How do you not have more subscribers?! Your videos are so much more comprehensive and your ability to explain things for everyone to understand is so much better than other youtubers. Keep the fantastic content coming!

I was very close to upgrading to a Lithium battery and decided to hold off. Glad I did. The cheapest solution and probably the most reliable is to just use a small camping generator like WEN or Yamaha when you need power. They also generate enough to power AC. They're quiet and not too expensive. Another battery or two in parallel if more power is needed for overnight and youll keep costs down. Great video btw!

I've never subscribed to a channel faster than just now. No fluff. All facts. Presented in a very clear speech that even I can understand. You are breath of fresh air on YT! I look forward to learning more from you. Thank you!!

I’ve done a bunch of research but never heard a lot of the lithium short comings you discussed here. Bravo. Love your in depth reviews and the high level of knowledge you bring to the discussion.

Absolutely loved the video. I too used to think I needed a Lithium-ion battery upgrade. I wasn’t aware of the different components in making that change from AGM. Your logic of saving your money to get portable solar panels and a second AGM, or getting a solar generator, makes a lot more sense if I’m needing more amps. Thanks.

This is one of the most important videos on YT. Thank you!

What a fantastic video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge/experience Brian. Love your explanations and honest opinions.

This video is by far the best I have ever seen. It's value is immense for RV consideration. Thanks so much for being real and fair. By the way I own and use a Lyon Energy Battery for my Cabin which makes no sense for my T@B Teardrop. Hears to some coffee

This video is worth the price of membership 100 times over. So useful to get experienced information on camping trailer specific use cases that aren't coming from someone who is trying to sell you a product. I decided to got with a two 225 AGM ah 6 volt in series and spend the leftover money on some CIGS solar panels that form fit on top of my teardrop.

I just came across your channel because I’m a 3rd year RV newbie and I’m researching upgrading for this upcoming camping season of 2024. This is how I came across your channel searching for information so I can make an educated decision. Man did you drop a lot of information in my lap that I’m still trying to digest because this is all brand new to me and I know nothing about it. I really thank you for your time and effort with educating the uneducated like myself when it comes to this field. I will be watching some more of your videos and really hope you have time to respond to a few questions that I have for you because I plan on upgrading my battery system and adding some portable solar panels.

I am on the second of your videos dealing with battery and solar. I am learning so much and feel that you can be trusted because you hold no punches. You are helping me decide on the system I will need for the trailer I am about to get. Thank you so much! Stay safe and God bless.

I was very close to buying a lithium battery for my newly purchased older Minnie Winnie, but something in the back of my mind warned me to do more research. Then I found your video. Thank you for the great job explaining all the variables and hidden costs. You really helped me out!

I found this incredibly educational Brian! Once again 20 minutes of my life were worth it watching you. I am just starting to learn about solar and batteries as I mentioned before just got yeti1500x. My friend has a pop up camper and I shared this video with him since he's building his own power system in it. Love your work, keep it up!

It proves to be true again and again… You get what you pay for! Excellent video Brian, very informative and easy to understand!💪🏼👍

Absolutely brilliant. I've learned more in watching a few of your video's now than all previous instruction over the past four years. I've now officially stopped drinking the Kool-Aid...Thank you.

Thanks for the insight. I appreciate hearing the options and you simply cemented the direction I was already headed with my house battery upgrade and solar install.

Great writing and clear presentation. It takes hard work to plan and execute such a great video. Thanks for balancing out the lithium marketing.

Great video as usually. I have a 2019 Geo Pro 12SRK, meaning 12 feet long. When I bought it, it had one lead acid battery, (80 AH) group 24 installed. I was going to buy a AGM battery but instead of throwing the lead acid away I just bought a second one of the same. My thought is once these batteries wear out I will go to the AGM batteries. I don't mind doing the maintenance on these batteries, ie: adding distilled water and testing the cells with a hydrometer to ensure they are still good. I have a factory installed roof mount 100 watt solar panel and I purchased a 90 watt suitcase panel of the same brand, Go Power. They both have their own controllers so they don't over charge my lead acid batteries. I have had this camper since new and I do mostly off grill camping and have never run short of power. The lowest volts has been 12.45 volts which keeps me well above the 50% barrier. My main draw is the 20,000 btu furnace. I live in Northern Alberta Canada and a furnace to me is more important then air condition, lol. I learn a lot from your videos and I loved you when Cosmo came to visit, I subscribe to both yours and his KZfaq channels. Just wanted to share what I did for my needs and it works great. Take care and thanks again for the educational video on power management. 👍

Man......This video wasn't even what I typed in the search field....but I watched it. Very informative and brutally honest. Very well made! Good stuff

Nice! Just bought me the 2022 10HD and watching your videos has helped a ton.

