RV Battery Options: Battery Replacement for our 2018 NuCamp T@B 400

What are your options for replacing the battery in your RV? I look at pros and cons of three different battery types in deciding what would be the best option for our 2018 NuCamp T@B 400. This includes flooded lead acid batteries, AGM batteries and lithium batteries by Battleborn Battery. Find out what we chose to replace our dying 235 amp hour AGM battery that came in our T@B 400.
A big THANK YOU to Patreon RW Smith for supporting our channel and making episodes like this one possible.
#travelswithdelaney #nucamprv #battlebornbattery
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Travels with Delaney
PO Box 83
Angola, Indiana 46703
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[@TravelswithDelaney]

We use a Victron solar controller and battery monitor with our trailer. Check out this short video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4Gtk6ejg82Jhc0

[@carolyntaylor7611]

We have a 2018, but it was made in April, it has the two agm batteries. We bought it in July 2018, and a week later took off for a cross country trek to Bainbridge island and all the sights in between. We started in south central Pa. You are our inspiration, thanks so much!!!!!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Carolyn! The 2 6v AGM batteries seem to be much better than the single 12v AGM that we had. Hopefully yours are holding up well for you.

[@lindajames8655]

Thanks for the analysis. I’ve been struggling to boil all the information on batteries down to “if this, then that” so I could make an informed decision. You helped. Thank you.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Linda! So glad that it may have helped you out a bit.

[@RandisAdventures]

So much battery information... honestly I didn’t know about different battery options. Now I am interested in learning what is in my LGM. Thanks for the detailed useful info Patrick!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Randi! Let us know what type of battery you have. My guess is that it is either a traditional deep cycle lead acid battery or the AGM battery like NuCamp uses.

[@RandisAdventures]

Travels with Delaney I had to ask Tom and he said we have an Interstate Lead Acid battery.

[@PapaDrewsRV]

Just bought 2 golf cart 6 V 210 amp hour flooded batteries Costco we do not boondock much. Great video thank you so much for the great info.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Those should be good batteries for you especially if you are not boondocking much.

[@cheriz9337]

Can’t wait to see your review of how the lithium changes/improves the way you use your trailer!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We are very excited to try it out this summer when we get a chance to do a lot of boondocking like we did this past summer.

[@markmlynarski1386]

Patrick, Thanks for this video. Well done. Answers a lot of the questions that I had already asked! -Mark

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Mark! Hopefully it is helpful as others have to replace their batteries.

[@markmlynarski1386]

@@TravelswithDelaney Patrick, I'm certain it will be helpful to others. Your videos are always well thought out and analytically thorough which is very helpful for my engineering mind! Keep up the good work.

[@maryloumorrisey7406]

Always find your videos helpful. We're at this point on our 2019 Tab 400, and ready to order the Battleborn and convertor.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you! We’ve loved our Battleborne’s.

[@TheRoadsWeRoam]

Glad you guys got your battery situation sorted out!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We are too! LOL One less thing for me to complain to you all about! LOL

[@vizslaguy4938]

Patrick thanks for all your valuable information. We have a 2019 tab BDL and will have to keep monitoring the battery. Great presentation.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

You should have the 2 - 6V AGM batteries and I have heard they are performing much better than the 1 - 12v AGM that we had. Hopefully you will get several years out of yours.

[@azclaimjumper]

Excellent video explaining your thought processes & different battery options, Patrick. EVERYONE, including Battle Born Batteries, will be looking forward to your periodic reviews/evaluations of how your BBB is performing over time. Today, Will Prowse published a video of him interviewing Dennis, Battle Born Battery CEO. During the video, Dennis told Will that Battle Born will be coming out with an INTERNALLY HEATED BBB sometime this quarter. There are fundamental battery performance advantages in keeping batteries warm.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you so much Bill! I saw that Will Prowess video on my timeline but haven't had a chance yet to watch it . It's definitely on my watch list. Thank you for your support and encouragement as we went through this upgrade.

[@SteveTurtle]

You spelled it out very well. It's a lot to take in consideration. We are ok for now, but will have to go through the same thought process. Thanks for all the information.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Steve! I tried to keep it simple as if you really dig into all the numbers it can make your head spin. LOL

[@thizizliz]

I like how you laid out the peripheral costs and added in the depreciation over the life of the system. I don't know the life expectancy of the converter but suspect that it is longer than the batteries. Hopefully soon lithium batteries will be recyclable as that is important too. Presumably 2 lithiums over 10 years is a lower impact than 6 or 8 in the same time - and as you noted, the hassle, frustration, ruined trip factor is part of the equation too. You did a great job pointing out that this choice is the best for you & each trailer owner must plug in their own variables.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you! I was really trying to give a full cost comparison at least based upon our research and what we have paid for the upgrade. I definitely don't think it is for everyone so I wanted to point that out as well. Hopefully this will help others as they try to decide what would be best for them.

