Powerhouse Lithiums

RangerAndBass · January 26, 2024, 02:29:11 PM

I'm considering these only because that's what the dealer is offering.
What is everyone's opinion of them? How do they rate against top in class?
Thanks

Princeton_Man · January 26, 2024, 09:51:56 PM

Quote from: RangerAndBass on January 26, 2024, 02:29:11 PMI'm considering these only because that's what the dealer is offering.
What is everyone's opinion of them? How do they rate against top in class?
Thanks

I don't have an answer as far as Powerhouse goes. I have learned a few things along the way and up to now about the LiFePo batteries. When Gary Dobyns hooked up with a local Solar/Lithium distributor and sold the GyLL batteries, I jumped at the chance to buy a couple for my Ultrex. Their performance has been more than amazing.

I've learned you can buy well made LiFePo batteries at very reasonable prices. How the cells and inner components are assembled can be a big determining factor as far as trouble free performance. Some manufacturers assemble cells using screws, some spot weld, and some use screws ten weld to prevent backing out. (my GyLLs use the later method). Most Lithiums today have a Battery Maintenance System (BMS) to help protect the battery during both charging and discharging. Battery temperature can be an important factor for both charging and discharging. Charging a Lithium at or below 32° can damage the cells. Some Lithiums have internal heaters with the BMS that when connected to a charger will warm the battery to 41°. My GyLL batteries don't have that, so I keep a bilge heater in the battery compartment during Winter. Pay attention to the terminals on the Lithiums, some are Stainless Steel, some are Aluminum. Aluminum is easy strip out if you over tighten. Lastly, read the warranty carefully.

I just purchased a 100ah, 1280Wh, 1920W Load, and 150Amp BMS for $330. I bought it to user with portable solar panels for field powering my radios and maybe backup in case home standby generator should it ever fail. It could end up replacing my Duracell cranking battery, but for now, it's for my radios. I still see a lot of Lithiums in the same class selling for $600-$800 or more. Are they worth the difference? I dunno.

apenland01 · January 27, 2024, 09:24:08 AM

I have one 125ah Ionic lithium running my electronics. It's great, has BMS and an app I can track it's status on my phone. I think it was $799 or around there when I bought it about a year ago...

topdsm0138 · January 27, 2024, 12:29:12 PM

I was considering a lithium battery for my vhull, but Suzuki says the smaller HP motors with a stator style charging does not output enough to fully charge, but a larger HP motor with alternator does.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

J.W. · January 29, 2024, 12:19:53 PM

I don't know anything about that brand in particular, but as far as LiFePO4 batteries go, you want a good BMS, and they are not all created equal.
All the LiFePO4 batteries (even the US-branded ones) are made in China, but some are better than others. The BMS is mostly what makes the difference other than just general build quality. You want a BMS that at minimum has high/low voltage protection and either low-temp charging shutoff or built-in heater to deal with freezing temps. LiFePO4 batteries can be damaged if they charge in freezing conditions.

They save a lot of weight and give a nice flat voltage curve.

FD · January 30, 2024, 02:22:57 AM

I have made the total conversion to Powerhouse. They are pricey, but worth the money so far.

My first one was the 16v 80AH for my electronics. I've been running it for almost 2 year now. I had an issue early and after an hour on the phone with Bob trouble shooting it, he sent me a new one. The BMS was having issues and needed replacement.

The second one, a 36v 60AH, powers my 112 Ultrex all day in windy conditions with no problems only using 40% of the battery.

The third one, a 12v 100AH house battery has also performed flawlessly. It has a built reserve cranking button. I haven't needed it but it is nice to know I have it.

The best part is going with the lithium dropped my battery weight by almost 300 lbs.

I also have the PH 3 bank 12/16/36 volt onboard charger and the 12/16v run and gun charger installed as well.

J.W. · January 30, 2024, 06:54:57 AM

Quote from: FD on January 30, 2024, 02:22:57 AMI have made the total conversion to Powerhouse. They are pricey, but worth the money so far.

My first one was the 16v 80AH for my electronics. I've been running it for almost 2 year now. I had an issue early and after an hour on the phone with Bob trouble shooting it, he sent me a new one. The BMS was having issues and needed replacement.

The second one, a 36v 60AH, powers my 112 Ultrex all day in windy conditions with no problems only using 40% of the battery.

The third one, a 12v 100AH house battery has also performed flawlessly. It has a built reserve cranking button. I haven't needed it but it is nice to know I have it.

The best part is going with the lithium dropped my battery weight by almost 300 lbs.

I also have the PH 3 bank 12/16/36 volt onboard charger and the 12/16v run and gun charger installed as well.

That's a nice setup. Do you notice any improvement in image quality with the 16v battery vs a 12v?

FD · January 30, 2024, 04:53:42 PM

Quote from: J.W. on January 30, 2024, 06:54:57 AM
Quote from: FD on January 30, 2024, 02:22:57 AMI have made the total conversion to Powerhouse. They are pricey, but worth the money so far.

My first one was the 16v 80AH for my electronics. I've been running it for almost 2 year now. I had an issue early and after an hour on the phone with Bob trouble shooting it, he sent me a new one. The BMS was having issues and needed replacement.

The second one, a 36v 60AH, powers my 112 Ultrex all day in windy conditions with no problems only using 40% of the battery.

The third one, a 12v 100AH house battery has also performed flawlessly. It has a built reserve cranking button. I haven't needed it but it is nice to know I have it.

The best part is going with the lithium dropped my battery weight by almost 300 lbs.

I also have the PH 3 bank 12/16/36 volt onboard charger and the 12/16v run and gun charger installed as well.

That's a nice setup. Do you notice any improvement in image quality with the 16v battery vs a 12v?

Big difference, huge. Took me a minute to get the settings dialed back in on the live and 360. Now I have much crisper returns and can see further out with the live.

RangerAndBass · January 31, 2024, 07:59:41 AM

thanks guys. I appreciate the input.

J.W. · January 31, 2024, 01:11:38 PM

Quote from: FD on January 30, 2024, 04:53:42 PMBig difference, huge. Took me a minute to get the settings dialed back in on the live and 360. Now I have much crisper returns and can see further out with the live.

Man that makes me want to put a higher voltage battery on my electronics, but that also means I'd have to completely redo my charger setup. My charger is made for 12v batteries.