Hey Brian, another fantastic video ! Thanks and looking forward to the next one.... also, just received the 1000Core and getting ready to see how it works out with our 10FB, thanks again and have a great day !

Great video, really well presented! You even pointed at alternator charging and low temp use which were my main concerns here in freezing Eastern Europe. 6 months of the year we do low temperature camping in my ancient van. I assumed lithium was the way to go, but thanks to you and Google I'll steer clear. Thanks again!

the most complete, straight info that ive ever seen on this subject. keep up the good work.

This is perhaps the best explanation of how to consider the upgrade to Li batteries for your RV. Well done! You explained the details with clarity. Your recommendations are well taken. This is what I needed to know.

Thank you for this video! I'm a first timer in a homemade teardrop 4x8. It came with a little 12 volt motorcycle battery that just runs the fan and some lights. I'm wanting to add another battery, a 1000 watt invertor because I'm not running many items. So this was very educational to do what I want to do.

Great video for those using a small tear drop campers, you make excellent points on the money going into these. especially at the price of a high-end, top-quality battery of $1000 you can always buy an inverter generator from harbor freight for less, and recharge on a cloudy day and run other devices for less than $5 in gas. However, if you have a large family and want to go solar on a larger unit, then lithium is a viable option due to power storage capacity. If any of you have daughters, you know they run those hair dryers all morning. And many of them are 1200-1500w. SOK is a great brand to go with, half the cost of golden staple batteries and just as good quality.

Great information and well presented. You are not working from a script and you speak extemporaneously like a professional! Very impressive and engaging.

So awesome!!! You made a believer out of me. Buying another AGM for my rig!

I'm building my own squaredrop and your video just saved me from blowing money that I don't have in putting in my electrical system. I have noticed that many of the other KZfaqrs that are pushing Lithium batteries will say something like "I'm not sponsored but xyz company did send me these batteries for evaluation"...or something like that. I'm am a Paramedic, not an electrician, but I am just trying to make a system that my family can use without breaking the bank. Some of the other KZfaqrs make it seem like you need to spend $40K or more just to have a little overlanding camper. Super appreciate people like you who aren't just trying to push expensive things that lots of regular folks can't afford. 👍. You're explanations are the best on KZfaq and ive climbed very deep into the rabbit hole so Im qualified to say that. Anyway Ive subscribed and will maybe use the money you saved me to add a channel membership.

Thank you for this video. We have been considering a switch to lithium. We understood the high cost but decided our frustration with our LAs warranted it in our case. However, as we have begun to research more we learned exactly what you are saying here - they are definitely not drop-in as we originally thought. The battery cost is simply the beginning. I can understand lithium makes sense for heavy, frequent users even with all the additional costs for a proper transition, but in our situation it makes no sense. We were willing to splurge IF it was just the battery cost but unfortunately that is not the total cost, by far. Thank you for all the thoughts you shared here.

Thanks for the video, love how you explain everything so simply and clearly. Keep it up 👍

Beautiful video! This is for anyone questioning battery banks! There is a reason the military uses AGM's. The are rugged! I know these things and I'm sooo glad there is a video out here to share with others when I get questions on my setups.

I have this teadrop with a hybrid vehicle and inverter, truly an ideal set up for me

