Re: Battery Replacments Reply #25 – August 12, 2025, 08:04:45 am So, going back to my other question… Is it better to get 2x100Ah run in parallel or just 1x206Ah? The price is pretty much the same.
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #26 – August 12, 2025, 09:16:41 am If you have room for two batteries why not get two 206AH batteries wired parallel connecting the positive cable to one battery and the negative cable to the second battery. 3 Likes
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #27 – August 12, 2025, 12:04:41 pm Well, mostly money. It looks like I’ll end up spending $1k for the batteries, controller and monitor if I get the recommended setup from these posts. Thats about all I wanted to spend on this project. I’m already skeptical we’ll use this much house battery given our usual camping style (so far).
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #28 – August 12, 2025, 12:56:12 pm That's the thing about these "upgrades"... they grow larger and more expensive than anticipated.MY two Trojan T105's have always been enough for my needs...of course I don't sit out in the wilderness for weeks at a time. Without a towed vehicle, between driving and my solar panel, my batteries do just fine. I can't imagine trying to run a microwave or air-conditioning off of house batteries. IF I absolutely needed those items I could start my generator but that has been a rarity for us.What I am saying is take a realistic look at how YOU intend to use your rig. I am not criticizing those who use their rig differently and want to run everything from battery power, just saying I haven't seen the need to start replacing my energy system for my style of travel. I know I could replace my Trojans with quality 6 volt golf cart batteries for less than $300.YMMV!😁Steve K 5 Likes
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #29 – August 12, 2025, 01:11:51 pm Quote from: Steve K. - August 12, 2025, 12:56:12 pmThat's the thing about these "upgrades"... they grow larger and more expensive than anticipated.Boy do they ever. That's why I'm still on lead acid. If I ever make the upgrade on this rig, it will involve everything from batteries to inverters to solar to possibly an electric fridge.If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - WikipediaRich
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #30 – August 12, 2025, 02:13:04 pm We decided to go with the two SOK 206Ah because they fit in a space under our dinette inside our 98~MB. They give us more power then when we had four New lead acid batteries and faster charging time. We have the original absorption style refrigerator so do not have the higher draw of a 12 refrigerator. We found that with our four LA batteries we had a power range of a couple days in the winter time and would have to run the generator to add more days. As the LA batteries aged this time would get shorter. In other seasons this was not as much an issue because of 500W of solar on the roof and less use of our furnace. Recently since we returned from the Baja our generator has developed an issue of intermittent power output and I have not taken the time to troubleshoot it or pull it out to figure what is going on? It may be the regulator or something else? We mostly ran it to exercise it and an occasional time to get us more days in the winter. Now with our additional battery power I am wondering if we really need the generator? Maybe for AC cooling? We have only used it one time for that in Valley of the Gods. I guess we will drag it around with us longer till I take time to trouble shoot it and possibly fix it or maybe we find something to fit in that space? Our traveling and camping needs have not required the use of a generator but the additional battery capacity and faster charging will definitely be welcome. At some point we may need to replace our refrigerator (27 years old) with a new one and with the additional capacity we gain from adding the two 206 Li batteries a 12v frig is now more possible. Although we may stay with the absorption style setup again? Also we do have a shunt style battery monitor and the BS 3000i controller both have panel mounted displays which we prefer over a phone display. Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinANina enjoying the valley of the Gods https://www.lazydazeowners.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4406 2 Likes
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #31 – August 12, 2025, 05:29:48 pm Hi Chris: your question: So, going back to my other question… Is it better to get 2x100Ah run in parallel or just 1x206Ah? My answer: Metal case, one of these: SOK Battery 12V 206Ah LiFePO4 Metal Box Bluetooth & Heated If or when you feel the need, add another one. (in parallel) The marine case (thick plastic) takes up more room. You shouldn't need absolute water tightness. The metal case provides more protection from possible outside forces, and more fire proof, although that might not matter either. Two will fit in Lazy Daze's standard size box. 400 AH will last a long time with low power usage. For instance Upper Pines campground in Yosemite Valley. (Shaded valley morning and afternoon, and heavy tree cover). That's why I have so much battery (fits in the battery box). RonB edit: size 7.87" w, 10.7" h (with terminals 1" taller), 11.42" long Handles can be unscrewed and removed without compromising the case. One or both side handles. 2 Likes
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #32 – August 12, 2025, 07:57:37 pm Thanks Ron. Thats exactly where my mind was going. One 206Ah to start. Add another if need be. Wasn’t aware of the metal case option, but makes perfect sense.
