2017 Hull 292 and the 4 6 volt AGMs are dead. What about Redodo 140amp Lithium Batteries?

[Teaney Hull 292]

Hull 292 2017 Trailer was bought new in 2018. AGMs are not holding a charge. Amazon has a 4 pack of 140amp Redodo Bluetooth batteries for $999. They have 150amp BMS, Low and High Temp cut off. Have any of you gotten Redodo Batteries? Is there another similar priced Battery that is better? What else would I need to get/change/? If I get these. I’ve read a lot of great info on what other owners have done and Much of it is way over my head. Would like to get this done before I head to the April Ollie Rally.  Or should I wait and have it done by someone smarter than me? 

I have the 2000 watt Xantrex Power Inverter and a 180 watt Zamp Portable Solar Panels & External Solar Port. 

Thanks for your suggestions. 

Gary

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, Teaney Hull 292 said:

AGMs are not holding a charge. Amazon has a 4 pack of 140amp Redodo Bluetooth batteries for $999. They have 150amp BMS, Low and High Temp cut off. Have any of you gotten Redodo Batteries?

Gary, I have not heard of anybody buying this brand on this forum. Epoch and LiTime are go-to brands. LiTime is also on Amazon.

Found these listed on Amazon and these are LiFePO4 batteries. Besides battery replacement, you may need batteries cables or new ends/lugs.

You would also need to reprogram your solar charger and perhaps replace the main charger connected to shore power, given age of hull could be an inexpensive Progressive Dynamics charger. If instead your Xantrex is an inverter/charger then program that instead.

it is a bit of Work. OTT would charge a lot for this. Given your FL location you likely have many solar companies in the neighborhood who could do this work.

Easy would be to replace with same size and quantity AGM batteries, nothing else required, but we are all moving to liFePO4 batteries!

[CRM]

Hi Gary, I would also add that you'd probably be better off buying 2 batteries instead of 4. Less complexity with cabling/connections and larger batteries usually have a better BMS. 

[Mike and Carol]

We replaced our 4 AGM 6V batteries with two Battle Born 12V 100aH lithiums in 2020.  We had the configuration for over a year with no issues, we’re about 50% dry camping.  We did add a third Battle Born when they went on sale.  300aH of lithium has been plenty.  Mike

[Ronbrink]

I replaced four 6V Trojans with two 12V 230Ah LiTime LFPs, a 158 lb. reduction in weight and double the usable amp hours. This was the cheaper alternative of the two options @jd1923 mentioned. Also shown is a Victron SmartShunt to the left and an ANL fuse holder to the right. 

[Teaney Hull 292]

15 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Gary, I have not heard of anybody buying this brand on this forum. Epoch and LiTime are go-to brands. LiTime is also on Amazon.

Found these listed on Amazon and these are LiFePO4 batteries. Besides battery replacement, you may need batteries cables or new ends/lugs.

You would also need to reprogram your solar charger and perhaps replace the main charger connected to shore power, given age of hull could be an inexpensive Progressive Dynamics charger. If instead your Xantrex is an inverter/charger then program that instead.

it is a bit of Work. OTT would charge a lot for this. Given your FL location you likely have many solar companies in the neighborhood who could do this work.

Easy would be to replace with same size and quantity AGM batteries, nothing else required, but we are all moving to liFePO4 batteries!

thanks JD. I follow a LOT of your posts and know you have been there and done that. 

[Teaney Hull 292]

15 hours ago, CRM said:

Hi Gary, I would also add that you'd probably be better off buying 2 batteries instead of 4. Less complexity with cabling/connections and larger batteries usually have a better BMS. 

Good point. Thanks

[Teaney Hull 292]

14 hours ago, Mike and Carol said:

We replaced our 4 AGM 6V batteries with two Battle Born 12V 100aH lithiums in 2020.  We had the configuration for over a year with no issues, we’re about 50% dry camping.  We did add a third Battle Born when they went on sale.  300aH of lithium has been plenty.  Mike

Thanks for the update. Will look for the sale. 

[Teaney Hull 292]

3 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

I replaced four 6V Trojans with two 12V 230Ah LiTime LFPs, a 158 lb. reduction in weight and double the usable amp hours. This was the cheaper alternative of the two options @jd1923 mentioned. Also shown is a Victron SmartShunt to the left and an ANL fuse holder to the right. 

