Quote:
Originally Posted by arctictraveller
You may be aware of this but its a lot more involved switching to Lithium than simply installing them. The charge profile is different, often times requiring a DC to DC charger to increase the voltage, larger gauge wiring from the alternator, a larger alternator, a provision to prevent freezing (possibly self heating or instillation inside the van) etc. some brands claim to be dropin replacements but i dont know how true that is. Sorry but i dont have any brand recommendations because i havent switched (yet) Good luck with your research.
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Depending on your needs this might not be required.
For the hassles listed above my plan was to replaced it with another AGM. Our previous 4D AGM was from 2018 and it served us well in both winter and summer for the past 6 years. However, when it came time to replace it we could get a Lithium battery from Renogy for the same price as an equivalent AGM. Everything else being equal, I felt it was worth the change for the weight alone to save my back.
(Never mind the double useable capacity...)
I haven't bothered with a DC-DC charger and simply don't have alternator charging yet. In the summer we've never needed anything more than our solar set up. In the winter we used to be able to go a few days without running the engine on our 230Ah AGM. Now that we have a full 200Ah capacity from the lithium, I feel like we should be able to get 5-6 days which covers most winter trips. That's ignoring any small solar we might get.
Anyway, if you're going to make the switch I would re-evaluate your use and whether or not you even need to bother with alternator charging.
As for vendors, no issues with our Renogy battery so far. I know they don't have the same following as Battle Born, but for well over half the price I think they're worth a look. They have a new 300Ah battery that's less than $1,000 CDN ($600US?) and is smaller than a 4D.
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