[@carolyntaylor7611]

Also, liked how you were color coordinated with your trailer, red and gray

[@TravelswithDelaney]

LOL! That wasn't planned but I guess it worked out well

[@paula.jackson5463]

Hey Patrick, I am a real fan of Pleasure Way vans here in Canada (Saskatoon SK), they have led the charge on Lithium installed in their Vans since about 2016. Cutting edge no doubt. Am an electrician as well as a Planner, simple math, Return On Investment, Use, on how you camp.....You covered it all, and covered it well! Still have that 30 amp 120 plugin in the driveway, mind you it is a tad cold and the pool is not open!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We should have come north and I could have had you install it! LOL . One of these days we definitely want to come up and see you guys.

[@paula.jackson5463]

@@TravelswithDelaney Could have done it, but you did better south as the temp here was not as warm as TX!!!!

[@donalderiquez7684]

I use Lithium... but there in Jackery case... I have the 500 and the 270 honda. all in one units portable all I need.. Was looking at the Battleborn thanks for the video you saved me a lot of money.. Please keep us up to date on how yours are working out...

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you! We will definitely give an update later in the year after we have more use with them.

[@onefastcyclist]

Good info! We are fortunate to live in sunny California and our solar panels will fully recharge our 12v led acid battery over the course of the day when we boondock our T@B 320. With the battery box in the nose covered storage, the 6V wired in series will probably be the 12v's replacement.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Sounds like that will be a good option for you when the time comes.

[@TheArtofRVing]

*Love the way you deliver your info...awesome.... it's great when battery positive terminals are marked. When it comes to helping identification, it's a big plus.😛*

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you so much! When I disconnected the battery today to store inside for the winter, I double checked to make sure the terminals were labeled and luckily they were! LOL

[@TheArtofRVing]

@@TravelswithDelaney That was actually a joke:🤣

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

Very cool video. We are planning to go full lithium very soon. The biggest thing I am looking forward to is having power to the 110s. We are having everything setup all at one time.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Do you have solar on your new Class A?

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

Travels with Delaney not yet. That is phase 2.

[@deannewalding1074]

Good video. We plan on doing more dry camping this season, so we shall see.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you! We seem to do more dry camping than we do camping with hookups so I think this was the best route for us.

[@lizchilders4154]

I think NuCamp should make the battery type an option when ordering from them. Me, I would have opted for picking my RV up with lithium batteries, solar panels and all the electrical configured already.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I would agree with you Liz and I think a lot of other NuCamp owners would agree as well. So many use their NuCamp trailers for boondocking that I think it would be a great upsale for the company.

[@rioosodog]

Always so timely for me... thanks!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

You're so welcome!

[@carolyntaylor7611]

Ours is holding up fine so far, we only do short boondocking, overnight at harvest host etc. We don't have a solar panel, but are considering a Walker tent. Our daughter and family are moving to Miami for three years at Southcom, we figure we'll need the tent when we visit, bugs, outdoor space etc

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Do you have the 2 6v batteries or the 1 12v like we had?

[@JurgensJourneys]

I have had pretty good luck with the battery that came in my trailer from Winnebago. After 6 years, I am on my second battery. I got four years out of the first one. We do boondock in federal parks, but I watch the level and do the maintenance as required. Great video and very helpful in deciding which way to go.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Jurgen! A person can definitely extend the life of a deep cycle battery if they do the maintenance and don't go below that 50% level. 4 years is pretty darn good.

[@celestialrvliving]

I am doing the same now. Getting the Battleborns. And panels and monitor and inverter.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Based upon the few nights since we got it installed, we are very happy so far. I think it's going to be well worth it for us.

[@celestialrvliving]

I’m been considering it since my battery is failing after 1 1/2 year.

[@HappyPlaceDiaries]

Great information. We are looking at a battery upgrade.. Perfect timing! Thanks!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We just watched your 2020 Challenge video....well done!! We agree that we would love to meetup with you guys this year if possible. Are you worried about the heat in Moab in July? We want to go to that area sometime but have always worried it might be too hot for the southwest in the summer.

