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The Spine of RV Life
For those who’re an RVer, you perceive {that a} dependable energy supply is greater than a comfort—it’s the spine of your cell way of life. Whether or not you’re boondocking off-grid or having fun with the facilities of a full-hookup campground, your RV’s battery system is the silent workhorse that retains your journey on observe.
The Outdated Guard: Lead-Acid Batteries
For years, I’ve counted on lead-acid batteries, they usually’ve served me properly. Nonetheless, I used to be intrigued when Goldenmate, a frontrunner in lithium battery expertise, provided to ship me two of their 200 amp-hour LFP12200 Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries to evaluation for RV LIFE. These models purpose to supply extra energy in a lighter, maintenance-free package deal. It’s akin to upgrading your tech—not as a result of your outdated machine isn’t purposeful, however as a result of the brand new one is simply that a lot better.
What’s Forward
On this in-depth evaluation, we’ll discover every thing from the preliminary unboxing to the intricacies of lithium battery set up. I’ll additionally stack up Goldenmate’s choices towards different lithium battery choices on the market. So when you’re contemplating leveling up your RV’s energy supply, stick round. Goldenmate has additionally provided a reduction to RV LIFE readers, so don’t miss these particulars under.
Why Lithium? The Professionals and the Caveats
The Skeptic’s Nook: When to Persist with Lead-Acid
Earlier than we dive into the lithium, let’s acknowledge that lead-acid batteries have their place. In case your RV way of life consists primarily of 1 or two weekend getaways otherwise you’re the sort who’s perpetually hooked as much as shore energy, the upper upfront value of lithium won’t be justified. Lead-acid batteries, particularly AGM sorts, are sealed, dependable, and may actually get the job accomplished for informal RVing.
The Upkeep-Free Benefit
Now, for these of you trying to degree up, one of the crucial compelling causes to modify to lithium batteries like Goldenmate’s LFP12200 is the shortage of required upkeep. In contrast to FLA batteries, which want periodic water refills, lithium batteries are nearly maintenance-free.
Energy-to-Weight Ratio
Let’s discuss power density. Lithium batteries pack much more energy right into a lighter package deal in comparison with lead-acid batteries when you’re weight-conscious about your RV—particularly when dry tenting or boondocking—it is a vital benefit.
To place this into perspective, my rig was operating on deep-cycle lead-acid batteries that weighed a whopping 62 lbs every for simply 100 amp hours per battery. In distinction, the Goldenmate lithium batteries provide 200 amp-hours per battery at a extra back-friendly 57.32 lbs. That’s twice the capability for lower than the identical weight. As soon as put in I actually doubled my battery capability and the entire battery weight was lower than what I began with.
Splendid for Off-Grid Adventures
For off-grid fans, lithium batteries discharge extra effectively than lead acid, offering a constant voltage degree. This ensures that your RV’s home equipment and devices run optimally, even whenever you’re miles away from the closest electrical hookup.
Goldenmate vs. The Competitors: A Balanced Perspective
Earlier than I even obtained my fingers on these batteries, I needed to see how they measured up within the spec division. I’m not one to be simply swayed by advertising jargon; I wanted to see the numbers. So, I did a deep dive, evaluating Goldenmate’s stats with these of different lithium batteries within the RV recreation.
Within the lithium battery world Goldenmate’s costs are thought-about extra on the funds aspect. Like something that’s cheaper, the query turns into, is it cheaply made? I dug into the the specs listed on their website and located what seems to be a strong and properly suited battery.
GoldenMate Specs
Electrical Specs
- Nominal Voltage: 12.8V
- Nominal Capability: 200Ah (0.2C, 25°C)
- Power: 2560Wh
- Resistance: ≤30mh
- Cell Sort: LiFePO₄
Cost & Discharge Specs
- Cost Voltage: 14.4V
- Normal Cost Present: 40A
- Most Cost Present: 100A
- Max Steady Discharge Present: 120A
- Discharge Minimize-Off Voltage: About 10V
Mechanical Specs
- Dimensions: 20.55”L9.45”W8.58”H
- Weight: 57.32LBS
- Case Supplies: ABS
Temperature Specs
- Cost Temperature: 32 ℉ – 122 ℉
- Discharge Temperature: -4 ℉ – 140 ℉
- Storage Temperature: 32 ℉ – 112 ℉
Security Options
The battery includes a built-in battery administration system (BMS), with overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, quick circuit safety, built-in excessive temperature, and low a temperature cut-off. I used to be notably completely happy that it included a low temp safety as I generally keep in some fairly chilly areas.
