LifePo4

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   Thanks for the help!
Jato, I was okay with the LA batteries in my 172 but now, since i really need to upgrade, with prices having come down on lithium, and my ever-present concern over weight, Lifepo4 seems the way to go.  I have been going back and forth on this point for a few days now though.  :)

Hank, I have typically boondocked for days at a time--often until my batteries are too low and I can't get enough recharge from my portable solar panel. It's just that this one battery was down to 71% in about 8 hours at 9:00 PM.

Stephen,  I looked at the 100AH version of your 200 AH and I think it would suit my needs. (My fridge does run on propane). Some follow-up questions, if you don't mind:

1) do you see a difference between your higher priced and lower priced batteries?

2) do you make anything of that tech guy's advice about only buying a $1K battery or do you think it's reasonable to assume he was referring to BMS and had out of date information?

3) the unboxing procedures have me confused. It seems they come partially charged and you have to discharge and then fully recharge them "before using them" but I can't find anything on how to do that. Can I put it in the camper and run stuff to discharge (how is that not "using them")?  What recharge instructions I found said to use a solar panel without a controller?  I don't have that. Can I recharge it in the camper on shore power?

Thanks, all

Julie

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EchoGale Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 10 Mar 2019 Location: FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 469	Post Options Post Reply Quote EchoGale Report Post Quote Reply Topic: LifePo4 Posted: 16 Mar 2023 at 9:45am
	Thanks for the help! Jato, I was okay with the LA batteries in my 172 but now, since i really need to upgrade, with prices having come down on lithium, and my ever-present concern over weight, Lifepo4 seems the way to go. I have been going back and forth on this point for a few days now though. :) Hank, I have typically boondocked for days at a time--often until my batteries are too low and I can't get enough recharge from my portable solar panel. It's just that this one battery was down to 71% in about 8 hours at 9:00 PM. Stephen, I looked at the 100AH version of your 200 AH and I think it would suit my needs. (My fridge does run on propane). Some follow-up questions, if you don't mind: 1) do you see a difference between your higher priced and lower priced batteries? 2) do you make anything of that tech guy's advice about only buying a $1K battery or do you think it's reasonable to assume he was referring to BMS and had out of date information? 3) the unboxing procedures have me confused. It seems they come partially charged and you have to discharge and then fully recharge them "before using them" but I can't find anything on how to do that. Can I put it in the camper and run stuff to discharge (how is that not "using them")? What recharge instructions I found said to use a solar panel without a controller? I don't have that. Can I recharge it in the camper on shore power? Thanks, all Julie
	Julie

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6425	Post Options Post Reply Quote StephenH Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 7:22pm
	I don't have any experience with the brands you posted. I have one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X4Z8FML and one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091TTD8Y9/ Both have performed well. I have the 100AH in my house for backup for my amateur radio equipment now. The 200AH is mounted in a box on the tongue of the new trailer. Mine has solar on the roof, but only 50 Watts. Now the question: Does your new camper have an AC/DC only refrigerator or one that uses propane also? If it uses propane, then your power needs will be lower. If AC/DC only, then the bigger battery capacity would be good, especially if you need to go more than just overnight on battery power alone. Anyway, let us know what you decide.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

hank*pod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 06 Oct 2022 Location: PA Online Status: Offline Posts: 63	Post Options Post Reply Quote hank*pod Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 7:11pm
	Curious because I'm a new R-Pod owner but have tented for a few years. What do you want to do that a 70 ah lead acid battery can't support overnight? I have a generator but don't necessarily think I'll need it every night particularly when I'm on a multi-day road trip.

jato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3345	Post Options Post Reply Quote jato Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 6:40pm
	Just an alternative thought Julie, the intent here is not to change your mind but this (LA batteries) has worked quite well and I don't use either solar or a generator. The oldest battery on the 177 will turn 12 years old in a couple weeks, it is a 12v Interstate group size 24 deep cycle. The newest (2.5 years old) is a 12v Trojan T-1275, heavy at 85 lbs but does give 150 aH. In the off months where the furnace is used a lot I am good for 7 days using both batteries separately (not tied together). I never stay at one spot for more than a week so by that time the tow vehicle will charge the lowest battery en route to the next destination. Much of our camping in the upper midwest is under cloudy conditions such as the U.P. of Michigan or other areas around the great lakes so solar doesn't float my boat. Different camping styles - different needs, different outcomes.
	God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

EchoGale Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 10 Mar 2019 Location: FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 469	Post Options Post Reply Quote EchoGale Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 5:42pm
	or this one: https://www.amazon.com/LISUATELI-Protection-Batteries-Phosphate-BMS-Support/dp/B08YMYH5NX/ref=psdc_15719911_t3_B09L5XT8HB?th=1
	Julie

EchoGale Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 10 Mar 2019 Location: FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 469	Post Options Post Reply Quote EchoGale Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 5:33pm
	So my new camper came from the dealer with a lead acid battery that is only 70AH. I can't really boondock even overnight so I have to upgrade. I had a group 24 and a 27 initially in the pod --though I never knew the exact AH for them. (I know unmatched is bad...that's how it came to me). I could manage with those by being really careful using only necessary power (fridge control panel, Co2 detector, brief pump use etc). I now have 190 watts of solar on the roof and my Go Power controller can be switched over for Lithium. I'm looking at a single 100AH LifePo4 which I expect will give me about the same amount of usable amps, if not a little more. I can buy this from Renogy for $465 but has anyone had experience with the most inexpensive brands? I'm looking at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084DB36KW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ARUKXJLE7BDB9&psc=1 or https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09L5XT8HB/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A793D3B497JF&psc=1 I'd very much prefer the lower priced ones, in part because I might ending up also buying a second one. Here's one thing that makes me wonder: the dealer tech guy who did the walk through (he was AWFUL, don't get me started) said I'd have to buy "not one of the cheap ones but one that costs $1000 with its own computer." I'm not sure what to make of this because he couldn't really tell me the thing that I needed (other than a price point which as we know is always changing). I think maybe his info is old and he doesn't know they have dropped in price and that they all have BMS now. But maybe one of you spots something I'm missing? Looking for your generous insight, as always. Julie :)
	Julie