[@HappyPlaceDiaries]

Travels with Delaney I drove through Moab last July... yeah it was hot. We won’t be taking the RV this summer.. we will be coming up from New Mexico. Going to a conference at Philmont Scout Ranch. So we will be in AC no matter where we stay.

[@drc1883]

Really good analysis, Patrick. My 2020 400 BD Lite will probably get a lithium soon.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Greg! So far after using it just a couple of nights, we are very impressed.

[@DreamingOutloudRVing]

Our new rig we plan on Battle Born Batteries with solar. We hope to do a lot of boondocking!! Great video thanks for sharing!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you! I think the solar with Battleborn is the way to go if you are doing lots of boondocking like we do. It's a bit pricey upfront but I really believe it's not that bad in the long run.

[@staceyforrest364]

Great upgrade and options for us all to think about, Professor! C@rl's going to be a boondockin' machine at those Cracky Barrels. 😂 (Love the USA map beside the door, too...) ~💜

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Yes....we finally got our map installed on C@RL! We think it looks really good in that spot. Bring on those Cracky Barrels!.....we are ready! Patty wants to try Randi Camping....are you game?

[@staceyforrest364]

"Randi Camping"...as in, bring a snow shovel? 😂

[@TravelswithDelaney]

@@staceyforrest364 or Chris can bring a snow blower if he prefers! LOL

[@Goodtimecampin]

Great information, we are hoping to upgrade this year. We would like to do more boondocking. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It's a lot of money upfront but I think its going to be more cost effective in the long run and it will do what we want it to do with our style of camping.

[@johneskrich362]

Have same 2018 400 TAB like you guys, so your experience is Super relative to me. I’m not sure but I thought there was a 32 degree temperature use restriction? How will you handle this when traveling in winter or actually camping in winter conditions? We luckily are still nursing the 230 aHr AGM but its recharge and discharge times are really starting to tail off. On my old 2018 320 Boondock I had 2 - 6V Flooded lead acid batteries in an Aluminum utility box on hitch (agree I don’t want to sleep on top of these) LOL! I am considering 2-Trojan 6V AGM’s or direct 230aHr 12V AGM replacement. I continually say “ I’ll keep this camper or tow vehicle for at least 10 years”, then something shines and sparkly comes along and I just can’t seem to help myself. LOL 🤣 . So I appreciate you doing the real world buying and real cost installation costs discovery which unfortunately puts Lithium on the sidelines for this guy, even though as an engineer I realize its superiority. Keep up the Great vids

[@TravelswithDelaney]

When I spoke to Battleborn about cold temperatures, I was told they stop accepting a charge when they get to 24 degrees but will still discharge. They said they will discharge down to -4 degrees F. Since are battery is under the bed inside, they thought we should be fine if we winter camp. They did suggest I bring the battery inside in the winter if I am not using the camper which I actually did today.

[@JUSTINANDCHRISTINA]

Thanks for all the info about batteries.. At the moment AGMs are fine.. But since we plan on Full-Timing in 2 to 3 years from now.. We will make the investment to get some Battle Born Lithium batteries for our next rig..😀👍

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you! This is the first time for us to have lithium so we are excited to see how they work out. Based upon what others say, we feel like we made the right decision.

[@JUSTINANDCHRISTINA]

I've been looking at these batteries for a while and I also think you made a great decision 👍

[@DnSAdventures]

Great video comparing the different options! We are planning to get some new batteries and solar ourselves (finally). Definitely looking towards Battleborn for the battery supply! - Shane

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Make sure if you are not already a member of Escapee's, that you join before you buy. The $40 yearly membership is well worth the discount on the batteries and accessories from Battleborn. We are excited to really get to try out the new batteries this summer. Sadly our trailer is now winterized for a couple of months.

[@RVHabit]

Good video on options out there. I can't justify the lithium in the way I camp but they are the premier if your doing lots of boondocking.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

How a person camps definitely makes a big difference in deciding on lithium or not. Battleborn is good about helping a person determine if they would be right for a person before you purchase.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

We have the crummiest battery currently and will be upgrading when we get to AZ. We are hoping to go lithium. But so we do 1 12 volt lithium (to save money) or 2 6 volt? You know us, we boondock all the time. And eventfully we want a solar package but don't have it yet. We use our gene to charge the battery.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

If you are thinking about going lithium, I would suggest calling Battleborn and have them talk you through the process. We went 12v with the lithium and have started with just 1 battery although I am planning on adding a 2nd one before summer. I am assuming you currently have 1 12v deep cycle lead acid battery. Do you know what the amp hours is on it? Give us a call sometime if you want to talk about what we did. I think you have my number. If not, just email or dm me and I will get it to you.