Another video well done! I especially like the points about with the money saved adding more solar and maybe adding a high capacity/quality portable power bank to the mix. I'm working on both of those myself. Such a good point to spend that $1K on a good power bank, just for the added versatility alone. Very likely, right off the dealer lot with no questions asked or any finagling for upgraded batteries you will go home with something like an Interstate group 24 flooded marine battery on most RV purchases. Rated for 80ah so 40 useable. Basically the Continental Breakfast of batteries. My Bushwhacker came with one as have other RVs I've had. With good sun, a decent 20 amp mppt controller (properly configured for the battery) and a 100 watt panel I can just barely eek out a weekend on that running an efficient fridge, lights and maybe some vent fan time. I charge my gadgets on a small power bank. But add some overcast to the day, even 20-30% of a day and that falls apart very fast. I knew at the start 100 watts would be close or inadequate and figured being frugal and with the tow charging I'd get by. I have been contemplating lithium but like you point out supporting them starts to get quite expensive and in the case of my little trailer it's not worth it. After some testing and simple math what I found I really need to add is one more 100w panel and around 200ah of AGM. I'll not have the money for that until later this season so what to do now to fill in? Spend $89 on a second 80ah wet battery to add in parallel. I don't typically stay in one spot for more than 3 days so between driving and solar, and I do "chase the sun" with a ground panel, it's keeping up quite good now, even with some rain and overcast. $89 for my budget doesn't seem like too much to get me through the rest of this season while I save up for more solar and a quality, bigger battery. As for the wet batteries after I upgrade, they'll still have a couple of good years in them so I suppose I'll pass them along to someone else in need. I think it's an okay patch overall. Most important, before one starts spending money on a permanent system, please tally up your electrical needs and buy accordingly. Don't overlook quality of sunlight. In my case I'm buying as I go. I spent a little extra up front on the first panel and the charge controller, knowing I'd add more later. In my case I'll be spending about $550 for the second panel and the AGM and then I'm done. Even with kind of wasting $90 bucks on the temporary wet battery bump-up that still beats lithium by a lot for the size system I need.

Really great and honest explanation of solar and battery power. I have learned more from your videos than any of the “sponsored “ videos. Thanks.

Great video! I learned so much from this and you are right this will save me lots of money. I was all ready to do everything you were talking about and I’m glad I waited!

TWO FACTORS most buyers of Lithium overlook. Retired seniors may not be able to use the lifespan of lithium batteries. When re-powering a used RV battery bank that is faltering after 5 to 19 years, that RV a new lithium bank may outlive the useful life of that old RV. If you are young and ordering a new RV, then get lithium batteries. I’m 70 years old and just re-powered my truck camper with two 6v 220ah in series AGMs. The original two 12v parallel 90ah AGMs lasted me eleven years.

Awesome vid yet again! A lot of great info in this. One suggestion I would make is to put some of the text details on the screen in the video. Like you could put your 3 reasons on battery selection as bullet points on the screen while you are discussing it.

Wow so glad i found your channel. Thanks for all the amazing info

So glad to have come across your channel.What a gem!Very informative and you're so articulate!OSS brother!

Just went through all this and decided on a AGM set-up over Lithium. My wife was pushing for Lithium but in the end, in my mind the investment didn't equal the benefits switching to Lithium. AGM made the most sense for our truck camper so we bought a 115 ah to replace our 90 ah flooded battery. Our aim is to be able to run the furnace fan all night in the chilly fall weather and not wake up to a completely flat battery. We will start with the single AGM and add a second one if we still need more power.

I definitely learned a few things!! What a great explanation! Keep it up!

You're a sharp cookie! I was focused so much on Lifepo4 for my RV. Being an old Navy ET, something in the back of my mind was saying why? You helped me return to sanity.😊

I saw you were at 999 comments so i was excited to be 1000! This is hands down one of the most valuable videos for small RV owners. Great content!!

Came across your channel a few days ago and have been binge watching you. Great videos! I love how you clearly explain complex topics in simple layman's terms. Question for you, I'm planning to build my own teardrop next winter and am thinking about the electrical system. I'm a long time backpacker and car camper for both work and play so I already have a pretty plush car camping setup (big camp chef stove, solar lanterns, yeti cooler, bluetooth speakers, etc). Due to this I'm seriously thinking of not wiring the trailer for power at all and just using a portable power station instead. I just need to be able to recharge phones, computers, speakers and lanterns in the field plus run a fantastic fan, heated mattress pad, and occasionally a small ceramic heater in the trailer. What do you think of that idea? Seems like it would save a lot of headaches as well as be available for other uses (such as building an off grid cabin).

Top notch information Brian! Thank You. =Cosmo

Wow. That was educational! You convinced me! Now I need to rethink my plans. Thank you for this step by step break-down of reality!!!

Thanks for doing this great, clearly stated information without any sales hype. I just purchased a new vehicle with AGM batteries and some solar and wanted to improve both capabilities and thought lithium and increased solar was a must. Now after watching this I can clearly understand that I really only need to improve my solar and can possibly achieve the same goal especially if I by a separate lithium system if desired but not required. A very informational video and will continue to watch and follow your future videos. 😊

Well said indeed !

