KS Energy Lithium, battery size thoughts?

[Andy MacD]

Thanks to those who helped me a couple of weeks ago to decide that a lithium upgrade is needed.

Currently I have one 100ah AGM battery and 120w solar in a 2021 Adria Twin with large 12v fridge / freezer. When on an aire or site without ECU I’m struggling by the end of day 2 unless strong direct sunlight. In the heat prefer to have the van under trees for a bit of shade to keep the internal temp down. I don’t run an inverter just now.

I could replace with 100ah lithium but not sure that’s big enough. 200ah tempting but expensive and perhaps overkill. I could compromise at 125ah or 155ah. Don’t want to underpower that end up having to get another battery.

Anyone done a similar upgrade who can give guidance on the size they chose and outcome?

Thanks.

 

[Lenny HB]

In the heat prefer to have the van under trees for a bit of shade to keep the internal temp down. I

Can't have it both ways better to suffer some nice heat and get the batteries charged. We hate parking in shade.

I would definitely fit 200ah also if fitting Lithium, one off the big benifits is being able to charge them quickly I would increase the solar to 300 Watts.

 

[DavidCh]

My understanding is that the maximum discharge of lead/acid is to 60% of its capacity if you want it to last. This means with just 40ah available on a 100ah battery. Lithium can be discharged to 20% to 80ah so a 100ah lithium is already double the capacity

 

[DumfriesDik]

No substitution for a bigger battery I think. Make sure the rest of your system is compatible and will work with the new battery.

I am intrigued that your fridge/freezer is 12 volt. If that was run on gas, you’d have nae bother with your existing battery, I’d suggest.

 

[Andy MacD]

If that was run on gas

Cheers, but not ripping out a new compressor fridge to install old school gas.

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[autorouter]

In the heat prefer to have the van under trees for a bit of shade to keep the internal temp down.

Don't forget that solar panels shade the roof and so help to keep the temperature down, so the more you can fit the better.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Compressor fridge and you don't like the sun, you need as big a battery that will fit.

 

[DumfriesDik]

Cheers, but not ripping out a new compressor fridge to install old school gas.

Good point well made!!

 

[Pausim]

I like shade and out of season camping so I bought an Efoy fuel cell but they are expensive. Solar makes more sense for the sun seekers.

 

[Raul]

If you run a compressor fridge, you will need 150ah at a minimum to feel comfortable during grim weather days, and to be kind on the battery for longevity.

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[Andy MacD]

Thanks all, I’m kind of thinking to blow the budget and get a 200ah one and then fit and forget.

 

[dosser]

Thanks all, I’m kind of thinking to blow the budget and get a 200ah one and then fit and forget.

Hi Andy I've the same van only a 2019 with the compressor fridge and 95amp battery. Just did 4 nights last weekend without ehu first two days were fine sunshine all round 3rd day bit overcast still ok 4th no sun battery was on its a@#e that night.
I'm planning to get the 200 lithium soon possibility on the way back North from Cornwall in the next week or so.. Also going to at least double the solar before the winter.

Kenny.

 

[gerry mcg]

I went for an underseat 200Ah ks-energy LiFePO4 battery to go with a 175W solar panel and a compressor fridge in out Globecar PVC

 

[Andy MacD]

Thanks gerry mcg , just measured the space under the passenger seat where Adria fitted the habitation battery and I’ll need to go for the 200Ah under seat version.