[@NoOrdinaryPath]

@@TravelswithDelaney that's a good idea. I was surprised to hear about all the extra costs besides just the battery. We'll look into it more when we are settled in AZ

[@moduc996]

I’m fully charged watching this video :)

[@TravelswithDelaney]

That's a good one Mo! LOL . It made me chuckle!

[@RosebudsTravels]

Thanks Patrick. We're going to do a Battleborn eventually.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We've only had ours for less than a week but we already love the upgrade.

[@RosebudsTravels]

@@TravelswithDelaney Thanks. I think I'm going to try it myself.

[@StopEatExplore]

Thanks for the information Patrick, good video.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you very much!

[@miker2338]

We have a 2018.5 Tab 400 that came with the 2x 6 volt AGM's Replaced them earlier this year after accidentally letting go to zero volts twice. We ended up with new Trojan AGM's since we're not into the boondocking yet.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Those Trojan AGM's should do very well for you. One thing I love about the new Battleborn is that it has a built in protector so that you can't accidently drain the battery to the point of damage. It's so easy to accidentally do that.

[@rayvenomwest3346]

Very good video, very good information

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@robertpanick2660]

Very informative video, and useful information, particularly since I have the same battery setup in my 2018 T@B 400. I do have a few questions: - Did you check the tongue weight? As we discussed before the old battery weighed in around 150 lbs, the new one is 35 lbs. So the tongue should be about 60 lbs heavier. - Did you get any video of them doing the install. I'd love to know what they had to do to get that battery out of there. - I hadn't realized that the 6V batteries were taller. I wonder, could they have fit on either side of the 2x4 that makes up the bed support. Currently the existing battery slides under it. - Did you ever figure out what happened with your battery to get such a short life span out of it. I've only had mine for about 16 months now, so I'm not seeing any problems with it yet.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Unfortunately I did not get any video of the actual install. PJ has asked us to record a podcast with her for the dealership and that ended up lasting almost 2 hours. By the time we were done with it, the service department already had it all done. They did take some photos for me. As far as getting the battery out, they said they just unhooked it, unscrewed the boards holding it in and then slid it over and lifted it out from under the bed. I asked the service manager about the battery weight and he said the one he took out he estimated to weigh around 70-80#. He said once I add the 2nd Battleborn, I will be right about the same weight as the single AGM he took out. According to Austin at NuCamp, it takes some major carpentry work to put the 2 6v batteries in our trailers. He quoted me around $700 just for the carpentry work. I'm guessing it's much more intense than just removing the 2x4 support. I am not sure why ours went bad after two years but I have talked to a couple of other owners who had the same thing happen to theirs.

[@robertpanick2660]

@@TravelswithDelaney Thanks. The weight sounds low though. I hope they have it right though.

[@tomjohnson5611]

@@TravelswithDelaney sorry for the late reply, but can’t AGM be mounted on their side? Seems like that would avoid the $700 carpenters job

[@nomadichippie]

I definitely am thinking about upgrading maybe next year

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It was a chunk of change for us right before Christmas but we really think its going to be worth it for us long term.

[@BillUtah]

I've got a 2020 Grand Design Imagine 17MKE that came with 2 of the cheapest lead batteries that my stealership could buy. While my trailer is only 4 months old, I have found that the capacity of them to be poor and they are so heavy right on the hitch. I wanted to get an invertor so we could use some AC powered devices while out and about. I know we can't carry enough (or afford) enough batteries to power the Air Conditioner unit for much time so we bought a generator to cover that. So I traded two heavy batteries for one 70 lb generator and one Battleborn 100 amp battery. My thought process is that I'll have a battery that can go to 90 AH useable with no worries of damage, a lighter setup plus if the battery needs to be charged up, use the generator that I've got with me already. I really don't see the need for another Battleborn battery since the generator can charge up the battery in a couple of hours no matter the weather or time of day. (so a solar setup for us is not in the plans) I agree with you that the BattleBorn battery cost spread over 10 years is a deal just on cost. Add in the lack of maintenance and being able to get almost 100 AH with a lighter unit is what got me here. Keep us informed of your system. I will be posting on my channel my setup once I get it in. Happy New Year! Bill in Utah

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thanks for sharing your story with everyone. Looking forward to seeing your setup.

[@oblio2255]

Should I get the predator 3500 for my 2021 tab 400 for Omni use far out boondock and use at my cabin for nature.

