Seriously considering biting the bullet and buying a lithium ion house battery to replace my 3 normal 8d's. More money but many times longer life. No voltage drop.
Someone I think commented that foretravel is using them on the new coaches?
25 to 30% more money to save 400 pounds and have double or triple service life and quicker recharges on top of it.
Any thoughts? This coach is a keeper for me and I intend to get most of the twenty years out of the batteries.
If that is all the difference is and they do give those extra years and performance I do not see what the issue is to consider. Buy them!!
John h
Sounds very interesting. I will probably need to replace my house batteries before next years Lemon Rally. Do you have any references, etc?
After Reading a little on these batteries I believe I would have to have a lot more info and some assurances that they would be safe to use. I have seen salesmen at rallies taking them up but I have not met anyone that has actually installed and used them sucessfully. In reading about the safety considerations and charge/discharge parameters I would worry. .
Lithium-ion battery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery)
I would like to hear first hand from someone who is using them.
Gary B
Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13576.0)
New Lithium-Iron Phosphate Batteries (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=10284.0)
From one comment in the second thread, looks like a new charger would be needed as well.
And some useful write-ups on Technomadia (http://www.technomadia.com/) . Here's their cost analysis
Cost Analysis of Lithium Ion Battery Systems for RVs | Technomadia (http://www.technomadia.com/2011/11/lithium-update-3-lithium-battery-cost/)
And one place that sells them, $6635/battery
MLI 12/320 Ah - 4.3 kWh Power Pack Battery - Dedicated Marine Supplies (http://www.dedicatedmarinesupplies.com/products/MLI-12%7B47%7D320-Ah-%252d-4.3-kWh-Power-Pack-Battery.html)
I see AER Supply is a Mastervolt dealer. AER Supply (http://www.aersupply.com/) We have ordered VacuFlush parts from Philip Covault at AER Supply and he is a good guy to deal with.
-M
I don't know - only "3 times the lifespan of lead acid", and at the $6000+ price tag. Think I'm glad I got the East Penn AGMs. Unless you consider inflation, after 3 sets of the AGMs, I am only up to $3000. Can't see the cost saving here.
The quote to me for a 200 unit was $2200.
Bob
There was Foretravel at the Perry FMCA event in 2011 that had installed one for about $2500 that replaced two 8D's. He was happy at the time.
I guess if you do a lot of boon docking it may be a consideration.
I worked on ferrocenium modified polymers for light weight batteries back in the late 90's. I am very surprised how long it has taken to see major improvments in batteries. Battery technology is just now making major strides in technology so I think we will see some very good offerings for Motorhome batteries in the next few years and the price should plummet like the electronics market has done.
I noticed that AM Solar has discontinued selling one brand of Lithium Battery and are looking for a source that they can sell, I presume under their label. From what I have read, if AM Solar finds something they are satisfied with it might be give me more confidence in the value and safety. It will be interesting to see what AM Solar comes up with.
Thats lots better that the quoted $6000+.
Different capacity 200 versus 340 to 400
The message I got mentioned the 200 had the same amount of energy able to be used as 3-4 std 8d's ....
It's only money.
Bob
Liberty, a converter of Prevosts is putting some sore to Lithium battery in their coaches now.