RV Lithium Battery UPGRADE with Battle Born Batteries in our Sprinter Van

Рет қаралды 42,078

4 жыл бұрын

In this video we show our Airstream lithium battery upgrade with a 400 amp hour Battle Born Battery bank. This RV lithium battery upgrade is bringing our RV living to a whole new level! Check the links below to see exactly what we used in our RV lithium battery install. 🔋Save $50 on Battle Born Batteries bit.ly/BattleBorn50
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👫 ABOUT US➡ Hello! We are Aaron and Chris, a fulltime RV couple that lives and works in our Airstream Interstate Sprinter Van. We run an online fitness and nutrition coaching business (Irene Iron Fitness) while traveling all around the country. Follow along the journey with us!
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Пікірлер: 134

@marywinters2436 3 жыл бұрын

My family really enjoys you adventurous. Thanks for letting us share with you

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Well thank you soo much for watching! Appreciate it!😀

@BulldogBill 4 жыл бұрын

Great Video! I especially appreciated how you showed where the already installed wires came from in the original install and went to in the new set-up. Plus your explanation of the Alternator control device was very useful especially for Van owners who don't want to fit a second alternator[underhood generator] such as the Adam Nations 280amp one. Waiting[with batted breath] for Part 2 of your installation and hoping for a "Cooking" video from Chris in the meantime lol

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! We are really stoked about the new found freedom and are already enjoying it out in nature! We'll keep those videos coming! - Thanks for watching! Aaron

@Mudbug2000 4 жыл бұрын

Okay I’m watching again:) Info is invaluable. You guys work so good together. Thanks.

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

😍😘

@allankawakami7851 4 жыл бұрын

Good job! I think y'all will be much happier with the new setup.

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's been just over a week since we left the RV park and it's already changed our lives! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! - Aaron

@marydupre274 4 жыл бұрын

Nice! Thank you so much. Info is priceless!

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Mary! We are loving it!

@myroadtours6147 4 жыл бұрын

That look Irene gives you when you say lets get started....like get to work Arron lol

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Ha HA ha ha! Sounds bout right!

@shelleymcquillin7329 4 жыл бұрын

Another fabulous video! Since we are currently just recreational rv'ers, we keep debating about doing this upgrade. Thanks for all the info!

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Ahhh, yes, there is a lot to weigh on the decision. As full-timers we are really happy about it, and wish we would have done it earlier. But, everyone's needs and situation is different. You will know when the time is right!! - Chris

@chriscarlson2926 4 жыл бұрын

I think this is my favorite episode yet, I learned a lot.

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Nice! Any ideas for your camper?!

@chriscarlson2926 4 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels I probably won't do much with this camper, maybe the next one. I might just add a second AGM, no solar.

@TomandLoriRVLife 4 жыл бұрын

Great install!

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It took a little bit, but was totally worth it! We are lovin it! Thanks for watching!

@campingalan 2 жыл бұрын

"We find this system only gives us 2 or 3 days of off grid usage" (describing the former system).....Sppptttt....that is only long enough for mere mortals!! Dun dun dun dunnnnnn.....now we can go native out in the woods and come back on logistic days with beards (only Aaron, of course). Hi Chris and Aaron! I am kind of scratching my head to figure out how the heck I haven't watched this video yet $%&#^$%^& Maybe I was distracted by the ebike cruising in San Francisco and wine stops at Harvest Hosts and desert escapades out in the BLM lands. You two make a grand team!! This is a very informative install! Thank you very much for sharing it! Whew....I'm sure space is tighter on this install as opposed to your new travel trailer? Then again, you have greater distances and more cabling in the trailer. Safe travels!

@AdventureEndeavor 4 жыл бұрын

Great video guys! Solar is so nice, game changer, boondocking will be so easy!

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Guys! It has already changed our lives! I didn't get a chance yesterday to talk more about your upgrade, but we'll catch up tonight hopefully!

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Guys! It has already changed our lives! I didn't get a chance yesterday to talk more about your upgrade, but we'll catch up tonight hopefully!

