TrailManor Owner's Forum - View Single Post - If I build some LiFePO4 battery packs, would anyone buy them?

**rickst29** · 03-17-2022, 08:21 AM

They have several models of EVE, and 302Ah from CATL in USA stock. Here: https://www.docanpower.com/index.php...ry&path=60_154 On the LFP battery forum which I take part in, I have seen reported issues with high-current 12v applications on many models of welded-stud batteries, sometimes resolved by using conductive aluminum washers around the base "shelf". But Docan-USA does offer the 280N with old-style screw-in studs (and that is the model which I would prefer to use in that size). The Eve "N" cells have better lifespan than the older "K" cells. The 302-304Ah CATL cells are prone to swelling, and definitely need compression applied. In that slightly larger size, I would prefer EVE - but I'd really recommend staying down at 280Ah, to get those flat screw-in-stud connectors (avoiding the welded on top designs).

The welded studs from Eve do allow for much higher torque, almost 24 ft-lbs in comparison to slightly less than 8 ft-lbs for the screw in studs. On my DIY-Solar forum, I have promised to test my upcoming 230Ah battery pack with 1C continuous current for a few minutes (with good bus bars), and use a thermometer to "feel" for heat created by high current through those weld-on stud posts. If I detect a problem, I'll go ahead and add washers to reduce its scope.

I do not recommend use of either brand's largest cells (304Ah and 302Ah) in high-current 12v applications, due to the welded studs.
- - -
800Ah is pretty big. If you want to go that large (or even larger) and your TM model has a rear battery compartment (my small 2619 doesn't have one of those), you could go all-out and install a Victron MultiPlus-II power center, which is generally used to manage 48v battery banks with 12v DC applications. (That would replace the WFCO converter, except for the DC fuse Board).

Did your boat have one of those? JoeyCharimatic, from Florida, has very recently put one of those into his TM Trailer, using 16 304Ah cells. That's the equivalent of 1216 Ah of "12V" batteries. His Thread is mis-located with the "Solar Power section", here: https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...ad.php?t=20779. He has some photos in post number 6. Victron offers both 48v and 24v versions, but the best route to a smaller battery pack is almost definitely staying at 48v, while reducing the size of individual cells.

Welded studs on batteries don't matter in a 48v TM configuration, because the current is 4x smaller.

03-17-2022, 08:21 AM	#22
rickst29 yes, they hunt lions. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,318	My current Source is Docan-USA. JoeyCharismatic has built a 48v Victron configuration They have several models of EVE, and 302Ah from CATL in USA stock. Here: https://www.docanpower.com/index.php...ry&path=60_154 On the LFP battery forum which I take part in, I have seen reported issues with high-current 12v applications on many models of welded-stud batteries, sometimes resolved by using conductive aluminum washers around the base "shelf". But Docan-USA does offer the 280N with old-style screw-in studs (and that is the model which I would prefer to use in that size). The Eve "N" cells have better lifespan than the older "K" cells. The 302-304Ah CATL cells are prone to swelling, and definitely need compression applied. In that slightly larger size, I would prefer EVE - but I'd really recommend staying down at 280Ah, to get those flat screw-in-stud connectors (avoiding the welded on top designs). The welded studs from Eve do allow for much higher torque, almost 24 ft-lbs in comparison to slightly less than 8 ft-lbs for the screw in studs. On my DIY-Solar forum, I have promised to test my upcoming 230Ah battery pack with 1C continuous current for a few minutes (with good bus bars), and use a thermometer to "feel" for heat created by high current through those weld-on stud posts. If I detect a problem, I'll go ahead and add washers to reduce its scope. I do not recommend use of either brand's largest cells (304Ah and 302Ah) in high-current 12v applications, due to the welded studs. - - - 800Ah is pretty big. If you want to go that large (or even larger) and your TM model has a rear battery compartment (my small 2619 doesn't have one of those), you could go all-out and install a Victron MultiPlus-II power center, which is generally used to manage 48v battery banks with 12v DC applications. (That would replace the WFCO converter, except for the DC fuse Board). Did your boat have one of those? JoeyCharimatic, from Florida, has very recently put one of those into his TM Trailer, using 16 304Ah cells. That's the equivalent of 1216 Ah of "12V" batteries. His Thread is mis-located with the "Solar Power section", here: https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...ad.php?t=20779. He has some photos in post number 6. Victron offers both 48v and 24v versions, but the best route to a smaller battery pack is almost definitely staying at 48v, while reducing the size of individual cells. Welded studs on batteries don't matter in a 48v TM configuration, because the current is 4x smaller. __________________ TM='06 2619 w/5K axle, 15" Maxxis "E" tires. Plumbing protector. 630 watts solar. 450AH LiFePO4 batteries, 3500 watt inverter. CR-1110 E-F/S fridge (compressor). TV = 2007 4runner sport, with a 36 volt "power boost".