House batteries

[paulwadley]

I recently installed the Flow-Rite dual fla battery watering system to my 2 coach batteries. Adding water is extremely easy and convenient now.


Paul

[Bob Denman]

. But I'm trying to eventually end the task entirely...

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

I like FLA’s also

And there are three places to purchase Deep Cycle group 27 at the lowest cost, under $90:

- Walmart: Everstart ($82)

- SAMs Club: Duracell ($82)

- Costco: Interstate ($88)



So there’s no shopping time necessary

I bought two at Batteries Plus for $160.

[Chance]

It’s important to consider that RV electrical systems have evolved over the years, and that not every RV owner uses their batteries in the same way. Just because one solution works best for one owner it doesn’t mean it’s best for another.

The only given I agree with here in absolute terms is that flooded batteries are cheapest to buy.

[Bob Denman]

Yup: they are cheaper...

[taylorbob1]

One other consideration...
- will your “low-end” WFCO Converter/Charger, built for FLA batteries, minimize efficiency or even damage your new & expensive AGM or Lithium Ion battery replacement?

Which means for most low-end RVs (like mine) you’ll need to upgrade your Converter/Charger as well.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

One other consideration...
- will your “low-end” WFCO Converter/Charger, built for FLA batteries, minimize efficiency or even damage your new & expensive AGM or Lithium Ion battery replacement?

Which means for most low-end RVs (like mine) you’ll need to upgrade your Converter/Charger as well.

The chemistry is the same for all lead acid batteries; flooded, AGM or gel. Any three stage charger will work fine. Chargers with special charging settings can improve the speed of charge or can equalize the flooded batteries but this is not necessary unless the batteries sit for a considerable time period.


There are four major categories of lithium batteries and each category has different charging profiles and voltages. The lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) battery has a charging and voltage profile most similar to flooded lead acid batteries. Battle Born has been most forthcoming in their battery's requirements. Simply put the standard charger will work with LiFePo4 batteries but is not optimum. It seems the battery needs a charging voltage above 14.4 volts during the absorption phase for the battery manager to equalize the cells. Standard chargers do not have this capability. I might might mention that with Lithium batteries you will need a different BIM to avoid overheating the alternator when the alternator is connected to lithium batteries.

[lwmcguire]

What ever type battery you purchase, get the specific product data sheet and set the charger accordingly

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by lwmcguire

What ever type battery you purchase, get the specific product data sheet and set the charger accordingly

Clear, concise, and to the point!

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by lwmcguire

What ever type battery you purchase, get the specific product data sheet and set the charger accordingly

My WFCO has no adjustments
So I would need to upgrade my Converter/Charger as others have done on this Forum when they upgraded to AGM or Lithium

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

My WFCO has no adjustments
So I would need to upgrade my Converter/Charger as others have done on this Forum when they upgraded to AGM or Lithium

The simple answer is no you do not need a new charger. See post #27 for the full explanation.

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by Beau388

The simple answer is no you do not need a new charger. See post #27 for the full explanation.

I got it
Without purchasing a new Converter/Charger...
1) I will not have optimum charging
2) I must purchase a new BIM

Like I previously said...
for most low-end RVs (like mine) you’ll need to upgrade your Converter/Charger to maximize the more expensive AGM or Lithium Ion battery

That’s why I’ve chosen to stay with FLA