@anthonymarino4260 3 жыл бұрын

you did it RIGHT. not cheap but fabulous

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊

@myroadtours6147 4 жыл бұрын

Anyways, congrats on the new Lithium setup! Arron's next project, a double burner convection stove top ;)

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Yessss sounds nice! Thanks.... we are really loving it so far. It makes such a huge difference while boondocking!

@janniejeanjellybean3803 4 жыл бұрын

Well...would ya look at all that Battle Born BADDNESS! Good job 👍

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

YESSSSSSSSSS! We are loving it right now sitting in a national forest and enjoying nature. Thanks for watching! - Aaron

@jeffmc306 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Aaron, great job on the installation; it’s a big job. So glad to see you took your ring off when working - 400A would make it glow if shorted. Also, your negative connections should be done last to eliminate the chance of shorting. You’ve got a great apprentice there with Chris too! You guys make a great team. Looking forward to the next video with the Victron Inverter.

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Jeff! Thanks! It was challenging on a few different levels for me. 400 amps was a little scary, but working in automotive for many years helped with some basic principles. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! The inverter video should be out in a few weeks. Thanks - Aaron

@jeffmc306 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Aaron, very cool - I didn’t know about your automotive background! What were you involved with? That’s also where I picked up my low voltage experience back in ‘70’s as a young GM mechanic. None of the older guys wanted to mess with electrical so the jobs ended up in my stall. Best way to learn!

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

I wasn't a tech or anything, but I worked for Napa for 18 years starting as a driver and working my way up to management and sales. I spent a lot of time in the shops with the owners and techs so I picked up a little here and there. I also worked the parts counter for many years so got to talk with a lot of DIY'ers. I have an inquisitive nature, so I always ask questions like.. WHY and HOW or WHAT does that do!

@jeffmc306 4 жыл бұрын

Aaron, that’s a great way to learn! I had a friend that worked the counter at NAPA and I would ask him for advice if I was stumped on an issue. Like you said, you learn a lot from just being around guys in the shop too. You mentioned in your video that you used the factory solar wiring and panels in series. Are you thinking of adding more panels / going parallel in the future? We’ve got the factory 90W x 2 panels on the Globetrotter and I’d like to add two more and haven’t decided if it’s worth pulling heavier wire for parallel. I’ll shut up and wait for your next video. Thanks again for the great job on the channel. Let Chris know I’ve tried some of her cooking recipes and liked them!

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

If I remember correctly when I was researching solar the main benefit of connecting in parallel over series was how the shading will not effect the whole system as much. With that being said I am very happy with my 300 watts and a good MPPT victron controller. On fully sunny days I have seen it put out about 290 watts peak and the most total in one day is about 1.7 KW. Thats about 140 amps back into the batteries! I'm not sure how much more I could fit up there ( maybe a couple smaller panels) so I dont think it would be worth it as I would have to upgrade my MPPT controller also(Only rated a t 100 volts and 20 amps), but it would be good to upgrade the wiring too. Only rated a t 100 volts and 20 amps. But, I do love having solar always charging the batteries and it would be awesome to have more. Do you know what size your wire is? Probably the same as my I would guess from Airstream. You would definitely love doubling your solar input! I'll let Chris know about the recipes. Thanks!

@beverleyj.wallace4201 3 жыл бұрын

You guy's are just to CUTE!

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Ahhhh thank you!😍

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Ahhhh thank you!😍

@timmyers3428 2 жыл бұрын

Curious how happy you are with your BIM vs a Bat to Bat charger. I am in the planning stages on my Journey Diesel Pusher, and am concerned that 15 on 20 off could still fry my alternator. You are a year into this hows the alternator holding up?

@macmovieman1 4 жыл бұрын

So happy for you guys and shared your video with a neighbor who might be interested in doing the same. I feel like this was a must have for you guys and hoping you discuss cost...

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It has defiantly changed our lives and the way we are now able to travel. We will be doing review videos as we continue to use it on topics like running the air conditioning, induction cook top, charging with the alternator, solar, etc... Cost for something like our system is roughly $6500 in parts. It can vary widely of course on individual needs. Also, installation can cost thousands if you have a professional shop do it. Expensive, but worth it in our opinion for our needs. Thanks for your support! - Aaron

@macmovieman1 4 жыл бұрын

Irene Iron Fitness great job on the install. Would you do it again knowing what you know now? If it were to ever break down for any reason now you can fix it yourself.