[@gregor299]

I love your channel! You are so generous to put out all of this information Patrick. Question: I am in Canada, and I know you get cold there. How have you solved the issue that you can't charge Lithium below freezing without damaging the battery? Thanks!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you so much Greg! Currently because we’re still using our trailer during the winter, we are just keeping the heat on in the trailer. Keeping the trailer at 50 degrees using a small electric heater as well as the furnace. If we were going to winterize, I’d just remove the batteries and keep them inside for the winter.

[@adam-hd7kg]

Good info. I think my three year old AGM batteries are failing already. The trailer has even been stored indoors since new and hardly ever drained to 50 percent.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It seems two - three years appears to be about the lifespan from others I have talked to.

[@stevetersteeg3840]

Thanks for video. Buying 2 100amp/hr relion batteries and upgraded charger. Yikes $1900.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

So far we are loving the new lithium batteries.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

GREAT video. So, for us slow types can you break it down to what you purchased from Battle Born, where you purchased the converter and where you purchased the new fuse panel? This is an upgrade we are seriously considering and since I'm the proud Dad of a licensed electrician, I'm hoping to get the install work for free. We plan to go with two batteries. In your planning, did at any time you factor in whether your lithium system would/could power your A/C unit? Pretty sure one battery would not be sufficient, but I wonder if two would for at least a few hours. Thanks and safe travels.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We purchased 2 100ah Lithium Batteries, a 50amp converter and a set of cables to connect the two batteries together from Battleborn. If you call Battleborn, they are very helpful in getting you the right setup for your needs.

[@TravelingonAdventures]

This was an great and very informative video! Thank you for providing all the information.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you so much! We appreciate that.

[@kokopellie]

Well done Patrick. I have been waiting for this one and it was really good info. One question I do have is are there advantages to going with (1) 12V BBB vs (2) 6V BBB's (other than the upfront cost).

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Terry! I don't honestly know if there is an advantage with 2-6v vs 1-12v in the lithium batteries. That would be a great question for Battleborn. I may need to research that one.

[@kokopellie]

@@TravelswithDelaney Thanks for the reply. We have a 2019 T@B 400 that has 2 AGM 6V batteries now but they run down fast. I will let you know what I find. Keep up the great work.

[@oldcodger9388]

As always, fascinating discussion. Obviously, you still love your T@b400. Otherwise you wouldn’t be putting so much into upgrades. I’m thinking after all these upgrades, you need to call yours a T@b404 and rename it Cosmo! 😜

[@TravelswithDelaney]

LOL!! I love it....T@B 404! You are correct...we still love it and with all the upgrades, we'd better keep it. I think our next upgrade may be the pitched axle with the lift kit. But we have to wait on that one. The battery upgrade was a pricey one for this year.

[@dutsmiller]

Great video. Any idea what, if any, modifications would be needed for a 2020 T@B 400?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

The 2020 T@B 400 should have the 2 6v AGM batteries in it so you could replace them with either 2 6V AGM batteries without any modifications or you could upgrade to lithium if you were planning to do lots of boondocking.

[@dutsmiller]

@@TravelswithDelaney I guess I'm curious if the 2020 has the same controller as the 2018 and would this need to be upgraded to support the lithium batteries.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Tim Miller The 2020 would need the converter upgrade like we did to fully charge the lithium battery. The converter we upgraded to can only be used for lithium and can not be used with lead acid batteries.

[@dutsmiller]

@@TravelswithDelaney Given we have the solar panels and the Victron controller can be configured for lithium batteries, perhaps the stock controller could bring the batteries up to 70-80% and the solar/victron controller could take care of the rest.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Tim Miller You might want to check with Battleborn on that. I asked if we could get away with our current converter and the answer was yes for awhile but that long term not getting it properly charged could harm the battery in the long run. I do know a 320 owner who is still using the manufacturer converter but can’t get her battery above 70%. Not sure if she has solar or not. It definitely would be something to ask Battleborn if you’re considering an upgrade.

[@nortonnewmann3711]

For comparison on our class C, I put 200 watts of solar on the roof; upgraded to a 40 amp charge controller; bought two Sam's Club GC2 6-volt batteries (215 amp hours / 100+ useable) and cables. All self installed for under $400. The two batteries were under $200. Typical life is four years if property maintained. Would LOVE to have lithium, but that price of admission...

[@caseybrooks9958]

Good video. We also have a tab 400 with agm 200ah and 200 watt solar panels. In a previous video you discussed inverter generators. How are you using gen now that you are using lithium?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We haven't used the generator yet since we had the lithium installed. We hardly ever use the generator. The only time we would use it is if we were boondocking and it was so hot outside that we needed to run the AC.

