8 Upgrading An RV To Use Lithium Batteries By: Eva Mitic, Go Power! Marketing Manager Have you been asked, "What do I need to do to upgrade to lithium?" "Lithium batteries" have been a hot topic in RVing for the past few years. Now, with more and more people flocking to the lifestyle and bringing their gadgets and creature comforts, the amount of usable power they need has increased dramatically. Traditional lead-acid batteries (that most RVs come equipped with) have limited storage capacity and often require maintenance. Upgrading to lithium batteries is an investment that can provide a relatively simple, instant, and significant increase in battery life and storage capacity while eliminating maintenance for most RV customers. However, upgrading an RV to use lithium batteries isn't usually a drop-in replacement. In addition to purchasing the lithium battery, the RV will likely need to be fitted with other compatible components. This article will review tips and selling opportunities for customers looking to upgrade their mobile power systems. WHY CHOOSE LITHIUM Upgrading an RV to use lithium batteries can provide several benefits to the owner, including increased battery life, more efficient charging, and reduced weight. Lithium batteries are more reliable than lead-acid batteries and are becoming increasingly popular in the RV community. Benefits of Lithium Batteries in an RV • Increased Battery Life: Lithium batteries have a longer life span than lead-acid batteries, which means fewer replacements. Lithium batteries also perform better for longer. • More Efficient: Lithium batteries charge more efficiently than lead-acid batteries. They charge faster and have more usable power. Making them ideal for RV owners who like to travel off the grid. • Reduced Weight: Lithium batteries are nearly half the weight of lead-acid batteries. This can improve fuel efficiency and make the RV easier to handle on the road. • Better Performance: Lithium batteries are more powerful than lead-acid batteries, which means they can power more for longer. CHOOSING A BATTERY There are two main types of lithium batteries: lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and lithium-ion (Li-ion). LiFePO4 batteries are the most popular choice for RVs as they are more stable, have a longer life span, and are safer to use. When sizing the battery, consider the size of the RV and the amount of power the customer will be using. As with any battery, sizing depends on the total energy consumption, including lighting, appliances, and other electrical systems. However, a lithium battery can be about half the size of a lead-acid battery bank, but it will still need to be large enough to provide the power you need. SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS It is crucial to ensure that an RV's electrical system is compatible with the new lithium batteries. Some RV electrical systems are designed to work with lead-acid batteries and may not be compatible with lithium batteries. You may need to modify the RV's electrical system, including upgrading the charging system: the converter, and (if they have one) an alternator DC to DC charger. A Battery Monitor is an essential component of any lithium upgrade. Traditional lead-acid and AGM batteries can be tracked by other monitoring, such as a charge controller. Lithium batteries hold a steady output voltage while depleting – until it's too late. Installing a Battery Monitor and a shunt is one of the few ways to observe the output from a lithium battery bank accurately. FEATURED SUPPLIER DID YOU KNOW Go Power! offers a line of UL-certified LiFe PO4 batteries? LEARN MORE
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