RV manufacturers are always looking for ways to make their RVs more appealing to consumers. Solar panels and a lithium RV battery are becoming popular upgrades amongst RVers. Manufacturers are noticing this trend and equipping their new RVs with these upgraded features.
Let’s take a look at why they’re gaining popularity.
RVers Want Solar and Lithium, And The RV Industry Is Starting to Listen
RV sales have skyrocketed in recent years, and campgrounds are busier than ever. Being able to fully utilize your RV while camping remotely without a power source, away from the crowds, is becoming increasingly popular. Combining solar panels with a lithium RV battery bank is one of the most popular ways RVers cut the cord that tethers them to overcrowded campgrounds.
The RV industry is taking notice of these trends as it looks to adapt its standards. For example, lithium RV batteries were added to the 2020 edition of RV industry’s adopted American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Low-Voltage Standard. This addition allows the RV Industry Association to recognize lithium batteries as RV products. Changes like these set the standard for manufacturers to include lithium batteries as an option on new RVs.
Why Is Solar Power For RVs So Popular?
Solar power is popular because of the freedom it provides. Having solar panels charge your RV’s battery bank gives you the ability to camp anywhere the sun shines. Keeping your batteries charged is critical for off-grid camping to keep many of your essential electronics running.
Additionally, solar power prices are dropping as the technology evolves, bringing more manufacturers and installers to the market. Competition tends to benefit the consumer by driving the price down; solar technology is no different.
Many RV Manufacturers Include Solar Panel Prep In Their RVs
If you’ve been shopping for a new RV lately, you may have noticed a large “prepped for solar” sticker to get your attention. Many think this means all you’ll need is a solar panel or two, and you’ll be able to live forever off the grid. However, these marketing tools can be a bit misleading.
Being prepped for solar often means there’s wiring running from an under-storage compartment to the roof for future solar panels to connect to your battery. Unfortunately, simply adding solar panels and lithium RV batteries isn’t enough to utilize your RV off the grid. To optimize charging and use your electrical outlets, you’ll need to add other components like an inverter and a solar charge controller.
Manufacturers like Grand Design, Keystone, Forest River, Jayco, and Heartland RV are all including options for solar prep in many of their new RVs. Some manufacturers make it easier than others for RVers to upgrade batteries and add panels, but all are making progress in the right direction.
Why Are Lithium RV Batteries So Popular?
Lithium RV batteries are becoming the battery of choice for RVers because of the incredible performance improvements compared to standard lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries are lighter weight, last longer, have higher energy efficiency, and charge up to four times faster than lead-acid batteries.
Discharging a lead-acid battery below 50% of its rated capacity will cause damage. However, lithium batteries allow for greater than 80% depth of discharge without the risk of harming the battery. In fact, we design our batteries to last 3,000 – 5,000 cycles discharging at 100%. Conversely, a properly maintained lead-acid battery will typically only last 300 – 500 cycles.
Still not convinced? RVers also love that their lithium RV batteries weigh considerably less. A typical 100 Ah lead-acid battery weighs around 60 lbs. However, a 100 Ah lithium RV battery typically weighs about 30 lbs. When you’re trying to conserve weight in an RV and create a large battery bank, lithium batteries provide a considerable advantage.
Are Lithium RV Batteries Standard In All New RVs?
Unfortunately, lithium batteries are not yet standard in all new RVs. Price is often a significant consideration for new RV customers, and lithium batteries cost more upfront than lead-acid batteries. For this reason, most new RVs usually come with a stock deep-cycle, lead-acid battery.
Why Are RV Manufacturers Upgrading Their Standard RVs?
Many RVers are replacing these stock lead-acid batteries the moment they take possession of their new rig. RV manufacturers are in business to make money, much like any other successful business. To do so, they want to be on the cutting edge and offer amenities to RVers that set them apart from the competition.
Offering RVs with lithium batteries and solar panels removes the barrier of entry for new RVers who just want to go camping and not have to dive into a new project the day they buy their dream RV.
For example, Dragonfly Energy partnered with Keystone RV to offer lithium RV batteries in their Super SolarFlex system in early 2020 for a turnkey power experience for consumers. See the video below.
Consumers Are Upgrading To Solar and Lithium RV Batteries Themselves
The benefits of lithium batteries and solar panels are undeniable for RVers of all types. Even when solar prep and lithium RV batteries don’t come standard, many people choose to make the upgrades themselves. The added freedom to live and camp off the grid is the primary motivation for many who install lithium batteries and solar panels.
RVers are jumping at the opportunity to experience RVing outside of established campgrounds in record numbers. Whether it’s boondocking on public lands or at agri-tourism sites like Harvest Hosts, many of these locations won’t offer power hookups. By upgrading to solar and lithium batteries, RVers can provide their own power source while using their RV just about anywhere.
RVers Have Spoken, RV Manufacturers Are Listening
Buying a brand new RV that you immediately have to tear apart to upgrade is frustrating and means less time going on adventures with your loved ones. Luckily, it’s encouraging that RV manufacturers continue to evolve their processes to include upgrades that RVers are demanding.
Our Dragonfly Lithium Batteries are designed and assembled in the USA. We offer a full line of lithium-ion, deep-cycle batteries for 12-volt, 24-volt and 48-volt systems. Dragonfly Energy batteries are designed specifically for OEMs.
Of course, it will take time for lithium RV batteries and solar panels to be standard on all new RVs. In the meantime, RVers will continue to make these upgrades themselves and push the industry to keep up. For that, we have our Battle Born Batteries line for dealers, installers and consumers.
