A Class A RV is essentially a small house you can drive from destination to destination while adventuring. And like any house, it needs a constant power source to thrive.
Some Class A RV owners love to boondock, staying in remote areas. This presents a simpler lifestyle, but it also begs the question as to how they’ll power their devices and, more importantly, their large appliances.
The answer would seem to lie in high-quality lithium batteries, preferably in combination with solar panels. But will lithium batteries work in a Class A RV?
Class A RVs are the big brother of RVs. They’re between 29’ and 45’ feet in length with 75-100 gallon holding tanks. They also have the most amenities, such as big-screen TVs, washing machines, dryers, and power-hungry residential refrigerators.
All these Class A amenities are easy to power when you’re on the grid; just plug into shore power and go for it. But not every RVer is a campground enthusiast. Many enjoy boondocking or camping without hookups, so they rely on a good battery.
Class A RVs typically come with a bank of lead-acid batteries to power their house-on-wheels away from hookups. But there’s a new technology in town, and many RVers are kicking those tried and true lead-acid batteries to the curb.
As lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly popular, their 170-year-old lead-acid cousins have taken a back seat in some applications. We’ll explore the reasons for that, but first, let’s look at what lithium batteries are and how they work.
A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable power bank with advanced technology. As the name suggests, it uses lithium ions to create an electrical current with a chemical process that’s much different from that of a lead-acid battery.
Essentially, lithium ions move between the positive electrodes when discharging and the negative cathodes during charging. The simple movement between poles generates free electrons, which make up the charge in your battery. From there, the charge can power whatever it’s connected to. In this case, it’s your RV gadgets and appliances.
Not only can you use lithium batteries in your Class A RV, but there are many advantages to doing so! They last longer, operate more efficiently, weigh less, and have a better economic footprint—many who have switched to lithium from lead-acid never look back.
The best way to enjoy the benefits of this power bank is just to use it. But to help you make the decision, here are a few reasons you might love your lithium batteries.
The extended life makes them a worthwhile investment for many RVers. A healthy lithium-ion battery can deliver 3,000-5,000 cycles before it dies out!
Plus, they can sustain deep discharges better than their lead-acid cousins. You’ll only get a few hundred cycles out of a lead-acid battery before you have to replace it. You damage your lead-acid batteries every time you let them drain below 50%, so you might shorten their lifespans if you often boondock.
However, you can let your lithium-ion batteries drain down to 20% without damage. They should still deliver at least 3000 cycles, despite you regularly draining them. So you can boondock for longer without recharging your batteries.
You likely have multiple devices and appliances that you’d like to run simultaneously in a sizeable RV. A lithium-ion battery can, based on your inverter’s size. With a suitable high-powered inverter, lithium batteries can operate most or all gadgets and appliances in your RV.
Also, lead-acid battery voltage falls continuously as the batteries discharge. When the electrical demand increases, their voltage falls faster. Not so with lithium-ion batteries, which can deliver peak power with constant voltage, regardless of the load.
Finally, lithium-ion batteries can accept charge at a higher amperage, which means they charge much faster than lead-acid batteries.
Lithium batteries are more compact and lighter weight than lead-acid batteries. It only has four cells rather than six like its lead-acid counterpart. So with lithium-ion batteries, you’re getting more power in a smaller, lighter package, meaning you can pack your class A RV with more fun stuff!
While the upfront cost is higher for lithium-ion batteries, the longevity reduces the cost overall.
If you’re only getting a few hundred cycles out of your lead-acid batteries (or less!), you’ll be replacing them every couple of years. Since you can regularly discharge your lithium batteries to 20% and still get 3000+ cycles before they need replacing, it might be over a decade before you have to buy a new one.
This fact, along with their increased efficiency, equals an all-around better bang for your buck.
Most lithium batteries have a warranty of ten years or more. That’s substantially longer than you’ll find from any lead-acid battery manufacturer, most of whom will offer a three-year warranty, max.
Let’s sum up: Yes, lithium-ion batteries will work in your Class A RV. Not only will they work, but they’ll work smarter, longer, and more efficiently than any battery you’ve ever put to work for your vehicle. They’re genuinely the new frontier for RVs.
We know that building or upgrading an electrical system can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help. Our Reno, Nevada-based sales and customer service team is standing by at (855) 292-2831 to take your questions!
Also, join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about how lithium battery systems can power your lifestyle, see how others have built their systems, and gain the confidence to get out there and stay out there.
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36 thoughts on “Will Lithium Batteries Work in My Class A RV?”
I have a 2018 THor Windsport 29M RV
What do I need to find out to determine if I can use your batteries?
I’ve heard, Inverter changes, LED lights, etc…..may need changes.
Are these a drop in replacement for the lead acids?
Hi Pete, thanks for reaching out. The article points out plenty of helpful ways to determine if you can use our batteries, in addition to our FAQ section as well! It can be found on our website here: https://battlebornbatteries.com/faq/
Our batteries are drop-in replacements for lead-acid batteries, so the upgrade process will be a breeze. You can give our sales and tech team a call at 855-292-2831 for any questions you may have.
Can you recommend an RV solar installer in the St Louis or eastern Missouri area? I have a 43’ class A motor home.