[@caseybrooks9958]

@@TravelswithDelaney Thanks for the prompt reply. We tow with a buick enclave and considering carrying an small gen in a dedicated container. How do you carry years. As the wife is sensitive to fumes, do you have any problems transporting the gen?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

@@caseybrooks9958 We were carrying ours in the back of our 4Runner for the past two years with a soft sided case over it. We only really had an issue on really hot mornings with the smell. Usually we'd crack the windows for a few minutes and it would clear out the smell. Now that we have the Tacoma for towing, it will go in the truck bed and not be an issue.

[@robertvalentine3572]

Thanks for the info.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

You are welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@R_W_Smith]

Excellent, as usual!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Bob!

[@richardbaldwin7055]

I would also upgrade the battery monitor

[@stevebrannon69]

Patrick, you failed to mention the weight difference between the lithium and lead acid/agm batteries. The lithium’s weigh about 1/3 the weight of the others. Pretty significant. We have a Tab 320 and the battery is on the tongue, thereby making the tongue weight heavier. I will probably go the lithium route in a year or two. Another thought, we use to have a tent trailer and I would switch out the trailer battery with the truck battery, especially if we were dry camping a few days. This worked out okay, but the terminal locations have to match. Also, the tent trailer used minimal amounts of electricity and would last several days. Thanks for your ideas.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

That is a point that I did miss about the weight. Thank you for mentioning that.

[@jacquelineenglish2997]

Hey I am having trouble figuring out how to use the refrigerator while driving and charge my battery in my 2018 tab 320s while I drive. Can't find answers. Half the time I can get it to work half the time no luck. I called nucamp and they said no one available to answer my questions. Have you covered this in your videos? How can I find I fo on this?

[@宏观世界]

Hello! I have a same make and model of your trailer. I have a question. So can we change the batteries ourselves?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

You can but if you are going to lithium, you would most likely need to upgrade the converter to a 50amp so the batteries fully charge. If you are buying batteries from Battleborn, they are very helpful in telling you what you will need.

[@robinmiller3592]

It would have been helpful for us battery neophytes to know from NuCamp that we shouldn’t discharge our batteries on our 2019 Tab 400 beyond 50%. Consequently we too are now facing these costs and hassle in replacing our batteries before this summer. We’ll go Lithium as well. Thanks for the info.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Both manufactures and dealers really need to do a better job of educating buyers on this. And honestly, those push button monitors that they install are worthless. You really need something that gives you an actual voltage reading so you know exactly where your battery is at. So far, we are loving the new lithium and think it is well worth the investment.

[@robinmiller3592]

I agree! Regarding monitors, NuCamp also needs to install (pardon the use of incorrect jargon coming up as I’m not certain of the proper term without husband around) voltage meters for NuCamp installed solar that is more accessible THAN UNDER THE BED! lol.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

@@robinmiller3592 If you have the Victron Solar Controller like we do, there is an app you dowload for free from Victron that will allow you to monitor your solar on a smart phone. I have a short video on that App that I recorded last spring. It works really well.

[@brent6518]

Great video..ty!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@LivingTheRVLocaLife]

we had the same issue when we was boondocking the batteries were not good for what we have the fridge always drained ours so we wound up buying battleborn:)

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Are you liking your Battleborn batteries?

[@LivingTheRVLocaLife]

@@TravelswithDelaney havent put them in yet we just got them in the mail we will when we are on the road to AZ

[@garyausher]

My power converter doesn't play well with lithium either. But my solar charge controller does & it makes up the difference. Battle Born did a $100 off black Friday sale a year ago. Too good to pass up.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

That's great to hear that the solar is topping off the battery for you. $100 off is even a better deal than what we go with the Escapees discount.

[@bobcole3852]

I was wondering about that. Still working out for you? Have a 2021 winnebago with converter not made for lithium, but have Renogy controller and 200 watts of solar. Still on shore power at rv park, wondering if renogy will top off lithium without changing converter, can't find a good answer

[@garyausher]

@@bobcole3852 Still working well. I have the Renogy controller too. The WFCO power converter doesn't get you up to 100% but the solar tops the batteries off. Usually 3 to 10 amp hours does it.

[@scottelwood8348]

Excellent thanks

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Scott!

[@SAMPEECAT]

Thanks, this is really helpful!!!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Pam.