Love your vids. A year ago I think you were spot on with your AGM advice. However, a year is a long time in battery development. You can now get a lithium battery for about 40% more than a quality AGM with the same amps. It is @ the same price when you consider you can discharge the lithium to low levels and you need to keep your discharge to 50% with the AGM. That means two AGM's are needed when one lithium can do nearly the same job. You may consider looking at the current economics of a lithium battery. IMO, considering weight, output, and lifespan it's currently the way to go.

I really appreciate you talking about the things that nobody is talking about. Very imformative video... thanks!

Dang! Right on time! My AGM is at the end of it's useful life for my Casita, and I was seriously considering a lithium battery, primarily because of all the hype. You changed my mind, by educating me, saving me tons of money, and being more comfortable in my decision to stick with what's working. I owe you a debt of gratitude. Thank you very much!

I’ve had batteries since 1984. My Trojan 8D AGM batteries were replaced last year after 15 years of use.

Thanks! Also, could you discuss when inverters are needed? If a "full" charge on my current lead acid deep cycle battery is typically around 12.6V can I go below 12.2V and if so, how far down is 50%. When you someone consider upgrading their tow vehicle's alternator? This video just saved me from buying a lithium ion battery as I had no clue would would have had to swap out everything else.

Oh man... this was brilliant! I've been totally sold on the perfect world Lifepo4 batteries provide... and now I'm realizing there are plenty of times AGM would be a better solution. VERY clear info cram-packed into this awesome video. Thanks!!!

Your videos are unbelievably good. Exactly what I need to hear

The need to upgrade the inverter/charger/solar controller plus charging in the cold issues keeps me from even thinking about changing from lead acid. Add a solar panel or two, or a small quality generator and you will be plenty happy with a fatter wallet also.

Facts!

I think you saved me several thousand. I have a solar generator LiFePO4 in my cargo trailer and I thought adding the same batteries in the camper would be my best route. Now I’m thinking AGM in the camper, and still have the same versatility I was looking for in the first place. Thank you!

I agree with what Craig said. Excellent video. Very informative. I was surprised, however, that you tout the AGM battery. My trailer came with a Marine type and I added another in parallel. I wasn't aware that the AGM was good for charge and recharge. Anyway, I already have a bunch of channels sub'd to, but might just have to add yours. That, and you have a Jeep! lol.

I recently rewatched this video. I’m not sure where you are getting the $5-6,000 figure. I paid $235 for a 100ah lifepo4 battery, $191 for a WFCO lithium converter, $85 for a Victron mppt charge controller and $100 for a shunt. As far as the connection to the tow vehicle, I simply disconnected it. It’s been working perfectly for over 2 years now in our trailer. It can be done.

I feel better now about getting the small generator.

Thanks! I feel smarter, I’m probably not, but I hope your viewership grows because this was a lot of learning packed together and more people need it.

Glad I found this. Was doing research on putting lith ion in my camper. Not gonna happen now. Thank you for your in depth yet simple lesson .

I've seen and loved this video before. I just watched it again to remind me. I just commented on another video of yours, telling you I built my own 4000 watt solar generator witha 400 amp hour lithium battery. However... Becuase of this very important information you have taught me here, I am NOT putting a lithium battery on my trailer. I am using my generator like you use your Goal Zero.. I am keeping the AGM Battery on the camper to run the things like my thermostat, water heater thermostat... I plug my camper into my home made solar generator like you would SHORE POWER. Thank you AGAIN for sharing your experience. YOU REALLY HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR ME. 😇🤘👍

Thanks dude, in 20 minutes you just explained so much and answered all my questions better than any other video I've seen so far. I could buy a lot of AGM batteries and solar panels for $4000! And just use the electrical system my teardrop came with let alone not putting a big strain on the electrical system of my honda. You are the Scotty Kilmer of of RV electrical systems.

Finally finally finally someone who knows what they are talking about! Thank you sir

Great video. I have 4x4 pickup with 4wheelCamper and go off the beaten path. I am replacing a 125 AH AGM with 2 100 AH lithium batteries. Separating the electrical systems of the truck from camper and installing battery monitor and low voltage disconnect. Will use the truck 12 Volts only to run my refrigerator when traveling. Will use lithium to power camper while camped, and use a 20 AH lithium ac power charger to charge up the lithium batteries. Also have a 1,000 AH Montex solar generator and solar panels as backup. Having fun putting it all together. Weight is very important in my application, and the 2 100 AH batteries weight 50 lbs, the 125 AGM they replace weighs 75 lbs.

