Advice on adding another battery

[jnillaw]

Wanted to get some input on batteries. We are thinking of either adding another battery or replacing the one we have with one that is double the RC and about 1/4 more AH and weighs less. We do quite a bit of dry camping and feel the one battery may not be enough. Will be using some solar to recharge the battery(s). Thanks

 

[tatetoter]

I have 4 of the six volt golf car batteries. I bought them as "seconds" through my work for $55 each. They had some case blemishes. They have more then enough reserve capacity for anything we do. They work great but that weight... I almost need to go to a dually for the tongue weight difference. Haha. We have seriously been looking at the lion energy that was for sale at Costco. They are only 23ish lbs. I love everything about lithium except the price. I think if I was starting at 1 battery again, I would just bite the bullet and go lithium. Even if it was one batt at a time.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[boyscout]

Wanted to get some input on batteries. We are thinking of either adding another battery or replacing the one we have with one that is double the RC and about 1/4 more AH and weighs less. We do quite a bit of dry camping and feel the one battery may not be enough. Will be using some solar to recharge the battery(s). Thanks

Like @tatetoter we have 4 6V batteries; ours are configured as two 12V batteries. We have about 450 amp-hours capacity which is nice, but about 250 pounds of weight and a long slow re-charge when they're run down. Don't have any solar.

I've got CDN$1,000 invested in these, they're only three years old and not showing much stress, and they provide loads of power with comfortable margins for the short-term boondocking we do, so a plunge into lithium probably isn't in the immediate future for me.

However if I was just starting a project to improve on the original trailer battery, as you are, I'd be leaning hard to lithium.

Obviously they cost a lot more. Something else you may not know is that the converter in your trailer should be replaced to charge the lithium, an additional ~$250+ cost. While the OEM converter will charge a lithium battery it won't do it as quickly or intelligently (preserving battery life) as a modern converter made for lithium batteries.

On the plus side, you can run the lithium down further to very low levels of charge without damaging it whereas many lead-acid batteries should not be drawn much below 50% of its capacity (our 6V batteries are more forgiving in that regard). So in a sense you get more usable power from a lithium battery, and with appropriate charging equipment it can be recharged much more quickly than lead-acid. And unless you're unusually kind and attentive to any lead-acid battery you might install, it probably won't last as long as a lithium battery would last.

Finally, the lithium battery doesn't need as much care or maintenance (such as topping up with water), and it doesn't generate dangerous gases in your front compartment. The latter becomes especially significant as you add more batteries later; with lithium you won't have to devise venting systems for the additional batteries.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dconstantine]

We boon dock all summer and use 4 6 volt AGM batteries. They are wired series parallel giving us plenty of 12 volt dc storage. This along with 600 watt roof solar we rarely have to run the generator.

 

[Juiceman-MGRV]

If you just want to double your battery, try to match the current battery you have and buy a second one (same battery company, same model). When you set them up with cables between them, you need to make sure the characteristics are the same or at least similar to the battery you already have. Always put the battery in a case so nothing falls or touches the lugs, etc. Wiring them together creates a bigger 12V battery from the charger(s) perspective, so you need one to act like the other for best performance, otherwise, you might over-charge one of them. Some people even try to match the lot numbers, but if you don't buy them together, the chances to match the lot numbers is pretty slim.

There is a lot of discussion about the gasses batteries create. The worst gases are created during a full discharge -> charge up cycle, or if the water is low in the battery. As soon as you add another battery, the venting system will need to either be abandoned or completely redesigned. I see that there is a lot of gaps in MY front storage so I am not too worried. Since it usually charges while driving the next day, it is moving and pretty well vented. If we get to the next campground with power hookups and I see the battery is low (<12.0V), I will leave the door to the front compartment hanging unlatched for the charge up cycle. Batteries do not vent a lot of gasses when just in regular float charge modes.

I'm sure I will catch the wrath of the group for this battery gasses discussion.

 

[geotex1]

Define "quite a bit" for us. I would answer one way if that were to mean 30 or less nights per year camping and something totally different if it means 150+ nights. Also, whatcha camping in?

 

[Wicked ace]

If you just want to double your battery, try to match the current battery you have and buy a second one (same battery company, same model). When you set them up with cables between them, you need to make sure the characteristics are the same or at least similar to the battery you already have. Always put the battery in a case so nothing falls or touches the lugs, etc. Wiring them together creates a bigger 12V battery from the charger(s) perspective, so you need one to act like the other for best performance, otherwise, you might over-charge one of them. Some people even try to match the lot numbers, but if you don't buy them together, the chances to match the lot numbers is pretty slim.

There is a lot of discussion about the gasses batteries create. The worst gases are created during a full discharge -> charge up cycle, or if the water is low in the battery. As soon as you add another battery, the venting system will need to either be abandoned or completely redesigned. I see that there is a lot of gaps in MY front storage so I am not too worried. Since it usually charges while driving the next day, it is moving and pretty well vented. If we get to the next campground with power hookups and I see the battery is low (<12.0V), I will leave the door to the front compartment hanging unlatched for the charge up cycle. Batteries do not vent a lot of gasses when just in regular float charge modes.

