Newmar Motorhome Lithionics Battery OEM Options and Discussion of our 2 Aftermarket Upgrades!- EP297

[@jimmartinson4280]

A very fun and informative video. This was no idle banter between RVers but rather a discussion filled with helpful information for those considering a lithium upgrade or buying a new RV that includes lithium.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

You know Jim, that is actually why we published it. Sue was amazing getting all the footage while Tom & Stacie and the rest of us just chatted in our own "Wingin' It" segment! *** Note: "Wingin' It" is a ®™ of "RV America Y'all" ***

[@kcf955]

Great video that captured a great conversation! We loved the ending!!!!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Tom & Stacie really drive fast,.......

[@UncleBucksTravellingRoadShow]

Great meeting you at the show!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We loved meeting all the folks that watch the channel,......

[@walltonmcmillan2989]

Great job, guys; loved the conversation!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad you enjoyed it Walt! You should have stuck around,..........it was a pleasure finally meeting you. Someday we will be sitting around YOUR campfire enjoying conversation. (Sue & I are too lazy to make fires!) So glad you got to sit with Bob & Joy. They saved our bacon being able to use their home as a "home base".

[@walltonmcmillan2989]

It would be my pleasure to make a campfire for you guys. Both Bob and Joy were awesome tablemates. we exchanged contact info, and I will definitely be visiting him in GA. keep in contact and Safe Travels!@@OurJourneyInMyles

[@AmericanMX]

Hey guys. Awesome video. We’re looking into a system for our Newmar LA. I’ve been talking to Phil Silberhorn at Lithionics. I was concerned about like EV’s if the batteries run out and catch fire you can’t put them out. He was telling me about the technology they and from what he said they alone have in the batteries that won’t allow them to catch fire. Hopefully your 3rd video you will touch on that. Many people in talk to are hesitant like i was about converting because of that issue with lithium. Hopefully the 4 of you will make it to the HOOTS rally this fall. If not hopefully we will run into ya’ll again.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

The reason Winnebago started to use them in their Class B vans was safety. the entire battery design and electrical system gets a UL Listed Rating. These are the safest batteries on the market.

[@AmericanMX]

It is also nice to know the batteries will most likely outlast the coach. Lol. They are saying 15+yrs.

[@AllAboutTheBanks]

Enjoyed chatting with you guys tonight. See you around the campground.

[@goinsomewheretogether]

Hello again, fun speaking with you at the show.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks for stopping to say hi, and helping us and encouraging us to carry on!

[@grayfox9911]

That was good. Thanks!! NNTR

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

OK

[@TexasSteele67]

We popped our Class A RV cherry at the show and ordered a 25'model fer this summer- thanks so much fer all the great intell we've gotten on $$$$$ - It's so hard to buy yer 2nd RV first - Sorry we missed ya'll

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Good luck with your new adventure,.....

[@stuwardw]

We saw you two talking to rv America y'all at the show while we were looking at newmar coaches. Hope you guys had a fun time!!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We love Newmar,............and your looking at the correct brand. You will not go wrong,....

[@sunbtanman7354]

I was wondering what happened to that third video. Glad you guys are okay and had a good time winging it. This video was good felt like we were there hanging out. Awesome ending that was great. LMAO

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Third video and probably the 4th video is weeks away yet. We have been busy,......

[@horizon42q]

Very cool, I was so happy to bump into you both at the show

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks so much for watching and stopping by!

[@Rob0319]

That was a fun video. Wish I could have been there. Safe travels.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Should have flew in Rob,..........Keith did!

[@jeffsteele1295]

Great video loved it so much thanks. Mark when I stated you might need more batteries I was wrong so sorry. I was thinking the system was a 12Vdc solar system. It being a 48 V solar system you have more than most people would every have. I mess up sometime but I thought at the time I was right. Do not know why I was thinking 12V solar system but not the first time I have messed up. I love the workmanship that was done on your system. Can't wait to see the rest of the video on the power system upgrade . Still waiting to find out of the VA is going to do surgery on me or not . Staying close to family during this time. Wish I could have been down south but maybe next year. Thanks for sharing your video with me . That color on your motorhome really looks Great looks better than new !

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Check out the video we did on our Ceramic Coating at NIRVC-Atlanta. Our rig is 10 years old, and it looks like a new one now.

[@davidreyburn5548]

That Texan guy always yelling😂

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We LOVE Tom's voice and his stories. They are both a hoot! I can see a lot more travel with them,.....

[@jerrygulley4712]

It was great to meet you Sue on Friday.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks Jerry,...........thanks for watching our adventure.

