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04-03-2023, 09:44 AM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Stokesdale
Posts: 91
M.O.C. #32306
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Overnight battery requirements
I'm considering a Renogy AGM 12v 200Ah/20HR to replace the current single Diehard 27HM. Will be going in a 2018 345rl with an electric only residential refrigerator. The purpose for the upgrade is to operate the refrigerator, water pump and few lights overnight when staying at a cracker barrel or other freebee without shore power or permit generator. We do not have any solar.
The question is: Is this a plug and play replacement? Other suggestions welcome.
I believe this battery does not need to be in the vented battery box also.
I know it is big and heavy, but the cost is way better than lithium and we are not planning to boondock for extended days (just overnight when traveling).
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04-03-2023, 10:15 AM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Castle Rock
Posts: 248
M.O.C. #11369
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I would think you would need at least two batteries to work all that.
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04-03-2023, 12:07 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,950
M.O.C. #20477
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Jay,
This thread will give you some good info on how much juice your reefer uses. https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...hlight=lithium
I concur with Rich, you are likely better off with two. They will last longer and give you more reserve. A single battery is likely to get drawn down below 50% fairly often shortening its life.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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04-03-2023, 01:27 PM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: everywhere, USA
Posts: 281
M.O.C. #28634
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Remember 200ah AGM will only give you 100ah at 50% discharge. You will most likely need at least 2 of them for this.
__________________
2021 Montana 3761FL, 9 LIFPO4 batteries & 1700 watts of panels w/ Multiplus II 3K inverter and 30amp DC to DC charger from truck. 8k Dexter axles w/ Kodiak disc brakes.
2019 6.7 diesel F350 DRW with Banks derringer and 4"exhaust, airlift bags, 25k B & W Companion hitch, 45 gal. aux. diesel tank and 14k Winch, just in case!
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04-03-2023, 07:14 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,263
M.O.C. #30417
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You're absolutely going to need 2 deep cycle batteries. I assume you already have a built in inverter? If so you won't be running the fridge for long periods of time. Maybe 5 hours (possibly more) between recharging your batteries to 100%. IMO you need to consider a solar upgrade. Most rigs with residential fridg's rely on shore power and use the inverted power for traveling. Residential fridge's are not a good option for dry camping.
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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04-06-2023, 07:46 PM
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#6
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Stokesdale
Posts: 91
M.O.C. #32306
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Thanks all, I think for now, staying at parks with power is the best way for us when long distance traveling.
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04-07-2023, 12:47 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,155
M.O.C. #1920
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Jay and Bobbie, everyone has different situations. Out west, we have an abundance of boondocking opportunities and we also use Harvest Host while traveling. Also, campgrounds are booking sooner and many of us find it easier to stop at alternative camping locations. It’s a trade off on costs. Safe travels.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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04-14-2023, 10:44 AM
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#8
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Stokesdale
Posts: 91
M.O.C. #32306
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I am still looking for ways to spend the night without shore power.
I agree that I likely need 200Ah of usable reserve to power our rig for a comfortable night while traveling. Yes, the rig is equipped with a 1000w pure sine wave inverter for the refrigerator.
A couple questions that I have not been able to resolve.
A: 6v battery bank ( yes a lot of weight) vs 12 v
B: Standard lead acid vs AGM
C: Will the TT charge the batteries while traveling the next day, assuming approximately 4 to 5hrs.
D: Will I need to change any wiring in the rig to accommodate the increase in reserve capacity. I think I know the answer, but would like to get others advice.
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04-14-2023, 11:19 AM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,950
M.O.C. #20477
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Jay and Bobbie,
There are several options to pick from depending on your planned use and how much you want to spend.
If you plan to stay with FLA or AGM batteries 6 volt is an easy conversion. You typically get more AH from the golf cart batteries. Or you could go with two 12 v batteries similar to what you have based on the fact you very seldom overnight without power. AGM are more expensive than FLA but have the advantage of not needing to check or add water.
Another option is buying a 2000 watt genny. It could come in handy if the power in the campground fails or you decide to venture into more boondocking.
Once your reefer including all that is in it is cold you could even shut it off for 6-8 hours without losing any food as long as you don't open it a lot.
Lithium is an option that could be a pay only once for 10-15 years of use - if you go that way I would recommend heated batteries if you plan to camp in the cold. A total of 200 AH would put you in pretty good stead as about 90% is usable.
Charging from your tow vehicle will not help much for recharging the batteries going down the road but should give you enough power to keep the reefer going.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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04-14-2023, 03:03 PM
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#10
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Stokesdale
Posts: 91
M.O.C. #32306
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Thanks for the info and expertise.
