3011DS lithium battery location

[Homer Vista]

I want to change my house batteries over to lithium and would have loved to drop a 200AH into the existing hole, but it's too small. I wanted to go with 400AH and 600W since we'll be full-timing and boondocking at least 14 days every month to keep costs down. What have others done for lithium battery location? Thanks!

[TitanMike]

Regardless of RV type a great place for a lithium battery is one of those vacant spaces that are pretty much inaccessable for storage.

Many are placed under beds or in spaces under cabinets.

Just avoid spaces that can get hot like next to the furnace.

I used a small storage compartment that was just right for two 100 ah batteries, chargers, and distribution bus bars.

Lifepo4 batteries require no regular access for maintenance. Just run large gauge wire to where regular batteries were connected to 12v system.

[nvs4602]

I went the lifepo4 battery diy route. You can build your own 280/304ah battery and it will fit in the steps battery compartment.

Here is a link to a battery box that the cells fit in to get dimensional information.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1045757...4-battery-pack

The cells along with the bms can be bought from here.

https://www.docanpower.com/index.php..._category=true


You can also get cells and battery box here.

https://solarsupplyhouse.com/product...ismatic-cells/

I've bought cells from here nice to deal with just more expensive.

[Aussieguy]

I prefer DIY route too... you can add a lot more cells in limited space.

cells can be stacked or placed ..... in a lot of different configurations.
you have to be creative to tie them down, but it won't be too hard.

a lot of per-assembled batteries have quite a bit of air inside..
which is Ok for small systems or in a house/garage with lots of room (not mobile)

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If you are going to do a lot of boondocking then spend the time to look at the alternatives locations already mentioned


pick a location that allows you to expand......... if you decide you need more battery.

[Homer Vista]

Originally Posted by The cells along with the bms can be bought from here. [URL

https://www.docanpower.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=456&search=lifepo4&description= true&category_id=59&sub_category=true[/URL]

Norton blocked this link as malicious...

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Homer Vista

Norton blocked this link as malicious...

The site isn't malicious, I just went there with no issues or signs of problems.

Norton just doesn't like it.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Homer Vista

Norton blocked this link as malicious...

It's legit. It's who I bought my cells from.

[Homer Vista]

Originally Posted by nvs4602

I went the lifepo4 battery diy route. You can build your own 280/304ah battery and it will fit in the steps battery compartment.

My battery compartment is only 7" wide... how did you fit 8.1" batteries in there and how many?

[nvs4602]

Originally Posted by Homer Vista

My battery compartment is only 7" wide... how did you fit 8.1" batteries in there and how many?

Yours must be different then mine. I had 2 group 27 batteries in mine. I could set 1 diy battery in it. But chose to put it inside under the dinette seating where the temperature is more consistent. I did put my DC-DC charger in the steps.

[Homer Vista]

Originally Posted by nvs4602

Yours must be different then mine. I had 2 group 27 batteries in mine. I could set 1 diy battery in it. But chose to put it inside under the dinette seating where the temperature is more consistent. I did put my DC-DC charger in the steps.

Mine is defintely different. I'm not sure the group size but my compartment is long and oval the entire width of the step, and batteries are shoehorned in there. Under the back of the U-shaped dinette was my first thought... I have TONS of room in there, but I'm not sure how/where I'd have to run the cables the 8 feet to the steps. I have factory solar as well and controllers are next to the steps. Thanks again!!!

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Homer Vista

Mine is defintely different. I'm not sure the group size but my compartment is long and oval the entire width of the step, and batteries are shoehorned in there. Under the back of the U-shaped dinette was my first thought... I have TONS of room in there, but I'm not sure how/where I'd have to run the cables the 8 feet to the steps. I have factory solar as well and controllers are next to the steps. Thanks again!!!

When in doubt, go down and under floor.

Another option might be to lift the carpeting at the point the cab joins the "house" put a piece of anti-trip cable "threshold" down, run wires through it, then fasten carpet. The raised area of carpet will be out of main traffic area and shouldn't be an issue.

[Duckogram]

Originally Posted by Homer Vista

Mine is defintely different. I'm not sure the group size but my compartment is long and oval the entire width of the step, and batteries are shoehorned in there. Under the back of the U-shaped dinette was my first thought... I have TONS of room in there, but I'm not sure how/where I'd have to run the cables the 8 feet to the steps. I have factory solar as well and controllers are next to the steps. Thanks again!!!

You have 2x group 27 multi use deep cycle batts from the factory. Your battery compartment is for end to end mounting and the top access cutout is smaller than the Coachmen. Under the dinette seat may not work because it is in a slideout.

[Homer Vista]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

When in doubt, go down and under floor.

Another option might be to lift the carpeting at the point the cab joins the "house" put a piece of anti-trip cable "threshold" down, run wires through it, then fasten carpet. The raised area of carpet will be out of main traffic area and shouldn't be an issue.

No carpet... all tile...

[Homer Vista]

Originally Posted by Duckogram

Under the dinette seat may not work because it is in a slideout.

Great call... forgot about that! Plus it would cause the ship to list to port more :-)

[Duckogram]

Since your unit door/battery compartment is forward, your options for a short run are limited. However, your Power Distribution center is at the foot of the bed. You might have to get creative and think out of the box about things like your BCC and space available. Also know that your furnace is on the Door Side and your Holding tank valves (B&G) are on the ODS. So since your belly is heated there should be a dual purpose duct/cable chase under the floor and above the fiberglass belly.

[Homer Vista]

Originally Posted by Duckogram

Since your unit door/battery compartment is forward, your options for a short run are limited. However, your Power Distribution center is at the foot of the bed. You might have to get creative and think out of the box about things like your BCC and space available. Also know that your furnace is on the Door Side and your Holding tank valves (B&G) are on the ODS. So since your belly is heated there should be a dual purpose duct/cable chase under the floor and above the fiberglass belly.

You, sir, are a WEALTH of valuable information! Thank you! I'm not sure, however, whether the wife would feel safe sleeping on top of a bank of lithium batteries... that said, under the bed could sure use some help tidying things up! And I need to learn the acronym lingo here ;-)

[ependydad]

Different rig, but just showing that it can be done. I put 400 lbs. of batteries under my bed. Most of my battery runs are at least 12-16' long.

Properly size the cables for the load and you have a lot of flexibility in where you place things.

[Duckogram]

Originally Posted by Homer Vista

I'm not sure, however, whether the wife would feel safe sleeping on top of a bank of lithium batteries...

I agree with your DW on that concern. However if you use LiFePo cells that concern should not be an issue due to their much higher runaway temp rating.

ODS - Off door side aka Drivers, Left side.
BCC - Battery Control Center
DW - Darling Wife aka SHMBO - She who must be obeyed (liberty on the H)
PD - Power Distribution Box / Progressive Dynamics
PC - Precision Circuits (maker of your BIM)
BIM - Battery Isolation Manager