New 2025 Imagine Solar Equipment

I added 200ah of lithium to my 2500 RL and the 165w keeps the fridge running. Lead acid batteries, I wouldn’t be too sure.

I am curious…I have 2 6volt lead acid batteries that I want to switch out to either lithium or AGM, but I don’t know enough about them to decide. My understanding is that for either one you have to put some kind of venting system in (my batteries sit on A frame behind propane tanks), and they “could” freeze up if it gets to cold? I’m in Alberta, Canada (cold winters).
Thoughts, suggestions? Anything would help!
 
I am curious…I have 2 6volt lead acid batteries that I want to switch out to either lithium or AGM, but I don’t know enough about them to decide. My understanding is that for either one you have to put some kind of venting system in (my batteries sit on A frame behind propane tanks), and they “could” freeze up if it gets to cold? I’m in Alberta, Canada (cold winters).
Thoughts, suggestions? Anything would help!

My first question is: do you do any Winter camping?

If the answer is no, then I would recommend removing the batteries when you winterize your camper and keep them in a place that isn't subject to freezing. I would recommend this for either Lead Acid, AGM, or Lithium. Lead Acid or AGM won't freeze if they are fully charged, if they are not fully charged, they will freeze up and break the case and leak acid.

If you switch to Lithium, you can mount them inside the coach (under the dinette or at the bottom of a closet are popular choices) where your furnace will keep them above freezing (Lithium batteries do not need venting). The issue with Lithium batteries is that they can not be charged if the battery temperature is 32 degrees F (0-C) or below. They can still be discharged below 32 degrees, just not charged. As far as Winter storage goes, check the manufacturer's specs for the lowest storage temperature (personally, I would remove them for Winter storage).

Many Lithium batteries have a Cold Temperature shut-off that will keep them from charging if the internal temperature is below 32 degrees, you definitely want to ensure that you buy a battery with this feature.

Bottom line: I would definitely recommend switching to Lithium (LiFePo4) batteries and removing them during Winter storage.
 
My first question is: do you do any Winter camping?

If the answer is no, then I would recommend removing the batteries when you winterize your camper and keep them in a place that isn't subject to freezing. I would recommend this for either Lead Acid, AGM, or Lithium. Lead Acid or AGM won't freeze if they are fully charged, if they are not fully charged, they will freeze up and break the case and leak acid.

If you switch to Lithium, you can mount them inside the coach (under the dinette or at the bottom of a closet are popular choices) where your furnace will keep them above freezing (Lithium batteries do not need venting). The issue with Lithium batteries is that they can not be charged if the battery temperature is 32 degrees F (0-C) or below. They can still be discharged below 32 degrees, just not charged. As far as Winter storage goes, check the manufacturer's specs for the lowest storage temperature (personally, I would remove them for Winter storage).

Many Lithium batteries have a Cold Temperature shut-off that will keep them from charging if the internal temperature is below 32 degrees, you definitely want to ensure that you buy a battery with this feature.

Bottom line: I would definitely recommend switching to Lithium (LiFePo4) batteries and removing them during Winter storage.

Thanks you for this…helps immensely! No, I’m a snowbird, so my “winter camping” is just the travelling to and from the US in fall and spring. Going to check out the solar thread provided in another comment as well (trying to become more educated in solar…I hate electricity). Looks like I’ll be going lithium.
Cheers!
 
I've decided to keep the existing solar package as it is for now due to time constraints. Instead I'm looking at upgrading the batteries to Lithium. I'm researching LiFePo4 batteries and am wondering what might be a good recommendation for the budget minded camper. Not looking for cheap, but at the same time don't want to break the wallet. I'd be looking at 200 ah. I know a lot of you have thoroughly researched this and I'd appreciate your input.
Thanks!

I have been off this forum for a while with a busy summer but interested to know if you bought anything?

I have the same basic solar package that came with our camper and I changed out the Lead acid batteries to 1 200AH renogy. Our main goal was the ability to leave the fridge running while the camper was parked between trips and for the most part this has worked perfect.

I am happy with my battery but not saying its the one for you but my one tip would be consider a battery with bluetooth capabilities. Reason for this is it will have an app and you can simply check the state of charge of the battery from that. This has saved me adding a Smart shunt. Now if you plan to add lots to the system this might not be an issue.
 
I left my Imagine 2024 running on solar and batteries with the fridge operating for five days. The solar charge seemed to keep up with the battery loss. I finally turned off the fridge. I can see the cherge/depletion cycle on the Furion App
 

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