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I defiantly prefer the approach of DIY of most things and I enjoy learning new skills. Your right, It's nice to know I can work on it myself. Being full time RV'ers, there is always something to be tinkering with! We've only been out of the RV park using the system for just over a week. So far, it is working great and our first 6 days of boondocking we left with 50% power left. But lots of variables with how much solar we get and how much power we use. A big decision for people thinking about lithium is how may amp hours to get. Everyone's needs are so different. At around $1,000 per 100 amps, it adds up quick! I thought I would want more at first, but we also have to keep in mind the space in a van. So far the 400 amps are about right for us and I love the Victron inverter and battery monitor.

@macmovieman1 4 жыл бұрын

Irene Iron Fitness Right on and excited to learn more from your videos on this topic. 🙏

@milesgentry850 3 жыл бұрын

LITHIUM IS THE WAY TO GO..AND WITH SOLAR!❤

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Yesssssssss🔋🔋⚡⚡

@JR-playlists 3 жыл бұрын

25:38 The neutral terminal bolt end is too close to the hot cable and could short in time, if it rubs through the hot cable insulation. Consider flipping the bolt 180 degrees to increase the distance. Also, that coil spring on the bench can break, if it touches the hot terminal, the result will be bad. Terminal covers would help prevent any possible shorts.

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Hey JR, thanks for the comments. I'll check that spot for any sign of rubbing. I did add a cover over the top of the batteries to help prevent an accidental contact. Apricate you watching and the comment!

@alexac4078 3 жыл бұрын

Following your video on our 2014.5 Interstate. Super helpful and thanks for all the information. Making the upgrade much easier. Wondering what solution you found to power the generator back up. I don’t see in any of the videos where you tied it back into the system. Thanks, and great job!

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Hello! Glad to hear your upgrading the electrical in your AI. I didn't have to do anything with generator as it is already hooked up to the transfer switch in the Interstate and nothing needs to be changed. If you look at the this video at the 7:30 mark I talk about it little more. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nqiPiMp9t5bGhKM.html Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks

@alexac4078 3 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels Wondering if I am thinking of the wrong set of wires then. It’s the set in the wire loom that came up through the tube in the battery box. Glad you had a video on removing the box. Not as easy as it appeared from the start, but with some patience, we got ours out. Would have been a lot harder without the video though. Hard to see under the floor on what was getting hung up, and that tube would have been a bear had we not known it was there without your instructions!

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Ohhhhh, you're talking about the positive battery cable from the generator. I might not have talked about that... but I'm sure its in one of the two install videos. (I briefly looked and couldn't find it) But, it was too short of a cable to connect to my positive buss bar under the seat, so I used a positive stud from the original battery box(mounted it on the back wood) and then took a second bat cable and connected from that positive stud ( behind the batteries) and ran it to the positive bus bar. Basically the generator just needs to get 12volt power to start. The AC wires are in the transfer box as mentioned before, that power the vans AC outlets and appliances. I hope that makes sense... let me know if I can help any more.!

@MrFatgangster54 4 жыл бұрын

Wow! What a project. Energy related question from novice........ Do you find issues with voltage drops at RV parks? Do you use/recommend a surge protector when plugging into shore power? The Interstate manual says that it is surge protected but that "with the use of more personal electronic devices and the number of motorhome users in parks, added protection is always a plus". Appreciate you input (and as always, your videos)!

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Hello! We have not had any issues in the year and half we have been on the road. I've looked into total surge/EMS units multiple times... but just never pulled the trigger on buying one. I really wanted to get one of the hardwired ones instead of an external plugin. One less thing to carry around. Do we recommend one.....yes if you want to be on the safe side...... but we don't have one.🤔 Now with a more expensive electrical system, I will start looking into them again. I see what you are talking about in the manual...... "7. Do you recommend using a surge protector when plugged into shore power? Answer: Your Airstream is breaker protected.However, with the use of more personal electronic devices and the number of motorhome users in parks, added protection is always a plus. I think it means it is not protected against the voltage drops maybe only the voltage surges............ maybe. And I hear it is the volt drop that can really harm the sensitive electronics. The way I look at it is its like insurance..... you don't need it until you need it and most of the time you never need it! 😀

@LACHTUBE10 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, awesome detail. What year is your AI?

