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#11 Lineman

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Posted 18 August 2019 - 12:52 PM

I replaced my factory batteries with Victron Super Cycle batteries.  They are rated for 300 cycles of 100% discharge, this allowed me to go with a smaller ah battery, shed some weight, gain some room in the battery compartment, and keep all my charging equipment.  I sized my bank to routinely discharge to ~60%.   I just couldn't justify the cost of lithium when lead acid would do the job for me at a fraction of the cost.  I only get to camp about 30 days per year, so even if I fully cycled them I should still get 10 years of service.

 

https://www.victrone...-battery-EN.pdf

 

If cost is no issue for you, then lithium may be the way to go.  You may need all new charging equipment as well.  Personally I would not be comfortable with lithium "drop in replacement" batteries in a camper, these usually rely on an internal battery disconnect to prevent over charging.  It would be better to have a charging system designed for lithium that wouldn't try to over charge.


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#12 BillTheHiker

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Posted 18 August 2019 - 02:57 PM

Where did you buy?
Found one source,pkys.com, with this statement

Subject to availability, please check before ordering, these drop ship from the Victron warehouse in Maine. These batteries are made in China and got hit with taxes in the US that in 2019 will rise to 25% so Victron have decided to stop importing them to the US. They will only be available while stocks last.
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#13 Lineman

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Posted 18 August 2019 - 08:34 PM

Inverter supply, I have 2 60ah.

 

https://www.inverter...oducts_id=21219


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#14 CougarCouple

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Posted 19 August 2019 - 02:18 AM

I’ve been following the lithium battery conversions on the BBC (Bass Boat Central) for two years. The guys that have converted have had mainly positive reviews. Most are converting because of weight reduction. These guys put these batteries through the mill. The only concern I would have would be a fire. In the event of a fire they are tough to extinguish. Maybe do a little research on that subject before diving in. Maybe a few mods to contain fire in the compartment could be included. Fires are rare but guys have lost boats due to lithium battery fires.


WjColdWater that is a good point you bring up, do you know if a special extinguisher is required due to construction materials. I'll try remember to talk with our resident arson and training department about them. I thought I read the lithium batteries we are looking at are not the same as the phone ones which also had a fire problem. Also do you know if improper installation had been ruled out.

Russ
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#15 Vic Harder

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Posted 19 August 2019 - 02:54 AM

LiFePo4 batteries are some of the safest around.
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#16 PaulT

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Posted 19 August 2019 - 04:25 AM

Someone has probably posted this and I missed it but Trojan is selling LiFePO4 batteries in 12v,  near 100 aH.Their usual dealer network carries them.

 

The 92 aH model is Group 24. Could have saved me some work shoehorning two GC2 batteries in the place of two Group 24 AGM units.

 

Don't know price

Paul

 


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I thought getting old would take longer.

#17 WjColdWater

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Posted 19 August 2019 - 11:22 AM

WjColdWater that is a good point you bring up, do you know if a special extinguisher is required due to construction materials. I'll try remember to talk with our resident arson and training department about them. I thought I read the lithium batteries we are looking at are not the same as the phone ones which also had a fire problem. Also do you know if improper installation had been ruled out.
Russ

I’m not a total expert on them. I’m just relaying the information I have gathered off the BBC. My guess is a lot of guys dive in with the new technology without do diligence. As mentioned with prior post charging systems are specialized for lithium batteries. Fires can occur from improper charging systems and wiring. The guys installing them in bass boats love them for two reasons. They reduce overall weight at the stern and gain speed. They all seem happy with the battery power in the tournament environment also. The bad news for boat applications are the fuel tanks and fuel lines. The fuel lines run through the battery compartment and the tanks are close also. The only way to extinguish a battery fire in the compartment is to flood it with water. A great source of information on lithium’s can be found on the BBC. Become a member post on the (Wiring and Trolling Motor Forum). Post your questions directly to (Catfan) he is one of the moderators and is a expert. He has been giving solid advice for a long time on the site. Catfan is a electrical engineer and you can trust what he tells you. Mr.Jones is also a moderator on the forum. Between the two they can give you all the information you need to make a informed decision.
Hope this can help. Wayne
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#18 craig333

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Posted 19 August 2019 - 05:52 PM

Sounds like maybe its not he batteries causing the fires but extinguishing them once something else catches on fire?


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#19 BrianG

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Posted 19 August 2019 - 08:10 PM

Thanks everyone for all the great info. I did get a reply from Shane at Zamp requesting a picture of my Zamp 30a controller which is the model that supports lithium batteries. I’ll update this when I get his next reply. I didn’t realize so many were converting to lithium, I have followed all the past threads on the subject.
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#20 Zirdu

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Posted 19 August 2019 - 10:32 PM

I have mentioned LifeBlue LiFePO4 batteries before, and still can find nothing better.  They have bluetooth powered battery monitor that reports battery voltage, usage, remaining amp hours, etc.  Also convenient sizes, such as 100 AH, 125 AH, 150 AH, 200 AH, and 300 AH.  Their most popular is the 200 AH, and it fits perfectly into the battery compartment on my several years old Grandby.  

 

Lifeblue batteries now come in a "low temperature" version, which allows charging and discharging of the battery down to minus 20 Centigrade ( minus 4 F),  I think they do this by adding a small internal heater and thermostat, so when it gets cold it heats up the battery slightly.  This option costs $105 extra.  

 

I haven't bought one yet, still waiting for my AGM to die a bit more.


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