Are you thinking about changing your Lead-acid RV battery to a Lithium battery? Why can it be a better battery option for your RV than the current one? Would it really worth your money? How long will a lithium RV battery last?
This needs a long discussion if you want to understand the complete thing. But in short it’ll last about three to five thousand cycles on average depending on a few factors. They may include- the battery cycle, maintenance, effective use etc.
Many people think that Lithium batteries outlast AGM and Lead-Acids. Do they really do that? Are they capable of running that long? Here’s a complete discussion on this topic to conclude all your questions.
How Long Do Lithium RV Batteries Last?
RV batteries are popular among the Caravan or RV owners. They tend to last longer than SLA batteries.Â
‘How long a Lithium RV battery lasts?’ It depends on the battery cycle count. So, first you’ll have to understand this:
How does the battery cycle count?
A battery cycle consists of bringing the battery to full charge, then discharging completely, and then again recharging it to full.
Now, the life of a lithium battery depends on the charging and discharging cycle it’s about to face during its lifetime. But typically, a lithium battery lasts for 3000 to 5000 battery cycles. Where a Lead-Acid battery may last for 300 to 400 cycles.Â
How Can I Make the Lithium RV Batteries Last Longer?
These expensive Lithium batteries are rated generally for 3000 to 5000 cycles. But that also depends on some factors.
- They are charged as soon as they get empty.
- They are kept on a trickle charger to keep the battery charging slowly and prevent it from deep discharge damage.
- Applying *periodic equalizing chargeÂ
- When stored for a longer time or during the winter storage, remove the battery.
- Avoid storing in a freezing temp as batteries freeze faster when kept discharged.
- Give them a full charge before storing.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
**An equalization charge is a calculated overcharge to remove sulfate crystal build-ups from the plates.
Positives of RV Lithium Batteries
- They last far longer than the SLA batteries, even up to 30 years when maintained properly.
- Weigh lighter.
- Contain more power.
- Can be recharged numerous times.
- Requires least maintenance.
- Faster and efficient charging.
- They can discharge deeply.
- Have a low self discharge rate, 2% to 4% per month.
- Cheaper than SLA when the lifespan is considered.
- They come with a BMS or Battery Management System that helps to regulate the charging and discharging factors.
Downsides of RV Lithium Batteries
Everything has a downside. Here are 3 disadvantages one may face while using a RV Lithium battery-Â
- Can’t regulate in freezing temperatures. Charging in a below freezing temperature, can lead them to damage. Though there are some companies that have heaters to heat the battery before charging to regulate in cold temperature.
- As being fragile, they require protection circuits to operate safely.
- Reactive Lithium can react when come in contact with liquid. Dried electrolyte may cause hazard if the metal plates collide.
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Five Best Picks for Lithium Batteries
1. Ampere Time LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery 12V 100Ah
2. Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery – 100Ah 12v
3. Moseworth 12V Lithium Battery 120AH Lifepo4 RV Trolling Motor Marine Battery
4. Lossigy Deep Cycle Lifepo4 200Ah Energy Storage Battery 12V
5. POWER QUEEN 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Frequently ask Question about Lithium Batteries
What is a Lithium Battery?
Lithium batteries have a higher energy density than others up to 150 watt-hours/kg. They are powerful alternatives to Deep Cycle and SLA batteries. Inside the Lithium batteries, there are no corrosion-prone materials. Hence, they can safely discharge deep down to 2% which is a 98% DoD.
Why Choose a RV Lithium Battery Over a SLA Battery?
Most car and RV owners still prefer the deep cycle SLA batteries for their cheap price, inexpensive elements, and reliable performance when used effectively. Lithium batteries can preserve up to 90% of their charge when kept without a trickle charger for more than a year. Though the SLA batteries have a cheaper price compared to RV Lithium batteries, there are some positive aspects that make the Lithium-Ion battery win over it in spite of being so expensive.
How Fast Will My Lithium Battery recharge?
It varies upon individual batteries depending on the total Ampere Hour (AH) rate of a battery and the current discharging rate. Say, a 100 Ah Lithium Battery connected to a 50 Amp charger, will take 2 hours to complete its recharge. That is, 100 AH divided by 50 AH is equal to 2 hours. And the fuller the battery gets the more time it will take to fill 1% of the cell. Additionally, near the completion of charging, the charge current is reduced gradually. So, the complete charging time may vary, but again, it would be more or less 2 hours.
Under the similar situation a Lead-Acid battery would take more or less 5 to 7 hours to recharge completely.
What Can Kill RV Lithium Batteries?
Though Lithium RV batteris are popular to have a long lifetime, some storage mistakes can lead your batteries to death, reducing its lasting period.
- Storing in a partially or completely discharged state.
- Storing in a freezing temp.
What’s DoD?
Depth of discharge or DoD is the percentage of energy that has been drained from a fully charged battery. It is shown in percentage or in AH. So, it’s 100%, or in a 60 AH battery, at 60 Ah, the battery is empty. Contrarily, at 0% or at 0 Ah the battery is full. This is an alternation of the battery’s State of Charge or SoC. So, when one increases, the other decreases.Â
Now, how is it related to the Battery life cycle? In battery technology, there is a correlation between the cycle of the battery and the DoD. It is calculated by dividing the energy discharged from the battery by battery nominal capacity and expressed in percentage.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you find the answer to ‘How Long Do Lithium RV Batteries Last?’ Don’t forget to share with your RV camper friends!