Going for LiFePo4 batteries -new "metal cased" any real benefit?

[larry2c]

My FLA Golf Cart batteries are nearing end of life (closing in on 7 years). I am looking at replacing them with a pair of LiFePo4 batteries of either 150AH or 165AH. I did a search on the FR forum for DC House batteries and didn't find any hits. Has anyone had any experience with these batteries? The price right now is pretty good on Amazon $219 for the 165AH battery.

Also, I see a number of the batteries are now "metal cased". Is this really an advantage? I do like the looks of them with side posts and a top handle but those aren't really that big a deal. Anyone see any issues with these battereies in that regard

 

[Dwilcox]

A lot of people are using LiFePo4 batteries of different types, manufacturers, and capacity.
Just look through this thread and use the search.
You did not say what brand you are looking at.
A good idea to get them with Bluetooth to know what is going on inside though.
I got our 1st 100 AH this summer, non-Bluetooth and now I wish it was. But it is way better than the 2 - 85AH FLA heavy batteries it replaced.
Best of luck.

 

[DJ252]

I purposely chose a model that was not metal, preferring the non rusting, non conductive, plastic instead.

The only advantage I can see of a metal case, is if it allows it to be easily opened for servicing the BMS but some plastic cases allow that as well.

 

[tomkatb]

I own the SOK metal box batteries. Top of the line. The best for the dollar. Not cheap.

We had a bms issue. I was surprised how simple the batteries are. Changing the bms was simple. And fast. DIY

These batteries are difficult and expensive to ship. Plus a lot of time.

So the top not being glued on was a good idea.

SOK also makes some plastic battery cases with easily removable tops.

 

[Aussieguy]

metal case ones can be opened , repaired then closed (usually)
rust... keep them in dry location

I bought plastic the Price.... won..

look at some of the solar forums to see if your selected choice has a tear down review
always good to see what's inside BUT not a deal breaker as just about ever battery could be repaired.

also look for a history of review ... if they got 2 years of reviews then they are old timers and probably not fly-by-nighters

don't reject some of the plastic ones as their price and capacity are very good value
even if you have to spend a couple of hours re-locating them from the "usual" battery spot in your rig.
go BIG or go home is a vey valid point for battery

what you want is about 3 days of capacity
average 12v usage (No Inverter) a 200ah bank is good
Inverter.... you have to do some math and calculate approximate power usage.

 

[larry2c]

Thanks for the responses. The new batteries will either be in the pass thru or I'll get a water tight battery box for them to remain on the "A" frame. I hadn't thought about ease of access to the cells and the BMS and honestly, I hope I never need to go there!

Regarding reviews, I have found a few older ones - and they were from the UK. Ratings were good with no unusual problems reported. I'll do some more digging but the 165AH are $50 off right now so they beat the 100AH versions in price.

 

[pgandw]

I've see that approximate size in both metal and plastic cases. Want one for both the RV and boat. Metal (cheap steel that rusts) case is unacceptable for the boat. The RV already has a metal box to fit 2 GC-2s or 2 Grp 24s. The metal box LiFePOs have too big a case to substitute for any common LA sizes. So I have to go plastic case.

Fred W
2019 Flagstaff T21TBHW A-frame
2022 Hyundai Palisade

 

[acdii]

Only advantage I see is impact protection. The cells do not like getting punctured and explode with fury when fully charged, so thats the only advantage i see for a metal case.

 

[Aussieguy]

Only advantage I see is impact protection. The cells do not like getting punctured and explode with fury when fully charged, so thats the only advantage i see for a metal case.

watch these -------> great explosions NOT... Google Search

 

[acdii]

watch these -------> great explosions NOT... Google Search

My .22 said otherwise. Was Spectacular taking out a ballooned Lifepo from one of my planes.

 

[Aussieguy]

shooting them with a gun... not playing fair
more than likely the bullet mass and velocity ...... did all the damage
did ya video it?... would be fun to see



I like this one
puncture ... over charging a cell and direct short

 

[acdii]

Casing of the cells matters most. The ones I use are small and lightweight for RC airplanes. They are the safest to use due to impact resistance,

https://www.amazon.com/elxjar-2200mAh-LiFePO4-Receiver-Transmitter/dp/B0D4YZ45LC/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?adgrpid=1239149951399709&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TV939N1B3zJxEREYM87UKuQjSFveFCEP4K15lv2lw0ZW5kkQpUbNa8w2ooiIb6R7QY7lrBRrGFBPSb9pHI4UJaL_10fUtPFHqsSWg7KZFg8IU56epcZHW81aB30SLLXJQPBABrda7uacu2k8O6WorUlhZvi2E1EWU9UdGqaljIDzwxMIdFvhcBDz8GZuJoSoy0UpRF3wDKht1BA7xxruzje5zfRMLEsscCVX1-S6UcgJNxW5hmu3MDlLR5MhmDbnU9nJ2mFpJI636-AgwbTJd_KxXIYpXnL3vl-CPvhJXXI.DILqdveyIlhP2wg2D8h0oYJiE1FbqmipJ18LRiJIGek&dib_tag=se&hvadid=77447039965289&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=102234&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-77447223840286%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=21198_13429035&keywords=battery+pack+for+rc+receiver&mcid=39fcd38d42a6385092d0c42b09377343&msclkid=0c43157e180015528dbe72d2e5136726&qid=1739390300&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

They are quite able to burst if hit just right though, and yes, the 22 was most effective at igniting it.