Great info Ron. Thanks

[Galway Girl]

I assume in 2018 model, your xantrex is the INVERTER only function, and for 12V charging you're using the internal progressive dynamics charger (under the dinette seat).

Some folks with the Progressive Dynamics charger see a jumper switch for charging lithium.  The issue with that setting is it's not the "best" way to charge lithiums as it's simply a constant 14.6V voltage...not a ramped profile.  The WIZ setting is a PROFILE for AGM or LEAD Acid.  The LI Setting is just 14.6V (no ramp/no profile).  Some battery manufacturers (including Lithionics)  won't warrant their battery in presence of the constant 14.6V no profile setting.

Whichever battery manufacturer you select, LI Time, Epoch, etc....be sure to check what they need as a charging profile.  
If a constant 14.6V works for them, then you might be able to a drop in maintaining your existing Inverter and existing charging system.
I know that battle born did warranty their batteries with the Progressive Dynamics chargers.
Also, there are new "Lithium compatible" plug in boards for progressive dynamics that now offer a lithium profile wizard.  So just upgrading the charging board in your Progressive Dynamics energy center is a possibility.

 

 

In our case (2019 model) we swapped out the Xantrex 2000W Inverter (only) for a newer Xantrex 2000 inverter charger before installing new Lithiums.

My full upgrade article is here.  This may be too much of an effort for what you want to accomplish.

https://4-ever-hitched.com/ggs-blog/f/lithium-battery-upgrade?blogcategory=Electrical+Upgrades

 

[jd1923]

11 hours ago, Teaney Hull 292 said:

Thanks for the update. Will look for the sale. 

Back in 2020 Battleborn was a favored alternative. They have good product quality and many loyal followers. Over the last few years, they market their quality position hard but have not reduced prices relative to other manufacturers.

Want an inexpensive solution, what Ron showed above is great (nice installation also)! The 460AH of LiTime batteries should cost about $900 about the list price of only one 100AH Battleborn. If I remember correctly, Bill @topgun2 did a similar install more recently.

A 300AH Epoch Essential battery lists for $999 (sorry last week it pwas 15% OFF). On sale, you'd need to spend $2,250 in Battleborn batteries (and a lot more space) to get the same 300AH. 

https://battlebornbatteries.com/shop/applications/towable-rv/

Edited Wednesday at 02:22 AM by jd1923

[Teaney Hull 292]

3 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

Back in 2020 Battleborn was a favored alternative. They have good product quality and many loyal owners/followers. Over the last few years, they market their quality hard but have not reduced prices relative to other manufactures.

Want an inexpensive solution, what Ron shows above is great! (Nice installation also.) The 460AH of LiTime batteries should cost about $900, or about the list price of only 100AH in Battleborn. A 300AH Epoch Essential battery lists for $999 (sorry last week was 15% OFF). On sale, you'd need to spend $2,250 in Battleborn batteries (and a lot more space) to get the same 300AH. 

https://battlebornbatteries.com/shop/applications/towable-rv/

Thanks JD

[Teaney Hull 292]

5 hours ago, Galway Girl said:

I assume in 2018 model, your xantrex is the INVERTER only function, and for 12V charging you're using the internal progressive dynamics charger (under the dinette seat).

Some folks with the Progressive Dynamics charger see a jumper switch for charging lithium.  The issue with that setting is it's not the "best" way to charge lithiums as it's simply a constant 14.6V voltage...not a ramped profile.  The WIZ setting is a PROFILE for AGM or LEAD Acid.  The LI Setting is just 14.6V (no ramp/no profile).  Some battery manufacturers (including Lithionics)  won't warrant their battery in presence of the constant 14.6V no profile setting.

Whichever battery manufacturer you select, LI Time, Epoch, etc....be sure to check what they need as a charging profile.  
If a constant 14.6V works for them, then you might be able to a drop in maintaining your existing Inverter and existing charging system.
I know that battle born did warranty their batteries with the Progressive Dynamics chargers.
Also, there are new "Lithium compatible" plug in boards for progressive dynamics that now offer a lithium profile wizard.  So just upgrading the charging board in your Progressive Dynamics energy center is a possibility.

 

 

In our case (2019 model) we swapped out the Xantrex 2000W Inverter (only) for a newer Xantrex 2000 inverter charger before installing new Lithiums.

