Your RV Battery Questions Answered

Summary

In this tech-savvy video, Todd tackled two common RV battery questions - is it better to have multiple smaller batteries or fewer larger ones, and is a 12V or 24V system better for powering an RV's inverter system? Focusing on lithium batteries, Todd explained that a single large battery is preferable to a bank of smaller ones to avoid balancing issues and uneven charging/discharging over time. He also recommended a 24V system with fewer batteries over 12V, as it reduces the complexity of managing multiple battery management systems. Todd's comprehensive explanations shed light on optimizing battery configurations for RV owners, equipping them with valuable knowledge to make informed decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Subscribe to the channel to get more tech tips.
• ❓ Discusses the pros and cons of having multiple smaller batteries vs. one larger battery for an RV system.
• ⚖️ Explains the concept of internal resistance and how it can cause balancing issues in battery banks over time.
• 🔋 Recommends using a single larger battery instead of multiple smaller ones to reduce balancing issues.
• ⚡ Explains the benefits of a 24V system over a 12V system for RV power setups, including fewer balancing issues.
• 🧠 Highlights the importance of having a single 'brain' or Battery Management System (BMS) to manage the entire battery bank.
• ⚠️ Cautions against using two 12V batteries in series to create a 24V system, as it can lead to balancing issues between the two BMS units.
• 💰 Suggests that the cost savings of a 24V system are not worth the potential balancing problems it can create.
• 🔋 Emphasizes the importance of understanding battery balancing issues to prevent premature battery failures.
• 🚀 Promotes the National RV Training Academy as a resource for learning more about RV maintenance and repair.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is RV battery systems, including comparing single large batteries versus multiple smaller batteries, as well as 12V vs. 24V systems.

Why is it better to have a single larger battery than multiple smaller batteries?

A single larger battery is better than multiple smaller batteries because it reduces balancing issues over time. With multiple batteries, even slight differences in internal resistance can cause one battery to discharge or charge faster than the others, leading to imbalances.

What is the advantage of a 24V system over a 12V system?

A 24V system is better than a 12V system because it has fewer balancing issues due to having fewer batteries and fewer "brains" (battery management systems) to work together.

What is a BMS (Battery Management System) and why is it important for lithium batteries?

A BMS is a logic board or circuit board inside a lithium battery that monitors and protects the cells from issues like high/low voltage, high/low amps, and temperature fluctuations. It's important because it helps lithium batteries last longer by preventing damage to the cells.

How do the "brains" (BMS) in a 12V battery system work when two batteries are connected in series to create a 24V system?

When two 12V batteries are connected in series to create a 24V system, each battery has its own BMS that monitors and controls only its own cells. This can lead to balancing issues because one BMS may cut off power if its cells are fully charged, even if the other battery's cells are not fully charged.

What is a battery balancer and why is it needed for a 24V system with two 12V batteries?

A battery balancer is a component that helps balance the charge between the two 12V batteries in a 24V system. It's needed because the two separate BMS systems can cause imbalances between the batteries, and a balancer helps equalize the charge.

Why does the presenter mention that one lead-acid battery may die before the others, even if they were bought at the same time?

One lead-acid battery may die before the others because of the balancing issues and internal resistance differences between the batteries. Over time, these small differences can cause one battery to discharge or charge faster than the others, leading to uneven wear and failure.

What is the presenter's response to the "keyboard warriors" who criticize him for talking about large battery systems?

The presenter acknowledges that some people prefer smaller, more minimalist systems but argues that he is providing information, not bragging. He suggests that those who criticize large systems may be the ones who are bragging about their small setups.

What is the RV industry's need that the presenter mentions at the end of the video?

The presenter mentions that the RV industry needs thousands of RV technicians and inspectors, and suggests that now is a good time to pursue a career in those fields.

What is the purpose of the "bloopers" mentioned at the end of the script?

The "bloopers" mentioned at the end of the script are likely outtakes or mistakes made during the filming of the video, added at the end for humorous or entertainment purposes.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Welcome and Introduction to Tech Tip Tuesday

The paragraph welcomes viewers to another Tech Tip Tuesday video by the National RV Training Academy. It encourages viewers to subscribe to the channel to stay updated on the latest content. The video focuses on answering two common questions: whether it's better to have two smaller batteries or one larger battery, and whether a 12V or 24V system is preferable for an inverter system in an RV.

