Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Lithium batteries

Print Page | Close Window

Lithium batteries

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16379
Printed Date: 02 Feb 2026 at 9:14pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Lithium batteries

Posted By: JBTurner
Subject: Lithium batteries
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2026 at 2:17pm

We have a 2019 Rpod 191. I want to use a lithium battery. Will I need to change the inverter to be able to charge it?

-------------
2019 R-POD 191
2013 RAM 1500 Sport 5.7 Hemi

Replies:

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2026 at 4:48pm

You will need to make sure your your charger can charge a lithium battery since it has a different charging profile than a lead acid battery. There is usually a switch on it labeled Pb-Li. To charge a lithium battery, it should in the the Li position. If you do not have that capability on the charger, you will need to swap it out for one that does in order to get the full benefit of your Lithium batteries.

-------------
Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2026 at 11:59am

It's also good to get an LFP battery with (at least) freeze protection. LFP batteries will be damaged if they are being charged below freezing.

LFP batteries are generally OK to operate below zero (-5 to -15 depending on brand), so if you think you might be in an area where the temps will get that low, you might also consider ones with a built-in heater.

-------------
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2026 at 10:03pm

or with a BMS that will not allow charging below 32F.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2026 at 12:01pm

Originally posted by StephenH

or with a BMS that will not allow charging below 32F.

Freeze protection and built-in heater are two separate options. If you know you won't go anywhere where the OAT gets below 0°F, you can get ones that have the freeze protection.

Where we live in the mountains south of San Francisco, the coldest we've seen in the last almost 30 years has been about 30°F. We have a couple of devices outside where we have switched out SLA batteries and installed LFP batteries with freeze protection.

-------------
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost