 year Solar manufacturing nightmare at this time. If equipment thru a readily available source was stocked and immediately available, they would obviously be equipping their travel trailers with this feature.

[@JamesLIsbell]

Hi Mike and Jennifer. After two years of running lithium batteries, any updates? I apologize if you did one already and I didn't see it.

[@duanewilson3941]

I guess the question I have is for Leisure travel, why don't they offer this as an option, I mean this rv is basically brand new and you're already having to upgrade.

[@leerothman7570]

I would agree Leisure Travel should surely allow this as an "extra" for those who are getting such a fine RV. Also a 800-1200volt Solar would give people a superb boondock capability as Nomadic Fanatic on KZbin has shown.

[@colormedubious4747]

They didn't HAVE to upgrade. They CHOSE to. LTVs aren't intended for hardcore boondockers, they're essentially "park model" motor homes for snowbirds who stay put for weeks at a time. If their ACTUAL customers (as opposed to lookey-loos in comment sections) were demanding such features, they'd offer those features.

[@duanewilson3941]

@@colormedubious4747 Well I sure am glad I ran in to an expert on what LTV's are and are not. They have an antiquated electrical system and I would bet if they want to stay competitive they will need to offer something like this within a very short period of time or be left in the dust.

[@mothertaracey2510]

Leisure Travel/Triple E don't upgrade because they offer zero customer service. I bought this unit a 2020 Unity corner bed, a few months ago & I have regretted my decision ever since - I was lied to by the salesman, Sprinter chassis had control module meltdown on my 1st trip, nearly killing me, LTV refuses every warranty request I make & now I realize that the LP Cummins generator is set to turn off when I put the van in drive because they've programmed it that way. Means I can't travel with my dogs & have air con at the same time. I am in the process of updating the generator & the batteries. To anyone considering the purchase of an LTV rv - DON'T !! Save your money and find another product from a manufacture that gives a poop about customer service and producing a quality product. Be aware

[@duanewilson3941]

@@mothertaracey2510 Thanks for the update. Good luck.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Good information. Thanks for posting

[@rayjones3212]

That was interesting, Mike. I like your cap, too! Our custom-built unit (from Custom Coach Creations in Florida) will have a 3K inverter, 200 watt (upgradeable to 400 watt) solar and 4-100 Amp Heavy-Duty Lithium-Ion batteries. We are picking it up in mid August and are getting quite excited. This is being built on a 2018 159" Extended Base RAM Promaster Van.

[@judyc931]

Did you have to change any wiring for the inverter, battery monitor or the solar controller?

[@sbok82]

Great video 👍

[@vsteuber]

I saw this video awhile ago and happen to have the same model Unity you have and ended up getting all the same electrical upgrades you talk about in this video. I just had it all installed and have a question. The microwave oven isn’t working and am wondering if there’s some rewiring from the inverter that needs to happen to power that circuit?

[@JulieGirard]

Hi, perhaps if you had all the same things upgraded, you can share the total cost of the upgrades? Thank you!

[@vsteuber]

$8k including labor!

[@vsteuber]

Correction $10k

[@robertdion6578]

More than I can even think about ! I think these people are associated with the well off boondockers .

[@brianjacobus722]

Awesome job , what was the total cost ?

[@Superdada]

LTV just announced Lithium is now an option. We're close to placing an order for a Unity RL. Do you think it's worth it to go with the lithium option or do an aftermarket setup through Battleborn down the road? The batteries LTV uses are Dragonfly. Our sales guy in ColoSprings doesn't think it's worth the additional cost. Thanks.

[@anniegogogone1806]

Great info! Thanks.

[@caroleheath2659]

Great video. Did you have to rewire the plug for the microwave so it could be run off the inverter?

[@Crazyreseller]

LTV should offer this as an upgrade.

[@rdvqc]

I suspect that you miss your Roadtrek electrical system - especially on some of the models you had. How are you making out with the generator?

[@RVLifestyle]

Really, we are not missing anytghing. The generator is fine and we have two lithium batteries and 400 watts of solar.

[@silvershellgame2165]

Hi there. I got the prices for all the actual equipment from the link you provided. How much was the install labor?

[@billbunker3225]

What a great video. We have a 2017 FX and are looking to do the same. Just as a ballpark figure, how much of as investment is that conversion?

[@maxzarges]

Hi.. great videos. Just wondering if you're familiar with the Never-Dump Black Water Tanks. They incinerate everything, and leave NO ash. Could you cover these in the future?

[@desmondjrjohnston6315]

great-innovation-battery

[@Wachuko-1]

One more thing that you will find with the years of use... the flexible solar panels suck in terms of longevity... I have 4 100 watts panels in mine... will be replacing those for the aluminum framed panels when the time comes to replace them. Problem is that with the heat and the sun the flexible degrade much faster, so in two years that I have in mine, they look like crap. I am monitoring the output...as soon that degrades significantly, they are coming out and getting replaced.

