Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

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Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

July 30, 2024, 11:23:06 pm

I know many here have switched to lithium house batteries. I see a lot of brands for sale from a large number of vendors at various prices.
What brand did you install? How many AH's? What was the price" How long have you had them? How are they holding up?

I see some review websites on the subject but wonder if they are legit.
Examples:
Search rankings for Rv Batteries Lithium in the US - July 2024 | BestProducts...

Best Lithium Deep Cycle Batteries

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews LIPULS 300 A/H

Reply #1 – July 31, 2024, 06:55:02 am

I replaced my 3 210 A/H Lifeline 4DL AGMs with 2 of these.

Amazon.com: 12V 300Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery, Built-in 200A BMS, Max.3840Wh...
Unfortunately, these are now discontinued and will be replaced with a newer product soon according to their customer support.

I would suggest this one.

https://www.amazon.com/LIPULS-LiFePO4-Lithium-Off-Grid-Trolling/dp/B0CSVR3ZGF/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UnWmUo4ak_dCQtoJ-MIlr4Gpfzl_zAktsYZ8lvJPymQunfQQtDuftyqH0YT5_9aO3sz53MWYyVcJp3fYn3UxnL1qK6wDJqeSyVy3uW8bgOrdwrpPEt6C7G3Lug5KA8yG_JLo9wwX0qq7zyZP2E1ZlCxaosaMpTywvQwzrsWVXxTehs6iKyA-uUhaqh71o9j-oovZNLPkQYqhwVwVt2uxkzLvTxqkIpXMa7Z69eU7Di0gg7KG8j5NJ8FwTxdpbPGNoji1wE7T29wrhVUK_Lp29qVsAQGWrI0bV04NGQtN17E.UkSI_ULlOvY0rWXR13gS2SWHQCAE_yplqXZ6PJfFtpk&dib_tag=se&keywords=lipuls&qid=1722422533&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

So far results are very good. It is working very well with the original alternator charging system, the diode isolater and 270 A/H alternator. I chose to stay with the 600 A/H capacity for that match. Bulk charging the 600 A/H bank is pulling~150 amps tapering down as battery voltage builds. The BMS works very well and when the batteries reach full charge actually turns off charge current.
I upgraded the inverter/charger to a 3000 watt/150 A/H charger.

Xantrex | FREEDOM XC PRO Marine

FREEDOM XC PRO Marine 3000
3000W, 150A
PN: 818-3015

This unit matched with the existing wiring for both the batteries and 110V circuit.

Major benefit so far was weight reduction, (230 pounds) and much more linear charging process. My plan is to be able to dry camp when AC is not needed running the generator for 1-2 hours day. The hydronic heating system takes a lot of power for winter camping.

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Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #2 – July 31, 2024, 08:44:06 am

Have had Lithium pros for 5 years,no problems,if you can wait and go to Quarzite you can get a good deal at the tent.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #3 – July 31, 2024, 10:14:51 am

Just 3 weeks ago I installed three SOK Lith., Inverter upgrade to the Xantrex xc 3000 pro marine.
the batteries $2600 ,free shipping direct for SOK.com the app that you can down load gives real time individual batt. status.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #4 – July 31, 2024, 10:53:35 am

I am currently looking at 460AH Vatrer or Epoch batteries. Seems Epoch has bit more, heated and Victron coms, quite bit more money. Going to put in one now and set up for 1 or 2 more later. My AGMs are shot. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #5 – July 31, 2024, 01:07:15 pm

4 months ago I replaced three shot Lifeline AGM house batteries with 2 Epoch 460ah. I also updated the Xantrex 2500 with new Xantrex 3000. One of the Epoch batteries supplies more amp hours than the three Lifelines ever did. I also installed a 60 amp DC to DC charger to protect the alternator. We've only made one short trip since the install but I'm very impressed with the Epoch batteries. I went with the less expensive version with Bluetooth and heaters, no need for the marine grade batteries. Now we can overnight easily with no hookups and the residential refrigerator running. Hope they hold up long term but with less than a year in service they have been rock solid.

The Bluetooth app for the batteries is informative and pretty darn neat.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #6 – July 31, 2024, 01:34:40 pm

I put 3 200 ah Ampretime batteries from Amazon in on mar. 21st 2021 This was before anything higher amp hour was available. If I had the chance to put the 460 ah batteries in I would have bought them instead. Prices have come way down and capacities have gone way up. Mine are still doing fine over 3 years later.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews My choice further explained

Reply #7 – July 31, 2024, 02:24:46 pm

I have a 48-volt, 100 A/H Vatrer battery for my golf cart. Wonderful product.
The drivers for my battery choice were the cost per A/H, size near direct replacement, and BMS capacity to easily start the Generator.
For value I have 600 A/H capacity for ~$1,000 after discounts, coupons, and sales tax. Per battery cost is the same as a tank of fuel.
Each battery has a BMS that can deliver 200 A/H sustained. My 12.5K generator needs ~ 265 A/H as tested. The 400 combined A/H gives me adequate reserve. Observed starting performance is much improved over the 3, 210 A/H Lifelines.
I again stayed with the 600 A/H to maintain engine alternator charging compatibility. I now also have an unused tray to add a 3rd. 300 A/H battery.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #8 – July 31, 2024, 05:08:07 pm

I went with 3 Epoch 460 ah non marine battery. Only have them for a few months now, so no real experience yet.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #9 – August 01, 2024, 01:36:15 am

Main thing is. Whatever lithium you choose will likely be obsolete in 6 months. Lower price for more amp hrs.
In the 5 years that we've used our Lion Energy batts. They have used 37 charge cycles and there good for 3000. So I'll never have to buy batteries again, except for engine.
Now we have changed the way rv, often going post to post BUT ... not always. And for those times we boondock 2 or 3 nights. Well,well worth the spend.

