01-12-2019, 03:22 AM
I just removed 3 8D gel batteries from my Foretravel and installed 3 100amphour BattleBorn LiFePO4 batteries. Same advantages, removed 450# and replaced with 100#, faster charging, no slow absorption charging, very little voltage sag at high amp draws.
And these are manufactured in a nice clean package with built-in BMS for over/under discharge, over/under voltage, and temperature protection. And a 10 year warranty!
The recommended charge voltages are 14.4 v, absorb for 30 minutes/100 amps (1.5 hours on mine) and float at 13.4 v. I think this is a bit different than the Balqon Winston cells I sold to Richard. Not sure if the individual cell chemistry is different or they just have more empirical data.
When researching this project I narrowed it down to these and LifeBlue batteries. BB had a $100 off Black Friday sale so I bought them then. Trojan is introducing their line of similar batteries so they're worth a look.
I briefly looked at building a pack with Winston or Calb cells but the price difference with a BMS was about the same as these. And only a 2 year factory warranty, from the China manufacturer. BattleBorns are put together in Nevada and they warranty them there.
My Prosine 2500 watt inverter charges these to specs, I also have 400 watts solar with a Victron Smart controller which also charges to specs. I added a cut-off switch to the isolator to protect the alternator and belts from overheating.
But you have to ask yourself if this is what you really want, if you'll do a lot of boon docking then they have great advantages. We'll be doing a lot on our Alaska trip this summer. They are not cheap but should outlast agms, gels, or lead acids which will bring the overall cost down a lot.
And these are manufactured in a nice clean package with built-in BMS for over/under discharge, over/under voltage, and temperature protection. And a 10 year warranty!
The recommended charge voltages are 14.4 v, absorb for 30 minutes/100 amps (1.5 hours on mine) and float at 13.4 v. I think this is a bit different than the Balqon Winston cells I sold to Richard. Not sure if the individual cell chemistry is different or they just have more empirical data.
When researching this project I narrowed it down to these and LifeBlue batteries. BB had a $100 off Black Friday sale so I bought them then. Trojan is introducing their line of similar batteries so they're worth a look.
I briefly looked at building a pack with Winston or Calb cells but the price difference with a BMS was about the same as these. And only a 2 year factory warranty, from the China manufacturer. BattleBorns are put together in Nevada and they warranty them there.
My Prosine 2500 watt inverter charges these to specs, I also have 400 watts solar with a Victron Smart controller which also charges to specs. I added a cut-off switch to the isolator to protect the alternator and belts from overheating.
But you have to ask yourself if this is what you really want, if you'll do a lot of boon docking then they have great advantages. We'll be doing a lot on our Alaska trip this summer. They are not cheap but should outlast agms, gels, or lead acids which will bring the overall cost down a lot.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
PO 1999 Foretravel 36'
1998 Newell 45' #486
1993 Newell 39' #337