[@robertfassel6895]

Did you not upgrade the chassis alternator? It is my understanding that with the high amperage load of the lithium batteries you run the risk of burning up the stock alternator especially when running at low rpm’s.

[@rorymcgouran1149]

Hey Mike what is that Dometic container on the roof? Thanks, Tom

[@AaronGeller]

Didn't know you guys lived in Michigan! We are in the Grand Rapids area :)

[@desmondjrjohnston6315]

worth-like

[@chrisc1661]

IS IT POSSIBLE TO JUST SWITCH OUT THE AGM TO LITHIUM WITHOUT CHANGING THE INVERTER OR ANY OTHER COMPONENTS?

[@Nicky-WorldCitizen]

I am curious about how this kind of upgrade would affect the manufacturer’s warranty. I watched another RV video in which the owner of a new Pleasure Way Class-B said that they couldn’t alter/modify/upgrade or the warranty will be voided. Does anyone know?

[@antoniobaez6282]

Good morning. So how many days have you been able to get boondocking out of your battleborns? Thanks

[@H2OTOYS-90]

Did you put a tank heater pad under them for winter?

[@Fredddyp1]

Great video I am very interested in the Lithium batteries but have a question for you,,,,if the manufacturer could have installed them would that be the way to go? Or would you have still done it after market? I know the question may seem silly, but some manufacturers that say that Lithium is an option may not be using the same high quality additional products, like inverters, BSM’s, and hybrid state of the art equipment. Thanks

[@anthonymarino4260]

thanks for the update just got relion rb 75 x2 roadtrek works great

[@rataylor558]

Dying to know how much that cost. Great video very informative

[@RVLifestyle]

Price it out yourself at rvlifestyle.com/lithium .

[@rataylor558]

Wow. Not bad. Nice upgrade

[@tstachler]

RV Lifestyle Mike. Thought you had prev mentioned that you would be going to ELKART IN for the install. Is there a BATTLE BORN DEALER DOWN THERE OR SOMETHING? Would you have a name and number and are there any RV Lifestyles discounts

[@RVLifestyle]

@@tstachler The Elkhart install plans didn't work out and I ended up using a mobile repair tech near my Michigan home to get everything set up... details are in the video and the description below it.

[@tstachler]

@@RVLifestyle Yes, was sort of confused by your video since you showed BB Battery VP talking about how he had installed the system and then you had M53 doing some work, or fixing it and reconfig? Some shops in a drive way and earlier ones in a shop? What happened? Who installed the system?

[@catpurrson3651]

I think the investment makes sense for those who have the money and who are full timers for multiple years. Thanks for the interaction. This old dog can imdeed learn new tricks.

[@sbok82]

Does this upgrade(lithium)void your RV warranty with Leisure Travel vans ?

[@mrhyd3]

Mike, wife and I are looking at the FX. Would a guy 6'2 230 lbs fit in that thing, comfortably ?

[@NoBagsChecked]

what was cost to have professional service to install all this ?

[@tommy7451]

What about the humming noise? is that all the time? Great video... Thank you

[@Snickers_GLNY]

There's no going back!

[@keyplayer5]

Question: With your current system, how long would it take to recharge the batteries with the generator or shore power if the lithium batteries are fully discharged? Thanks.

[@AaronGeller]

I would imagine under 5 hours

[@mbrugh75]

Does this void your warranty with LTV?

[@tamaradabney8831]

Great info

[@gilbertamthor5098]

How much did project cost? Total

[@bcaafd]

Mike I had thought only some of the 120 volt plugs were on the inverter?

[@bevn362]

By running the generator to get a full charge back on lithium batteries couldn’t you stay boon-docking as long as you want? How long does it take for generator to charge the lithium to full capacity?

[@jlarm3]

As long as you have fuel for the generator and food for yourself

[@stevepasquarella823]

You could setup a 1000W solar setup or more on your roof with extra 200-400W panels that can deploy on the ground and you'll never need a generator to charge the batteries again.

[@lisathomson6]

How do these modifications impact your manufacturer warranty?

[@Colaaah]

Should just effect what was changed, I'd still check to be sure. If it is right, then the warranty for that falls on your new set up manufacturers.

[@donretsas1791]

I have heard that you do not put LITHIUMs under the steps check on youtube.

[@rickjones8735]

What did that do to any of your warranties?

[@JD-kf2ki]

Where's your Ford Wonder RV? Still have it?

[@heather6828]

I’m new to all of this and want to know how many batteries I would need to run a 5000 btu ac, small portable refrigerator, two TVs and two xboxes and cooking etc. I’m looking at maybe 2 hrs of tv a day and maybe an hour of Xbox a day for the kids. Then the ac in summer. If someone can help what I need as far as batteries, solar, etc thank you

[@simplymarbelous]

heather Michelle 🤣

[@underdog8896]

A while back you interviewed the people from WATT. Too bad they didn't let you test them out.

[@RVLifestyle]

I don't think their system is anywhere near ready for production yet

[@melaniepratt8316]

Cost? I understand there are variables but ballpark would be great!

