Upgrading to lithium batteries is a project we've talked about for years, but never gotten around to because it seemed too complicated. Finally, after meeting the folks from Lion Energy we learned that just maybe it wouldn't be that difficult after all. So, we took the plunge and decided to replace our two 6-volt AGM batteries connected in series with two 12-volt Lithium batteries connected in parallel!
*Disclaimer: This is the process that we went through changing out our AGM batteries in our nuCamp TAB 400 to Lithium. The general idea of the switch out will translate to other RV models and brands, but we do not accept any responsibility for damages, miscalculations, or spilled beer.
Watch the video:
Tools needed:
Two 12-volt Lithium Batteries. Recommended Lion Safari UT 1300. (hint: save 15% on any Lion Energy product(s) with coupon code "LITTLEBEAR")
Two 12-inch, 2 to 4 gauge battery cables for connecting in parallel. *Important: 12" cables worked for us. Whatever size you use, make sure they are the same length cables
Your favorite beer
10 Steps to our Battery Upgrade:
Step 1: Disconnect the battery
Find the battery disconnect on your camper. Switch this to the position where your battery is disconnected.
Step 2: Locate/Access your current batteries
Depending on the year/model/manufacturer of your camper, your battery may be located in various places. We show you how to locate the batteries in a nuCamp RV 2020 TAB 400.
Step 3: Remove fuses from battery charger and solar charge controller (if you have one)
Avoid some potentially "shocking" surprises by removing the fuses from your battery charger and solar charge controller before beginning.
Step 4: Disconnect wires from existing batteries and remove
Fairly self-explanatory: you have to remove the wires before removing the batteries! We also had to unscrew a few extra screws to physically remove the batteries. This will vary by model.
Step 5: Insert new batteries
Our new lithium batteries were smaller and lighter weight (about a third of the weight of our original batteries!). So, they were easy to insert into place.
Step 6: Wire new batteries in parallel
This is the most important step. Use the battery connect wires suggested above to make the change in the photo below. This will create a 12-volt system.
Step 7: Insert fuses back into battery charger and solar charge controller
Time to get things working again! Put the fuses back into the battery charger and solar charge controller where you had previously removed them.
Step 8: Turn on batteries
We're ready to go so hit that power button to power up!
Step 9: Reconnect battery disconnect
Turn the battery disconnect switch back to allow power to your battery.
Step 10: Adjust software settings in the solar charge controller app
In our case with the nuCamp TAB 400, we use the VictronConnect App to control our solar charge controller settings. There are a few updates you will need to make - watch the video for our settings.
We hope this has been a helpful resource for you. Perhaps it gave you confidence that if even people like us can replace our batteries, maybe you can too!
Love & Light,
Mandy & Kendrick
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