Everyone in the RV industry from manufacturers to consumers are “buzzing” about Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. It’s no surprise, because they have many distinct advantages over traditional flooded lead acid batteries. Especially for those RVers who are concerned about trailer weight, have high power consumption, boondock off grid, and use solar to keep their batteries topped up. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of lithium batteries and the product lineup from Go Power.
Lithium Battery Advantages
Weight
A typical RV 12-volt flooded cell battery weighs about 50 pounds. Weight jumps to over 120 pounds if you power your RV with a dual 6-volt battery configuration. Compare this to a lithium battery which weighs on average 25-30 pounds. This can make a significant difference in towing capacity and how much additional gear your can bring on your adventures.
Lifespan, Charging Capacity & Speed
The typical lifespan of a flooded cell battery is approximately 300 charge/discharge cycles, which equates to 2-5 years, depending on proper maintenance. A lithium battery can charge and discharge closer to 1,000 cycles and lasts approximately 10 years. You can also utilize nearly all the power (close to full discharge) in a lithium battery without disruptions, and recharge time is significantly faster than that of a flooded lead acid battery. This is especially handy when you are using a solar panel to keep your batteries topped up.
Installation Flexibility
Because lithium batteries don’t require ventilation like traditional flooded cell batteries, they can be installed almost anywhere in your RV, including inside compartments or underneath bench seating. Installing the battery inside the RV allows for more even weight distribution, ability to keep the battery warm, and reduction of theft.
In the video below, Parts Manager Dan walks through a few models to help you decide which Go Power lithium battery is right for you.
Go Power Sun Cycle 100 AH Standard Battery
The 100 amp hour standard battery is ideal for budget-conscious campers who don’t extend their season into colder months. This standard battery has the same power capacity and 10-year warranty as the advanced version, but with fewer features. It does however; have a basic battery management system to prevent over and under temperature scenarios, over and under charging, and short circuits. For those needing additional power, you can wire up to 4 standard batteries in parallel.
Go Power Sun Cycle 100 AH Advanced Battery
The 100 amp hour advanced battery is perfect for tech savvy campers who want to keep tabs on power consumption via Bluetooth, and enjoy winter camping. Read more about the advanced features below.
Battery Management System (BMS)
The advanced lithium battery has an onboard Battery Management System (BMS) that you can consider the brains of the operation. It ensures cells are auto-balanced in larger battery banks, and has detailed real-time monitoring capabilities of temperature and power usage. It also protects against over and under-charging and short circuits, protecting your investment and equipment.
Heater
When lithium batteries reach a temperature of 0°C (32°F) or below, they are no longer able to accept a charge. The onboard heater in the advanced battery allows batteries to be charged in temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F) allowing for camping in winter and shoulder seasons.
Reserve Capacity
The advanced lithium battery has a reserve capacity that retains 5% of the remaining power, even when it appears to be fully discharged. This allows you to put in awnings or slides so you can safely tow your trailer home.
Bluetooth Connectivity
If your are someone who loves to “geek out” with the latest and greatest tech and gadgets, you will appreciate the Bluetooth connectivity with the Go Power Connect app that constantly monitors power consumption and battery power remaining so you never get caught with a dead battery.
RV-C Ports
The addition of RV-C connection ports allow you to connect multiple batteries that communicate with each other through RV-C cables to make an intelligent battery bank. You can connect up to 8 batteries in parallel or 4 in series.
Go Power Sun Cycle 300 AH Advanced Battery
If you have rigorous power requirements in your RVing adventures and the space for a larger battery, consider the 300 amp hour advanced lithium battery. This model packs a punch in the power category, and has a larger footprint to match. And for those craving serious power at the campsite, you can connect up to four of these batteries in series or 8 in parallel for the ultimate off-grid experience.
In Conclusion
Here at Bucars RV, we’re proud to carry the Go Power line of lithium batteries. No matter your camping style, budget, or power requirements, Go Power makes a lithium battery for you. If you are ready to embrace the benefits of lithium batteries, first ensure that your RV’s converter charger and/or solar controller is “lithium-ready”. This has become the industry standard since around 2022. Many converters and controllers have a setting to work with lithium batteries. If you are unsure if your equipment is lithium ready, you can look up the specs for your model online, or contact us for assistance. To purchase Go Power lithium batteries, come in and speak to any of our knowledgeable parts associates or shop online here.