Hi Robert, unfortunately we have one installer in that state: Flying A Mobile RV and Boat in Branson. You can give Terry a call at 417-294-4544. Our installer program is always expanding and will let you know if we add anyone else to there.
I have a 2017 Tiffin Allegro RED with a Spyder controller and a Magnum 2000 W converter/inverter. I was told by a Spyder engineer that conversion to Lithium wasn’t supported due to how the Spyder controller was programmed. I think it had to do with how the house and chassis batteries were connected together at different times when one of them was used to charge the other. It may also have to do with the capacity of the alternator, but I’m not sure about that. Can you tell me if others have done such conversion? Is it possible? Is there a specific prescription for rigs with the Spyder controller?
Hi Rick, please give our technical sales team a call at 855-292-2831 for them to assist with any system specs or troubleshooting questions you may have.
Planning for a new 40ft Explorer Renegade. Can make room for Battery but would like dimensions and weight of the 250 amp battery. If you offer larger amp battery would also like information on them. Thank you
Hi Garry, we offer 270 amp hour batteries. You can learn more about these batteries at their product listing here: https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/270ah-12v-lifepo4-deep-cycle-gc3-battery/ and here: https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/battleborn-270ah-12v-lihtium-deep-cycle-8d-battery/
I have a class A diesel pusher (2003) with 6 total batteries. I just bought new AGMs for the ignition. But the 4 house batteries are 6 volt deep cycle wet batteries. What would be a good replacement setup for the house batteries? 2 or 3 lithium? Can they be wired in parallel? Currently running a 3000 watt GoPower pure sine inverter.
I have a 2004 Diesel pusher with 4 6v Trojan T-105 coach batteries. What would be a good replacement set up?
Hi, can you recommend an installer near Austin, TX?
Hi Scott! We recommend Auer’s RV, Inc. at 5070 E State Hwy 29, Ste A, Georgetown, TX 78626
Can you recommend an installer in the Florida Tampa Bay Area. If in Florida
Hi David! Gerzeny’s RV World located at 2110 N Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 34275 is an installer we recommend in your area!
Can you recommend an installer near San Antonio, TX? I need help with the battery install and dealing with DC to DC charging in a Class A RV with a Precision Circuits BIM (00-100021-00 model)
Thanks
Hi Paul! We recommend Auer’s RV located in Georgetown, TX. For more information or to contact them, please visit the following link: https://auersrv.com/
Are there anyone who you can recommend that installs the batteries in Myrtle Beach?
Hi Dan! The nearest installer we recommend is D&H RV and Marine located in Apex, NC. Check out the following link for more information or to contact them: https://www.dhrvcenter.com/
Can you recommend an Installer near Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. Thanks
Hi Art! We recommend Precision RV located in Casa Grande, AZ. Follow this link to their website for more information or to contact them: https://precisionrv.com/
Can you recommend a solar installer IN GA , I have a 40ft newmar ventana.
Hi Debbie! The nearest installer, that we recommend, to your area is Freedom Mobile RV Service. Here is the link to their website to contact them or for more information: https://www.freedommobilervservice.com/
We have a 2020 Thor Palazzo 33.2 class A coach.
Is there an installer in my area that could change the lead acid batteries to lithium? Lynnwood, WA
Hi John! he nearest installer, that we recommend, to your area is Poulsbo RV located in Kent, WA. Here is the link to their website to contact them or for more information:https://www.poulsborv.com/
Can you recommend a lithium battery installer near San Diego, CA? We have a 36 foot 2020 Fleetwood Bounder.
Hi Terrie! We recommend All County RV & Solar. They’re a mobile installer based out of Orange County. Here is the link to their website for more information or to contact them: https://allcountyrvsolar.com/
Can you recommend a lithium battery installer in the Annapolis MD area? We have a 2015 Winnebago Adventurer 38Q.
Hi Joseph! The nearest installer to your area, that we recommend, is Tom Shaeffer’s RV Super Store in Shoemakersville, PA. Here is the link to their website for more information or to contact: https://www.tomschaeffers.com/
Can you recommend an installer near Williamsburg VA – we have a 2022 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 38W.
Hi James! The nearest installer to your area, that we recommend, is RV Solar & Safety located in Wake Forest, NC. Here is the link to their website for more information: https://rvsolarsafety.com/
I have a 2020 Newmar Canyon Star I would like to install solar. Do you have any installers in the the area of Burnet Texas 78611.
Hi John! We recommend Auer’s RV located in Georgetown, TX. Here is the link to their website for more information: https://auersrv.com/
I have a 2015 Tiffin Allegro 36LA. My battery is under the inside stairs. Which battery would you recommend ? I have portable solar panels with built in charge controller.
Hi Robert. The specific one of our batteries that we would recommend for your RV would depend on space constraints, power usage, other components you have available or are planning to purchase, and a variety of other factors. Our technical sales team would be happy to assist you in configuring a system that suits your needs! You can reach them at (855) 292-2831 M-F 8:00am – 4:30pm (PST) or by emailing [email protected]
Can you recommend an installer for lithium only in the south Louisiana area, around New Orleans?
Hi Max! The nearest installer to your area, that we recommend, is Panels Up Solar in Gulfport, MS. Here is the link to their website: https://panelsupsolar.com/