Lithium install on a 2019 Wolf pack 325 pack 13

[campbell5]

Wanted to share with you pictures of my lithium battery install on our Wolf Pack in case any of you were wondering if you could do it.

Up to 3 (we have two) Renogy 100 amp hour lithium batteries will fit if you moved the pump to the right (had dealer do that before I took the delivery)

Our goal was simply to have enough juice to run the camper (including the residential fridge) overnight during quiet hours while boondocking. (For example, at NASCAR races)

You could start by just dropping in the batteries. I installed a victron battery monitor. (Very easy to run the wires) and upgraded the converter to a lithium specific one, Progressive Dynamics PD9180ALV (required changing out the breaker to a 20 amp)

Very happy with the the install. Went 24hours before the batteries dropped below 50%. Took about 3.5 hours of generator to recharge after that 24 hours.

I did several tests at the house over the winter to make sure the batteries could handle the furnace overnight as well.

[CincyGus]

Very Nice!

[ependydad]

I see you mentioned, they were just below 50% after 24 hours. With lithium batteries, you can run them to 80-100% of their capacity. They aren’t like lead batteries where you have to worry about them at 50%.

What batteries did you opt for?

[campbell5]

Your correct, they can be run down much much further. In my case I wanted time to top them back off for the evening with the generator.

I went with Renogy batteries. Also looked at Battle Born but these were a little smaller and the price was a little better.

Originally Posted by ependydad

I see you mentioned, they were just below 50% after 24 hours. With lithium batteries, you can run them to 80-100% of their capacity. They aren’t like lead batteries where you have to worry about them at 50%.

What batteries did you opt for?

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by campbell5

. Took about 3.5 hours of generator to recharge after that 24 hours.

I did several tests at the house over the winter to make sure the batteries could handle the furnace overnight as well.

Not only charged in 3.5 hours but unlike Lead Acid batteries, FULLY CHARGED. No more need for another 6 hours of "Absorbtion" charging. Think of the generator fuel saved. Even more if you have a solar setup

As for running the furnace overnight, should be able to run it several nights with 200 Ah capacity, all of it usable. I turn mine down at night and it only runs about 30% of the time on nights where outside temps are near freezing.

[2thdr]

Oof! $800 per battery...how do you think they will perform in the cold? Lithium batteries used in motorcycles, you have to turn on the ignition for a minute or so in cold weather to get them "warmed up" enough to crank. I'm thinking using them in an RV wouldn't be an issue...

[campbell5]

Originally Posted by 2thdr

Oof! $800 per battery...how do you think they will perform in the cold? Lithium batteries used in motorcycles, you have to turn on the ignition for a minute or so in cold weather to get them "warmed up" enough to crank. I'm thinking using them in an RV wouldn't be an issue...

Yes, the price hurt but considering the long term I think it was worth it for us. Wife gets the residential fridge she loves, I get to go the races. The batteries should last several years.

In regards to cold weather use, looks like it can discharge up to -7F (-20c)

The batteries have a built-in Battery management system (BMS) that protects the battery in heat, cold, over and under discharge.

The compartment the batteries are in gets bleed over heat and AC from the Camper so that's helpful. Also the Victron monitor keeps track of temp as well.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by campbell5

Yes, the price hurt but considering the long term I think it was worth it for us. Wife gets the residential fridge she loves, I get to go the races. The batteries should last several years.

In regards to cold weather use, looks like it can discharge up to -7F (-20c)

The batteries have a built-in Battery management system (BMS) that protects the battery in heat, cold, over and under discharge.

The compartment the batteries are in gets bleed over heat and AC from the Camper so that's helpful. Also the Victron monitor keeps track of temp as well.Attachment 214137

Based on ordinary use they should last a couple decades at least. If you do a complete cycle (discharge, charge) every day they should last a minimum of 8 years

BUT, that assumes you discharge them fully and recharge them fully EVERY DAY during that time.

More realistically one will only do a complete cycle after several days of partial use and recharging. If you only discharge to 50% and recharge that's supposedly considered one half cycle so you could double the 8 years right there.

So far I only complete a full cycle every 6 days or so when actually out boondocking. Given that number, and only using 3,000 cycles which Battleborn lists as their low end for lifetime, I should see close to 50 years of use. If true my kids and grand kids will be using them long after I'm gone.

[2thdr]

Originally Posted by campbell5

Yes, the price hurt but considering the long term I think it was worth it for us. Wife gets the residential fridge she loves, I get to go the races. The batteries should last several years.

In regards to cold weather use, looks like it can discharge up to -7F (-20c)

The batteries have a built-in Battery management system (BMS) that protects the battery in heat, cold, over and under discharge.

The compartment the batteries are in gets bleed over heat and AC from the Camper so that's helpful. Also the Victron monitor keeps track of temp as well.Attachment 214137

Envious of your setup for sure! Would you think they would be OK out on tongue with no insulation?

[campbell5]

Originally Posted by 2thdr

Envious of your setup for sure! Would you think they would be OK out on tongue with no insulation?

If you mind the temperature ranges I think the battery would operate fine. They have an onboard BMS. Not sure what your tongue setup is, but if it's not a locked vessel I'd be a little concerned about the security of those expensive batteries.

Alternatively something to think about is lithium batteries can be put anywhere including in a compartment or even run the wires under the bed for example. There is zero problem with off gassing.

Heck, maybe you could stick one in or around a cabinet near your converter so there'll be a very short run of wire

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by campbell5

If you mind the temperature ranges I think the battery would operate fine. They have an onboard BMS. Not sure what your tongue setup is, but if it's not a locked vessel I'd be a little concerned about the security of those expensive batteries.

Alternatively something to think about is lithium batteries can be put anywhere including in a compartment or even run the wires under the bed for example. There is zero problem with off gassing.

Heck, maybe you could stick one in or around a cabinet near your converter so there'll be a very short run of wire

And just like the Lithium battery in your phone, no real maintenance required. Perfect for installation in any unused space they'll fit in.

For tongue mount biggest risk is theft although a deep freeze could leave you unable to charge them. Might be a problem if they run down before it warms up. Bad to have that happen when the furnace becomes really important.

Of course heat blankets are available but installing inside solves both issues.

Just put a good, secure, box on tongue that can store items not temp sensitive and previously stored inside.

[campbell5]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

If you only discharge to 50% and recharge that's supposedly considered one half cycle so you could double the 8 years right there.

Good to know it will be the last set of batteries I ever buy for that camper