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There are some simple truths about installing lithium batteries in an RV that get buried by complexities and misinformation. Some may find it beneficial to convert their RV to lithium, while others may not. Whether you''re thinking about making the switch or just want to know the truth, our discussion about installing lithium batteries will clear things up.
You''ll learn about the benefits lithium batteries offer, the best place to install lithium-ion RV batteries, and the other components you''ll need to complete the project. We''ll also show you how those with 30-amp RVs can make the conversion over to lithium batteries without frying their electrical system.
In our discussion, we''ll mention the various electrical measurements like amps, amp-hours, volts, and watts. If you need a quick review of this electric jargon, check out Camper Report''s explanation.
Before we start talking about the installation process, there are some simple truths we want to cover that prove lithium batteries are good for RVs. There''s a lot of information floating around and many different versions of lithium-ion batteries in the marketplace. Unfortunately, many people can''t talk about these batteries without broaching the subject of RV solar panel systems. So, let''s clear some things up:
You need to know some other simple truths to determine the lithium battery size you need for your travel trailer or motorhome. Most RVs on the road today use Group 27 batteries. Some of the Classic Era (1971-1989) or earlier may use Group 24, Group 29, or Group 31 versions. One of the few components to standardize in the RV industry by the late 20th century was the house battery.
Generally, RVers keep it easy by purchasing 100 amp-hour capacity batteries for two reasons:
Lithium-Ion batteries come in 12, 24, and 48-volt versions. You''ll find them with capacities between 50-500 Ah.
If you check your RV''s house battery bay, 50-amp RVs (ones with the 4-prong shoreline) have two 12-volt batteries. 30 amp travel trailers and motorhomes (3-prong electric cords) have two 6-volt batteries. Those with the higher amperage may feel they don''t have anything to worry about, but many 30-amp RVers may have concerns about installing lithium batteries.
YES, 30-amp RVs can use lithium batteries. RV manufacturers install two 6-volt batteries as a precaution. If one goes bad, there''s another in place. From an electrical standpoint, installing a lithium battery rated at 12-volts is the same as two 6-volts.
Lithium-ion batteries are very hardy technology, so relying on one LiFePO4 battery is a safe bet. The best lithium-ion batteries have the BMS within the housing, acting as a monitor. If the battery becomes too cold or is too low on energy, the system will shut the battery down for safety.
It''s been hard to find a campsite during the Remote Period of the Modern Era''s (2020- Present) RV boom. Dry camping has become a substitute for campgrounds and has its RV lifestyle advantages. Electric power can make long boondocking experiences more comfortable.
Installing lithium batteries in multiple sets increases your power needs for longer durations. To do this correctly, you must know how to connect the batteries in the proper configuration. There are two ways to do this: parallel or in a series. Using the wrong setup can damage the RV''s electric system to the point where you need to replace all required components.
The positive and negative poles stay separated when installing lithium batteries in an RV in a parallel configuration. This means you connect positive to positive using the red battery cables and the black cables for the negatives. 30-amp RVs must use this configuration to maintain the 12-volt power level.
The advantage of a parallel setup is increasing the amp-hours. If each battery has 100 Ah and you have four LiFePO4 batteries, your RV now has a 400 Ah power capacity. Instead of existing with the bare minimum, you''ll have more power to use more electronic devices or camp longer without recharging.
50-amp RVs that have high-powered electronics may find a series configuration beneficial when installing their lithium batteries. When you connect the positive pole to the negative pole and vice versa, you''re increasing the voltage output.
For example, if you have two 12-volt lithium batteries in a series configuration, you''ve increased the voltage to 24-volts. So, with the proper precautions, an electronic device that generally uses 30-amps at 12-volts could use 15-amps at 24-volts.
Bringing the amperage down on a high-amp device can save energy. If you want to do this, consult a professional electrician and the electronic device''s owner''s manual to determine if this benefit is possible on your RV. Generally, RVers use the parallel configuration because it''s lower risk.
