Costs are one thing, but what strikes me most is traveling across borders with what will be considered a hazardous material. As I currently understand Lithium used under a 4 cell configuration is not within the hazardous material definition. 

Has anyone here made the switch to lithium? And the big question: Have you traveled cross border with it?

Now if I resource my 18650's, that cost can be $150... I also have a source that not many have. Indeed 120 of them to reach 'my' goal. I'm at 20 now.. long way to go..

My concern now is legality. 

If not asked about battery, have you been asked about hazardous substances? I've yet to cross border with  camper..

You are hitting all the main points of converting over!

cost is the greatest! That is the point/issue to be over-come.

My Solar work has show me you can't beat a 6v battery (doubled up) vs a single 12v. Lithium as I'm seeing goes very close to 100% capacity. 

Done properly, and worth repeating, done properly, Lithium based batteries are very safe to use. With no maintenance required.

I do not suggest everyone builds their own without researching. I also do not recommend just buying a pre-built system. Even Telsa's system would take a pro to fix an issue and that would cost you thousands.. I had seen several direct cost units at half their price, but again, a pro to fix.

'If' you do go Lithium, I do suggest you learn as much as you can about them. Once there, build your own. You will save $$$ and know how to repair if required.

Back to the point of the post...

Has anyone crossing borders with your Pod been asked if traveling with Hazardous Materials?

It could be much more affordable, but right now no one will move from the current pricing. Even China has priced accordingly, which surprises me. I can buy their system under another name for $3k vs the 5.5K Telsa offers.

Problem being we can't be certain of construction... No one yet knows who makes their unit.

There is anew version of the 18650 coming out.This should bring the costs down a tad, but don't expect any big.. The demand is still too high.

Heck, you used to be able to get used 18650's for free. Now they're auctioned off at crazy prices of Ebay..

I say research, understand before you dive in. Far too many bad sellers out there selling crap with huge claims. Know your source.

I'm testing what could be a manufacturer of the Big Boys. I'll have them in 2 weeks and test them. If correct, I'll post where and what. Was lead there by a good source. We'll see soon how good. 

I really like the idea of Lithium. I'm looking for the best source of cells to build from.

If I don't win on that cause. I have my 2 6v's to fall back on. Since I have till Spring to choose.. Time for deeper research. 

From what we saw, I don.t think you will have any problems with batteries.

Vann

First I see you pull with a Tacoma! I will be as well! Work good for you?

Back on topic: Yes, gasoline is. So if you carry 'Jerry cans" you will be looked at. You're allowed so much (would have to look it up again) and same for the propane we carry. 

My concern is tongue weight so I will carry an additional propane bottle in the bed of the truck. This is allowed, as I've read.

Li-ion batteries are still kinda new. Considered hazardous if not done correctly. Since still new, was curious if those using have been asked as of yet. So far, I'm seeing no one has been.

Components:

1 Battleborn Lithium battery 12v 100aH $949 (w/ free shipping)

1 Progressive Dynamics Converter modification for my WFCO power system $235 (includes shipping)

2 ANL fuse holders $14 ($11 for a 10-pack of 100A fuses)

2 24" 5AWG cables with ring terminals (5/16") already installed $11

1 Group 31 battery box.

Took me 1/2 a day to install. Longest period was installing the converter mod. You replace the DC board and swap the wiring/fuses to the new DC board as well as the battery cables. Then remove the converter power circuit board and replace it with the new one. 

The fuse/fuse holders and cables are attached to the battery. The cable from the RV are attached to the fuse blocks for additional safety. 100ah Lithium battery can send 200 amps for 30 seconds, enough time to start a fire with a short, so the fuses will give at 100 amps.

So I guess you are wondering why I did this? Well for something simple as "creature comforts" My ice machine and 1Kw pure-wave inverter could kill a 100aH lead acid battery w/ solar charging in less than 3 hours (voltage alarm goes off) before filling the basket.  

I setup the lithium battery (charged) with the same inverter and ice maker, I can fill the basket TWICE and still have power left over. Took my 200w solar charger and reprogrammed it for Lithium. The charger is a Victron MPPT 75/15 using battery clamps for a battery connection. After peaking the solar panels every 1/2 hour, the solar system recharged that battery in 6 hours.

So I bought all the other components needed to install this in my R-pod and the rest is history.

That's an interesting mod. I think in the next year or so the cost of lithium batteries will drop significantly, so you may be ahead of the curve.

I'm curious. A standard LiON battery voltage is ~~ 3.6 volts. 3 cells in series would get you 10.8 volts, but 4 cells in series would get you 14.4 volts. I wonder what the idle voltage of your battery is? Or do you know how many cells your battery is?

I'm also curious what percent discharge your lithium battery can handle? Typical lead-acid is only 50% discharge (wet cells). How low (percent-wise) can your lithium handle?