14 replies to this topic

[TacomaAustin]

Yep, LiFePO4 has slightly less than half the weight and provides nearly double the reserve when compared to an AGM of the same size - but the OP threw us a curve when he posted that he did not want to do any wiring or figure out how to mount a solar panel. 

[billharr]

I'll be the dissenter here and say toss the lead acid/agm battery and get a 100AH LifePo4 and a Victron MPPT 12v 15 amp charge controller and 100-200 w solar panel(s).  I did and I will never go back to lead acid in the camper. Costs for LifePo4 are coming down, and there are tons of resources to help just about anyone figure it out. You don't have to get the really expensive LifePo4, there are cheaper ones on Amazon.

 

+1 on Lithium, a DC-DC charger and MPPT controller. 

 

If you have a 100Ah AGM you have 50 useable Ahs. A Lithium will give you close to 100 useable Ahs, doubling your amp hours and with less weight. As had been said they are some Lithium batteries at a lower cost. Compare the cost of one lithium to 2 AGMs and it is not that much more. Spend the money once and be happy.

[Vic Harder]

Yep, LiFePO4 has slightly less than half the weight and provides nearly double the reserve when compared to an AGM of the same size - but the OP threw us a curve when he posted that he did not want to do any wiring or figure out how to mount a solar panel.

+1 on “the curve”. Yes LiFePo4 is better, which is why I have it in my rig too. BUT, the OP got 13 YEARS out of his original battery. Why change what he’s doing?

[Hydro]

Hello and many thanks for the warm welcome and many replies!

 

A point of clarification (and my apologies for not being more clear): I replaced the original battery in 2014, so I've been running an Optima for about 8 years. Based on the thread feedback, I've not done a good job maintaining the battery, so room for improvement there and many good options to consider for replacement!

 

Something seems to break or fail each time I go camping; I think my poor old Hawk is trying to tell me something. The heater stopped working last weekend, the two-way roof fans only spin one way, the outside light doesn't work anymore, the interior clear plastic windows have shrunk and no longer attach to the Velcro, just to name a few. I hope most of these fixes are easy-ish, but will make sure to dig deeper in the forums before posting a thread asking for help

 

Cheers!

[BlueSky]

"Everything of use wears out" - From a fortune cookie.

 

These campers do need some attention from time to time. There are a few upgrades I've done that have made my life much easier in the maintenance/effort department. The Solar/MPPT Controller/LifePo4 battery system was the best. Second was the 12v Dometic fridge.

 

Sounds like your camper is just ready for some repair, maintenance and upgrades. I was skeptical about the new Solar/MPPT/LifePo4 technology, figuring it would fail on me for sure. I have been pleasantly surprised by how robust it is. The only problems have been self-induced. Keep the components cool, and keep things secure to minimize vibrations, and it will work for you.