Need RV batteries, What Kind?

[wwillie73]

Hi all
Has anybody changed out there batteries for the LiFePO4 batteries? Thinking about upgrading but wanted to know if there are any negatives to them except for price. Any changes need to be made to the fifth wheel charging system? Was looking ar Ampere time 100ah with bms.

[MichaelA]

I’ve switched. I was originally going to re-buy (had owned in the past) four 6v golf cart batteries.

However, prices for lifepo4 batts have come down such that two, 100ah lifepo4 batts is competitive in price with the 4 6v…. And carry about the same energy.

Given this realization, the choice was a no brainer.

You `do` have to make sure the charging section of your converter/charger is compatible with lifepo4 batts. The charging profile for lifepo4 is different than SLA. They are not the same.

[wwillie73]

Where would I find out that information? Thanks

[MichaelA]

Originally Posted by wwillie73

Where would I find out that information? Thanks

You'll need to take the cover/panels off of the power distribution panel. The converter/charger section is either:

a) built in or present as a control board directly attached
or
b) a separate item that is plugged in to an outlet (hidden behind a mess of wires) and then attached to the 12v distribution portion of the panel by thick wires

Once you find it, you will have to locate the manufacturer's part number and look up the specs on their website.

Sounds daunting, but it's really not all that bad.

Once you find the mfr part number for the converter and you look it up.... you'll have to read through the specs.

IF there's no mention of Lithium batts, it likely is NOT compatible. That doesn't mean it won't provide 12v or charge.... it means it will under-charge the batts. LiFePo4 batts require higher voltage to get 100% charge. Using one of these will never yield a full charge.

Some more recent models of converter/charges may be compatible with BOTH battery types (mine was)... BUT required a toggle switch to flip between LI and SLA batts. This toggle switch was not provided. I made it out of items in my electrical scrap drawer

And thirdly, some converters are ONLY compatible with Lifepo4 batts - not likely that you have one of these installed from the factory.

[XCMARK]

I have battle born's and I see you can get many brands on Amazon. Chins is about the best " budget battery" if that is the road you looking at. Keep in mind you should NEVER charge them below 32*f and you should have a Lithium charge profile or replace you current unit with a good charger.

[wwillie73]

Thank you all for the replies! I took it apart today and found out the charger is lead acid only. Ordered a lithium only charger to replace mine, shouldn't be to tough. Now to decide how much I want to spend on batteries. I've always believed you get what you pay for so cheap one's are out.