[@johnlonergan7237]

Great video. We enjoyed meeting you at the Newmar display on Wednesday. We are going to the Music Expo in June and understand that you will be there. We look forward to seeing you there.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Attending that show is a smart move! Kick off summer 2024 with an unforgettable RV event like none other. Join NIRVC for the Music City Motorhome Expo VIP Experience, an all-inclusive buying showcase for RVers across America. Get an exclusive preview of 2025 model year motorhomes from brands like American Coach, Entegra Coach, Fleetwood RV, Grech RV, Holiday Rambler, Newmar, Pleasure-Way and Winnebago and the latest RV products. Plus, enjoy tons of amazing food, music and entertainment and feel inspired to continue your journey. musiccitymotorhomeexpo.com/

[@mnmandthegang]

Great video, Lithium batteries is the way to go, looks like you guys had a great time, waiting to see your next video on the batteries. Safe travels

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

More to come! Lithium really is a game changer,...........and Battle Born was smart enough to capitalize on that name. Lithionics is an ultra safe, high tech and premium battery that has a feature to prevent the battery from ever getting TOO LOW. They created the "Never Die" brand, and shut down the system when you still have 10% reserve power.

[@sherriweber7105]

Thank you Mark and Sue for that Rv America I think Sue said that were there talking about Lithionics. Very nice topic. Can’t wait to see part 3 of your installment. Looking forward to it. Were you and Sue at the Tampa Bay Rv Show? If so how was it? And did you film anything there? Can’t wait to see next video. See you both soon! Have a great week! Stay safe and travel safe!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad you enjoyed it. This video was actually shot at the Newmar Motorhome booth at the 2024 Florida RV Supershow. Going to this show is the BEST & ONLY way to be CERTAIN you are seeing EVERYTHING that is available for you to choose from!

[@sherriweber7105]

@@OurJourneyInMyles I agree! The ones here in Vegas aren’t as big. Detroit I’ve there for theirs but not sure who’s bigger. Probably Florida’s.

[@TScottWoll]

No more Chanman, now the Powerman with a theme song- “I’ve got the power.” BTW- great, honest discussion at the Meet and Greet, maybe you will get your NIRVC vest, you at least deserve a hat. 🧢

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks T! I really would LOVE a black Newmar Hat with the Nike logo,.........Dear Casey: I'll send you my mail forwarding address if needed!

[@allanwarmflash4440]

great vid good info safe travels

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks 👍 Allan.

[@Mark_Lawler]

Interesting video. I agree, LiFePO4 is the way to go! I have a question though. I have a 2023 Newmar New Aire that came from the factory with its 2 Lithionics batteries. I elected to upgrade after purchase to include the 3rd battery, which the dealer later installed along with a Lithionics 3 battery combiner box. I've always questioned the factory Silverleaf controlled battery combiner vs a DC to DC charger, especially at those amps. That said, the Lithionics Automatic Combiner Relay shown in the video may be doing the same thing the factory does through Silverleaf, no? Should I not worry and trust the factory? :) I have to admit one reason I've been skeptical is that the rig also came with factory installed solar, but with a legacy lead acid Xantrex solar controller installed that wasn't compatible with lithium (i.e. the solar panels never sent any charge to the lithium batteries -- Newmar has since released a Service Bulletin for units built prior Feb 2023 to have the legacy solar controllers replaced by ones that do support lithium if built with factory lithium & solar options). Thoughts?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Wow! All that is news to me. You do hit on the fact that just like Tom & Stacie, when you are an early adopter of new tech, sometimes you will have growing pains. You were smart to get your 2023 with factory Lithionics because doing it after the fact is better called a "remodeling/retro-fit" rather that just thinking it is an "upgrade." I am NOT smart enough to understand the Silverleaf issues that you are having. But I DO KNOW that Lithionics works the best with the system if you have qualified folks working on it. NIRVC-Atlanta chose to work with Victron because of the awesome interconnectedness of all the equipment. If you haven't already, I would call Justin Townley (NIRVC-Atlanta Service Manager) with TONS of hands on electrical experience in the RV industry and from his prior life in electronics while in the Marines. Send him an email (justintownley @ nirvc.com ) [delete the spaces] to start your conversation with him silently, and follow up with a call in a few days. Good luck Mark,..

[@roadhog6603]

I added a 300 watt solar option when I ordered a 2022 Newmar, London Aire. It was worthless. The three 100 watt flex panels were glued to the roof and had shade on it most of the day. I complained to Newmar and all they could do was shrug their shoulders and redirect me to SES in Nappanee, IN. I considered adding the 48v system by Master Tech. But after some research, I decided that staying with a 12v system was more practical. With 4 x 300 AH LiPO4 batteries (1,200 AH total), 2 x Victron MultiPlus II (3,000 VA each) rated at 25 AH x 2 for a total of 50 AH, and 2,000 watts of solar panels, the system professionally installed by SES is seamless. As an approved vendor, the solar installation by SES did not affect the factory warranty. The integration and capability are better than the solar system installed on a stock King Aire. After one year of usage, I'm still blown away by the quality of the installation and capability.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We agree that 300 watts glued to the roof was not well thought out. I'm assuming the 2000 watts on the roof now is at the same level as your side rails/awning supports. We stayed with 12 volts too. We did not add the second inverter,.......or a second alternator. All we really wanted was "NEW batteries and a NEW inverter! Of course just replacing the Magnum in the same spot & installing new Lifeline AGM's would have been cheaper,.........but like you, that was not the goal.

