Lithium Batteries

Cartledge
Cartledge Forum Participant Posts: 267
100 Comments
edited July 21 in Parts & Accessories #1

I have a portable power pack with a lead acid battery inside that provides power for various things such as inflating our awning, inflating a levelling device and other things. It doesn’t get a great deal of use except setting up on a pitch. It’s more convenient than connecting to a 12v vehicle supply. It weighs 18kg.

This isn’t prohibitive but perhaps a less heavy lithium battery may be better for my back. I understand that LIFEPO4 are the safest to use (Lithium Ion seem to be prone to bursting into flames). I don’t need a massive great power availability, just something that is portable that will power the pumps for the awning and leveller that’s a bit lighter than 18kg.

Anyone got any personal, actual first-hand, experience with this sort of kit? Where did you buy it, its reliability record, safety, weight? Pros and cons?

Thanks.

 

Peter.

Comments

  • LLM
    LLM Forum Participant Posts: 1,555 ✭✭
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    edited July 21 #2

    LiFePO4 is said to surpasses lithium-ion in safety, boasting a longer lifespan and greater thermal stability, making it ideal for prolonged use. While Lithium-Ion may be initially cheaper it can be susceptibility to overheating but Lithium-Ion is now much less common than LiFePO4 so the chances are any recent purchases will be the latter. 

    However, for the usage you describe I would be tempted to look at one of the RYOBI Inflators / Compressors - Inflators / Compressors.  Other manufacturers do similar things so if you have a cordless power tool of a different make you may find you can buy a bare unit to suit your battery.  

  • Cartledge
    Cartledge Forum Participant Posts: 267
    100 Comments
    edited July 22 #3

    Thank you LLM, very helpful. I’ll check it out as there seem to be references to high pressure usage which is OK for car tyres but an air awning only needs 8 psi maximum. 

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,809 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited July 22 #4

    If I may ask…

    Do these batteries (LiFePO4) require a dedicated charger(either onboard or home)?

  • Cartledge
    Cartledge Forum Participant Posts: 267
    100 Comments
    edited July 24 #5

    Good point. I believe it is better to use a dedicated charger otherwise you risk shortening battery life.

    I remain to be convinced that LIfePo4 batteries are that much lighter (if at all) than lead acid.

    On balance, I think I shall stay with my existing 18kg LA battery for the time being, given the cost of LiFePo4 new, plus dedicated charger etc.

    The RYOBI idea was a good one, but I already have a tyre pump for the car (and so for the leveller) and we bought a dedicated awning pump when we bought the awning, both of which would be redundant. 


    Thanks for your help LLM and Freddy55, I’m sure the weightlifting exercise will be of benefit. 😅😅

  • LLM
    LLM Forum Participant Posts: 1,555 ✭✭
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    edited July 24 #6

    The RYOBI solution I suggested does requires its own charger.  The unit I favour, including battery, weighs in at at just 1.0 and operates as an inflator or pump.  Being so light and compact it is ideal for use where weight and space are a consideration.  

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