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SnooblerI said it well. One thing I would suggest is that you consider going with an inverter generator. I dug out my old paintball rifle for this coming camping season especially for the fellow campers who show up with cheap open frame generators. I got run out of a campsite last time we...

Probably not. It may well support "running" current. but will choke on the "sartup" current draw. Also, your freezers compressor may run hot, reducing lifespan, if you use a MSW inverter. I killed a Frigidaire running it for an extended period on an MSW. I went through a number of...

I have installed FLA in all of my RV's due to cost and availability. "drop in" Lifepo4 solutions are still quite expensive compared to FLA. What folks here on diysolar with Lifepo4 is not mainstream. I would be installing a 10kw FLA bank in my latest RV this week if I had not stumbled across...

Docan says: "No, BMS won't allow it" Looks like 16 cells and a BMS instead.

I suspect that you may have better luck selling them on Ebay. Folks here may be a bit spoiled with buying the 280's direct for $110 each. Ebay exposes you to a lot more people who don't want to wait or are uncomfortable buying from China. I just sold eight extra that I got from Amy for $180...

The pre-built powerstation sounds like it is priced reasonably for what it is. If you have more money than time I would buy it. If you are anything like me, with a little time available and a love of tinkering, then build it. If I were going to build it for what you mentioned then I would...

I just saw 4 x 25A/H Lifepo4 prismatic cells on eBay for $100 and you can probably get 4 x the 280A/H from the gent running the group buy. I can't quote but I would guess that you can probably have them delivered for less than $500. Check with Michael for the straight scoop.

The Classic 250 choice was encouraged by a killer sale. It was less than $600 with shipping and tax. My Iota does have the IQ4 module. Thanks for the tip on Amy. I will give her a shot. What do you think about capacity? I would be substituting a 24v 420 A/H FLA bank with a 24v 280 A/H Lifepo4...

I understand your want to maintain lifestyle while going solar. It WILL be expensive if you are not willing to make any concessions to conservation. Conservation is most always cheaper than building out solar to support wasteful loads. No need to go extreme. Go heavy on the insulation. LED...

Well....... I am relatively new to the Lifepo4 chemistry batteries that are so popular but not to solar. I installed my first RV solar in 1995. I am a former electrician with plenty of experience in mobile installations. Primarily RV's and emergency response Bus/trailers. I have a spot in my...

:) Thanks Snoobler! I have been looking for that pump and somehow missed it on Amazon.

Here is my "van solar" project: https://photos.app.goo.gl/i4iLvCVQx8hgUXU98 Eight x 300 watt panels on the roof. I bet we can get 400+ watts on the roof of your van. :)

Regarding utility power: I ran into a similar circumstance in Washington. I lived with a Honda generator until I found a way to make the project affordable. The power company charged a "base price" for a service drop then added all of the "extras" to complete the job. I asked how far they...

My reservation towards running large loads through the the BMS is the puny construction of the ones that I am considering. I looked at a one that was "rated" at 60A continuous/120A surge. It had 2x 12AWG wires each for the and load connections. I don't expect the 300A BMS's in my budget range...

I had never heard of Samlex until they were spec's for five mountain top radio sites that I was upgrading. Installation was without issue. When I handed those sites off to my replacement, all of the inverters had been powering equipment 24x7 for seven years trouble free. If I couldn't have my...

Thanks Luthj. I was top balancing so no BMS. If I had been charging a series string I would absolutely have had a BMS running. I had a senior moment and left it running overnight unattended. It is my practice to turn things like this off or turned down to a trickle when I leave the shop...

:) I'll sell you the Xantrex 1000 that I have...... It does come with a travel trailer and pickup truck attached to it though...... :)

Howdy! I finally got the panels I bought from you mounted. Hopefully it doesn't take me another year to get them wired. :)

My dishwasher won't run on solar but does appreciate flowers now and then..... :)

Looks like a cheap spot welder is going to be the solution. $31 from China or $40 from a US seller. Then I can tab my $26 worth of batteries....... Thanks for the input Everyone.

In the NEC "grounding" conductors and "grounded" conductors are different animals. Keep that in mind when interpreting code.

Thanks for the input. It appears that the T8 is made of Unobtainium.... I have been reading up and am thinking that I may start with a simple bench supply.