Value Comparability
GoldenMate is available in at $619.99, which is a fairly aggressive worth level, particularly whenever you evaluate it to the typical competitor’s worth of round $700-$800.
Cycle Life and Effectivity
Goldenmate boasts a cycle lifetime of 6,000 cycles at 80percentDOD. That implies that the battery will nonetheless comprise 80% of it’s unique capability after 6,000 expenses. This equates to an estimated 10 12 months service life. That’s numerous highway journeys with out having to fret about battery substitute. The interior resistance can also be decrease than a lot of the competitors, which in layman’s phrases, means higher effectivity and fewer warmth technology.
Weight: Center of the Highway
The Goldenmate battery weighs 57.32LBS, which is fairly customary for lithium batteries. It’s not going to win any light-weight championships, nevertheless it’s additionally not going to show your RV right into a sluggish beast. Apparently, this middle-of-the-road weight may truly be indicative of a strong construct. In comparison with AGM and Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) batteries of the identical capability, you’re a couple of third of the burden, which is a win in my guide.
My First Impressions: Unboxing the Goldenmate LFP12200
Consumer-Pleasant Options
The batteries themselves include easy-to-carry handles, making the often cumbersome job of set up a breeze. The terminals are easy. No Ph.D. in electrical engineering is required.
A Minor Quibble: Wiring Diagrams
The one nitpick? The wiring diagrams included have been a bit on the sparse aspect. They present you tips on how to wire the batteries in parallel or sequence however don’t clarify the advantages or drawbacks of every setup. Nonetheless, when you’re thirsty for that data, Goldenmate’s web site does provide extra detailed explanations.
Set up Prep: Don’t Skip the Homework
The Converter Conundrum
Earlier than you even take into consideration hooking up your shiny new lithium batteries, let’s speak converters. These unhealthy boys are accountable for charging your batteries when you’re plugged in, and never all converters are created equal. Lithium batteries have a special charging profile in comparison with lead-acid, so it’s essential make sure that your converter is as much as the duty. If it’s not, you’re inefficiency at greatest and a possible fireplace hazard at worst.
My WFCO Energy Middle Improve
In my case, my rig was rocking an older WFCO energy heart that wasn’t lithium-compatible. However right here’s the excellent news: WFCO gives an improve package that’s suitable with many energy facilities and may auto-detect whether or not you’re utilizing lithium or lead-acid batteries. So, I ordered that unhealthy boy and started working.
Putting in the brand new converter wasn’t rocket science, nevertheless it’s not for the faint of coronary heart both. For those who’re not comfy messing with 120V electrical energy, get a professional to do it. For the DIYers, I discovered the IRV2 boards, YouTube, and the converter’s guide to be invaluable sources. The brand new converter hooked as much as the identical spots because the outdated one, making the swap comparatively easy.
Selecting the Location: Actual Property Issues
First off, let’s be clear: these Goldenmate 200 amp-hour batteries are larger than your typical 12V deep cycle battery. My 2011 Itasca Sunstar’s battery bay wasn’t giant sufficient to suit each batteries, however I knew that getting into.
The fantastic thing about lithium batteries like these is that they don’t off-gas. This implies you’re not restricted to placing them in a ventilated compartment. You may place them wherever they match, supplying you with extra flexibility in your RV structure. So that they didn’t want to slot in my battery compartment, they simply wanted to suit someplace.
After some scouting, I zeroed in on a aspect compartment simply exterior my door. It’s spacious sufficient for each batteries and leaves room for future electrical upgrades, like an enhanced inverter or photo voltaic panels. Plus, it’s conveniently near my current inverter setup, making the wiring a part of the equation a bit simpler.