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #33 – August 13, 2025, 12:15:25 pm Quote from: pdl2win - August 12, 2025, 01:26:46 amLarry - is the 3000i a straight swap out for our Blue Sky 2000E?The 3000i conversion uses an adaptor plate to adjust for the dimensional differences. Once installed, it looks like a factory-installed item.Heliotrope to Blue Sky Adapter PlateLarry
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #34 – August 13, 2025, 07:09:10 pm Steve K said “That's the thing about these "upgrades"... they grow larger and more expensive than anticipated.”Steve, I understand where you're coming from. I'm conservative, frugal, and certainly don't have the need to keep up with technology. “If it ain't broke, why fix it?”. I was very comfortable with my Costco Lead Acid batteries, but they were almost 8 years old (still preforming) but I was starting to think maybe replacement was in the near future. So, I decided to see what all the talk about Lithium was all about. Looking at various brands, I decided LiTime was a good one to look into. Between their website and doing of other on line research, I came to the conclusion I could get more usable capacity from 1 100AH 12 V. lithium battery then the pair of 210 AH 6 V golf cart batteries. I do mostly boondocking, but my energy needs are simple, I rarely ran my GC batteries beyond 80%. So what about costs? LiTime had sales and incentives and noticed I could get a 100AH group 24 e/w low temp control and bluetooth for $200 DELIVERED. That means delivery and sales tax included .(It would have been less for a group 31 but I wanted to use my existing battery box) Even at Costco, replacement GC batteries would have cost me at least $220 with sales tax. Hmmm. So what about other costs? Looking into it, I found that there was no REQUIRED need to replace my converter. While it will not fully charge the lithium battery, it won't hurt it either. My solar controller had a Lithium setting, and I found it will fully charge my battery in a few hours under full sun. Needless to say, I went ahead with lithium, and haven't looked back. I only write this to let you know that you don't have to spend a small fortune to get the advantages of lithium. (you've heard plenty about weight, life span, etc, etc) While it seems prices have risen lately (maybe due to tariffs) if you keep your eyes open, sales and incentives will show up. I Just wanted to give you something to think about before replacing those GC batteries.Rich G 6 Likes
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #35 – August 13, 2025, 07:37:01 pm It seems like LiTime is always having a sale and, if you don’t mind giving them an email address, they’ll be happy to let you know when the next one is: 😉LiTime Best LiFePO4 Lithium Solar Batteries – LiTime-US
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #36 – August 13, 2025, 09:10:54 pm Quote from: Rich Gort - August 13, 2025, 07:09:10 pmSteve K said “That's the thing about these "upgrades"... they grow larger and more expensive than anticipated." Then Rich said "Between their website and doing of other on line research, I came to the conclusion I could get more usable capacity from 1 100AH 12 V. lithium battery then the pair of 210 AH 6 V golf cart batteries. I do mostly boondocking, but my energy needs are simple, I rarely ran my GC batteries beyond 80%. So what about costs? LiTime had sales and incentives and noticed I could get a 100AH group 24 e/w low temp control and bluetooth for $200 DELIVERED." Rich GRich, your logic may or may not be correct. Here is where you lose me. How is 100 AH of lithium better than 225 AH from my two Trojan T105's? Yes, I know you can deplete the lithium deeper without damage BUT to my thinking, you aren't making a valid comparison. I apologize if MY thinking is faulty.Steve K
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #37 – August 13, 2025, 11:23:38 pm I guess it all boils down to what you think is a safe discharge level for each type. I never let my LA batteries get below 75%. Maybe that's why I got 8 years out of them. I feel safe letting the lithium ones get down to 20 %. I guess if you believe 50% is ok for LA, then you make a good point. Maybe calling it a wash would be fair.Rich 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #38 – August 14, 2025, 07:12:17 am Quote from: Rich Gort - August 13, 2025, 11:23:38 pmI guess it all boils down to what you think is a safe discharge level for each type. I never let my LA batteries get below 75%. Maybe that's why I got 8 years out of them. I feel safe letting the lithium ones get down to 20 %. I guess if you believe 50% is ok for LA, then you make a good point. Maybe calling it a wash would be fair.RichGood luck with your experiment Rich. Like I originally mentioned, for MY use, all things considered leads me to keep chugging along with lead acid. I also didn't realize you were talking about a trailer that sits still as you drive your truck. I drive my LD around and that keeps my batteries at a safe level (never deeply discharged) I suspect the next owner of our Lazy Daze will make the modifications.
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #39 – August 14, 2025, 11:14:53 am I understand, I just thought I'd let you know you don't have to get carried away and empty the bank account just to make the change. Just something to think about when the time comes for new batteries.Rich 2 Likes
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #40 – August 14, 2025, 06:23:09 pm If you don't need the better handling of heavy current discharge, faster recharging to full capacity, or the need to use them in conjunction with a large inverter, then some of the better features of LFP batteries compared to flooded-cell and other lead-acid technologies may not impress. But, if it is time to replace those old boat anchors, then three other LFP characteristics still make them the proper choice - zero maintenance, they can be dropped right in usually with no modifications to the rig, and they will likely last the life of the rig.Steve 3 Likes
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #41 – August 14, 2025, 08:23:06 pm Quote from: Steve - August 14, 2025, 06:23:09 pm But, if it is time to replace those old boat anchors, then three other LFP characteristics still make them the proper choice - zero maintenance, they can be dropped right in usually with no modifications to the rig, and they will likely last the life of the rig.SteveAnd, you can mount them places you wouldn't want LA. I was able to mount a 200AH LFP in a poorly used portion of the pantry, and the original battery box is now more outside storage. 4 Likes
Re: Battery Replacments Reply #42 – August 15, 2025, 01:08:10 pm That's The best part of our upgrade to Li too! Gaining outside storage with a door on it. We may toss our non working generator and get some more outside space also. Karen ~ Liam 98 ~ MB NinA
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