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Old 06-24-2024, 08:00 PM   #1
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Changing 2-6v batteries to Lithium?

For my 2016 Wildcat Maxx 5th wheel, I would like to change out my 6v batteries to Lithium for <$200 per battery. I would like your input, please.
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Old 06-24-2024, 09:16 PM   #2
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Old 06-24-2024, 09:50 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jonboy1 View Post
For my 2016 Wildcat Maxx 5th wheel, I would like to change out my 6v batteries to Lithium for <$200 per battery. I would like your input, please.
Moved thread from the Modifications and Updates section to the Electrical, Charging Systems and Solar sub-forum since the OP's questions are specific to that sub-forum.

OP, you'll probably have to change out your older converter, to take full advantage of LiPo batteries.
Also there literally hundreds of threads in that sub-forum, asking the same kind of question.
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Old 06-25-2024, 07:16 AM   #4
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lots of <$200 around but you need to supply more info
are you using an Inverter ... drawing lots of power each night

the number of batteries you need will depend on how many ah will you use

IF your 2 x 6v worked well for you just get approximately the same ah
the lithium can be discharged more

I used Elfhub from Amazon
they have a HISTORY of review going back a couple of years
paid the extra for bluetooth so can monitor batteries

so far 3000miles of towing with them not falling apart

good thing about lithium they are just cells + a BMS + a box
easy to repair. (DIY if you have electrical skills)

Older converter.... If you always plugged into shorepower then the older style converters are able to charge the lithium

for camping / travelling...
if you have solar... upgrade the solar so it becomes prime charging source

winter.... lifepo4 should not be charged if they get too cold
install the batteries in a compartment that gets some heat or add a heater pad and some insulating blankets if you intend to camp/live in the trailer full time

BIG ... POWER USER
you need to look at higher quality batteries the sub 200.00 may let you down if you repeatedly draw them down a lot
look at maybe 2 bigger amp hour battery and make sure the discharge rate is high enough for your inverter

If you expect good charging ... make sure you look at the existing wiring
lead acid is a slower charging battery so the standard wiring is OK.. with lithium you might have to tweek the connections and even add better wires
or move the batteries closer to converter

but if you have/add solar the charging wiring will be less of a problem
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Old 06-25-2024, 07:26 AM   #5
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PS before buying / upgrading solar
get on the roof to workout a total layout plan
5th wheel could accommodate some larger residential panels

add panels in STAGES based on the total layout

I got 2 x 370w panels and they provide all the charging power i need at this time
even on a trip up north .

get panels locally through Facebook / craig's list
no shipping
try not to mix panels of different size in the same string

concentrate your efforts ....on a good solar install
it will totally transform your camping experience
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