05:02

💡 Comparing Battery Configurations and Voltages

This paragraph delves into the differences between having multiple smaller batteries versus a single larger battery, and the pros and cons of 12V versus 24V systems in RVs. It explains that regardless of battery size or number, the goal is to ensure that the batteries work seamlessly together, sharing the load equally. However, minor variations in internal resistance among multiple batteries can lead to balancing issues over time, causing one battery to charge or discharge faster than others. Therefore, a single larger battery is preferable to minimize these balancing issues. Regarding voltage, a 24V system with fewer batteries is generally better than a 12V system with multiple batteries, as it reduces the number of battery management systems (BMS) to coordinate, thereby minimizing potential balancing problems. The paragraph provides a detailed analysis of the technical aspects and implications of different battery configurations and voltages.

Keywords

💡RV Training Academy

The RV Training Academy, as mentioned in the video, represents a significant resource for individuals seeking hands-on education in RV maintenance and repair. It is cited as the largest of its kind in America, emphasizing its importance in providing comprehensive training for RV enthusiasts and professionals. The academy's role in the video is to underscore the importance of proper RV maintenance and the value of informed ownership, thus framing the context for the educational content provided.

💡Lithium batteries

Lithium batteries are highlighted in the video as a modern power storage solution for RVs, praised for their efficiency and capacity over traditional lead-acid batteries. The video discusses their application in RV setups, considering factors like size, number, and the balancing issues that can arise with multiple battery configurations. Lithium batteries' relevance in the video is tied to their advantages in power management and longevity, especially in high-demand RV applications.

💡Internal resistance

Internal resistance refers to the inherent opposition within a battery that impedes the flow of electrical current. The video explains how variations in internal resistance among batteries can lead to balancing issues, affecting the overall efficiency and longevity of a battery bank. This concept is crucial for understanding why some batteries in a group may degrade faster than others, leading to uneven power distribution and the need for careful management of battery systems in RVs.

💡Balancing issues

Balancing issues arise when batteries in a bank discharge and recharge at different rates due to variations in their internal resistance. The video delves into how these imbalances can compromise the performance and lifespan of battery systems, particularly when multiple batteries are used together. It underscores the importance of battery selection and configuration to minimize these issues, advocating for the use of a single, larger battery over multiple smaller ones to achieve better balance.

💡Battery management system (BMS)

A Battery Management System (BMS) is a critical component in lithium battery technology, designed to monitor and regulate the battery's operation. It ensures the battery operates within safe parameters, managing aspects like charging, discharging, and temperature to prevent damage. The video emphasizes the BMS's role in addressing the complexities of battery operation, particularly in multi-battery setups, to enhance safety and efficiency in RV power systems.

💡12V vs 24V systems

The video discusses the differences between 12V and 24V electrical systems in RVs, focusing on their impact on battery configuration and performance. A 24V system, as recommended in the video, offers advantages in terms of efficiency and reduced balancing issues compared to a 12V system. This comparison is central to understanding the trade-offs between system voltage levels and their implications for RV electrical setups, particularly in terms of wiring complexity and power management.

💡Series connection

A series connection is a way of linking batteries to increase the overall voltage of the battery bank while keeping the capacity (amp-hours) the same. The video explains how connecting two 12V batteries in series to achieve a 24V system can lead to complications due to the separate BMS in each battery. This concept is key to understanding the challenges of managing multiple batteries in an RV setup and the importance of proper configuration for optimal performance.

💡Battery balancer

A battery balancer is a device designed to equalize the charge among batteries in a bank, addressing the issue of balancing mentioned in the video. It ensures that all batteries charge and discharge at the same rate, preventing imbalances that can reduce the overall efficiency and lifespan of the battery bank. The video suggests that adding a battery balancer is a solution when using multiple batteries in series, but opting for a single, higher-voltage battery is preferable.

💡Off-grid living

Off-grid living refers to a lifestyle choice or necessity where individuals live without reliance on the public utility grid, often employing alternative energy sources like solar panels and batteries. The video touches on this concept in a humorous context, challenging viewers who pride themselves on minimal energy usage while living off-grid. It highlights the diversity in off-grid living preferences and the corresponding energy needs that RV owners might have.