I managed to get 8 x 300 watt panels on mine with room to spare. I could have fit 10 but I want a storage rack as well. One of my posts here has pictures. I am having a little trouble finding it. We have designed our electrical with a strong eye to conservation. Using the most efficient...

If it hasn't already been mentioned : Iota makes a DLS series charger with IQ-Li module that may work in your application. Here is a link to the IQ module that works with the DLS charger/converters: https://www.solar-electric.com/iota-iq-lifepo-dls-controller.html

I run a 10.8 cu.ft. residential refrigerator in my travel trailer from two GC-2 batteries. They are "true" deep cycle batteries. When the were brand new they would run all of my loads, including the refrigerator, for 24 hours without trouble. My battery bank = 12v 215a/h. I would definitely...

Amy has been fantastic to work with. I am waiting on delivery of my first set of 16. I look forward to seeing your results.

I just finished my very first project with my new 3D printer. 20 battery holders....

Amy has move to a new company and I am not certain that I am really talking to her. Is this her current info: Wan Amy2020-11-9 Shenzhen Luyuan Technology Co., Ltd. Also, I am being quoted $250 for sea shipping on eight cells. Is that comparable to what you all have seen? Thanks. S.

Hey Everyone, I had a midstream change of plans. I have nixed the 425A/H FLA bank in favor of a 280A/H Lifepo4 bank. I expected to be able to swap the IQ4 module on my Iota charger for the IQ-LIFEPO module. No problem....... Much to my surprise, my charger does not use the changeable module...

Hello Everyone, I am working on my RV solar system and had designed it using FLA batteries. I had a plan and I was sticking to it. I am shopping for batteries this morning and had Youtube playing. One of Will's videos played. Down the rabbit hole I went. Now y'all have me considering Lifepo4...

Hey Everyone, I have ordered 280 a/h cells from Amy. Now I have the patience of a six year old on Christmas morning. How long has sea shipping been taking for your orders? Has anyone pinned down what is the least expensive shipping method? Almost 40% of my order total was sea shipping...

Thank you. A reasonable price but beyond the budget for this project.

:) :) I received tracking information two weeks ago and I am already running out of patience.

Good! You best not be lookin' for BMS, charger or battery info around here stranger! ???

I have that one and max bulk charge is 27.2v

I believe that the FAA breaks it down to specific chemistries. Some are allowed with conditions.

Hey Everyone, I am still trying to gain an education in all things BMS. I am making some progress and I really appreciate the time you all have taken to answer my questions. Regarding the control of the shore power charger: I am having a time finding a budget friendly shore charger. 8S...

What is the power consumption of the BMS on your 24v RV setup?

I just started an order with Amy's company and found the batteries for $654. Unfortunately, shipping is $498. That kills the price advantage of buying from Aliexpress. Any tips on saving $$ on shipping?

Midnite said that I must come up with a method of quickly disconnect the panels from the controller. I am looking at some low draw contactors. I looked a ssr's and the internal resistance was on the high side.

Hello Everyone, I am preparing for my first venture into Lifepo4. I have held on to my FLA long enough...... Rather than make my 8 x 280AH Eva's my introduction, I thought that I would order up the BMS that I intend to use and some cheap surplus Lifepo4 cells and build a small 24v pack to...

I wish that I was closer. I would come and get them. I just blew up 8 - 280's and need replacements. I will offer $125 each for 8 including shipping to zip 99328

For just the CPAP 280A/H may be significant overkill for short trips. If you wanted to go longer without charging or have other load you want to support the additional capacity may be handy. A 12v 280A/H pack by itself is roughly 5"x6"x8". You could fit the cells and BMS in a roughly 6"x6"x10"...

I am looking at the Daly and (senior moment) the one that Will has talked about here. Overboard? Overshot? Something like that. I have a Xantrex 1800/24 inverter. I can make it "externally switching" with a soldering iron and 15 minutes. :) My big concern is my solar charge controller. It is a...

What is keeping you from putting more solar up on the roof? I know little about vans in particular. I had a Chevy for a while. Did the back up in Avocado Green shag carpet, ripped out the 8 track and installed an awesome new cassette deck. It's been a while. From what I remember of mine, I am...

I checked my docs and also called Midnite. They confirmed panels connected without battery can damage the controller. I have looked at 150vdc/40a SSRs and would consider running one of those to disconnect the panels if I could find any information telling me that it will work properly. With the...

I am assuming that Luhan = Luyuan ??? Thank you.