I'm sure I will catch the wrath of the group for this battery gasses discussion.

I'm not so sure about your complacency. I once had a garden tractor battery in the tractor on a charger for a few hours in the spring. The hood was up in the garage so it was pretty well open and ventilated, I didn't think anything of it. The garage was detached, enclosed but not air tight. The charger was still powered and I went to disconnect the negative clamp on the battery terminal. It must have sparked when I did that and the battery exploded leaving only the bottom of the case. It was only still there because it sat on the battery tray. Electrolyte sprayed mostly the engine compartment but did get on my face and cloths. I went right to the shower, cloths and all.

 

[RickLight]

I just went to lithium. 1/4 the weight, 2x the power and 2-3 times the cost. Charges faster and lasts 10x longer.

Before that I just put in a Wallmart deep cell 100AH for under $100. Then over drained them all and killed them.

Oh and no glasses or leaks or water filling.

 

[IronRick]

I installed a Battleborn battery 2 weeks ago. Last September I picked up my Solitude Fifth wheel in Florida and one thing I did not count on was the difficulty ( FOR ME ) to make sure the water levels were at the right level.

Unfortunately I have a very bad back & neck with 5 surgeries in the last 3 years on top of 4 surgeries back in 2002 - 2003. I had to go to Chicago area to get all my belongings and followups with Dr’s. Well I got stuck there too long to the point temps would be getting down into the 20’s. & a few nights in the teens.

Well with extreme pain I did not go out often enough and BEND underneath the trailer nose to maintain the battery and I killed it.

I am only 60 and will be doing this hopefully until the day i meet my maker. So, next month I will buy another Battleborn followed by the related hardware and solar panels on a monthly basis.

Before buying either type of battery think of your age and BACK. Just my experiences.

 

[Lance Glogowsky]

About 1 1/2 weeks ago I bought two lion lithium batteries through the online sale from Costco. Soon after I purchased a third battery. The first two batteries became lost in the shipping and no one could find them. I was afraid they would end up being shipped back. Knowing the sale would be over in a few days on March 23 I was afraid I would then lose out on the sale so I purchased two more lithium batteries. Yesterday the two lost batteries arrived at my house. Today the additional two batteries I bought arrived at my house. I now have five Lion lithium batteries from Costco at my house. Well I didn’t miss out on the sale. I will obviously be returning at least two of the batteries to Costco before needing to pay my Credit Card.

 

[Steve & Sheryl]

I recently upgraded to a 100 AH LifePo4 battery. I already have a 95 watt Furrion folding solar charger. With the OEM battery (I believe it was around 70 AH), and the charger I went for 10 days at Yellowstone and never once thought about battery level.

What I did learn though, is that I could only go about three nights while we were traveling. I didn't realize the connection to the truck was not recharging the battery, so I would not bother setting up the solar panel. The OEM battery failed last trip.

With a LA battery, you are damaging it after you draw about half the capacity. This means a 100 AH LA battery is really only a 50. With a LiFePo or Lithium you can pretty much use it all.

A single battery will fit in the same tongue box, and weigh a lot less. It will also take a bit of weight out of your wallet, but its worth it.

 

[LovingIt]

I installed a Battleborn battery 2 weeks ago. Last September I picked up my Solitude Fifth wheel in Florida and one thing I did not count on was the difficulty ( FOR ME ) to make sure the water levels were at the right level.

Unfortunately I have a very bad back & neck with 5 surgeries in the last 3 years on top of 4 surgeries back in 2002 - 2003. I had to go to Chicago area to get all my belongings and followups with Dr’s. Well I got stuck there too long to the point temps would be getting down into the 20’s. & a few nights in the teens.

Well with extreme pain I did not go out often enough and BEND underneath the trailer nose to maintain the battery and I killed it.

I am only 60 and will be doing this hopefully until the day i meet my maker. So, next month I will buy another Battleborn followed by the related hardware and solar panels on a monthly basis.

Before buying either type of battery think of your age and BACK. Just my experiences.

Off the subject, I have a crappy back too, how do you fill your propane tanks?

 

[LovingIt]

About 1 1/2 weeks ago I bought two lion lithium batteries through the online sale from Costco. Soon after I purchased a third battery. The first two batteries became lost in the shipping and no one could find them. I was afraid they would end up being shipped back. Knowing the sale would be over in a few days on March 23 I was afraid I would then lose out on the sale so I purchased two more lithium batteries. Yesterday the two lost batteries arrived at my house. Today the additional two batteries I bought arrived at my house. I now have five Lion lithium batteries from Costco at my house. Well I didn’t miss out on the sale. I will obviously be returning at least two of the batteries to Costco before needing to pay my Credit Card.

We have three lion batteries too, contemplate having four eventually.

 

[IronRick]

I do my best to find a place that I can pull up to and ask the guy filling the tanks to move them after I disconnect everything. I also use the Mopeka Tank Sensors so I know when to fill them.