Although not new to camping, tent, travel trailer, motorhome, I am a newbie to the solar scene and just trying to figure the ins and outs. I kinda fell down a rabbit hole researching and found you! Happy to say that I have spent hours over the last few days watching your videos. I was totally convinced by other videos to go with the lithium battery and now I am totally convinced to stick with AGM and just boost up what we already have. Trying to choose whether to install solar panels on the roof or keep them portable on the ground for versatility. Thanks for all the info you have shared on so many topics and truly.......... I don't mind the length of any of your videos at all. Thanks!

Fantastic information. I had to come back again because there is so much useful information.

Great information video! I decided on both my Ryobi electric mower and my travel trailer to replace all their batteries with AGM. I agree with you that in a RV the list of all the necessary high dollar components required with Life P04 batteries is insane money. If you put two, six volt 100 amp hour batteries in series, you will total 12 volts but still have 100 ah total. If you put two, 12 volt 100 ah batteries in parallel, you have a total of 12 volts and 200 ah.

this is informative and clearly presented. very good info thank you for posting.

Great clear ,concise information! Really good videos! Thank you.

Once again bro awesome video ! Thank you for the information.

Thanks! I have learned so much. Keep up the good work

Thank you I’m just going to buy another AGM battery and put it in parallel. You got yourself a new subscriber!

EXCELLENT!!!!!! Lots of great info, well presented.

You just saved me thousands and earned my subscription! Well done!!

Very informative video and in plain English. Look forward to more videos.

Just about to start a teardrop build, so I'll be revisiting this video a few times. Keep it simple, and keep it cheap........works for you and it works for me.

Great videos. Thank you! Had some of the experiences that you've mentioned and swapped right back from lithium to AGM's, (two 100ah). Works like a charm.

I was teetering toward l-ion , thanks for the wake up call! The part about the tow vehicle convinced me!

Wow, this is great! You are such a good teacher.

I have a Jackery 1000 for my little teardrop. Works everything I need. Thanks for the info.

I really enjoyed your video on AGM batteries and your honesty about batteries.

Dude makes a lot of sense. This was a well thought out presentation. Thanks for that I learned a ton and won't make that mistake.

Awesome video and great advice. Thanks for your assistance and honesty.

Thank you Brian for helping me figure out my system and your awesome consultation. Brian is very knowledgeable about things. If you need help he is the man for the job. 😊

I think you just saved me a thousand dollars. I was considering swapping out my lead acid deep cell batteries for lithium. Not now. I’ll go with higher capacity AGMs. I never even considered the tow vehicle in the equation. Great video, I learned a lot. Thanks.

Wow. Thank you Ma Brotha. You are a great teacher. Thank you for saving me money.

This was just what I needed to hear. I was skeptical about your video and whether I would watch the entire thing and I was hanging on every informative word you shared. My gut feeling all along was that AGM was getting a bit of a bum rap and I almost went on Amazon to buy some LiFePO4 batteries that were "affordable". I'm so glad I watched this. Thank you very much. :)

Your past self should talk to present self. I have a feeling you two will be having words. 😅 Like the channel man, appreciate you breaking down and talking about different electrical components and gear in clear concise and in practical everyday type use.

Found your video by chance. I need to upgraded my battery capacity… I did too was considering lithium but I will do more research. Will look into AGMS. I am editing my comments because I have all the necessary components including a good MPTT controller in fact I have 2 is my battery capacity that I need to upgrade and so it was a led vs lithium battle. But your video was very informative and force me to rethink my options….. you just got a new subscriber 👍👍. Thank you

Very well explained. Nice presentation. No fluff! ~Thanks

The voice of reason, thank you so much!

Excellent video sir. You've done some great research. TY! Made my decision easier!!!

I purchased two golf cart batteries from Costco and was very happy.My first time watching your video great information.

Just watched 2 of ur vids. Top notch! And thanx

you make a lot of sense. i bought one of those batteries but it was for my trolly motor. i dont own a camper anymore

Wow, very good explanation. I needed this education. Thanks