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Ours is a 2014 dual wardrobe lounge model. Its kinda of a unique one that is like a precursor to the GT's that came out in 15. We like it for the storage.... but wish we had the big fridge! You can check out our tour video here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/la5nZs2HurWzqKc.html Thanks for watching! - Aaron

@jeffappleseth2005 2 жыл бұрын

Regarding 400 amp fuse, I missed that you’ve used not 4awg, but 4/0! Nice install!

@IreneIronTravels 2 жыл бұрын

🤙 thanks!

@WizzRacing 2 жыл бұрын

Don't do what he did.. As that 400 amp fuse will not work. As 4/0 is only rated for 230 amps. He needs to remove that fuse and install a 230 amp fast blow fuse. As in ANN not an ANL slow blow.. And if them batteries go south. They will catch fire. And the fireman will let it burn to the ground. The second they know they are Lithium batteries. They don't even try to put them out...

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

🔋Save $50 on Battle Born Batteries bit.ly/BattleBorn50 Thanks for watching! Leave a comment below! ⏩Battle Born Battery battlebornbatteries.com?afmc=2n ⏩Install video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p69xgbWF1KqRpok.html ⏩60 days of Boondocking Playlist kzfaq.info/sun/PLdJBTbJVb0R3p1_MJe2ffoJikhx_U3YBO ⏩Boondocking Painpoints kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oJaYYJyp2N2qmZc.html

@blusky109 3 жыл бұрын

Did you connect these in series (48V) or in parallel ?

@daveoftheclanburgess 4 жыл бұрын

Good straight-forward video guys, showing the warts and all approach for the inexperienced is very informative. However, may I offer some safety advice, please?... If you haven't already done so (may be it's in Pt 2), please cover those battery terminals and if possible, the +ve links beneath the sofa/bed/seat near the fuse as soon as possible. I'm sure that the cable is not flexible enough nor is there room for it to move and chaffe to cause a short circuit across to the chassis mounted frame or the uninsulated -ve earth wires from Airstream. BUT what if you drop something metallic down there or something falls there (like a fork or knife or weights bar or a pen) or worse if you get into a rear end shunt. A direct shunt across 400ah high rate discharge LiPO batteries will burn like an arc welder and LiPO batteries are extremely flammable when misused. Without proper insulation and covers, there is a significant (even if unlikely) fire risk.

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Hello. Thank you for the safety advice. I always appreciate learning from others. There is a cover on the electrical box under the sofa that protects all of the wiring and components there. But, I do need to figure out a cover for the batteries to protect them. I was thinking maybe a sheet of plexiglass or something I could find at a hardware store to fabricate a cover.

@daveoftheclanburgess 4 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels Anything non conductive that will stay in place will do. Could be held under your retainer straps, may be the lid from a storage tub of similar size or a simple sheet of plywood cut to accurately fit the shape

@dragondizave4531 4 жыл бұрын

So... I, ready for part two... curious how it’s going.. did it go okay?

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Hello! Thanks or watching. It's going great! It took me about a week at a slow pace to finish it all. We ended up leaving the RV park on 5/1 and have been boondocking ever since. What a DIFFERENCE. Still testing and getting used to everything, but it takes a huge stress off about worrying on the battery power. Still editing the second part video....... but tomorrows video shows us leaving the park and packing up the back storage after losing quite a bit of space to the batteries and inverter. But WELL worth it!

@davidpiccolo3039 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! . .....one last question. Does the AC unit have a timer? Or do you have to get up to turn it off?

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

It has a regular thermostat on the wall that will turn it on and off( and the heater). But, the AC takes so much power it can only run for a couple of non stop hours.

