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  1. #1
    Rolling Along
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    Rechargeable Household Batteries

    I had no clue where to post this or how to title it to make it NOT RV batteries. Do any of you use rechargeable batteries (AA, AAA, D, etc) in your RV? What types do you use? Are the Lithium ones safe for the temps an RV gets between camping trips? Or do you just buy a bunch of throw away ones?
    Upstate NY
    2022 Ford F150 with trailer tow package
    2022 Transcend Xplor 231rk
    2021 Shih Tzu Millie

  2. #2
    Site Team Second Chance's Avatar
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    We use AA and AAA rechargeable batteries in lots of things - the Logitech universal remote, puck lights under cabinets, my headlamp, flashlights, etc. They are all NiMH and we have a bunch of the Amazon Basics that have worked well. The only thing we use non-rechargeable lithium batteries in is the Garmin camera on the front of Laura's car (to help her with parking) since that's what's recommended by Garmin for that application.

    Rob
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    2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes,
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    (Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
    Full time since 08/2015

  3. #3
    Big Traveler dryfly's Avatar
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    I have used Enloop NI-MH rechargeable batteries for years with great results. Exceptional long life.

    https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-BK-.../dp/B00JHKSN5I

    The key to longevity with any rechargeable battery is a quality charger. More batteries have been killed by improper charging than any other means. NEVER use a charger that automatically charges batteries in pairs. Each battery need to be charged individually as per it's needs, not an "average" charge of the two.

    I use an older version of this one:

    https://www.amazon.com/Powerex-MH-C9...s%2C102&sr=1-2

    There are some applications that specify not using rechargeables.
    2020 Reflection 273MK

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    Fireside Member txarsoncop's Avatar
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    We also use Panasonic's Eneloops. They're high quality (been using the same ones for 10 years) and you can sometime score a great deal on them at Costco. On the plus side, you don't have to worry about them blowing up and ruining your electronics.
    bill

    TT: 2021 261BH Transcend Xplor
    TV: 2017 F250 FX4 6.2l

  5. #5
    Site Sponsor sande005's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by docque View Post
    I had no clue where to post this or how to title it to make it NOT RV batteries. Do any of you use rechargeable batteries (AA, AAA, D, etc) in your RV? What types do you use? Are the Lithium ones safe for the temps an RV gets between camping trips? Or do you just buy a bunch of throw away ones?
    There are lots of different kinds of lithium batteries. Since you are asking about common sizes (AA, AAA, C, D) the assumption is you mean the ones sold in blister packs alongside the Alkaline and other "throw aways" (Eveready, etc.). These too are single use, meant to be disposed of and cannot be recharged. They generally have somewhat longer life in use, and can be stored unused for much longer than alkalines. They have the same safety level as the other throw aways. You may want to consult you local recycling resource to see if there is anything special about disposal.
    Rechargeable in those sizes typically means Nickle Metal Hydride (NiMh). Far older are the Nickle Cadmium, but NiMh have more power to use, and can charge faster. Their voltage is a bit less than the throw aways, but usually not noticeable in use.
    Rechargeable lithium's are of a variety of chemistries, and are not marketed as being in the sizes you noted. Lithium Iron is the one everyone talks about for replacing their big 12v batteries with. They are noted as also being safe.
    Lithium Phosphate or Lithium Ion pack the most energy, and are the ones that get all the bad press about fires, explosions, etc. in laptops, phones, hoverboards. They can be safe, but there is some risk, especially while charging.

    All batteries like the cold, although some rechargeables should not be recharged when below freezing. Cold can limit the amount of power, but doesn't hurt them. High temps - 100 F and above are bad, and will shorten their overall life expectancy. So if leaving your trailer unused for summer months in Arizona, you may have to replace them sooner than you otherwise might need to.
    2017 Imagine 2670MK
    2012 F-150 SCrew, Eco, 4x4 6.5 box
    Max. Tow, HD Payload, Airbags, ProPride hitch
    (Previous: Jayco 26.5RLS Fifth, Revolution Pinbox)

  6. #6
    Rolling Along
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    Quote Originally Posted by sande005 View Post
    There are lots of different kinds of lithium batteries. Since you are asking about common sizes (AA, AAA, C, D) the assumption is you mean the ones sold in blister packs alongside the Alkaline and other "throw aways" (Eveready, etc.). These too are single use, meant to be disposed of and cannot be recharged. They generally have somewhat longer life in use, and can be stored unused for much longer than alkalines. They have the same safety level as the other throw aways. You may want to consult you local recycling resource to see if there is anything special about disposal.
    Rechargeable in those sizes typically means Nickle Metal Hydride (NiMh). Far older are the Nickle Cadmium, but NiMh have more power to use, and can charge faster. Their voltage is a bit less than the throw aways, but usually not noticeable in use.
    Rechargeable lithium's are of a variety of chemistries, and are not marketed as being in the sizes you noted. Lithium Iron is the one everyone talks about for replacing their big 12v batteries with. They are noted as also being safe.
    Lithium Phosphate or Lithium Ion pack the most energy, and are the ones that get all the bad press about fires, explosions, etc. in laptops, phones, hoverboards. They can be safe, but there is some risk, especially while charging.

    All batteries like the cold, although some rechargeables should not be recharged when below freezing. Cold can limit the amount of power, but doesn't hurt them. High temps - 100 F and above are bad, and will shorten their overall life expectancy. So if leaving your trailer unused for summer months in Arizona, you may have to replace them sooner than you otherwise might need to.
    Ok so an item like this is not a rechargeable lithium D battery and will not work as a D barrery? https://www.amazon.com/Lithium-Recha...NrPXRydWU&th=1
    Upstate NY
    2022 Ford F150 with trailer tow package
    2022 Transcend Xplor 231rk
    2021 Shih Tzu Millie

  7. #7
    Long Hauler
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    That will work as a "D" battery, but has some pretty bad reviews having to do with the deceptive marketing involved.
    Howard and Peggy
    2019 Momentum 351M, and 2018 RAM Cummins dually 6-speed.
    His: 1999 Honda Interceptor
    Hers: 2013 Spyder ST-S

  8. #8
    Rolling Along
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hoopy Frood View Post
    That will work as a "D" battery, but has some pretty bad reviews having to do with the deceptive marketing involved.
    Maybe Old School is best for now. Let technology catch up.
    Upstate NY
    2022 Ford F150 with trailer tow package
    2022 Transcend Xplor 231rk
    2021 Shih Tzu Millie

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