💡RV technicians and inspectors

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to consider becoming RV technicians and inspectors, pointing to the high demand for these professions. This career path is presented as a means to gain independence, increase earnings, or simply learn how to maintain one's own RV. It reflects the broader theme of the video, which is about empowering RV owners and enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills to manage their RV's electrical and battery systems effectively.

Highlights

Introduction to Tech Tip Tuesday by the National RV Training Academy.

Encouragement to subscribe for more tech tips.

Discussion on whether it's better to have two smaller batteries or one bigger battery.

Comparison between 12V and 24V systems in RVs.

Explanation on the importance of battery banks working seamlessly together.

Insights into internal resistance and its impact on battery performance.

Challenges of balancing multiple batteries and its long-term effects.

Advantages of having a single larger battery over multiple smaller ones.

Explanation of battery management systems (BMS) in lithium batteries.

The significance of selecting the correct voltage system for your RV.

Introduction to battery balancers and their role in maintaining battery health.

The benefits of a higher voltage system for larger setups.

Understanding the technical nuances of setting up an efficient RV power system.

Addressing common misconceptions and questions from the audience.

Encouragement to learn more about RV maintenance and repair.

Closing remarks and invitation to explore further educational resources.

Transcripts

welcome to another Todds two minute

chech tip

Tuesday brought to you by the National

RV Training Academy the largest Hands-On

RV Training Academy in America hey

before we get to the video which I know

this is the reason why you're here go

ahead and hit the Subscribe button that

way you don't miss anything hit the

Subscribe button now thank you now back

to our Tech tip Tuesday hey this week

I'm going to go ahead and answer some of

the questions hey is it better to have

two smaller batteries or one bigger

battery and then another question is is

well what is better maybe going 12vt

systems or a 24volt system if you have

an inverted system let's go ahead and

dig into that now in both cases I'm

going to be talking about lithium

batteries but it can be applied to lead

acid batteries the question is is it

better to have more of a smaller size

battery bank or maybe less but a larger

size battery bank and in all cases

doesn't matter the batteries here's the

thing if you have multiple batteries Pro

providing power the whole goal of

actually getting a bank of batteries is

doing everything that you can in your

installation to make them work

seamlessly together what do I mean by

that they all share the load right so

you got six batteries down there doesn't

matter what type of batteries you have

they're all pushing equally to take care

of whatever demand that there may be the

problem is is when you have mult

multiple batteries they're all slightly

different on the inside now some of you

you may know the term it's called

internal resistance in other words just

of the craft the craftmanship of that

particular battery might be slightly off

of the craftsmanship of this battery

over here so on and so forth well with

those small variances it doesn't seem

like a big deal okay very small what's

the big deal over time what's going to

happen is you're going to have what's

called balancing issues One battery

because it's got a little bit more

internal resistance than the other may

have either just depending on the

discharge it may be a little bit more

charged than the battery with less

internal resistance why is that well the

battery that can provide the power

faster and uh with less resistance will

do most of the work and when it goes to

charging though the battery with less

internal resistance will get charged

faster and so over time when you have

multiple batteries we're going to see

that they get out of balance so there

was a question that someone had posted

hey what's better to have a single 200

amp hour battery or two 100 a hour

batteries now again based in this

scenario I'm going to tell you a single

200 a hour battery is far better you

won't have near as many balancing issues

over time okay now I know that a lot of

you are say Tod I've got my motor coach

here it's got six batteries in there

I've never noticed it the reason why you

never noticed it is probably because you

never checked it have you ever wondered

why One battery goes dead or goes bad

before the others you bought them all at

the same time why does one battery seem

to fail before the

others now you know all right so it is

better to have maybe one battery versus

a bank of batteries this is why there's

different sizes okay now let's go ahead

and answer the question well which is

better a 12volt system or a 24volt

system if you're going to have the

battery supply the power through an

inverter for everything else in RV okay

I will tell you it is probably better to

go 24v system here's the reason why it's

the same concept if I have multiple

12volt batteries versus fewer 24volt

batteries right I have less balancing

issues not only that but if we're

talking lithium okay if we're talking

lithium batteries inside the lithium

battery cell should be not in the cell

but inside the Box itself should be an

internal BMS now that just stands for

