Lithium battery placement

[mikehoyt]

I note that pretty much everyone has their lithium batteries inside camper in a compartment and lead acid outside (on tongue). I believe the potential gases are main reason lead acid is outside.

Is there a reason that Lithium is inside? I am assuming due to temperatures and possibility of theft. Any other reason?

Most lithium batteries now have low temperature protection bult in

Thanks

Mike
2022 Passport 221BH

 

[RacerX-KEY]

Theft is one thing. But Low temp protection will stop you from charging lithium at low temps and using them at slightly lower temps. Having them inside will allow non heated batteries to be used even when it is cold outside. Having them in a temperature controlled area helps. While they can be used below freezing you should not charge them at that temperature.

From the LiTime web as an example.

• Operating Temperature Range: Lithium batteries generally operate effectively between −20°C to 60°C (−4°F to 140°F). Performance may degrade near the edges of this range.
• Charging Temperature Range: Critically, lithium batteries should only be charged within a narrower range, typically 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F). Charging below freezing (0°C / 32°F) without specific protective measures (like pre-heating or a lithium battery low temperature cutoff) can cause lithium plating on the anode, leading to irreversible capacity loss and potential safety hazards. Charging above the recommended upper limit increases risks of overheating and thermal runaway.

 

[JRTJH]

What Rob posted plus: Most lithium batteries are not "waterproof". To get that feature you need to buy "marine approved lithium batteries".. So, putting them on the trailer tongue would expose them to rain, condensation and potential damage from that environment. Mounting them inside eliminates most of the "humidity related issues".

 

[RKDowner]

What Rob posted plus: Most lithium batteries are not "waterproof". To get that feature you need to buy "marine approved lithium batteries".. So, putting them on the trailer tongue would expose them to rain, condensation and potential damage from that environment. Mounting them inside eliminates most of the "humidity related issues".

As it happens, I'm getting heated lithium batteries next week to replace my factory lead-acids. For now I was just going to put them in the battery boxes on the tongue, but I was wondering if I should wrap them in insulation for the long-term. Thoughts?

 

[JRTJH]

As it happens, I'm getting heated lithium batteries next week to replace my factory lead-acids. For now I was just going to put them in the battery boxes on the tongue, but I was wondering if I should wrap them in insulation for the long-term. Thoughts?

I wouldn't.... Why? Insulation might keep the batteries warmer in cold weather, but insulation will also keep the batteries warmer in hot weather. Heat is the "enemy of all things electronic".... Most lithium battery installation manuals will recommend a specific space around the batteries to help with cooling. Boxing them in and adding insulation sort of defeats that "minimum clearance distance"....