My full upgrade article is here.  This may be too much of an effort for what you want to accomplish.

https://4-ever-hitched.com/ggs-blog/f/lithium-battery-upgrade?blogcategory=Electrical+Upgrades

 

Wow, what’s a great job laying all the info out. I’m starting to realize doing this myself is way over my pay grade. Do you know if there any Oliver Owners who may be attending the rally that I could pay to do this, if I bought all the parts? I am a GREAT helper in times like this.  Or, will the Mothership do this, or do I have to use all their parts. If so, do you know what they have charged in the past? 

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, Teaney Hull 292 said:

Do you know if there any Oliver Owners who may be attending the rally that I could pay to do this, if I bought all the parts?

You may get some takers! I would, but I have a conflict and cannot make the Rally. 🙁

And btw, you don't have to reconfigure both chargers on day 1 of your new battery installation. You will want to to optimize charging to the manufacture's spec, but charging on LA or AGM specs will not hurt LiFePO4 batteries in the short-term.

Edited Tuesday at 09:52 PM by jd1923

[Derek B]

4 hours ago, Teaney Hull 292 said:

Do you know if there any Oliver Owners who may be attending the rally that I could pay to do this

Gary, I will be at the rally and would be glad to give you a hand getting the new batteries hooked up at no charge.
 

Would be helpful to determine whether you have the Xantrex inverter only or inverter / charger. If unsure post a picture and could help you identify. Also a pic of your current battery layout with good clear images of your current existing cables and connections. 

[Teaney Hull 292]

On 3/25/2025 at 10:42 AM, Galway Girl said:

I assume in 2018 model, your xantrex is the INVERTER only function, and for 12V charging you're using the internal progressive dynamics charger (under the dinette seat).

Some folks with the Progressive Dynamics charger see a jumper switch for charging lithium.  The issue with that setting is it's not the "best" way to charge lithiums as it's simply a constant 14.6V voltage...not a ramped profile.  The WIZ setting is a PROFILE for AGM or LEAD Acid.  The LI Setting is just 14.6V (no ramp/no profile).  Some battery manufacturers (including Lithionics)  won't warrant their battery in presence of the constant 14.6V no profile setting.

Whichever battery manufacturer you select, LI Time, Epoch, etc....be sure to check what they need as a charging profile.  
If a constant 14.6V works for them, then you might be able to a drop in maintaining your existing Inverter and existing charging system.
I know that battle born did warranty their batteries with the Progressive Dynamics chargers.
Also, there are new "Lithium compatible" plug in boards for progressive dynamics that now offer a lithium profile wizard.  So just upgrading the charging board in your Progressive Dynamics energy center is a possibility.

 

 

In our case (2019 model) we swapped out the Xantrex 2000W Inverter (only) for a newer Xantrex 2000 inverter charger before installing new Lithiums.

My full upgrade article is here.  This may be too much of an effort for what you want to accomplish.

https://4-ever-hitched.com/ggs-blog/f/lithium-battery-upgrade?blogcategory=Electrical+Upgrades

 

Wow. This is over my Pay grade… any idea what the mother ship would charge to upgrade to 3000 Xantrex and 3 140amp Lithium batteries? 

[Galway Girl]

27 minutes ago, Teaney Hull 292 said:

any idea what the mother ship would charge to upgrade to 3000 Xantrex and 3 140amp Lithium batteries? 

Gary,

To help you get a range let's think of it like this:

Option 1:

Factory Upgrade: $10K + 
If you upgrade at the factory you can get an accurate quote by contacting service via email.  
My guess is around $10K to add 3 Lithionics batteries and a new 3000 Xantrex Inv/Charger.
One reason for the high price is uprading to a new 3000 Xantrex Inverter Charger would also likely have them change around some wiring in your trailer to enable it to run your AC off of your new batteries.

The other thing you discussed was a fridge replacement with a compressor fridge.  Those are a very time consuming upgrade and costly.

A real quote for time and cost can be had via email to Oliver Service.

Option 2:

Self Upgrade with help from friends: $1-2K

About the lowest cost would be to drop in (1) Epoch Essentials 300AH Heated with Bluetooth battery for $999 (SKU: 12300A-H) and charge it with the existing charging circuits.  You would likely be able to reuse all the big battery cables you have now.  If you dropped in 2 (about $2K including cables) then you would have 600AH capacity about 3x what you have now...and that would enable you to switch to a new fridge.

Hope that helps.
Craig

 

 

 

 

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, Galway Girl said:

Option 2: Self Upgrade with help from friends: $1-2K

Option 3: I mentioned before re a local solar company that works with Xantrex or better would be Victron. I spent about $3400 (parts, no labor) for the Victron 3KVA Multiplus II and two 300AH Epoch Essentials with new wiring, buses, etc.

