Lithium Experiment Introduction
We spend most of our time “Boondocking” (total this past summer 5 trips @ 14 days). What we have found is that our 2x6v Trojan T-105s = 105ah just aren’t cutting it. While in the back country of BC catching sun to maintain a battery charge can be a challenge, even with 400w of solar (remember BC has trees [see pic] – this is not Alberta flat country).
What this means is: it’s time to bit-the-bullet and go Lithium. We will be installing 2x12v 100ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries in parallel for 200ah. This will be installed inside Blue Streak under the Lounge. We will also be updating our IOTA Charger/Converter for lithium compatibility.
Just exchanging the battery type alone will also reduce the hitch weight by almost 100lbs. 🙂
Everything is on order (batteries, wire, lugs) and the “experiment” will be documented here over the next couple of weeks. Go Here for lithium experiment part 2 😎
About The Author
Brickster
Brick and Mona are avid Boondockers, love "Glamping" but still like to experience the down and dirty off grid camping - look for us and say hi. We are easy to spot just look for 25 feet of shiny Air-Aluminium towed by a Dragon Red F-150HD FX4.
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Truly interested in your set-up for solar. We have a 2001 Safari we have renoed. Please lay out the complete procedure re solar ie roof panles, controller, batteries etc. and part numbers where to buy etc. thank you in advance
BC bound
Administrator Reply:
Wow that’s a lot of request …
First of all the 2 x 100w roof panels were factory installed and on the Airstream when we purchased. We carry a 160w suitcase unit that is connected via the umbilical which we set-up as required to follow the sun. We have installed SOK lithium batteries (as shown on the blog postings) and just updated the solar charge controller to a BlueSky 3000i MPPT from Legacy PWM (which is unique to our situation). You will have to do your own research for “where to purchase the stuff”. A great video series on YouTube is found with “The more we explore”. Hope that helps 😎