@lacc9841 4 жыл бұрын

Hi thank you for the video... Got a question about the alternator. In your coach I understood the engine alternator charge the coach batteries when motor is running. I am assuming is by design for the original AGM batteries. Am I correct? Thanks

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Hello. Yes you are correct. That is the function of the battery isolation manager (BIM). The Bim's job is to disconnect the house and chassis batteries so they don't drain each other when one is discharging and ALSO to connect the two together when either is charging. So when the van is running the alternator will charge both and let's say we are parked the solar will also charge both sets of batteries. I had to replace the original BIM because its voltage parameters are set up for AGM/lead acid, where the new LI-BIM225 is set up for the house side to be for lithium voltage profiles. Which is significantly higher. Thanks for watching!

@lacc9841 4 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels Thank you!! I am a wannabe and your mods seems to be a great option to buy an RV with AGM batteries and then later on do the conversion yourself to lithium. It seems more economical that way on the long term instead of buying a Lithium Ready coach with a premium of 20k plus on top of the list price. Looking forward for your second video.. Great Job!!!!

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, you're right! We looked in 2018 when we were shopping for a van and the big new lithium setups could be up to 20k extra!

@NavyMurse 3 жыл бұрын

Did you add a dc-dc charger for charging from the alternator or does the Victron solve that? Also, have you considered an additional alternator to potentially run the roof air conditioner and faster charging when driving?

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

I have a battery isolator in there that is similar to a dc 2 dc charger. It connects the chassis battery and house battery to share charging from the alt and solar. Talk more about at at 14:45 . Second alt would be awesome but they are about $3k or so!

@jimontheroad985 4 жыл бұрын

Hi - I'm a new subscriber and have enjoyed your videos on full-timing in your Airstream. Based on 25 years of "boondocking" in my boat on a 12V system, I'm wondering about your energy balance. The 300 watts of solar panels on your roof should be charging at least 20 amps at 14V during sunny mid-day hours. You would fully recharge your previous AGM batteries in a little over half a day. Even on overcast days in Arizona you should be fully recharging unless it's a really dark day. If your fridge and laptops are your main loads you shouldn't need more than 100 amp hours per day ( less than 50 ah for the fridge, 30 or less for your laptops, and 10 or so for lights, pumps, etc). If your AGMs were running out of power in only 2 days, then either your solar panels aren't performing well or you've got unusual loads. If that's true, then you're new lithium batteries may give you another day or two, but won't fix the problem. You need enough average solar collection capacity to match your average daily needs. The batteries are there just to average things out for day/night and to get you through a really dark cloudy day or two. Your new battery monitor should really tell you the story. I think you'll find that monitor is the best investment you made during this installation. All the best as you work through all of this and enjoy your lives together.

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Hello, thank you for watching! Your right the battery monitor really does tell the story, as before I could only really guess! I "estimated" our daily consumption around 100 amps per day before. Lots of variables though as not every day is the same for us. So far after about two weeks with this system here is what I have discovered. My 12v draw when everything is off ( including the fridge being on a off-cycle) is 1.5 amps. So just the van consumes 36 amps in 24 hour period just running its basics systems. (probably some room to hunt down and improve upon this!) The fridge draws 2.2 amps but cycles..... so I'm still guessing this is around 30-40 amps per day. I think it cycles more than 50%, especially in the heat. I have our work category at 60 amps per day on a worst-case scenario. It could be closer to the 30 amps on a light day . This is based on wattage on our chargers ( Chris laptop 45w x 2 hours, Aaron Laptop 130W x 4 hours, Hotspot 15w x 2h, Phones (2) at 15w at 2 h) Again, this is an estimate still but roughly 700 watts / 12 volts is 58 amps. And then everything else... you're probably right on around 10 amps for the lights, pumps and fans. So, now I have a better "guess" thanks to the battery monitor as maybe this is closer to 150 amps per day. I have seen my solar vary from a couple hundred WH per day(winter) up to 1.7KW per day(summer). Big range but again everything varies. The past two weeks in the Southwest it has varied from 1KW to 1.7KW. I'll say so far it is a night and day difference going from a usable 150 amps of AGM to 400 amps of lithium. One thing I noticed is that AGM's can not be charged to 100% from the alternator, but only to about 80 % because of the long absorption stage needed. The Lithium will charge to about 99% and seem to charge faster. So, a lot of the times before we were only working with 30% capacity of our batteries! Again I was going off of voltages, but that was 12.5ish and then in the morning being at 12.2 or 12.10 the next day and we basically used all the of the solar power coming in and the batteries just didn't charge up enough. Sorry... long-winded answer, but I really appreciate your comment and input. It is really "funny" to sit and think about how much power we use in a day.... when the normal person doesn't even give it a second thought. We left our first five days boondocking last week with about 50% left in the bank. With moderate to heavy use..... but the best part is we didn't fret once about how much power we have left. Thanks! Aaron

