2016 SMBW Lithium Battery Upgrade (DIY)

[ShuttlePilot]

Originally Posted by 1der

Just some musings for a Saturday morning. I am interested in how others are solving this low temperature constraint.

I mounted two BattleBorn batteries (200Ah total usable) under the goucho a little over a year ago. I selected this location because it was an unused cubic foot-ish which was where the original lintellipower charger was. I removed the charger years ago after installing an inverter charger elsewhere thus making the charger redundant. Before purchasing I tested various lithium battery sizes with cardboard mock ups. Discovered the BattleBorn GC2 (golf cart size) fit with such perfect clearance it looked as if the goucho was fabricated around them. I can install or remove them without disturbing the goucho frame. My decision to go to lithium was contingent on weather I could mount them inside. For me, the idea of hanging this amount of money in batteries under the van in the original location just wasn't palatable. Now into my second Colorado winter with them I'm very glad they are inside the heated van. Lots more to talk about but just wanted to share a suggestion to the packaging challenge for a lithium retrofit. There are a few more pictures in my album if interested.

Also, I don't believe lithium is the end all be all solution for energy storage. Lithium has lots of advantages but in some cases lead may still be the best choice. Cost still being a big one but that may continue to change.

- Eric


Cardboard mock up



Batteries in there final location.

[Twoxentrix]

Originally Posted by ShuttlePilot

...I selected this location because it was an unused cubic foot-ish which was where the original lintellipower charger was. I removed the charger years ago after installing an inverter charger elsewhere thus making the charger redundant. - Eric

I like that whole idea Eric - been trying to figure out how to mount three Firefly 116amp Batteries under my rig using the same space the AGM now sits (just behind the rear axle), but the only way I can make that work is by reducing the grey water tank by half its size...not sure I want to go that route.
I like your idea, but just can't think of where i would move the charger without compromising additional interior space - do you mind revealing where you mounted yours?

Edit: By the way - nice job on your install!

[Orv]

Originally Posted by 1der

The wind chill factors present under the van while of driving had to be near 0 F.

Wind chill won't affect your batteries -- it's a perception thing based on how fast heat is carried away from your skin. No matter what the wind chill is the batteries will never get below the still air temperature.

[1der]

Originally Posted by Orv

Wind chill won't affect your batteries -- it's a perception thing based on how fast heat is carried away from your skin. No matter what the wind chill is the batteries will never get below the still air temperature.

Thxs Orv - I did not realize that but totally (now! haha) makes sense.

[ShuttlePilot]

Originally Posted by Twoxentrix

- do you mind revealing where you mounted yours?

Sure, it's an old photo for a different thread but the inverter is in the same place today. It's a Magnum MMS-1012 1000 watt that I have ran harder than I should admit to. This location was where the original owner had a stereo amplifier that wasn't needed any more so I just utilized the same location. The little fold up shelf is one of Mrs ShuttlePilots most used features once parked and just passes the inverter when deploying.

- Eric