There’s a reason why lithium batteries used in RVs or vans are often called “house batteries.” Recreational vehicles aren’t used for commuting to work or picking up groceries. They’re for off-grid adventuring in beautiful, rugged places and finding “home” anywhere you roam. To make the most of your recreation, proper RV battery installation is a must. Today’s blog is your ultimate guide to help your batteries take you further.
Why Proper RV Battery Installation Matters
From powering air conditioners to propane furnace fans, RV batteries put in the work. By powering your RV systems when off the grid, you can travel wherever you want. But before switching out your lead acid for a lithium-ion, you should take precautions.
Ultimately, proper RV battery installation means systems that run more smoothly, efficiently, and safely. It also means you can protect your investment and rely on your battery for years (and adventures) to come.
Your Guide to Safe Installation
This is what you came for, so let’s get to it.
Battery size
Start by assessing if your power system is 12V or 24V. From there, you can find your battery capacity, from 60 Ah to 360 Ah. The amp hours (what the Ah stands for) add up quickly, so be sure you’re accounting for every item that will demand power from your system.
Configurations
One of the hallmarks of a lithium-ion battery is that it can be installed in various configurations without issue. This versatility means more installation options depending on your battery size, mounting accessories, and RV setup. These batteries don’t require ventilation either, further opening your configuration possibilities.
Wiring
In most cases, you can use the same connections you used for your lead-acid batteries. However, we suggest you verify the wiring configuration and capacity for the specific LiFePO4 battery you’re using. Loose fittings and poor connections can lead to overheating and other hazardous conditions. As a rule, you should always check that every component in your system is sized correctly for your new lithium battery current.
Battery banks
You might need to install a battery bank depending on your power requirements. You can use up to four E360 batteries in a series of configurations and, if wired right, you can have almost unlimited parallel connections.
Temperature limits
Our charging temperature range is between 32 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The discharge temperature ranges from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Understanding your battery’s limits will let you prepare for extreme conditions and achieve optimal safety for your RV.
Ongoing monitoring
Although our batteries fall under the ‘plug and play’ category, part of proper RV battery installation includes an ongoing monitoring system. A battery monitoring system (BMS) just ensures that your self-regulating batteries are getting the job done.
Top Battery Systems to Get You Started
Choosing the right battery for your RV comes down to understanding your power requirements, off-grid plans, rig type, and individual use case. We designed our RV power systems to be a convenient solution for swapping out lead-acid for lithium-ion.
Voyager Bundles
Everything you need for medium and larger-sized travel trailers, truck campers, fifth wheels, and motor coaches.
- E360 Lithium Batteries and Tie Down Tray
- E360 500 A Battery Monitor
- E360 Solar Panels and 50 A Solar Charge Controller
- Kisae 2000 W Inverter Charger
- E360 Batteries and Tie-Down Tray System:
- Victron 500 A Smart Shunt
- Victron GX 50 Touch Screen
- Victron Cerbo GX
- E360 Solar Panels and Victron Charge Controller
- Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC to DC Charger
- Victron Multiplus 2000 W Inverter Charger
- E360 Lithium Batteries and Tie-Down Tray
- Redarc Manager 30 with Color Display
- E360 Solar Panels
- Redarc 25 A DC to DC Charger
- Redarc 2000 W Inverter
Boondocker Bundles
Everything you need for larger-sized travel trailers, truck campers, fifth wheels, and motor coaches for extended time off-grid.
- E360 Lithium Batteries and Tie-Down Trays
- E360 500 A Battery Monitor
- E360 Solar Panels and 85 A Solar Charge Controller
- Kisae 3000 W Inverter Charger
- E360 Lithium Batteries and Tie-Down Tray System
- Victron Smart Shunt
- Victron GX 70 Touch Screen
- Victron Cerbo GX
- E360 Solar Panels and Victron Charge Controller
- Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC to DC Charger
- Victron Multiplus II 3000 W Inverter Charger
- Victron Lynx Distributor and Lynx Shunt
- E360 Lithium Batteries and Tie-Down Trays
- Redarc Manager 30 with Color Display
- E360 Solar Panels
- Redarc 50 A DC to DC Charger
- Redarc 3000 W Inverter
