Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: danilaprepeleac on April 26, 2022, 06:14:04 pm

Title: Batteries
Post by: danilaprepeleac on April 26, 2022, 06:14:04 pm
Just read a few days ago that if you have  lithium batteries you don't need as much Ah like you need with the other batteries. is that true
my coach has 3 8d at 245AH @20hr.
if i get lithium will i need the same amount of batteries and AH
Also Charging time
which is faster GEL/AGM or Lithium?
what are the factors that are very importantand need the  AH
Love Knowledge
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Dakota Slim on April 26, 2022, 07:26:11 pm
I can't say what batteries you have on your coach but almost 100% of the amp hours in lithium batteries can be used whereas the lifetime of other batteries suffer greatly if discharged more than 50%. Also, at 50%, lead acid, AGM and GEL batteries, the voltage drops making them useless.
I believe that lithium batteries also charge faster. 
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: danilaprepeleac on April 26, 2022, 09:51:51 pm
I can't say what batteries you have on your coach but almost 100% of the amp hours in lithium batteries can be used whereas the lifetime of other batteries suffer greatly if discharged more than 50%. Also, at 50%, lead acid, AGM and GEL batteries, the voltage drops making them useless.
I believe that lithium batteries also charge faster. 
I just bought some 8d agm and now I have second taught as to if it was the right investment.  I store the coach and although I talked to Owner there to keep the coach plugged in he said something like "if you want to cook your batteries be my guest".
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: turbojack on April 27, 2022, 07:30:24 am
I just bought some 8d agm and now I have second taught as to if it was the right investment.  I store the coach and although I talked to Owner there to keep the coach plugged in he said something like "if you want to cook your batteries be my guest".

I think the battery cooking comes in to play if you have a trailer with a converter and not one of the high $  inverter/chargers we have in our coaches.  My coach has been plugged in since new and have never cooked the batteries.  Now on past 5th wheels and TT with converter, yes I have cooked the batteries.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: wolfe10 on April 27, 2022, 07:53:03 am
Yes, a properly programmed (that is IMPORTANT) smart charger or inverter/charger will not harm your batteries if left on 24/7.

Older technology converters-- he is correct.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on April 27, 2022, 10:49:22 am
It's not only older technology but even with the latest converters, you should frequently monitor the battery voltage. Our old converter started raising the voltage so we replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics unit after reading all the reviews we could find. It has been excellent and keeps both banks at about 13.15, well within their advertised maintenance/float voltage of 13.2. It's on 24/7.

This is the exact model we have and includes the wizard in the box without an additional purchase: Amazon.com: Progressive Dynamics PD9245CV Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/... (https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Dynamics-PD9245CV-Inteli-Power-Converter/dp/B000GANZZ6/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B000GANZZ6&psc=1)