@jimontheroad985 4 жыл бұрын

Congratulations that your system is working so well and your monitor is giving you good information. That's a great point about the impact of the absorption stage of the AGMs. The lithiums certainly give you a big advantage by accepting all the available current until 99% charged. I was a little surprised that your 300W panels don't produce more than 1.7kW max during an Arizona day. Having them flat on the roof must reduce their total daily output more than I was guessing. That's good to know. I'll be watching to learn more.

@Nick-kp7oi 4 жыл бұрын

What all was tied into the shunt? Where do all those wires route to?

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

I think it is shown better in the next video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nqiPiMp9t5bGhKM.html But the one side of the shunt goes to the battery and then the other side Is connected to a negative buss bar. Then you have all of your dc negitive loads hooked up there. Inverter, solar, and all other dc negative loads you have.

@vespagts7078 2 жыл бұрын

How much did you pay for all of this merchadise, or was it all given to you?

@salidacyclones8639 Жыл бұрын

So I have a quick question. In your Outdoors rv. When you did the bb battery install what size bus terminal did you use. Get getting ready to start my install and there a bunch of choices. Was thinking 250 or 300 amp

@IreneIronTravels Жыл бұрын

We did 250 amp in this van video you are watching and we did 400 amp in our Outdoors RV in this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f6dmgdGUsK_LZ4k.html These are the 400 amp ones amzn.to/3IlMuDQ

@salidacyclones8639 Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I did find the information in a different video of yours. The build of the solar was great and really helpful.

@salidacyclones8639 Жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels love watching you guys. You have some of the best adventures. If your ever in Colorado again near where you bought your rv. I’ll take you for a beer. Thanks for the info.

@nkaltso 3 жыл бұрын

Seeing that you removed what appears to be a firebox for the batteries after your first upgrade. Will you have issues selling your RV without fire protection for the batteries? Especially with the batteries under the bed that box would have bought you time if you were asleep.

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there. I did keep all of the original airstream parts, as I do with anything I remove just incase I need to put it back to original or if the new owners would like it. I don't think the box was there for fire protection, but more for venting the battery gasses outside. All lead acid and even AGM batteries should be vented outside, but the lithium iron phosphate do not. While a metal box would offer more fire protection than say a plastic one, I would think the rubber vent hose and battery cables would catch fire quick and that was right under the bed. A lot of manufactures are putting lithium batteries under the beds and seats without any boxes, so I am guessing it passes the inspections. Thanks for watching and the comment.

@nkaltso 3 жыл бұрын

Irene Iron Fitness thanks for the response, I hope one day to boondock in the middle of no where. I’m just waiting for it to get out of the mainstream. Keep on lifting.

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

👍 It definitely helps to have a good electrical setup and it's totally worth it to see some of the beautiful areas that are out here. Hope you do get out one day. Thanks for watching! 💪

@cognizable1 3 жыл бұрын

You need the Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC to DC charger isolated unit

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not very familiar with that unit. Can you elaborate the benefit over the Precision LIBIM225. Thanks.

@cognizable1 3 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels the victron orion tr smart charging insulated is a programmable charger and isolator that has blue capability and works perfectly with the new victron inverter ... I'll try to find a link

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks I'll check it out!

@tommymonzon5824 3 жыл бұрын

Did you remove the generator from the Airstream, now that you have the lithium batteries?

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

We did think about doing that, but are glad we did not. We still use the generator for three scenarios : 1) AC while boondocking in 90's and 100's 2) winter boondocking when sun angle is low, cloudy and solar output is less 3) just as a general backup

@tommymonzon5824 3 жыл бұрын

Irene Iron TravelsTthanks. Good thought.

