OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Converting Cargo Trailers into TTTs

Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby MtnDon » Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:51 pm

There have been several threads about lithium and LifePo4 in particular, over a few recent years on an alternative energy forum. The jury is still out when it comes to mainstream RE (renewable energy) use. There are some very happy users who are using LifePo4 in motorcycles and in RV's for the RV PV system. But there are still not enough RE users to obtain a real good sampling of real world use, IMO. I believe that eventually, like the transistor replaced vacuum tubes, LifePo4 may become predominate as the battery to use.

As far as FLA's go, there is no reason they can not deliver good service life. A battery like a T-105 (industry classification is a GC-2) should have no problems supplying 4 or more years of use. Many of these FLA batteries that do not give service like that fail because they were murdered by the owner. Over discharged too many times. Over charged too many times. Left too long between recharges. Electrolyte levels allowed to fall below plate tops. Etc. We have a set of GC-2's that were 5 in July. Looking at their current performance they could very well give 8 to 10 years of service.

Personally I do not think the FLA battery is dead yet. It can be a poor choice for some uses, some environments. It's limits are well known by now, though. People still do abuse them and they reap the consequences. I want to see what happens with LifePo4's when they are used, stored in high temperature environments such as the SW desert climate. I've not seen any data on that. FLA's are known to have foreshortened lifespans in those conditions.
Our 6x12 deep vee nose cargo trailer camper conversion... viewtopic.php?f=42&t=58336

We have a small off grid cabin we built ourselves in the NM mountains; small PV solar system; 624 watts PV, Outback CC & inverter/charger ... http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.0
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Fri Sep 19, 2014 3:29 pm

MtnDon wrote:There have been several threads about lithium and LifePo4 in particular, over a few recent years on an alternative energy forum. The jury is still out when it comes to mainstream RE (renewable energy) use. There are some very happy users who are using LifePo4 in motorcycles and in RV's for the RV PV system. But there are still not enough RE users to obtain a real good sampling of real world use, HOW many % do you need ?? IMO. I believe that eventually, like the transistor replaced vacuum tubes, LifePo4 may become predominate as the battery to use.

I want to see what happens with LifePo4's when they are used, stored in high temperature environments such as the SW desert climate. I've not seen any data on that.

MtnDon - I think i'll disagree with you 100% FLA are still gonna be 95% of the market no matter what happens. There are always gonna be more Walmart shoppers then Tesla buyers.
Personally I keep all my batteries in the same space temp as my body likes 40-80 deg F, thats just a no brainer for me. Can't see how 120 deg F AZ would be good for anything ?
so i'm not sure why you need test data for those conditions. As long as your happy with your FLA...keeping them makes sense for me
AGAIN - I was forced to switch, so i'm just sharing my opinion on the difference per my observations
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby abqlloyd » Fri Sep 19, 2014 4:38 pm

I have two AGM's that are 5 and still hold a charge and deliver the goods. They were almost three times as much per usable watt than FLA, but they were spec by the job. Zero maintenance other than keep them from extreme temps.

I had a large 4S pack used for a robotic platform. LiPo. It was left in an enclosed vehicle on the seat and it puffed up pretty good. We didn't chance it. At least with LiPo, heat can damage them. Of course, extreme heat would have likely damaged FLA, also.
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby MtnDon » Fri Sep 19, 2014 5:13 pm

Can't see how 120 deg F AZ would be good for anything ?
so i'm not sure why you need test data for those conditions.


Because (1) someday I might like LifePo4 for the trailer... when it sits in its allotted space here at home it can get pretty hot inside and (2) I have a friend in southern NM and he cooks his FLA's off every couple years (off grid application).

And yes, LifePo4 will probably never take over the common battery use. We still use old technology for most of our AA batteries too. But it would be nice to have better cold performance and no concerns about water, lighter weight, if everything else was more or less equal. I still like to drive my '68 Volvo 123 GT, but I think our M3 Beemer is too cool, more refined.... not a good battery analogy, but that just popped into my head and I had to use it.
Our 6x12 deep vee nose cargo trailer camper conversion... viewtopic.php?f=42&t=58336

We have a small off grid cabin we built ourselves in the NM mountains; small PV solar system; 624 watts PV, Outback CC & inverter/charger ... http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.0
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby abqlloyd » Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:01 pm

Someday I'm hoping to drop a Mr. Fusion under the hood :)
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:11 pm

MtnDon

My understanding is that it should be good 80-100 deg C
At least for storage. at 200 deg C - they would be trash however.
So at 120F in the shade I don't see a problem.

It also sat in my truck bed in 100 deg F heat & got hotter in full sun , 2 weeks with no I'll effects
Before I realized how hot they were getting :x

Abqlloyd

If you spent 3 x on AGM - you might as well buy Lithium , in small they are $600 for 100 AH
Larger they are $350 per 100 AH - that's why I got the mega size
3000 cycles - loose 20% capacity

My L16 - FLA were $180 per 100 AH - so that's a no brainier for me.
800 - 1500 cycles - dead
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby abqlloyd » Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:27 am

A good Group31 AGM which as about 100AH is pushing $300 these days. A Costco FLA is less than $100. I've seen them for $80 on sale.

Even today the cost differential is significant.
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:48 pm

abqlloyd wrote:A good Group31 AGM which as about 100AH is pushing $300 these days. A Costco FLA is less than $100. I've seen them for $80 on sale.

Even today the cost differential is significant.



That's why I said L16 FLA - 800-1500 cycles Surrette brand 7 year warranty.

not the same as Costco maybe 300-500 cycles.
Also AGM - I think are under 500 cycles , correct me if I'm wrong.
You always get what you pay for in lead batteries - NO FREE LUNCH .....
On the cheap brands you save on shipping as they are stocked at every gas station & Costco

PS THE WEIGHT OF MY 400 AH Surrette L 16 was 260 lbs ......
Every 100 AH = 65 lbs ...... If not, your getting it somewhere without the KY
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Mon Sep 22, 2014 10:44 am

MtnDon


Here is your next battery, it meets all 3 of your requirements , it's cheap, no problems with heat & it's still a few years down the road. So I'm waiting to see your report on this battery compared to my lithium.


http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29284934


Cheers OTTCT
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Mon Sep 22, 2014 10:59 am

How to switch dragster bikes at 170 MPH , watch video


http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-29162676
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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Sun Oct 05, 2014 10:53 pm

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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby lrrowe » Mon Oct 06, 2014 9:06 am

Ok Jerry,
You are inside your trailer and can now see who or what is around you. For perhaps around $100 with 2 cameras, that is good. But if you have windows, then you can also see what is there (not in blind areas of course).

Have you considered a recording device? That too me would be nice when you are not there. But I am not aware of any 12v DVR's.

After bringing my trailer home last week, I decided it would be nice to have a camera on the back of the CT and a display on the dash so I have a much better view of what is back there. Have you looked into this?
Bob

First Post on Purchase of Trailer: http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=60722
Hot water infloor and radiator heating project:[url]http://www.tnttt.com/posting.php?mode=reply&f=54&t=62327[/

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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Mon Oct 06, 2014 10:14 pm

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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby lrrowe » Tue Oct 07, 2014 5:24 am

Some reading for this evening when I get home. Thanks.
Bob

First Post on Purchase of Trailer: http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=60722
Hot water infloor and radiator heating project:[url]http://www.tnttt.com/posting.php?mode=reply&f=54&t=62327[/

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Re: OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Mon Nov 10, 2014 2:14 pm

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