As a (principally) full-time RVer in my Winnebago View, I’ve discovered that dependable energy is non-negotiable. After years of babying my AGM batteries and continually monitoring their state of cost to keep away from dipping beneath that dreaded 50% mark, I lastly determined it was time to affix the lithium revolution. In the present day, I’m sharing my expertise upgrading to a LiTime LiFePO4 battery and DC-DC charger system – a call that has reworked my off-grid capabilities.
The Hunt for the Good Match
Anybody who owns a Winnebago View is aware of that space for storing comes at a premium, particularly within the battery compartment. My seek for a lithium alternative rapidly hit a roadblock after I found most lithium choices wouldn’t slot in my present battery field. Then I stumbled upon the LiTime 12V 230Ah LiFePO4 battery, which completely match the size the place my two Group 24 AGM batteries had lived. In addition they have a Bluetooth model right here.
This wasn’t only a measurement victory – at 230Ah, this single battery successfully tripled my usable capability whereas dramatically lowering weight. My earlier AGM setup technically offered 130Ah (two 65Ah batteries weighing a hefty 60 kilos every for a complete of 120 kilos), however I may solely safely use about 65Ah to keep away from damaging them. With the LiTime lithium battery weighing simply 46 kilos, I’ve shed almost 100 kilos from my rig whereas gaining the flexibility to comfortably use over 200Ah by discharging right down to 10% with none battery anxiousness.
Why I Added a DC-DC Charger
Whereas researching lithium batteries, I found that merely swapping batteries wasn’t the entire resolution. A DC-DC charger rapidly emerged as an important companion piece, and right here’s why I made a decision on the LiTime 12V 40A DC-DC Charger:
Why Do We Want a DC-DC Charger?
For those who’re new to the lithium sport, you is perhaps questioning why a DC-DC charger is critical when your alternator already costs your batteries whereas driving. Right here’s what I discovered:
- Alternator Safety: Lithium batteries have a lot decrease inner resistance than lead-acid batteries, that means they will draw huge present out of your alternator after they’re depleted. This excessive present draw can overheat and probably injury your alternator, which is designed for the slower charging wants of your starter battery. A DC-DC charger acts as a buffer, regulating the present to guard your costly alternator from untimely failure.
- Optimum Charging Voltage: Lithium batteries require a selected charging voltage (sometimes 14.4V-14.6V) to succeed in full capability. Many automobile alternators can’t constantly ship this voltage, particularly on the finish of the lengthy wire run to your RV batteries. The DC-DC charger boosts the voltage to make sure your lithium batteries obtain their very best charging profile.
- Two-in-One Photo voltaic Answer: The LiTime DC-DC charger additionally capabilities as an MPPT photo voltaic cost controller, eliminating the necessity for a separate photo voltaic controller. This two-in-one method simplified my set up and saved beneficial area.
- Battery Isolation: The DC-DC charger prevents energy from flowing backward from my RV batteries to my automobile’s starter battery, making certain I by no means get up to a useless engine as a result of my RV methods drained my starter battery in a single day.
Set up: Simpler Than Anticipated
I used to be pleasantly stunned by how easy the set up course of was for each elements. The LiTime battery slid completely into the area the place my two AGM batteries had been, and the wiring was a easy one-for-one swap.
The DC-DC charger set up was equally user-friendly. The bundle included all mandatory cables and connectors, with clear directions that didn’t require {an electrical} engineering diploma to grasp. I mounted it instantly within the battery field close to the brand new battery, related the enter to my automobile’s charging line, and the output to my new lithium battery. The provision very useful 50A Anderson connectors to make sure a straightforward and safe connection.
Inside a few hours, I had accomplished your entire improve with fundamental instruments and reasonable DIY abilities.
Efficiency: Residing the Lithium Life
After a number of weeks of use, I can confidently say this improve has actually improved my RV expertise. Probably the most quick profit is peace of thoughts – I not obsessively verify my battery voltage, figuring out I’ve considerably extra usable capability.
The LiTime LifePO4 battery maintains voltage significantly better underneath load than my previous AGMs. When operating my inverter for espresso within the morning, I see minimal voltage drop in comparison with the numerous sag I used to expertise. This secure voltage means home equipment run extra effectively and my energy system is much less harassed.
Charging efficiency has been equally spectacular. The DC-DC charger pumps a constant 40 amps whereas driving, that means even a brief 1-hour drive provides important energy again to my battery. This fast recharge functionality has modified how I plan my travels, permitting extra flexibility with shorter drives between boondocking places.
LiTime vs. Victron: The Worth Proposition
When researching DC-DC chargers, I critically thought of the Victron Vitality Orion XS Sensible DC-DC Charger, which is broadly considered the gold normal. Nonetheless, at almost twice the worth of the LiTime, I needed to weigh the advantages towards the price.
What the Victron provides that the LiTime doesn’t is Bluetooth connectivity and a elaborate smartphone app that gives detailed monitoring and programming choices. The LiTime depends on easy LED indicators to point out charging standing and mode.
Nonetheless, what tipped the scales for me was that the LiTime consists of MPPT photo voltaic charging functionality, primarily combining two gadgets in a single. This meant I may remove my separate photo voltaic cost controller, simplifying my electrical system whereas saving cash. I used to be in a position to hook up my 400 watts of photo voltaic with zero points.
For many who geek out on detailed energy monitoring, the Victron is perhaps definitely worth the premium. However for sensible on a regular basis use, the LiTime gives the core performance I would like at a way more enticing worth level.
Closing Verdict: A Sport-Altering Improve
For those who’re on the fence about upgrading to lithium energy in your RV, I can’t suggest it sufficient. The mix of the LiTime 230Ah battery and their DC-DC charger has essentially modified how I take advantage of my Winnebago View. I now have the boldness to boondock longer, use energy extra freely, and fear much less about battery upkeep.
What impressed me most in regards to the LiTime merchandise was discovering high-quality lithium energy elements that particularly addressed the area constraints of my specific RV mannequin. The battery’s good slot in my present compartment made what may have been an advanced improve surprisingly easy. Their 5-year guarantee on the battery and 2-year on their DC-DC charger can also be comforting. I’ve used their merchandise for years, as I’ve their 100AH LiFePO4 battery in my race trailer linked as much as 300 watts of photo voltaic.
For anybody with an analogous Class C RV seeking to make the lithium leap, the LiTime battery and DC-DC charger combo provides a wonderful stability of efficiency, ease of set up, and worth. Six months from now, I believe I’ll be questioning why I waited so lengthy to make the change.