[@mikekennedy3173]

Thanks Patrick for the comparisons of the different batteries, very much appreciated . If I could ask you if the Lithium battery you chose was an ION or IRON? I really do not know the difference? Thank you again I may have to, someday replace ours also.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

The Battleborn Batteries say they are a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. I am not sure of the difference between ION and IRON.

[@mikeanatra2354]

Thank you for the info very informative. Why not an inverter/convertor so you can power you outlets off of the Batteries and run Patty's hair dryer?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We already have a 1500 watt inverter connected to a dedicated outlet that we use for the hairdryer! LOL

[@mikeanatra2354]

@@TravelswithDelaney What brand of solar panels do you have and how did nu camp run the wires in your T@B ? I see a great video in the making.

[@marksr8784]

10 years is good but I know we won't have our 17RB Hummingbird that long...Next rig maybe 😊 can't wait till spring 🏕

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I joked that I am either taking my batteries with me or I am getting a premium for our trailer if we decide to change trailers! LOL .

[@stuartstuart866]

From what I understand, you can bring the Battle Born down to “zero charge” because there is a built in reserve charge that you cannot access as usable energy, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the battery by over using it beyond its stated capacity

[@TravelswithDelaney]

That is my understanding as well. Battleborn told me I don't have to worry about discharging too low with their batteries because of the built in protection.

[@jerrygundrum1]

I has nothing to do with reserve charge. The battery has a built in battery management system that is designed by battleborn to protect it's battery from damage

[@TheDealHunter]

I'm sorry to hear that you only got 2 years from your AGM battery. I think that old converter contributed to early death of your AGM battery. Did you have to change the charge profile of your Victron solar charge controller for the Battle Born batteries?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thanks Mark. Yes...I did have to make some adjustments to both the solar charge controller and the Victron battery monitor. Battleborn Batteries has a couple of short videos on KZbin showing exactly how to set it up so I followed that and it is working fine.

[@HappyPlaceCamping]

We did not go lithium. We didn't want the expense when we weren't even sure if we ever wanted to dry camp. Now that we know we don't mind a bit of boondocking, lithium is something that we will possibly look at in the future.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Going lithium is definitely not for everyone. A lot depends on how much dry camping you do and for how long. Also whether you want to use a generator or not.. Hopefully the price of lithium will come down in the future.

[@BearfootAdventures]

Great video my friends

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you very much!

[@AllenTweed]

Good review. I wonder what the catastrophic failure rate is for these lithium batteries? If it does fail, it may burn your RV to the ground.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Allen!

[@shelbyh.griggs1242]

Cost per usable AH is at or below any other battery chemistry. In addition no Peukert effect and way faster charging. If you have the proper charger you can top these up with a generator in just a few hours, almost impossible to get any lead acid chemistry topped up quickly when charging from a generator. Less weight too, there really is no downside except that initial cost, at end of 10 years you are equal with all the other benefits!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Shelby for adding those insights into the positives of lithium. I think it's easy to focus on the initial price vs. the long term efficiency of them.

[@retrodog63]

Not the cheap route, but I'd do it just to have the security of all that extra power capacity. You never know when you'll need it. And when you need it, it's damn nice to have it. Just a side note, a quality AGM battery can last 2-3x the warranty period. The first application of AGM batteries that I can remember was the first Miata back in around 89. Anybody who ruined their battery was pissed when they got a quote of $100 for a replacement back then (that was a crazy price back then) but those who didn't ruin them typically got 10 years of service out of them. That word got around and AGMs became the standard for a quality car battery. But of course, that was 10 years of life while not running them down to 50% or below. It really depends on how far you "deep cycle" them and how many times. The Lithium batteries, in general, are happiest when kept between 30-80%. Running them outside of that range will accelerate the degradation. Perhaps only slightly, but it still happens. And then heat has an adverse effect on them as well. So personal application makes a difference on the selection process.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It will be really nice to have the power and not have to be constantly monitoring the battery level for fear of doing damage to the batteries.

[@robertsitch1415]

I believe that AGM batteries are the heaviest type of battery due to the glass plates inside.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I believe you are correct Robert! The service department said the one they removed was around 80# and the new Battleborn is around 35# . When we add the 2nd Battleborn, we will be back in that 70# range but with around 200 usable amp hours of power.

[@robertsitch1415]

I have seen a few videos that say for tounge mounted batteries weight is usually the most limiting factor if you don't have a heavy duty tow vechile.

[@Hacksaw2055]

I was wondering if dry cell industry has caught up to the RV Market.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It's growing in popularity but I am not aware of any manufacturers that are using them from the factory. I think cost is currently the big obstacle for many people.

