Swapping to Lithium? WATCH THIS FIRST!

In this video we discuss the differences between traditional Lead Acid batteries and Lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are often marketed as "drop-In" replacements in the RV world but there are some things to consider before taking the plunge! Watch the video and decide if it's right for your particular situation before you invest your money!

Need parts for your swap? Here are some links to the equipment you may need from our partners at Inverters R Us!

Victron components:
Shunts

Converter

DC to DC chargers

SmartSolar charge controllers

[rdharris]

Best video I've seen so far about converting a RV, including class c's, to lithium batteries. Very comprehensive and nicely explained. Thanks.

[Tailss]

As an RV owner using it off grid everything this man said about switching to Lithium is correct.

[deechap]

Thank you so very much!! I have been researching for months on what I need to do to upgrade to lithium and will eventually get to solar. You did a perfect job here, straight to the point and not too long, and enough details so I know what to buy. This is the best video I have watched, and I greatly appreciate what you have done here.

[gtibbot]

What a great explanation, another vote for the best beginners video on this subject!

[JJ-Journeys]

Excellent video! Installed 600 watts of solar on my RV last year, changed my batteries from 2 lead acid to "3-100amp Diablo Lithium Batteries". I Installed all Victron Components from the Multiplus ll to the Shunt, Charge Controller, Cerbo and Touch 50 monitor and love the setup. The Diablo batteries are a game changer not only can I check the state of charge from the shunt but each battery has a bms and is bluetooth so I can check each individual battery. Justin from RV Solar Concepts was a huge help with a wealth of knowledge. If anyone is looking to install solar on their RV I highly recommend RV Solar Concepts. These guys know what they're talking about and their workmanship is 1st class.

[chrisneuhaus]

Very nice! You made it very easy to understand the sub components that are key to a proper LA to LI swap out on the house batts. Good presentation, easy for the even the novice to follow along.

[bgunckel]

This was far and away the best explanation of doing the conversion, as well as explanations of the capacities and state of charge differences. Thank you so much!

[cpwatching]

Well done. You covered these issues perfectly. One item I would add to this conversation. I have an off grid cabin in the very cold at times north country and it runs on solar. The only reason I did not go with Lithium is because the low temperature charging limitations of a lithium battery. Below 30F they do not do well. Take care.

[dalehuhtala]

Thanks for clearing up the drop-in myth. On my RV, i contacted the converter manufacturer and to my surprise they responded with a diagram showing me where the lead acid/lithium dip switch is! A flip of the switch and I'm now putting out 14.6V! One 100 AH Lithium essentially has the capacity of two older 100 AH lead acid battery!

[MrEricmopar]

This is the first time I have seen anyone properly address the voltage differences. It also applies to the current you can safely charge with. NiCad, Lithium, Lead Acid and other batteries, all have specific charging needs.
I knew this from my Ham Radio stuff, that you couldn't just swap out different types of batteries. Radio Controllers for toys and models also are designed around specific battery types, do to significant voltage differences, and charging voltage and charging current differences.

Eric gives RV Solar Concepts a gold star for doing his research. 😆

[andrewrees]

Thanks for this, an excellent to the point video. I’m just about to covert to Lithium and did not know about the charge voltage difference. Looks like you have saved me a ton of grief, thanks again.

[NOName-coqh]

I had been told some of this by my converter company's tech department before I added another battery to my fifth wheel. Your explanation was clear, to the point and overall was explained in a way that any RV or boat owner should understand. Thanks!

[aubreyj.tennant]

Best plain language explanation I’ve ever heard. 💪👍💯

[GoldenKCampers]

Great job. Love how you went thru the whole video with basically no cuts. Just a great conversation. Also, the content was fabulous. Very clear and concise, and easy to understand. So much more than just doing a drop in replacement !!

[dirtyburd]

Great information even for new, first time installs, picking out the correct components that will work together.

[Hebrewsv]

Outstanding video! I watch a lot of these type videos and this one is the best of the best I have seen. You have done Will Prowse proud with your tutorial here!

I just subbed and "rang" the bell. Looking forward to more of this content!

[jcastell]

Man this was EYE OPENING....my RV shop is really selling me on going Lithium in my class A, which I really want to do. But I am going to grill them on all this info before I do. I absolutely will put in these safe you!

[rossdeanda]

This just answered a lot of questions. Direct and easy explanation. Thank you!

[Hanssolo]

Thanks, you just saved me a boat load of work and addressed all my questions. Very well done explanation of the two systems. I have an older RV, and now I know what to do if I choose to upgrade or even purchase a new rig with the LI batteries. Thanks again.

[donaldpasley]

Pal, this is the best video I've ever seen explaining the difference between the two technologies thanks