foxontherun wrote:Seeking opinions on which one is more ideal for boondocking. Pricing on Alibaba seems similar. Thoughts on which one is better. Anyone used the CATL version?
CATL is a manufacturer, I assume you're asking about the nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) chemistry that Tesla uses (CATL had a contract with Tesla to supply them)? Here's a lithium battery chemistry comparison:
https://www.powertechsystems.eu/home/tech-corner/safety-of-lithium-ion-batteries/Note the "Dangerous chemistry" next to NCA and LCO batteries. They turn into a blow torch when they go into thermal overload, which isn't ideal for a wooden trailer. If you want to learn more about Lithium battery fires, look here:
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/aps-battery-fire-explosion-safety-lithium-mcmicken-fluenceThis accident was a seminal event in battery storage, resulting in a lot of code changes. I read the forensic report for the accident - APS did most everything right and their batteries still went into thermal runaway, blew up and hurt a lot of firemen. I went with LiFePo4 chemistry because while they will go into thermal runaway and vent if improperly charged, they don't vent any combustionable gases.
LTO is promising but they are expensive right now and at an awkward voltage that doesn't work well for 12V systems.
I've had good luck with CALB LiFePo4 cells but watch out for fakes on Alibaba.
Bruce