Cause I sucked at managing those agm house batteries.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews Fast Obsolescence.

Reply #10 – August 01, 2024, 06:43:59 am

This is the battery I used, Note the add that it is new for 2024.

LIPULS 12V 300Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery - High-Capacity Power for Demanding...

Their customer service told me (email) that it is discontinued. So, if I do add a 3rd battery it won't be matched.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #11 – August 01, 2024, 01:39:51 pm

I bought a stack of my buds ex Racevcar batteries . I was told that each 12 volt pack was 185 ah.
Turns out that each cell is 180ah. That explains a lot of the unexpected performance. The 2000 watt solar charged 2 packs pretty nicely .
But now I need to charge 2 700ah batteries in my van .
What charger is a decent go to. ? Research shows that I need 69-80 amp at 14.6 volt.
I come to the Li Time company on a search .

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #12 – August 01, 2024, 02:50:56 pm

Quote from: Protech Racing – August 01, 2024, 01:39:51 pm

I bought a stack of my buds ex Racevcar batteries . I was told that each 12 volt pack was 185 ah.
Turns out that each cell is 180ah. That explains a lot of the unexpected performance. The 2000 watt solar charged 2 packs pretty nicely .

Each 3.2V cell is 185 ah. Since they are wired in series to get 12V you still have only 185 ah. If they were parallel then you would add them up.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #13 – August 01, 2024, 03:13:14 pm

Right.
Thanks.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #14 – August 03, 2024, 09:01:18 pm

After searching forever, I finally ordered a 300 AH MOSEWORTH with a (ironclad?) 10 year guarantee from Walmart for $469.99. It should be here by Thursday.
I would have ordered 2 but I only have 500 watts of solar. 300 usable AH is twice as much as I ever had when loaded up with Trogan lead acid golf cart batteries.

12V 300Ah LiFePO4 Battery,200A BMS,15000 Deep Cycles,3840Wh,MOSEWORTH...

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #15 – August 03, 2024, 09:18:46 pm

That is the best price per AH I have seen. Does not have low temp cuttoff as many have.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #16 – August 03, 2024, 09:34:55 pm

Quote from: craneman – August 03, 2024, 09:18:46 pm

That is the best price per AH I have seen. Does not have low temp cuttoff as many have.

Thanks for pointing that out. Even in AZ it can get down into the 30's. I guess I could put a low watt light down there with a thermo-cube. I did that with the water pump in my old coach I also have a heating pad.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #17 – August 03, 2024, 09:48:40 pm

I believe Roger used snowmobile hand warmers for his.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #18 – August 04, 2024, 11:02:34 am

I brought two 300 amph AmperTime (now LiTime). They are two and a half years old and they are doing a great job with my residential fridge and extended boondocking. I have 900 watts solar with Victron controllers and B2B. At Quartzsite in winter with clouds and heavy use of propane heater overnight I don't break even and need about an hour of generator time. AmperTime did not offer low temperature protection or heaters then, they do now. They answer technical emails quickly and fully. I set up 12 volt heaters designed for dump valves - two per battery long sides mounted to pieces of thin sheet metal and insulated with styrofoam. They are controlled by a single programmable gizmo t Amazon. I've been down to 12 degrees F. Are 8D form factor and fit in my original battery compartment in the bay with fuel tank driver side. I have a battery sense that prevents the solar from charging below 5C. I chose them because Will Prowse did a number of tear downs and tests which were all favorable, including these specific batteries. At the time 300 amph was the best price point for them and provided a good cushion for my needs.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #19 – August 04, 2024, 12:50:00 pm

I mounted a in-line fan under the couch, to provide cooling and heat from the main cabin, seems to work pretty good in the winter I place a small heater in front of the vent and in the summer the mini split is blowing cold air on the floor.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #20 – August 05, 2024, 03:09:23 pm

I'm really liking the EG4-LL's from Signature Solar. They are a rack mounted solution that fits nicely in the battery bay. Just remember that you will have to swap out your inverter unless it is lithium compliant.

Picture attached of my installation. I have one more sitting in the shop that I need to add.

Kevin

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #21 – August 05, 2024, 06:35:49 pm

Those sure look good! No problems with road vibration?

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #22 – August 06, 2024, 10:56:09 am

Quote from: rbark – August 05, 2024, 06:35:49 pm

Those sure look good! No problems with road vibration?

I've probably put 5000 miles on those rack batteries and still working perfectly.

Kevin

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #23 – August 06, 2024, 11:19:22 am

Next question: My new battery should be here on Friday and I am not comfortable trying to attach all the cables I currently have connected to my AGM to the posts on the lithium. (see photos)
What have others done in this situation? A picture says 1,000 words.

Re: Lithium Brands: Positive & Negative Reviews

Reply #24 – August 06, 2024, 11:23:05 am

I made 8 mm studs long enough to hold all the cables.

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