@davidpiccolo3039 3 жыл бұрын

Does the upgrade power the AC and microwave? Or does it just give you extended battery life?

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, it does power everything in the coach, including the ac and micro!

@bigfoot8085 Жыл бұрын

Was SOK batteries a thing back then?

@IreneIronTravels Жыл бұрын

I don't think they were out yet...

@robertjcruise 4 жыл бұрын

Since Airstream touts best-in-class, why don't they offer this from the factory? This seems like the way everyone is moving.....albeit slowly. Enjoy your channel. Airstream talks about upgrading their electrical on the website.....but it is just talk so far......congrats to you. Who could do this for me? Battle born?

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Hey there. You're right, it does seem like most manufactures are moving towards a lithium option and that's the way the market will be moving eventually. More and more people want to enjoys their RV's out of the standard RV parks and get out to see a bit more nature. We've spent the last two weeks out boondocking in Northern AZ and Southern UT and it is amazing. If you contact Battle Born via their website ( battlebornbatteries.com/contact/ ) either call or email, they will let you know of a authorized installer in your area. Feel free to email us also if have any specific questions on anything. IreneIronFitness@gmail.com Thanks a lot for watching ! - Aaron

@KeithNester 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Aaron :). I'm looking at a 2014 Roadtrek Rs Adventurous that has 2 6V AGM for a total of 2400 W. It has a 240 watt charging system. Is this decent?

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Hello! I will say we almost bought a 2016 RT CS adventurous and really liked the van, but the deal fell through. Depending on how much power you will need in your van, that is an "average amount". With AGM batteries you can only discharge them to 50%, so you really have 1200 watt hours or roughly 100 amps of battery use. So very light "off grid " usage and might last a day or two depending on your loads. 240 watts of solar is pretty good for a van. (We only have 300) . You can always upgrade the batteries later too. Another thing to ask is what size inverter is on the van. 1000 watt, 2000 watt, 3000 watt..... This will limit the appliances your can use. You should have a built in generator too, if you don't mind the noise, that will recharge the batteries and allow you to run the big appliances like the Air conditioning.

@KeithNester 3 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels thanks for the response. It has a 3000 watt inverter.

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Oh nice, that's great and if you feel you do need more power afterwards, adding two lithium batteries would double your power for about $2000 and be an easy upgrade. Lithium gives you advantages like, using 100% instead of 50%, faster charging rate, higher voltage longer, less weight, longer life, etc...

@KeithNester 3 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels that’s good to know. Thanks again! Your videos have been a great resource. You guys are awesome!

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Good luck on the van shopping and purchase!

@kennethwers 4 жыл бұрын

Nice show. So did you get the batteries for free in exchange for the advertisement. If not free what was your discount?

@IreneIronTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Hello, thanks! As said in the video we partnered with BB and purchased the bulk of our system for a discount from them and the rest we purchased from Amazon. Thanks for watching!

@kennethwers 4 жыл бұрын

You will find that lithum charges so much faster than any lead acid setup. For boondocking it is the cats meow.

@enriquelaroche5370 3 жыл бұрын

What is the 10 year cost / month for Battle born? Versus the 10 year cost / month for the same usable capacity of Lead acid?

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, I have seen others do a 10 year cost analysis, but I have not done it myself. There are a lot of variables to the whole debate, but I will put it as simple as I can think of it. A 100 ah Battle born battery is about $1000. Has a life of 3000- 5000 cycles able to go down 100% depth of discharge. A 210 ah Lifeline AGM (which I think is the best) is about $600 with a life of 1000 cycles down to 50% depth if discharge. So in this simple comparison the BB will last 3 to 5 times longer than the comparable ah Lifeline battery. But, is less than 2 times the cost. You could pick out cheaper AGM's at There are many other benefits to lithium like how fast they charge and how long they hold their voltage at high discharge rate. Again lots of variables to this, but for us lithium is night and day over our agm's. We love them!

