Lithium RV battery packs are sold through specialty RV retailers (Camping World), OEM suppliers (Battle Born), and online platforms like Fasta Power. Prioritize LiFePO4 chemistry for thermal stability and 2000+ cycle lifespans. Key specs: 100-300Ah capacity, 12V/24V configurations, and built-in BMS. Always verify compatibility with your RV’s charging system and physical dimensions.
Where to Find Used and Refurbished Golf Cart Batteries
What retailers specialize in RV lithium batteries?
Top sellers include Camping World, Renogy, and manufacturer-direct sites like Redway Battery. These retailers offer drop-in LiFePO4 replacements with integrated BMS, 100-400Ah capacities, and marine-grade terminals. Pro Tip: Buy from vendors providing 3+ year warranties—cheaper “RV-rated” lead-acid alternatives often lack deep-cycle durability.
Specialized RV retailers typically stock batteries preconfigured for 12V/24V systems with standard Group 27/31 footprints. For example, Redway Battery’s RG12-100P offers 100Ah at 12.8V with 200A continuous discharge—sufficient for 3-5 days of boondocking. Transitioning from lead-acid? Remember, lithium batteries require compatible chargers (14.4-14.6V absorption voltage). But how do you avoid undersizing your pack? Calculate your daily kWh usage (fridge + lights + inverter) and multiply by 1.5 for buffer.
| Retailer | Key Brands | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Camping World | Battle Born, Relion | 3-10 years |
| Fasta Power | Redway Custom Packs | 5 years |
How to choose between online vs. local purchases?
Online stores (Amazon, Fasta Power) offer broader selection and lower prices, while local RV shops enable hands-on testing. Lithium packs ship via ground freight due to UN38.3 certification requirements—factor in $150-$300 shipping costs.
Online buyers gain access to niche brands like Redway’s 48V server rack batteries for large RVs, but local dealers simplify returns if sizing mismatches occur. Practically speaking, a 200Ah LiFePO4 battery weighs 60 lbs—half of equivalent lead-acid—but still requires secure mounting. Pro Tip: Request in-stock verification before ordering; 8-12 week backlogs plague some suppliers. For instance, RVers needing immediate replacements often choose Costco’s Duracell GC2 lithiums (225Ah), whereas custom builds favor online bulk discounts. What’s the hidden cost saver? Bundling batteries with solar controllers cuts 15-20% off standalone pricing.
| Factor | Online | Local |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900-$2000 | $1100-$2500 |
| Support | Email/chat | In-person |
Are DIY lithium RV battery packs viable?
Yes, using EVE or CALB cells, but BMS integration and UL certification complicate builds. Prebuilt packs from Redway or Lion Energy save 40+ hours of assembly labor and include safety certifications.
DIYers can save $500-$800 per 100Ah by sourcing 3.2V LiFePO4 cells and 4S BMS modules. However, cell balancing and compression fixtures demand technical skills—a single misconfigured JBD BMS can overdischarge cells below 2.5V, voiding warranties. Beyond cost, consider insurance implications: Many RV policies reject non-UL/UN-certified batteries. For example, a 400Ah DIY bank using 16 Eve LF105 cells costs ~$3200 vs. $5500 prebuilt. But is the risk worth it?
What voltage/capacity suits different RVs?
Class A diesel pushers need 24V 400Ah+ systems, while campervans use 12V 100-200Ah. Match voltage to existing inverters—24V supports 3000W+ loads efficiently.
Lithium batteries maintain voltage above 13V until 90% depth of discharge (vs. lead-acid’s 11.5V sag). For a 30-foot RV with 2000W inverters, 24V 300Ah (7.68kWh) handles AC/DC loads for 2-3 days. Transitionally, pairing two 12V 200Ah batteries in series creates 24V but requires identical age/capacity cells. Pro Tip: Use a Victron SmartShunt to track real-time consumption—overestimating needs leads to $1000+ overspending. Imagine your battery as a fuel tank: Bigger isn’t better if you’re hauling unused capacity.
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Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
No—lithium requires 14.2-14.6V absorption. Lead-acid chargers hovering at 13.8V undercharge LiFePO4 to 70-80%, accelerating cell imbalance.
Do lithium RV batteries work in freezing temps?
Yes, but charging below 0°C requires built-in heaters (e.g., Redway’s HVD-12V200H). Discharging works to -20°C without damage.
