For lots of RVers, one of the first steps in upgrading their RV’s off-grid power system starts with their battery. (Especially for folks using solar.) Fact is, most RVs come with a preinstalled deep-cycle, flooded-cell, lead-acid battery. And it doesn’t take long to recognize that this type of battery has drawbacks — especially when you’re off-grid. The biggest one for boondockers is this: Even though most lead-acid batteries have a 100-amp-hour capacity, they can’t be discharged more than 50 percent. (Unless you want to risk severely shortening their lifespan.) So even though they store 100 amp-hours of energy, you can only use 50Ah of that capacity before you have to recharge. Small wonder that a lot of campers are looking to RV lithium batteries for a better solution.
RV lithium batteries offer a 100-percent discharge capability. What’s more, lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries offer a maintenance-free and safe alternative to lead-acid counterparts.
Unlike the lithium batteries used in cell phones, laptops and other electronics, RV lithium batteries aren’t prone to short circuiting or combustion when they’re over charged. As a matter of fact, LiFePO4 batteries have no combustible components at all. They’re also maintenance-free and leak-proof. (Because they don’t contain any liquid.) Instead of containing a liquid-electrolyte solution, LiFePO4 batteries use dry-cell technology for energy storage. This enables them to be stored in places that lead-acid batteries should never go. (Like inside the RV).
All that’s great to know, right? But which RV lithium batteries specifically should you consider buying. In this article, we’ll take a look at the lithium batteries a RV power system upgrade worth making.
Quick Rundown of Lithium Battery Advantages
Lithium batteries have a high up-front cost that can make them seem expensive. However, they also have approximately double the lifespan of any type of la ead-acid battery. In addition, LifePO4 batteries are far more robust than their traditional counterparts, making them a better option for overlanders and anyone else who ventures off the beaten path.
- Last a minimum of 10 years
- Can be discharged 100 percent
- Zero maintenance
- Can be stored on their side
- Will never leak
- Noncombustible
- Can withstand extreme temperatures
- No ventilation required
- Won’t explode or short circuit when impacted, mishandled or overcharged
- Environmentally friendly (nontoxic, noncontaminating, and contain no rare-earth metals)
- Lightweight (often half the weight of a similar deep-cycle, lead-acid battery)
Checking Compatibility
One thing to keep in mind before you buy lithium batteries is that not all RV converters/chargers are compatible with lithium batteries. It’s a good idea to check that your RV converter/charging system is lithium battery compatible. This information may be available in the literature that came with your RV. (Also, the converter/charger manufacturer should likewise have this information.) If you find your converter is not lithium battery ready, you’ll still be able to do this upgrade, but you’ll need to do a little prep work first.
Top 3 RV Lithium Batteries
Renogy Core Mini 12.8V 300Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
The small but mighty Core Mini is the perfect solution for anyone who needs off grid power for extended periods. The Core Mini can store up to 300 amp-hours, but its lightweight, compact design allows you to maximize energy storage space. Not only that, but you can connect multiple Core Mini together to meet your most intense RV power needs without so much as a hiccup. And it’s all packed into a robust case that’s designed and certified to withstand just about any situation it’s thrown into.
Features
- Maintenance free
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to handle and store, especially in smaller RVs
- 300 amp-hours in a space saving size
- Low temperature cutoff
- Rugged structural design
- Can be wired in series or parallel up to 48 volts
- Maximum continuous charge current: 150amps
- Maximum continuous discharge current: 200 amps
Specs
- Peak discharge current: 380 amps at 10 seconds
- 12.8 volts
- 300 amp-hours
- 3,840 watt-hours
- Cycle life: 5,000 cycles (80 percent depth of discharge, aka DoD)
- Operating temperature range: -4 to 140 degreesFahrenheit
- Dimensions: 15.12 x 7.64 x 9.96 inches
- Weight: 55.1 pounds
- Safety certifications: MSDS, UN38.3, FCC, CE, PSE, RCM, RoHS, UKCA
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price at Renogy.com: $799.99
Battleborn 100Ah 12V Smart LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
The Battleborn 100Ah 12V Smart LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery is a versatile battery that provides safe and long-lasting energy storage. This lithium battery functions reliably, even when it gets cold. However, what really makes it stand out from the crowd is that it’s Bluetooth enabled. This means you can monitor your RV batteries via the Battleborn mobile app wherever you happen to be. What’s more, this lightweight, yet robust battery can be installed in whatever orientation best maximizes your battery storage compartment space. Battleborn batteries come with a 10-year limited warranty which in itself, tells a lot about their legendary reliability.
Features
- Maintenance-free
- Smart battery with Bluetooth technology that allows remote monitoring via the Battleborn mobile app
- Error detection and warnings via real-time notifications of critical information
- Drop-in replacement battery for group 27 and 31 batteries
- Can be series or parallel wired
- Safe, non-toxic lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO) chemistry
- Can be mounted in any orientation to maximize battery storage space
- Designed for versatility with series or parallel wiring up to 48 volts
- Internal battery monitoring system with protections in low temperatures, high and low voltage situations, short circuits and more
- 10-year limited warranty
Specs
- 12.8 volts
- 100 amp-hours
- 3,000-5,000 DoD Cycles
- Operating temperature range of -4 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dimensions: 12.76 x 6.86 x 8.95 inches
- Weight: 31 pounds
- US-owned company
- Safety certifications: UL 62133-2; UL 2054; Class 1, Division 2 NFPA certified (for use indoors and/or outdoors within 15 feet of a gas source)
- Waterproof rating: IP 65 (sealed from dust and low pressure spray from any direction)
- Price at BattlebornBatteries.com: $899.00
RELiON Cold Weather Lithium LiFePO4 Battery
The RELiON Cold Weather Lithium Ion Battery is perfect for those who just want a simple plug-and-play battery for reliable energy storage. That said, this lithium battery has a built-in heater, so it’s capable of meeting energy needs even if temperatures sink well below freezing.
However, this RELiON battery’s advantages don’t end here. Weighing under 30 pounds, it’s the lightest of our battery picks. That’s pretty easy for most campers to lift. In addition, the battery is encased in a robust shell that completely seals out dust and any water it might get into.
Features
- Maintenance-free
- Same size as a standard lead-acid battery, making it simple to interchange
- Robust, dust-proof construction
- R67 rating
- Engineered in USA
- Full power throughout discharge
- 100% discharge
- Cold weather ready with self heating technology
Specs
- 12.8 volts
- 100 amp-hours
- 1280 watt-hours
- Operating temperatures: -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Weight: 27.9 pounds
- Dimensions: 13 x 6.8 x 8.4 inches
- Waterproof Rating: IP67 (can withstand normal pressure with a hose or being submerged for less than 30 minutes)
- Safety Certifications: UN38.3, UL1642, IEC62133, CE, UKCA
- Parallel connections only
- Price at RELiONBattery.com: $949.00
Getting RV Lithium Batteries Delivers Long-Term Value
While the up-front cost of LiFePO4 lithium batteries might seem like a lot, the long-term value provided by these batteries is well worth the initial investment. Lithium batteries offer improved safety, efficiency and reliability over their lead acid counterparts. Plus there’s no filling, maintenance, or worries about adequate ventilation or spillage either. Not only that, but exceptional longevity and fewer battery replacements over your RV’s lifespan mean lithium batteries are one of the most economical upgrades you can make on your RV.
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