Best Battery System for an RV - LiFePO4 vs Lead Acid

RV batteries have made a MASSIVE transition over the last several years in regards to both quality as well as price. Join us on a deep dive into how/why lithium batteries have overtaken lead acid batteries as the battery of choice for RV campers as well as the components needed to build out a safe and effective battery system yourself!

LiFePO4 Battery Options:
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The new Renogy Pro Smart LiFePO4 is #1! Coming soon with great pre-order pricing!

Renogy Smart (not pro) 

Best Deal on a LiFePO4 Low Temp Battery:

Best Budget Heated Battery:

Top Quality 200Ah Heated:

Gold Standard for years but overpriced now:
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Victron Energy Blue Smart Wall Chargers:
(various sizes; how fast do you want to top off?)

5 amp:

10 amp:

15 amp:

30 amp:

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#lifepo4 #lifepo4battery #agm #hikertrailer #squaredroptrailer #teardroptrailer #teardropcamper #tinycamper #bushwhacker #freesolo #braxtoncreek #overlanding #camping

[jejqxpq]

Hello Brian, I have to say that the background behind you where ever you are taping this video is just a beautiful back drop & area. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I’m a 70 yr old female trying to understand all this camping info for the last 1&1/2 years but I’m moving along. Getting ready to upgrade to lithium from a lead acid to AGM and now upgrade to LiFo this year coming up, so I can go to a few places with no power avail. Thank you 😊

[dianac]

Normally, my eyes glaze over when watching more technical videos, but I watched your explanation with great interest. You're a great teacher! I'm looking forward to your future videos. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[HappyTailsSupport]

Not exciting videos to watch? Anytime I actually find a video on YouTube that explains exactly what I am trying to learn without fluff and bias it is an exciting video for me. Thanks for your vids!

[bethmcelroy]

Glad I watched to the end because swapping out my converter & no DC to DC charger has been holding me back. Thank you so much!

[jmac]

I was able to pick up a 140 Ah timeusb lifepo4 a couple of months ago for $220 for my hiker. No problem keeping it topped off with minimal solar. Basically running a 12v fridge, max air fan, and a couple of lights at night.

[redfox]

Excellent information, especially about the alternator charging. Thank u

[JJulz]

This has to be the best explanation about the differences between the two types of batteries. Thank you so much for the rants and explanations that ai can wrap my head around. Bravo!

[lynw]

I made it all the way through and even went back a couple of times to re-listen. Thanks again for a fantastic video packed with excellent information! I especially love the info about Lithium being lighter, lasting longer, info on the heated batteries - since I am in northern US, and the Victron wall charger info. *Forgot to also thank you for the info about the alternator!! You are the best at explaining things...You have a true gift!

[VPC]

I love your calm demeanor while explaining things. There are so many channels out there that are just all about the hype and talk super quickly to vomit info out at the viewer. You make sure to take the time to help everyone actually understand the info instead of assuming everyone will just get it on the first pass. Thank you for your content

[craigbeattie]

Thx Brian! You helped me so much by explaining all this to me with my build and I’m so happy with the results! You have a fantastic ability to explain things in a way that even a knuckle dragger like myself can understand!

[petelarrier]

Watched your video and that was an excellent summary of the technology in a motorhome application.

[mikevecchio]

That was really a great breakdown. It's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[GeoJeepster]

Glad you’re back! Excellent video as usual! Love the way you always cut through the bull and give practical advice!

[jtoepke]

And this video is another reason why I stay subscribed and continue to watch your videos. I am NOT a non believer in lithium, I just haven’t reached lithium level Yet. My $200 AGM investment is on its second season, if I get three years per battery, in a dozen seasons ($800) then my $150 175w solar panel is a good combination for my campground camping. I think I have time to move to lithium. Thanks again Brian.

[martran]

Great lesson here Brian. I’m waiting any day now for my first LifePo battery, but was a bit nervous if I had to invest in a DC to DC charge controller as well. Now I’ll opt for your tips on bypassing the 7-pin and charging the battery with the on board converter. Thanks again.

[twloughlin]

My only regret about getting into lithium iron phosphate over three years ago was the high cost of entry. I cry a little every time I learn what the cost of yet another good quality LiFePO4 is. I guess that's why they call it the "bleeding edge." The Renogy 200Ah Smart Pro you have listed is only $50 more than my original Battleborn.

[benvargas]

I watched the video you referenced and that was not my take-away at all. I've watched that video several times. I am now ready to upgrade the converter and battery and I set out to read up on this project and you happened to pop up again with new info. Thank You! If you set out to actually do a full conversion to Lith THE RIGHT WAY, I would be very interested in hearing your take on it all. I know it would be a bit expensive but I love my Geo Pro and as a hobby would love to pimp it out.

[MontanaMedic]

You remind me of Michael Chiklis from "The Commish". Your channel is the best and I really appreciate your common sense, smooth delivery of information and usable knowledge. Also I am going to accept your challenge to go camping 15, 000 times.

[davidmecham]

I agree, this stuff is exciting as all get out, great info

[jeffclark]

Oh gosh, I’m glad to run across this. Waiting for solar system components based around Lifepo battery….and happened to run across you video advocating lead acid from three years ago.