36 TECH TIPS Another vital aspect is testing. With the wide variety of lithium batteries on the market, it is shocking how few are adequately tested and certified for use within mobile homes. Choose a provider that is specialized in designing products for RV living. Performance A good RV battery is designed to be durable and can withstand the rigors of travel – temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and rough terrain. Finding a battery that is tested to UNDOT standards means the battery can handle life on the road. A good RV battery is designed to be durable and can withstand the rigors of travel – temperature fluctuations, Ensure the battery being purchased can deliver the advertised power. Performance figures on some products are not tested independently and are often grossly overstated. Working with a vendor who has their products tested and verified by third parties helps remove any misleading specifications from the product. Lifespan High-quality RV batteries have a longer lifespan compared to lower-quality batteries. They are designed to last longer and provide consistent power throughout their lifespan. A good quality RV battery will save you money in the long run and give you peace of mind, knowing that you won’t have to replace your battery frequently and will not fail prematurely. A good indicator of a battery’s lifespan is the manufacturer’s warranty. While a 5-year warranty is commonplace, a high-quality product will come with a 10-year warranty. Safety Quality lithium batteries are also safer than their lower-quality counterparts. They are designed with safety in mind, and feature things like an internal Battery Management Systems (BMS) and prismatic cell construction. Safety certifications are also a good indicator that the manufacturer has followed proper protocols. Products being tested to UL and CSA standards are the most common labels relevant in the US and Canada. Be wary of the standards your battery is tested to. It’s not uncommon to have companies claim they have a UL-certified product, but that have tested it in a noncertified lab. This is much cheaper for the company to achieve, but for a reason. A certified lab is audited regularly to make sure they are following best practices to ensure the test results are accurate such as calibrating their equipment and testing using standard methods. Charging Quality RV batteries also provide efficient charging, meaning they can be charged quickly and easily. Lithium batteries can charge up to 60% faster than their leadacid counterparts. This not only helps keep your plug-in time to a minimum, but also helps with other charging sources, such as solar and alternator charging. Monitoring When choosing a lithium battery, it is important to ensure the product comes with its an internal Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS monitors several essential data points, such as temperature and voltage. It also keeps the cells operating in healthy conditions and maintaining them (balancing them) ensuring optimal performance and longer lifespans. Look for vendors that engineer their own products and apply scrutinized
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