@enriquelaroche5370 3 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels I used FLA deep cycle marine batteries at under $100 each for 110AH with a core return the batteries are about $90.00 (interstate batteries) so the total 220 AH cost is under $200 and under $400 for 10 years at 50% discharge. and a 5 year life. cost / month $400 / 120 less than $4.00 / month / 100 usable AH. Battle born are $1000 / 120 months about $8.50 / month / 100 usable AH .. I also expect Lion batteries to decrease in cost int eh next 3-5 years .. which will make them more competitive but buying now seems less cost effective. . Of course the Lead acid batteries are heavier and cost more to haul around.. and Require replacement. 2 times as often.

@IreneIronTravels 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah you're right, FLA brings down the cost even more and if you get 5 years out of them that's great! But the average new RV'er smokes batteries every year or two by bringing them down below 50%. No doubt lithium will continue to come down in the future and be a more viable solution to more types of RV'ers and off grid situations. Right now they might not make sense to someone who uses their RV a couple times a year, but if it's in the budget it does have its benefits. Thank for watching!

@enriquelaroche5370 3 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels My assumption included making sure you do not ruin your FLA batteries. Battery management is necessary in all technologies.Li Ion have BMS built in and are more robust.

@lovematters7122 2 жыл бұрын

Did I hear you say you still have a generator in your coach even with the Lithium batteries?

@IreneIronTravels 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, the coach came with a 2500 watt Onan generator mounted underneath the van to the frame. Didn't use it much except to exercise it!

@lovematters7122 2 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels Thanks for your reply. Wow so you mean you were able to run everything with 400 Ah of battery power? How long could you run the a/c with that package? I was told I would only get 1 hour per 100Ah for a/c. Do you know how much space your set up required say in square footage?

@IreneIronTravels 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah we were able to camp off grid for about a week pretty comfortable in this set up. We usually stay away from the high and low temps, but yes the AC takes ALOT of power. Around a 150 amps per hour so it's more like 30 min per battery. You really need big solar to supplement this if you want to run AC for any good amount of time. 1000-2000 watts....we only had 300. Not sure on the SQ footage but it was crammed pretty tight under the seat back there. Here is a video showing what we could run from our system. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sLt-qsmFtpezk58.html

@lovematters7122 2 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels Thank you so much. This is very helpful! Happy camping and journeys!🏞️

@keeganbaker710 2 жыл бұрын

Hey folks listen take a picture of it or video double check your leads you cables your hookups and just take a picture and send it to him and ask him if they don't wouldn't mind of taking on gander at it and the last thing anybody needs is to see somebody as a statistic okay and I definitely don't want that for you guys just be careful but it wouldn't hurt okay I don't know how far you guys or to the battleborn facility go up there and have them inspect everything it wouldn't hurt okay I know a lot of people do it they just don't talk about it oh I hope everything up myself bull be careful

@MikeCasey311 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video and your speech is very clear. I strongly suggest that you wrap electrical tape around your tools so that you don’t short out your battery. A block diagram of what you are doing would be helpful. You can see a block diagram in progress of a system I am designing at www.caseys-sprinter.com. Any criticism or suggestions will be appreciated.

@WizzRacing 2 жыл бұрын

4/0 is only good for 230 amps...So why is there a 400 amp fuse in that circuit? As you need 600kcmil Copper at 75c for 400 amps.... Just curious who was telling you that...As that 400 amp fuse is a fire hazard. As the wires will melt way before that fuse goes..

@IreneIronTravels 2 жыл бұрын

The inverter manufactures recommend these cable sizes and fuses. You can look at Victron Energy here page 14 www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Manual%20-%20MultiPlus%203k%20120V%20Ve.Bus%20enabled%20-%20rev%2000%20-%20EN.pdf and Magnum Energy here page 17 www.magnum-dimensions.com/sites/default/files/MagArchive/64-0002-rev.-2-9-03-ME-Series.pdf

@WizzRacing 2 жыл бұрын

@@IreneIronTravels Well do what you want.. I'm an Electrical Engineer and license Commercial Electrician for 40 years. As they don't have the NEC code books and NFPA 70 for nothing. Just too add. Page 14 says 2x 4/0 in parallel. Which is 600kcmil rating. Why people should hire license electricians. As this shit can get you killed..Then you get to see if Jesus really does exist. Good Luck..