Thinking about going Lithium, have questions...

Hello everyone,

 

I'm looking for some more advise. I installed (2) 12V 100AH AGM batteries in my FWC Hawk back around September. They are Mighty Max #MH100-12 batteries. I just noticed the other day that one of the batteries was very hot and smelled like sulfur. I pulled it from the system and set it aside to cool. The other battery felt fine, so I left it hooked up to the system. I keep the camper plugged in to shore power in my garage when not in use. Everything has worked flawlessly until now.

 

I am almost certain it is a faulty battery, but why else would this happen? I have a smart charger, no loose connections, both batteries were charged to 100% before I installed them, no temperature extremes, no short circuits....

 

Should I go lithium? -  I use the camper maybe 8-10 times a year for 1-3 nights at a time. I am happy with the 200AH setup for my needs; I never reach 50% DOD on my short trips, so 100AH of useable power works for me. If I go longer, I can bring my Honda generator with me to recharge. I have no solar and no charging from the trucks alternator, very simple system and I like it that way.

 

The areas where I camp don't often get much below freezing, but I could see it getting down to 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit at night from time to time. The battery is in the camper so I doubt it ever gets that cold, especially considering I am using the Propex heater at that point to keep myself warm. I also would not be charging the battery in those conditions if at all on my trips. I also like the idea of weight savings and no off-gassing. But most lithium batteries come in 100AH or 200AH (200AH would be overkill). I would need a 100AH battery that can de discharged to 0% in order to get my 100AH out of it. What are some affordable brands out there that won't leave me in this same situation again?

 

Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!

 

 

I am happy with the battery I bought from bigbattery.com. It’s just over 200 ah. They have several sizes. I’ve had it 2 years now. I like that it has its own on/off switch and voltage display, and the stainless steel case and build quality are good (see the Will Prowse video on it on YouTube. It has an SB175 connector instead of terminals. Initially I thought I preferred terminals, but now I like having the protected connection.

Battleborn ... never a second thought. Solves all the concerns. peace of mind. Then fugettaboutit.

Maybe try warranty replacement on the AGM. Keep in mind that going Lithium might also require you to change out your power inverter, solar charge controller, and truck to camper charge equip. It makes for quite a project.

If I were going to be spending more time in my diy shell, I'd have already gone with them.  But so far it's just not worth it for the little power use it gets, that is, in both amps and amount of times used.  That said, if these batteries grew on trees, I'd have one too.

Thanks for the responses. I already have a Progressive dynamics converter/charger and it has a lithium ion battery switch option. So as far as I know, there is nothing else I need to switch out in order to go lithium.

I am tempted to try out one of the 100AH Chinese lithium batteries on Amazon - Renogy, Ampere Time, Chins, Sok, etc. They seem to get pretty good reviews and can be purchased for around $350-600.

Those Battleborns look nice, but they are very spendy for the occasional camper.

Edited by Krist003, 23 March 2023 - 03:56 AM.

I'd also want to get a warranty replacement first. If the PD converter/charger you have is working properly, it should not be cooking your battery.  With the PD having the ability to also charge LiFePo4 batteries, and with no solar or truck charging, you are good to go if you want to switch to LiFePo4.  

 

BB for me, but others are having success with lesser brands and/or DIY.  Have you watched any of Will Prowse's videos?  If he has tested it and gives it a thumbs up, go for it.

Battleborn announced a 48 hour Spring sale starting today.  $774 for the 100 AH battery!!

Edited by buckland, 23 March 2023 - 02:11 PM.

Build your own... easy and about 1/3rd the price.  Google Will Prouse or see this for a start: Will Prowse | DIY Solar Power Forum (diysolarforum.com)

Went with battleborn last spring, best choice for the camper i have ever made.

There are many here who did the switch themselves, i went with zero declination in Nevada, and KP and his crew were awesome.

w