Word: For those who’re working with much less area however nonetheless need the lithium benefit, Goldenmate gives a extra compact 100 amp-hour choice that’s in regards to the dimension of a typical 12V battery. These measure a trim 12.91”L x 6.77”W x 8.35”H. ? Test them out right here.
The Set up Saga: A Journey in Voltage and Velcro
Inserting the Batteries: Securing the Powerhouses
As soon as the converter was up and operating, it was time to put the batteries. I used eye hooks screwed right into a particle board as the bottom, making a safe platform. To maintain the batteries from jostling round, I crisscrossed bungee cords over them which have been related to the attention hooks.
Vibration Absorption: It’s the Little Issues
For the crowning glory, I used foam rubber sq. pads—initially designed as shock absorbers for laundry machines—to attenuate vibration. These pads create a buffer between the batteries and the compartment ground, guaranteeing a smoother trip. Was this mandatory or overkill? The world could by no means know, nevertheless it felt proper.
Fast Word: The Simpler Route with 100Ah Variations
For those who’re contemplating the 100Ah variations of Goldenmate batteries, and your converter is already lithium-compatible, the swap is even less complicated. It’s just about a plug-and-play operation akin to swapping out common batteries.
And there you’ve it—the ins and outs of swapping out outdated lead-acid batteries for brand new, extra environment friendly lithium ones.
Efficiency: The Proof is within the Energy
The Stress Check: Pushing the Limits
To essentially put these Goldenmate batteries to the take a look at, I made a decision on a stress take a look at that might make even probably the most sturdy lead-acid battery sweat. I connected a 4000-watt inverter and related two 1500-watt heaters to it, pulling somewhat over 3000 watts from the batteries.
For many who love the mathematics, right here’s the way it breaks down: I related the batteries in parallel, giving me a complete of 400 amp-hours. To maintain issues protected and delay battery life, I deliberate to empty them solely right down to 80%, leaving me with 320 amp-hours to play with. To determine the amps getting used, you are taking the watts and divide by the voltage. On this case, I used to be pulling round 3100 watts from the 12V batteries, which interprets to roughly 258 amps.
Word: I used to be actually pushing the output restrict of the batteries right here. Wired in paralell the 2 batteries are rated to output 240amps max, so my 258amp draw for over an hour was actually redlining that. I noticed that after the actual fact once I was truly placing the mathematics collectively for this text.
The Outcomes: Past Expectations
The warmers ran for 1.43 hours earlier than my over cautious inverter began sending low-battery warnings. At this level, the batteries nonetheless learn 12V, properly above Goldenmate’s 10V discharge cut-off voltage, and above the 11.5 volt cutoff I’ve for my battery monitor. I ended the take a look at to maintain issues on the protected aspect, however the heaters have been nonetheless going sturdy once I did so.
The Takeaway: Reliability and Effectivity
Based mostly on this stress take a look at, I drained roughly 370ah from the battery and I’m assured that these batteries can ship a minimum of the 400 amp-hours they promise, and certain much more if I had saved going. The ability effectivity and reliability have been nothing in need of spectacular.
Conclusion: The Golden Ticket to Battery Bliss
After placing the Goldenmate lithium batteries via their paces, I can confidently say they’re a game-changer for any RVer trying to improve their energy supply. From the preliminary unboxing to the stress take a look at, these batteries have confirmed to be dependable and environment friendly. They provide a compelling mixture of lengthy cycle life, environment friendly energy supply, and a worth level that’s laborious to beat. For those who’re nonetheless clinging to your lead-acid batteries, it is perhaps time to make the swap and expertise the lithium life.
🌟 Particular Provide: Unique Low cost for Our Readers 🌟
Nice information! GoldenMate is providing our readers an unique 15% low cost. Use the code RVLIFE at checkout to reap the benefits of this particular provide. Don’t miss out on upgrading your RV’s energy recreation!
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Levi Henley and his spouse, Natalie, workamp across the nation of their
26-foot motorhome. Together with writing for RV magazines, they lately
revealed their first guide collectively, Seasonal Workamping for a Residing: How
We Did It. They share their experiences and RV-related recommendations on their very own
weblog henleyshappytrails.com in addition to movies on their YouTube Channel,
additionally referred to as Henley’s Completely happy Trails.
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