My batteries have been down for a few months. I was able to buy a nice generator but it doesn’t arrive until Friday. I am afraid I will have to replace my batteries, most likely, although I haven’t tested them yet. Any recommendations for a replacement pair? I apologize but I am very new to the RV game. I do love my 2018 369fb, though. I am Just now getting a chance to learn more about it. Thank you so much.
IMHO you have 2 basic choices
- Just replace with AGM batteries of same size, probably group 31s. Ideally 100 Amp/hr ones .. plug and play no maintenance required.
- Upgrade to Lithium batteries. Again same size but will probably require a new converter ( charger) as Lithium has a different charge profile. Advantage is that lithium gives you twice the usable capacity per battery. This means a 200 Amp hr age bank has 100 usable amp/hrs will a lithium bank has almost 200 usable. This becomes important if off grid or not plugged in. Also lithium batteries weigh less for same capacity.
I personally replaced my original 2019 385RD batteries with Duracell AGM from Batteries and Bulbs due to cost/compatability issues. Lithium charging differences, cost and cold intolerance were the deciding issues for me. On year 2 with them and zero issues.
As Jon mentioned if you are going to replace with lead acid (FLA or AGM) it’s pretty much plug and play. But you are limited to only 50% of the capacity to keep the batteries in good shape.
I replaced our FLA batteries (~80Ah) in our 2020 39FBB (same floorpan as your Vilano) with 3 lithium batteries which more than tripled our capacity to 300Ah and less weight than the dealer installed lead acid.
Like Jon said, if you opt for lithium you’ll need to swap out the converter/charger to one that supports the lithium charge profile. You should have a Progressive Dynamics converter and there is a swap out module that makes it easy (https://www.bestconverter.com/PD4575-75-Amp-Lithium-Converter-Upgrade_p_713.html ).
Just like lead acid batteries, you need to be careful when in below freezing temperatures. Both will allow discharge, but charging could cause the lead acid to explode if the electrolyte is frozen. With lithium the BMS (Battery Management System) will not allow charging in below freezing temperatures.
Which ever you decide, I think having a battery meter, like a Victron BMV 712, is a must. This will allow you to view the status of the batteries and know when they require charging and how much capacity is available.
Lithium is a great option. However, there are things to know: They do not like cold. You may need a way to heat them and keep them warm if you are in a cold area. The other issue being: They are very expensive.
AGM deep cycle batteries are my choice. You can get the information off your batteries and buy locally at most auto parts stores.
Sam’s club usually have there Duracell on sale btw and have had good success
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Lithium is the way to go if possible. We have a Chins 300AH that has an internal heater for almost 2 years now. It was over $600 then but is about $425 now for a 320AH on Amazon. Our rig is a 2022 so the converter / charger has a Lithium option. The battery has a phone ap so I can monitor the settings and charge level while driving from the truck.