 

[gchalifoux]

Hello Ricklight, gchalifoux here. New to the forum but not new to "forums" so I am looking at as many "battery" posts as I can stand. I want to get right to the point.

My new 2024 22mle SUCKS! on offgrid or boondocking. The fridge just sucked the life out of the oem battery. Had to run my Wen generator to keep things COLD in the fridge.

I've done the double/parrallel wired 12v batteries in the past and ? ya, ok....seemd to deffinately work back in the day. Now with this new rig, I'd like to consider jumping on to something BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER, in terms of offgrid battery life.

So is the lithium battery the way of the future? Longest lasting, in terms of draw down. I know there are lots of factors but for now, I'm focused on keeping the food from going bad and the frozen foods frozen.

Can you give me an example of a lithium battery to consider? manufacturer, model? etc etc...
thanks/Gary

 

[RV2600RB2]

I'm not so sure about your complacency. I once had a garden tractor battery in the tractor on a charger for a few hours in the spring. The hood was up in the garage so it was pretty well open and ventilated, I didn't think anything of it. The garage was detached, enclosed but not air tight. The charger was still powered and I went to disconnect the negative clamp on the battery terminal. It must have sparked when I did that and the battery exploded leaving only the bottom of the case. It was only still there because it sat on the battery tray. Electrolyte sprayed mostly the engine compartment but did get on my face and cloths. I went right to the shower, cloths and all.

Lead acid batteries should never be charged in an enclosed space, for one.
Second, chargers should never be connected or disconnected from a lead acid battery while plugged in.
I’ve seen a number of batteries explode due to ignoring these rules.
Auto technician 101.
YMMV
Rich

 

[WhittleBurner]

Hello Ricklight, gchalifoux here. New to the forum but not new to "forums" so I am looking at as many "battery" posts as I can stand. I want to get right to the point.

My new 2024 22mle SUCKS! on offgrid or boondocking. The fridge just sucked the life out of the oem battery. Had to run my Wen generator to keep things COLD in the fridge.

I've done the double/parrallel wired 12v batteries in the past and ? ya, ok....seemd to deffinately work back in the day. Now with this new rig, I'd like to consider jumping on to something BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER, in terms of offgrid battery life.

So is the lithium battery the way of the future? Longest lasting, in terms of draw down. I know there are lots of factors but for now, I'm focused on keeping the food from going bad and the frozen foods frozen.

Can you give me an example of a lithium battery to consider? manufacturer, model? etc etc...
thanks/Gary

You pulled up a pretty old thread, you might gain by posting your questions in this section linked below, Some members may not be active any more
https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/128-Electrical-System-and-Wiring

 

[Second Chance]

Hello Ricklight, gchalifoux here. New to the forum but not new to "forums" so I am looking at as many "battery" posts as I can stand. I want to get right to the point.

My new 2024 22mle SUCKS! on offgrid or boondocking. The fridge just sucked the life out of the oem battery. Had to run my Wen generator to keep things COLD in the fridge.

I've done the double/parrallel wired 12v batteries in the past and ? ya, ok....seemd to deffinately work back in the day. Now with this new rig, I'd like to consider jumping on to something BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER, in terms of offgrid battery life.

So is the lithium battery the way of the future? Longest lasting, in terms of draw down. I know there are lots of factors but for now, I'm focused on keeping the food from going bad and the frozen foods frozen.

Can you give me an example of a lithium battery to consider? manufacturer, model? etc etc...
thanks/Gary

[MENTION=61359]gchalifoux[/MENTION] -

In addition to Marcy's advice, here are some forum tips:

1) If you use "Reply With Quote" (to the right of "Reply") as I have here, folks will know to whom you are responding and that person will get a notification.

2) You can also tag folks using the "@" symbol and their user name (as I have done yours) - they'll also get a notification that way.

3) You can create a signature block with your RV and tow vehicle information (see mine below). That way you won't have to repeat that information whenever you post or ask a question - and others won't have to ask. You can create a signature by going to:

Forum Actions (on menu bar) -> Edit Profile -> Edit Signature (under My Settings on the left)

Note: you'll need to have a paid subscription to add an image to your signature.

Rob

 

[02dynawide]

Wanted to get some input on batteries. We are thinking of either adding another battery or replacing the one we have with one that is double the RC and about 1/4 more AH and weighs less. We do quite a bit of dry camping and feel the one battery may not be enough. Will be using some solar to recharge the battery(s). Thanks

Chang then over to lithium batteries. i put 2 100ah in mine. you don't have to but the super expensive ones either.

 

[kb0zke]

Gary, there are several good threads in the Solar section. Check them out. We put in a fairly robust solar system and it works great for off-grid use. So far the only "issue" is that the Victron MultiPlus II is almost too smart. We had a power outage a few months ago, and all the neighbors were talking about it. We asked "What power outage? Our power didn't go out." Fortunately, we weren't running any air conditioners at the time.

Several times now we've pulled and stowed the shore power cord when storms threatened. That is a good way to make the storms go elsewhere, so don't do it if you need the rain. <grin>