battery management system guys it's one

of the first batteries that we have and

I'm sure going forward this is the way

it'll be where we put a logic board

inside and we get it to address all the

different concerns because there's just

different things that go on inside that

battery and that's what makes lithium

right now so much better because we're

putting in circuit boards and we're

protecting those cells too high voltage

too low of voltage too high amps to low

of amps um uh temperature controls all

of that we're able to put that in there

which means the batteries last longer

but here's the thing if I have a 12vt

battery and another 12volt battery and I

put them in series to create a 24volt

connection okay I've got two brains now

working and the batteries are what we

call direct current what does that mean

well electrons flow one way so here you

have two posts you got your positive in

your negative now one of the posts when

we are discharging we're pulling power

from the battery goes out one of the

posts and when we're charging it comes

back in the other post make sense I'm

hoping it makes sense okay now when you

put two together one positive to one

negative two different batteries I still

have one positive and one negative open

so on the discharge of my lead battery

what's going to happen is the BMS inside

those brains inside are going to start

looking at the cells of that one battery

the BMS on this battery doesn't look at

that BMS over there doesn't even see it

and it's saying hey we're discharging

and we're getting pretty D Dam low the

other one which is next to it is just

slightly further away and it's going to

have a less of a well it's going to have

a little bit more charge to it just a

little bit okay because we see we have

two different ones well again same thing

this one's going to charge faster this

one's going to discharge faster and I

have two brains so what's going to

happen those brains are set up inside to

where they will cut power in out if the

cell is too charged or too undercharged

okay what does that mean well that means

that even though this battery over here

is not fully charged this battery is

stopping it because it's fully charged

boom boom now you get little problems

again what am I breaking it all down to

let me make it easy balancing issues

okay balancing issues if you're going to

go with a 24volt system and you're using

12vt batteries in order to really work

with the two brains you have to add

another component called a battery

balancer okay or you could just simply

buy a battery at the voltage that you're

looking for 24 volts or 48 volts I know

that's detailed uh just a little bit but

if you really wanted to know cuz I know

people will start chasing oh well if I

go with a 24volt battery that means

smaller wire yes that is true um it it

it may save you 5 or 10 pounds total in

the bill that you have and maybe save

you about 50 bucks okay and to me those

two factors when you're talking about

say a slightly larger system it's not a

big deal the game changer if I were to

use that term when we're talking about

going 12 to 24 is being able to have one

brain handle all 24 volts now checking

eight cells instead of four with Two

Brains okay far less inconveniences okay

so hopefully that'll help out the bigger

the cell and the higher the voltage you

have for a larger system means fewer

batteries what does that mean less

balancing issues which means down the

line 7 8 year n maybe even year 10

they're all still going to be the same

as close as possible remember if you

have six batteries lead acid batteries

one dies before the other and you never

asked why well now you know oh and by

the way for you keyboard Warriors CU I

know you're going to do this Tod you

always talk about big systems why do you

always brag about big systems this is

what I can do I can live off of a half

of a battery with my fart fan and it be

72° right because I don't need a big

system blah blah blah blah blah why you

bragging about big

systems my question is why you bragging

about such a small system right bragging

is bragging right I'm not bragging I'm

providing information when you keyboard

Warriors send it back and said I don't

understand why people need multiple

batteries and big old systems to run

everything living off- grid means to

live you know very small small in a very

small footprint okay good on you I'm

glad you do that right but you telling

me that in the comments now you're

bragging you ever thought about that by

the way if you're truly off

grid what are you doing on the

internet you should be out there hunting

with the Bears and the wolves and

everything else getting your food and

just living with maybe a little bitty

pocket

knife there's your challenge

I kid I kid hey there's your Tech tip

all right before you get to the bloopers

which is why you're here in the first

place the RV industry needs thousands of

RV technicians and inspectors and now is

the perfect time to do that if you want

to make more money or have more control

over your time go ahead and click the

link below or if you just want to learn

how to fix your own RV got something for

you there head over to rvtech course.com

and get started today now for the Reon

that you're at the end of the video roll

the bloopers are we

ready I can't I kid we hopefully we hope

and I apologize for the name I'm sure

it's going to be right here now I leave

it up to the editor to put it right

here