[@AaronGeller]

Battle Borne batteries are $950 for a 100 amp battery. Includes a 10 year warranty

[@patobrien1460]

Understand you "partnerd" with Battleborn. But what would the cost be for the componets that you installed?

[@AaronGeller]

$950 per battery and the inverter/charger is around $1,200

[@jeffgrant4234]

Battleborn batteries have the same Chinese cells as way less expensive lithium batteries. You can get the same lithium batteries with a bms in it from Alabiba for half the price.

[@AaronGeller]

Maybe... no telling you can get the same support and warranty though

[@billredding2000]

I like lithium also...but not at current prices. :-( But when they come DOWN, will be getting them... -- BR

[@rickdees251]

Cost of batteries are NOT typically clearly and thoroughly understood in totality. Which is very evident in this video and the comments.

[@billredding2000]

@@rickdees251 No, I think I do understand this cost over the long run (let's say 10 years or so lithiums should last run-cycles-wise), but it's just I can't justify the ~$1K per battery if I were buying them right now. However, if in a year (or 1.5 years) when my current Daily Driver is paid off and I'm ready to take on another Daily Driver loan pay't (!) -- meaning, a small Class B -- if these batteries drop 1/3 or 1/2 the price but still have their current (if not improved) positive performance points -- then I probably WOULD spend the $$ on them. Otherwise, I'd probably use the AGMs that came with the (likely will be buying new, not used) coach -- assuming AGMs would be "standard" in a 2020/2021 model Class B -- until they began to fail, THEN go to lithiums. That'd be in maybe 3-4 years. Hopefully BY THEN prices should not STILL be ~$1K per 100Ah battery (Battle Born example) in 2022/2023? Of course, we don't know where battery technology or pricing will be in the near future, so only time will tell the tale... -- BR

[@pedrocaballero1497]

Inquiring minds want to know. What was the total cost of these upgrades including the installation? Also, how long did it take to get it all done?

[@Hockeymyk]

so what did all those changes cost??

[@AaronGeller]

Most likely around $3,500 (not including any labor)

[@lesleeallen5965]

Would you mind sharing the cost of this upgrade? Also have you installed a WiFi booster? If so, which booster did you choose and why? Thank you for such a informative video!

[@RVLifestyle]

You can cost out what you need by going to rvlifestyle.com/lithium . Here's the video I did on the wi-fi and cell booster system I have installed kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKTKeJ57ppaomtk

[@feyeteenbach5910]

How much did this upgrade cost? I'm wondering if when I order mine if I can have LTV upgrade the system during the build!?

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Feyeteen Bach hmm, if we have to ask... ;)

[@AaronGeller]

Their 100 amp batteries are typically $950

[@feyeteenbach5910]

@@AaronGeller Thanks! I think I'll request those be added during the build!??

[@AaronGeller]

@@feyeteenbach5910 Renogy makes a 170 amp battery for $1,500 as well. the Battle Born one does a few little extra features but they're similar in most ways

[@feyeteenbach5910]

@@AaronGeller Thanks! I've been taking notes from everyone! A lot of information I wouldn't have known to ask so it is appreciated!!

[@jacquesnoel8694]

install a 12 volt a/c 20 tasen btu and you will be ok to run your a/c anytime

[@paulmoffat9306]

Those batteries are currently USD 949.00 each.

[@Erin-Thor]

Paul Moffat - Yes, that’s high. But consider that if you discharge a standard battery below 50% you have to replace them more quickly. If you completely discharge them, they’re toast. I went through several grand of batteries before I switched to lithium. That was 5 years ago, they also last longer!

[@rickjones8735]

Thought you’d said there were to many problems with lithium!

[@AaronGeller]

Lithium technology has really improved in the last few years

[@bobferguson1144]

👍 great!,

[@catpurrson3651]

I'm glad you were able to partner with Battle Born because a 100amp battery costs around $1000.

[@RVLifestyle]

So are we!!!!

[@RVLifestyle]

Those batteries are guaranteed for 10 years. That's a pretty good investment in my book.

[@billredding2000]

@@RVLifestyle ...especially when you're actually paying for them. That's one reason I'm putting them off for at least a year...then see what the "battery market" is like then pricing-wise. Summer of 2019 = $1K/battery. Summer of 2020 = ?$/battery. -- BR

[@AaronGeller]

@@RVLifestyle Cheaper batteries can be found but if the batteries go bad and the company disappears in China, the buyer is out of luck. Sometimes it's better to spend a little more and be protected.

[@binksblog]

Nice work. Getting ready to order up a LTV RTB and have to think it through. Did LTV say that any sort of upgrade like this affects their two year warranty in any way? If I were to do an upgrade such as this right out of the shoot, I would probably just go with the standard equipment/electronics and forget about the new AGM upgrade and the 400 watt panels (lots better options out there) LTV offers. Also, can you charge the lithium batteries with the generator or just the alternator?