Looks good! For some examples of what some other folks have done Google "masonry heater" and "Rocket Mass Heater". Lots of really interesting stuff out there on mass for heat storage.

Thank you Snoobler. I had looked at that one and discarded it because of the float charge. I don't understand why but I have seen statements that using a charger that floats is bad for Lifepo4 batteries. The Amazon reviews are poor and well. If I can simply set the bulk to 29.2v and have happy...

With a 100 watt 12v solar charger you are unlikely to see more than 7-8 amps. If you want to properly charge FLA or AGM I would recommend a battery around 75a/h. My understanding is that Lifepo4 does not have the same issue. Low charge rate is not a problem.

Having too much battery in an FLA system definitely has downsides. One of which I would extend to LFP. When it does come time to replace the batteries you will spend the extra $$ a second time replacing them.

Hey Everyone, I have been presented with a learning experience....... I had a charger fail and I found eight (280 AH) cells puffed up a fair bit. The vents are intact. I know that cells are generally destroyed if they vent. This is a new one to me. What do you all think? Has anyone...

You are giving me more confidence in this solution. So, as long as float is below 3.4 vpc there is no problem. Good to know. Is the "re-bulk" on the PM4 a good thing for Lifepo4?

You confirmed my suspicion of Chinese junk. I will take a look at the uni-t. I did look at used Flukes on eBay and was surprised at how reasonable some of them appeared to be. Thank you for the input.

I think I can manage that. I will partially discharge, turn the charge controller off then flip the battery disconnect.

Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) have a number of disadvantages. The one that comes to mind first is the fact that you need to charge them at at least 8%-10% of C in order to "stir" the electrolyte and prevent sulfating. You need to size your battery and charge source to "fit". With limited solarthat can...

If you find yourself up in the Northwest, stop by. I'd be happy to give a hand. Safe travels.

Hello Everyone, I am still trying to wrap my head around just how the BMS functions. It appears to me that the BMS does not necessarily require that the loads and charge sources be run THROUGH the BMS. It does however need to be able to disconnect the loads and charge sources from the...

Hey Everyone, I have seen a handful of places that sold new, empty battery cases to battery refurbishers. Now that I could use them, I cannot find them. Does anyone have any idea where I may find these? Thank you. S.

VHB is amazing stuff when used properly. Don't find yourself in the same situation as the poor guy in CA last year who used (only) VHB tape to mount his panels on his RV.. One came loose at 60+ miles an hour and hit another car. One young lady died in the accident. The RV driver was charged...

If it will SIGNIFICANTLY extend my battery life , I will. If it won't, I have better places to spend the money on than "extra" batteries.

I am guessing that you may already have "stuff" on the roof that you have to work around. The panels I am installing today are 72"x39" and are 300 watts. I was envisioning those on a blank roof thinking that you could fit 3-4 on the roof of a van.

That is a great example of the used finds on eBay. I am definitely leaning that way. It does kinda suck looking at Fluke meters that I bought new for $600+ when I was making $10 an hour selling today for $39.....

I am not sure what they were referring to either. It was not clear. Just a vague statement that you would loose functionality. I am very familiar with charge controller function and that was not it. I have a fairly good handle on the solar/battery technology until you change the chemistry... :)...

Could you fit 32 of them in a medium USPS flat rate box with adequate packing? Price?

Perhaps a group but could help mitigate the shipping costs?

The X version will bulk charge at 29.2v. I have the IQ4 version and it bulk charges at 27.2v. I see a ton of 8s Lifepo4 chargers out there rated at 2-20 Amps. Above 20 Amps things get pretty thin. I would really like to have a 50A charger, It was Iota tech support that directed me to the...

My new rig is getting a Xantrex Prosine 1800/24. I have a couple of them. I don't recall them being very much more expensive than the 1800/12. The 400 watt msw DEFINITELY does have the capacity to overcome LRC.

I have been watching these "generators" for a while now and have not managed to actually observe any power generation. Not a Watt....

Hey Everyone, I am new to the Li battery arena. I am seeing the need to be measuring voltage and current with a level of accuracy that I have not needed in many years. I no longer have a bevy of Fluke and HP gear with recent cal stickers. I am looking at my current collection of gear and it is...

Love Victron gear but for a budget install in my trailer I installed the Renogy Rover 40A. It has been running about 18 months without needing any attention. I would buy it again for a similar application. Budget permitting, I would definitely favor the Victron.

