Struggling w/ The Cost To Upgrade Power System

[86Scotty]

Thanks @BCam! Good info, especially since those are the two brands of lifepo's I own. I'll check out those videos.

[BCam]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Thanks @BCam! Good info, especially since those are the two brands of lifepo's I own. I'll check out those videos.

I should have added that some, albeit more expensive, LiFePO4 batteries go the extra mile with built-in heaters to permit charging in low temperatures. This isn't a must-have for most people unless they spend a lot of time camping in extreme temperatures.

I've also watched Youtube reviews by other Youtubers and have yet to see one that puts LiFePO4 batteries through as rigorous testing as does Will Prowse. Most just determine that they appear to be well-built without a teardown and that they work OK with simple voltage and current readings.

Here's a good example of one of Will Prowse's reviews:

https://youtu.be/u7tt7ngfCAY?si=qi8e26zFYaMnAA3M

And a compilation of his budget battery recommendations, although I don't know how current it is, so check the links for current prices:

https://www.mobile-solarpower.com/li...batteries.html

[posplayr]

Originally Posted by MrHenrietta

I’ve gotten a few quotes and all are coming around the $7K range. Seems like everyone recommends I upgrade to about 400W of solar with lithium ion batteries and of course new inverter charger and controllers. I was really hoping to get this done in the $4 - $5 range.. I really need an upgrade but damn if it not the least glamorous way to spend $7k on your rig..

MrHenrietta, If you can post the various quotes (with build spec sheets) that might help with trying to dissect what is pushing to cost so high.

[MrHenrietta]

Well after much debate and many quotes I decided to add another 200 Amp Hour AGM along with 400 Watts of Solar. Found a really nice guy willing to take on the project from a local van outfitter referral. Picking up the van tomorrow. This should no doubt get me the power I’m looking for and all said and done for under $2k.