I do like the lower maintenance of the AGM batteries and that they don't require a ventilated box.
I already have a 4000w generator that I plan to carry when traveling. It will also run on of the the ac units in a pinch.
I did forget to mention that the refrigerator has a eco mode. I tested it with the current single battery and the battery was down to 12v in 5 hours. That was with no lights or water pump coming on.
I'm not sure if our rig has a charger that will switch to charge lithium. How do I find out?
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04-15-2023, 12:39 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 2,960
M.O.C. #5651
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I think the biggest draws are: A/C, then furnace or frig. If you don't need these things, then I think you can go all night with standard battery/ies. I have camped in Big Horns where temp was around 40 or below. My furnace draws down my 2 6V overnight by 7 or 8 am if I start it by 8 pm. Actually pretty dead at 5 am when starting at 7 or 8 pm (ask me how I know).
__________________
Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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04-16-2023, 05:34 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Northville, NY
Posts: 807
M.O.C. #21158
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This will work
I have the Renogy 200 Ahr in my rig. It's big and heavy and I had to use a portable engine hoist to get it in but the change came out nice. AGM allowed me to eliminate the battery box.
I too only wanted overnight power and this battery does the job just fine. My experience indicates it will go between 24 and 40 hours just running lights, water pump and refer.
__________________
Jim B
2017 Lariat F-350 FX4, CC, SB, 6.7 PSD 4WD
2018 MONTY 3731FL, at our private winter site in GA
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04-16-2023, 05:50 AM
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#13
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Stokesdale
Posts: 91
M.O.C. #32306
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Thanks, all good information.
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05-09-2023, 04:32 PM
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#14
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Established Member
Join Date: May 2023
Location: Sykeston
Posts: 31
M.O.C. #32705
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DebNJim B
I have the Renogy 200 Ahr in my rig. It's big and heavy and I had to use a portable engine hoist to get it in but the change came out nice. AGM allowed me to eliminate the battery box.
I too only wanted overnight power and this battery does the job just fine. My experience indicates it will go between 24 and 40 hours just running lights, water pump and refer.
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Is it a residential Refridgerator?
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05-09-2023, 04:48 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Northville, NY
Posts: 807
M.O.C. #21158
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Yes , the Samsung 18 footer.
__________________
Jim B
2017 Lariat F-350 FX4, CC, SB, 6.7 PSD 4WD
2018 MONTY 3731FL, at our private winter site in GA
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05-10-2023, 06:59 AM
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#16
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Stokesdale
Posts: 91
M.O.C. #32306
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Jim, we probably have identical set up. I feel confident that Renogy will serve my needs well.
Thanks
__________________
Jay, Bobbie, Daisy, Rosie
2018 Montana High Country 345RL
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD LTZ DRW
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05-10-2023, 07:05 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,155
M.O.C. #1920
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Just a quick comment. Many of the national parks significantly limit generator usage. If you don’t boondock, it’s not an issue. At Teklanika CG in Denali, we can only run generators for 4 or 5 hours (been awhile since I got the hours). That is where lithium really shines, being able to fast charge. Best of luck.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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05-10-2023, 07:27 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,714
M.O.C. #24086
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I installed a DC-DC charger. Does a great job charging your batteries while driving and you can use it as a back up to solar or a generator.
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...hlight=charger
__________________
Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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05-10-2023, 07:38 AM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,155
M.O.C. #1920
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Daryl, us also, but you really need lithium to get full advantage. And many of the National Parks limit the hours for generators - running a vehicle in place of a generator is not exactly following the spirit of the law. Of course many don’t boondock. We do extensively, so it is critical to us. The other advantage with our solar and lithium, we are traveling with a single Honda 2000. It all depends what you are trying to accomplish.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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05-10-2023, 07:41 AM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,714
M.O.C. #24086
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay & Bobbie
I'm not sure if our rig has a charger that will switch to charge lithium. How do I find out?
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To check your converter to see if it's lithium ready,
Look up your model number (white sticker inside the door of your circuit breaker panel) on Progressive Dynamics webpage
https://www.progressivedyn.com/suppo...ooting-guides/
Or take the cover off and look for a tiny LA/Li switch.
Most likely yours is not lithium ready. No biggie. Mine isn't either, but I put lithium batteries in 4 years ago. Before we go boondocking I use the mode button to kick the Charge Wizard into boost mode to charge the lithium batteries almost all the way up.
Progressive Dynamics Charge Wizzard:
https://www.progressivedyn.com/wp-co...rd-Pendant.pdf
Since then I've added solar panels and a DC-DC charger.
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