To determine how many lithium-ion batteries you need for your RV, you have to think about your electrical needs. Every electronic device requires a certain amount of watts/amp-hours. Someone using a teardrop camper for the bare essentials may only need one 100Ah battery. A boondocking family hauling a 43-foot fifth-wheel who doesn''t want to count their watts may need eight so they don''t have to start up their generator.
To give you some perspective here''s a basic chart to help you start the conversation on finding the right amount of lithium-ion batteries you''ll need for your RV.
You don''t need to change your RV converter for lithium batteries if you have an RV built in the Modern Era. When Yet-Ming Chiang and his M.I.T. researchers discovered the LiFePO4 compound in 2004, it didn''t take long for the battery and adjacent industries to adapt their technologies to the new power storage advancement.
Current RV converters have some type of switch that adjusts the programing from a lead-acid to a lithium-ion modality. Some AC to DC converters have an automatic equalizer that makes sure multiple lead-acid batteries charge evenly. If the auto equalization function doesn''t disable, replace the converter before installing lithium batteries.
When replacing the converter, make sure you keep it at the same amp level as the previous one. For example, if your current RV converter is 55-amps, purchase a new 55-amp with a lithium battery setting.
If you''re connecting multiple lithium batteries, you''ll need the thick gauge red and black battery wires. These copper wires come in various sizes for different requirements. You''ll be using the cables to connect the batteries and other components.
The first way is to order spools of red and black cable, a hydraulic wire cutter, a hydraulic crimper tool, crimp ring terminals, and heat shrink tubes covering the connections. The tools and crimp rings do come in kits, but make sure they come in the correct gauge (AWG) you need.
A second option is to go to your local auto parts store and have them cut the wiring you need from their supply behind the counter. Of course, you''ll still need to crimp the rings on yourself, but a pair of pliers works just as well and some electrical tape covers the connections correctly.
It can save you some money, and you won''t have to worry about all that extra cable rattling around your storage bay. We do recommend having one or two extra cables cut for backup purposes. Also, get both red and black. You must differentiate the positive (red) and negative (black).
For your RV uses AC power then you''ve probably used your gas generator when boondocking.
If you''re a resident of California, you may have heard about the California Generator Ban legislation that''s making news right now. If it passes, you won''t be allowed to use a portable gas generator or onboard RV generator in the state starting in 2028.
RV converters change the AC coming from your shore power cord and convert it into DC power. The DC power goes into your RV''s house batteries and operates your DC electronics. These items include your slide-outs, interior lights, power awning, and more.
Conversely, an RV inverter changes the DC power from the house batteries to AC electric for many of your needed amenities and creature comfort devices. This includes your air conditioners, TVs, appliances, water pump, and many other features.
When you add up all of the watts of the electronic devices you need, choose the RV inverter that''s the next level up. Having that "cushion" of extra wattage will keep your inverter from burning out. For example, if your total wattage totals 1,500 watts then purchase the 2,000-watt device.
We''ve recommended installing lithium batteries with built-in battery management systems, but having a shunt battery monitor is necessary. A Smart Shunt like Victron''s Lithium Battery System shows you information the BMS doesn''t and displays it conveniently wherever you want it.
A shunt monitor measures your lithium batteries'' voltage and current draw performance in real-time. It uses this information to show you how your batteries are operating. You can learn:
There''s other information it displays. While the BMS gives you basic information about each battery, the shunt battery monitor looks at the overall system. Using a Smart Shunt allows you to connect via Bluetooth to your mobile device to see everything in greater detail. Victron''s display is a basic digital device that shows the readings individually. You can see how it all works together on your phone or tablet.
Once you''ve installed lithium batteries and the peripherals into your RV, you can add solar panels to your existing system. While it''s a discussion for another time, we can say that the lithium battery installation we walked you through sets you up for an RV solar system.
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