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Batteries

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
2003 Foretravel u320 build 6066
cummins 450 ism
2008 Jeep Cherokee Toad
former Country Coach Owner.
Part time Rv er
Never afraid to learn.

Re: Batteries

Reply #1 –
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. 
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Batteries

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
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".
2003 Foretravel u320 build 6066
cummins 450 ism
2008 Jeep Cherokee Toad
former Country Coach Owner.
Part time Rv er
Never afraid to learn.

Re: Batteries

Reply #3 –
Quote from: danilaprepeleac –
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.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Batteries

Reply #4 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Batteries

Reply #5 –

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/...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)