Thank you for the recommendation. I had already found and read the first one. I just dove into the Nordkyn site. That is going to take me a while :) Lots of good info there. I am finding lots of new questions as I find answers to the old ones. I have learned enough so far that I am very...

Thanks. ALL DC loads are definitely disconnected when I turn off the battery disconnect.

You are torturing me! I want that alternator soo bad. Unfortunately I have had zero success finding a mounting bracket. Know of any place to find an auxiliary alternator bracket for the 8.3 Cummins?

I called Iota and had a good chat with the tech support guy. That is where I got the 27.2 bulk charge. The float charge is a problem as well. There is no way to disable or adjust it. I developed concerns that the charger that I bought may not work for the change to Lifepo4 so I called Iota...

Yes, I understand. The two BMS's I am looking at are the Daly and Overkill. The LVD that I have is the Victron. Thank you for the links. I will take a look at the videos and see if I get some clarity.

Perhaps I could order up the BMS that I intend to use and some cheap surplus Lifepo4 cells and build a small 24v pack to practice on. Did you read my post ? :) :)

Hey Everyone, I am still new to the Lifepo4 arena. I understand that, like FLA, they will last longer if your regular depth of discharge is less. A battery regularly cycled to 20% DOD on a regular basis will last more cycles than one that is regularly cycled to 60% DOD. So.... For a given...

Having the ability to restart the engine while in flight is handy. I am not sure that a jump-starter would be ideal.

Anyone have any experience soldering instead of spot welding?

Anyone??

Works great. Thank you.

Close :) Mine was twice as long :)

I have used VHB tape and it is some serious sticky. Would I use it to attach panels to the roof of a vehicle? No.... After seeing the gent down in California that used VHB to attach panels to the roof of his RV. It held fine on all but one of the panels. That one panel came off while he was...

Sounds good. Know anyone that may be able to use mine? Never installed and have the paperwork but no box. I am going to go with the Powermax.

I am afraid that it is only going to get worse. :(

I have seen a few Pioneer mini-splits installed in RV's. There are a handful of folks over at www.skoolie.net that have mini-splits in their converted school buses. You might pop over there and pose the same questions. I will be ordering two Pioneers for mine next month.

I don't know. As I mentioned in my, first post, I don't have the "module". I thought that I was getting a normal DLS and an IQ4 module. Instead the one I received has the IQ4 circuitry built in. The question now is what to replace it with? I really want to have at least a 40A charger...

Another question: I see numerous examples of prismatic cells laying on their side. That runs contrary to something I read that said that they should be mounted upright or you may reduce the life expectancy of the cells. What is the reality? I can mount them either way but on their side...

Hey Everyone, I have heard that some of the "readymade" 12v lifepo4 batteries do not perform well in a series configuration due to some issue with the BMS. Is there any truth to this? I am considering putting 4 of the following in series for my 48v battery...

It's bus central here :) I have a Bluebird A3RE in the driveway.

I decided to fire it up and see....... Not a 20A receptacle to be found. I have everything but 20A. Local hardware store doesn't carry them...... Sometimes living out in the stix can be a pain. So... No testing today. I did take note of the markings on the charger: Output Volts: 26.8 VDC...

I have to chuckle at the title :) If my solar system exhibited the same reliability as our power grid, I would be very disappointed. Set the bar a little higher :) Probably not five 9's but definitely better than utility. :)

I got a little confused. I thought Joey was talking about BMS attributes. I reread it and he is quite obviously talking about LVD's. Regarding the inverters built in LVD, it is fixed at 20 volts (2.5 volts per cell). Is that low enough to damage the battery? Edit: I have found a number of...

I became aquatinted with them in the marine industry. They are the bomb for battery charging compared to an automotive alternator. Several have suggested that I build a bracket myself. Unfortunately it is beyond my fabrication skills. I am confident that I will find someone to build it for me...

External auto transfer switches can be had for around $70. You could certainly add one to your system without too much trouble. I am getting ready to install this one...

Your wiring diagrams are beautiful :) What app did you use? Thanks.

Hey Everyone, I was ready to pull the trigger on 8 Eve 280's instead of the FLA batteries that I had originally planned. Then I had a thought. (yes, I know, those are dangerous). My original design had my charge controller on the battery side of the LVD so that I don't blow it up by...