Now, Lithium Polymer, thats a whole other ball of flames. Thankfully these are not used for storage batteries or for powering EV's. These things hold a LOT of energy and can dump it quickly, but dump too fast and BOOM.

 

[larry2c]

Thanks all - I appreciate all the comments and info! I pulled the trigger and bought two of the 165AH batteries. I need to figure out a battery box and then I'll be installing them and sending the old GC batteries to the recycler

 

[Clffhnger]

Thanks all - I appreciate all the comments and info! I pulled the trigger and bought two of the 165AH batteries. I need to figure out a battery box and then I'll be installing them and sending the old GC batteries to the recycler

Who is the maker of the ones you choose?

 

[larry2c]

DC House (picture below). Just an FYI - I bought the 165AH version because the price dropped to $219 and the 100AH ones were $199 if I remember right (2 X 100AH would have been plenty for our needs) so why not get the extra capacity. Now the 165AH version is back up to $269 and the 100AH version has dropped by 50 bucks. This appears to be something that cycles regularly with their products

 

[tomupnorth]

I enjoyed the DCHOUSE videos posted on Amazon--have added these batts to my wish list.

 

[RhumbleFish]

Only advantage I see is impact protection. The cells do not like getting punctured and explode with fury when fully charged, so thats the only advantage i see for a metal case.

Not quite. Allow me to explain....

Casing of the cells matters most. The ones I use are small and lightweight for RC airplanes. They are the safest to use due to impact resistance,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the description ON THE PRODUCT ITSELF identifies this particular battery as Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) and not Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO)... despite what some marketing manager typed into Amazon as the product name (note that the battery cell composition is properly listed as Li-Ion). While Li-Ion batteries are not in the same league of Li Polymer "explosivity," they are - indeed - potentially more "explosive" than LiFePO4...

Lithium Ion

• Energy density: High energy density makes them good for portable electronics and vehicles
• Composition: Contain metallic lithium and cathode materials like cobalt, nickel, or manganese

LiFePO4

• Safety: More stable and less likely to overheat than other lithium-ion batteries
• Cycle life: Can last for thousands of cycles, which is longer than most lithium-ion batteries
• Composition: Contain lithium, iron, and phosphate ions

Lithium polymer

• Energy density: Higher energy densities than LiFePO4 batteries
• Suitability: Good for applications requiring lightweight and compact power sources

Choosing between battery types:

• Portability and power: Choose lithium-ion batteries
• Safety and longevity: Choose LiFePO4 batteries for applications like solar power storage or marine applications

Just my .22, Your ammo my vary.

 

[Larry-NC]

My FLA Golf Cart batteries are nearing end of life (closing in on 7 years). I am looking at replacing them with a pair of LiFePo4 batteries of either 150AH or 165AH. I did a search on the FR forum for DC House batteries and didn't find any hits. Has anyone had any experience with these batteries? The price right now is pretty good on Amazon $219 for the 165AH battery.

Also, I see a number of the batteries are now "metal cased". Is this really an advantage? I do like the looks of them with side posts and a top handle but those aren't really that big a deal. Anyone see any issues with these batteries in that regard

Here are some samples. Looks like the LiTime is $80 less than the DC House.

 

[Aussieguy]

I'm gonna throw mine into the list
had them almost 12months and they still alive

https://www.amazon.com/Elfhub-LiFePO4-Rechargeable-Trolling-Parallel/dp/B09N6ZCQLJ?tag=googhydr-20&source=dsa&hvcampaign=vehicles&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI68Pxz-3ViwMVXqFaBR3XsiuWEAAYASAAEgKzqvD_BwE&th=1

$145.00 for 100ah and they now have 200ah and 300ah
get bluetooth ....
Biggest issue is how much will you drain them over night on a typical camping trip

If you intend a lot of inverter .... get a couple of the bigger ones so you got extra capacity and you can charge them with more AMPS without undue stress

 

[tomkatb]

My kid and I have been involved in plastics.

Our observation is that Chinese plastics are not as durable as our plastics.

Our Dyson vacuum plastics just failed. Years old. Has to do with materials.

Our metal boxed SOK batteries are only two years old. Holding up well.