[@Hacksaw2055]

Thank you for your response. I continue to learn from your KZbin channel. Bill

[@SmoreCampingwiththeSchraggs]

Hello new subscribers here. Great video cant wait to catch up.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you! We are glad to have you here.

[@BoxVanDee]

I would love to have Lithium but it is way too expensive, Right now I have Deep Cycle Marine Agm's with 920 watts of solar

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Are your AGM's 6v or 12v? 920 watts of solar is a nice amount of power.

[@BoxVanDee]

@@TravelswithDelaney they are 12 volt

[@nayd1937]

Did you keep all those expensive batteries when you got your new Lance?? That’s lots of $$$

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We did. They are in the Lance now.

[@ASvaleri]

Hello great video congratulations 💝💖💕💞💗❤️💛💚💙💜💜💜💕💕💞💓💗💗💛❤️❤️

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you!

[@jerrygundrum1]

Too funny look at will prowess video released today with an interview with the battleborn CEO. He contradicts what the BB tech told Patrick.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I watched that Will Prowess video and it was very informative. Will looked like a kid on Christmas day doing that interview.

[@jerrygundrum1]

@@TravelswithDelaney I read it as adding a large level of credibility being added to his channel. The gold standard battery CEO inviting you in. Props to him.

[@scotturner3178]

My choice would be to go cheap on the battery and use the money saved toward a small Honda generator, even for boondocking.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

That definitely could be an additional option. We do carry a generator but only use it for AC. Rarely do we use it though.

[@mickwebs12]

This is probably a dumb question: How do I know when my AGM battery is below 50% so I make sure not to damage it? Also do the 6 volt golf cart batteries have the same 50% restriction? My Lance came with an AGM but thinking on switching to 6 volt batteries for larger AH capacities. Most of our camping is hooked up but occasionally we end up in a parking lot somewhere. Thanks in advance for your help Patrick. We love your informative videos!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Michael Webster That’s actually a great question. Unfortunately most RV’s come with that really sad monitor that say Full, Good, Fair & Poor which tells us nothing really. Before we had our Victron Battery Monitor installed, I was using a 12v plug that gave a voltage readout. You can pick one up on Amazon for under $20. They just plug into a 12v cigarettes lighter type plug in your camper. They usually have a USB plug in them so they do double duty. It will give you a much better readout. Then just don’t let it go below 12.0 volts which is about 50%. Even the 6v AGM’s should not be used below 50% to extend their life.

[@mickwebs12]

@@TravelswithDelaney thank you!

[@lawrenceward2366]

But Patrick, you sold the trailer not long after you put the lithium in. Hope you got your $ out of it 😄

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Took my lithium with me to our new trailer

[@lawrenceward2366]

@@TravelswithDelaney By the way Patrick, I am new to RV'ing and have learned so much from your posts. I love them. Very informative yet presented with a nice sense of warmth and sincerity. Hope to see ya...on down the road.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you so much

[@RoyandBeckysTravels]

Our goal is lithium and more solar!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

How many watts of solar are you thinking about getting?

[@RoyandBeckysTravels]

Not sure yet until we decide on A/C and other needs as we are just starting out.

[@krippleinacaravanxxx707]

I’ve got 6AA batteries in my van😂😂😂😳

[@TravelswithDelaney]

LOL!! You crack me up Peter!

[@krippleinacaravanxxx707]

Travels with Delaney it’s part of my personality! It annoys the hell out of some people😂😂😂😇😇😇😇

[@TravelswithDelaney]

@@krippleinacaravanxxx707 We love it!!!

[@BobK58]

So you're keeping the T@B for 10 years? Are you adding a solar system next?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We might keep it ten years.....well probably not! LOL But I am taking my batteries with me! LOL We actually had the factory add the 194 watt solar panel to our trailer last year so that is already in place. Hope you guys had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@10MinutestoRouletteFortune]

ummm.........that's really expensive.......might work but a bit extreme. Portable power stations should have been considered is my thought. Mine plugs right into the RV, is solar charged within 2 hours even when cloudy and when I'm driving it charges it up. I've gone for a month without any problems. $600

[@TravelswithDelaney]

How many amp hours does your power station have? Is it 100 amp hours like the Battleborn batteries?

[@LivingTheGoodLifeRving]

👍

[@perrygibbons1816]

Way to high for my pocket,

[@TravelswithDelaney]

That’s the same thing I say every time I start drooling over an Airstream