[@Mark_Lawler]

If built prior to Feb 2023 and your Newmar rig came with factory LiFePO4 batteries and factory solar, be sure to check that the solar controller that was included actually supports lithium batteries. I found that my solar was worthless and traced it down to a legacy solar controller installed by mistake. Newmar eventually issued a Service Bulletin to replace the factory solar controllers as the controllers would never actually charge the batteries as they were designed for lead-acid and nicad and their legacy technology always thought the lithium batteries were fully charged. As for my situation, I gave up waiting for a response before the Service Bulletin was issued and fixed it myself by trashing the factory solar controller and installing a Victron Smart Solar MPPT controller. Once the SB came out I was already satisfied with my fix and didn't feel like downgrading the solar controller I installed vs what the dealer would have replaced it with under warranty.

[@SevenBears1]

I would watch people buy a million dollar house then tear it down and put up a 5 million dollar house. That was what I felt during this conversation. Amazing how much money there is floating around out there. Thanks OJM

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We just hated how useless the capacity and voltage profile of our Lifeline AGM Batteries were,...... Problem solved.

[@SevenBears1]

@@OurJourneyInMyles makes perfect sense for a tourist like OJM.. Do to family illness and passings since I retired I can only RV 4 days every two months.. A full solar/lithium package would be overkill for me.. I'm looking forward to your meet and greet video...

[@computer__eyez]

Hello, thanks for the videos. I’m confused about NIRVC benefits. Mark said in his 2023 budget video that buying an RV from NIRVC grants access to their centers. However, when I called NIRVC, they said purchasing isn’t necessary for benefits. I’m thinking maybe I misunderstood Mark’s statement.. and so, my question, do we need to buy an RV from NIRVC to access any sort of benefits? (Thank you for all you do)

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Anyone can go to NIRVC to get sales/service/detailing/storage/bodywork/renovations and repairs. Sue & I bought our rig from a private party, yet we feel like family at NIRVC. They literally do every single thing you need as an RVer. You might have heard a comment I talked about, and that is the benefit of STORING your rig at any of the (6) locations. In doing this, you can drop it off after your use, and if any service or repairs are needed, your service advisor assigned to your coach will jump into action and add you into their work cue to get you READY TO ROLL on the week that you tell them you will need it. I of course would be pro-active, and NEVER call your repair timing too close to your usage timing. Getting parts for RV's is almost always the issue that extends repair time. Plan accordingly!

[@computer__eyez]

@@OurJourneyInMyles Excellent Mark! This really helps. I am following your guides, out of every one I have watched, your knowledge just hits better (for me) when it comes to this. I am in preparation to buy a Super C, to live in full time. I have never had an RV nor do I have any experience. You’ve removed the *overwhelming* from my psyche. I appreciate the response. Thank you. Going to screen cap it 😊

[@davidreyburn5548]

If your alternator is 10 yrs old, get ready. On my first major trip in my new to me 2013 MA we had an alternator failure. Now that your Lithionics system is really exercising that alternator...

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Hey David,........we are on the same page. LITERALLY one hour ago, I started to look for my Gaffney Freightliner paperwork to remind them I want mine replaced in April when we will be driving by. We will be sitting Feb 1st to April 1st. Fingers crossed. We plan to travel with the batteries FULL before leaving anytime we travel till then.

[@jamestreanor182]

It took all summer?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Tom & Stacie's install was interupted by a prior travel commitment. They did say it took a few months, and was a very extensive 48 volt upgrade. Sue & I did not add an inverter, and stayed with 12 volts. All in,......we spent about 1 months because of waiting for parts, vacation time having to be used up, Christmas & New Years! And before the job even started, the Lithionics Battery lead time was 5 weeks!

[@Robasteerjock51]

Your lithium will never return on investment unless you are boondock come on man.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We actually have less than zero interest on return on investment at this point. These batteries were purchased because they are the safest and highest density batteries with the most robust external BMS. Our battery anxiety went out the window after the first few nights of use. We will be hooked up most of the time,............and only in between those trips at Harvest Host will we rely on the batteries. Life is good.

[@Mark_Lawler]

Agree with@@OurJourneyInMyles. I love having lithium on my rigs. If you are already paying that much $ for what is called a luxury rig, it's all about quality of life anyways, right? :D

[@roadhog6603]

I never understood this logic. Return on investment? It's about quality of life. I appreciate the convenience and capability it offers and nothing more.

[@Robasteerjock51]

Agree on the lithium..I’ve exchanged my agms for lithium..and piece of mind…additional equipment not so much