I spent MANY HOURS getting this all installed (and so has craig on all of his mods). Batteries are easy, new larger inverter is a custom install building a shelf, an overhaul of battery and 120VAC wiring, and more. 

Gary @Teaney Hull 292 you live in Tampa. There must be 100 custom solar installers and marine shops that work with Victron. Any local option would be better than OTT and OTT is very likely already book before, during and after the national rally.

 

Edited Wednesday at 10:21 PM by jd1923

[tallmandan]

8 hours ago, Galway Girl said:

Option 2:

Self Upgrade with help from friends: $1-2K

I'm currently in process with "option 2" and my "friends" have been @jd1923 and @Derek B here on the Oliver forum 🙂 

Today I removed my 4 6v AGMs and installed 2 Epoch Essential 300aH lithium batteries.  I happen to be 6'5" and strong enough to lift the batteries so the weight was not an issue for me..but it certainly could be for others (Each AGM battery is 66lbs. Each 300aH Lithium is 58lbs).   I still have some work to do on the spacers in the tray but will post pics of my finished upgrade soon in the thread that I started in "Ollie Modifications."  The info and photos from JD and Derek were super helpful and encouraged me to give it a go myself.  Big thanks!  I reused existing cables. It did require a bit of modification/McGuivering so I would say you need to be at least C+ category like me for using tools and thinking through projects. 

I took advantage of the recent Epoch sale and paid $1698 total for the 2 300aH batteries plus $25 for the BlueSky disconnnect switch on Amazon.  Then I needed one longer battery bolt so $2 at the hardware store and some scrap wood I already had in the garage for spacers in the tray.  $1725 total for 600aH of lithuim power and no other new equipment needed!

Epoch batteries checked all the boxes for me --  self-heated as I camp in CO/UT/WY, built in BMS with Bluetooth App that shows SOC and all data,  highly rated by folks here on the Oliver form with expeirence as well as 3rd party experts.  They are not the cheapest option but they are far from most expensive.  It's only day 1 but I'm impressed so far...

Hope you find what will work best for you!

[Teaney Hull 292]

On 3/24/2025 at 8:13 PM, Mike and Carol said:

We replaced our 4 AGM 6V batteries with two Battle Born 12V 100aH lithiums in 2020.  We had the configuration for over a year with no issues, we’re about 50% dry camping.  We did add a third Battle Born when they went on sale.  300aH of lithium has been plenty.  Mike

Good to know Mike. I’m looking at 300 to 420ah. Is aH amps? 

[Mike and Carol]

1 minute ago, Teaney Hull 292 said:

Good to know Mike. I’m looking at 300 to 420ah. Is aH amps? 

Gary, aH stands for Amperes Hour, the number of amps a battery can provide in one hour.  100aH means the battery can provide 100 amps in one hour.  There might be a more technical explanation that some of our techies can provide.  We’ve found that our 300aH has been plenty and when we had 200aH for over a year we never had an issue.  There is more useable power in a lithium than in an AGM.  When we had our 400aH AGMs we got very near our limit while camping in cool cloudy weather at Glacier NP and Grand Teton NP.  I had to run the generator because the solar was unable to keep up.  Because you can take lithiums down lower than AGMs I don’t think we would have had the same problem.  I will add that we don’t use the AC on battery power, run the fridge on propane, and are generally pretty conservative in our electricity use.  Occasional microwave and blow dryer are the big loads.  Mike

[Teaney Hull 292]

On 3/25/2025 at 5:49 PM, jd1923 said:

You may get some takers! I would, but I have a conflict and cannot make the Rally. 🙁

And btw, you don't have to reconfigure both chargers on day 1 of your new battery installation. You will want to to optimize charging to the manufacture's spec, but charging on LA or AGM specs will not hurt LiFePO4 batteries in the short-term.

That is good to know. I’ve got the Old 2017 Xantrex ProWatt SW 2000 watt power Inverter. So if I drop the new Lithium batteries in, I’m good to go till I add the new 3000 Xantrex? As always I follow all your comments on the forum, even if I don’t understand what it all means. 

[Teaney Hull 292]

1 minute ago, Mike and Carol said:

Gary, aH stands for Amperes Hour, the number of amps a battery can provide in one hour.  100aH means the battery can provide 100 amps in one hour.  There might be a more technical explanation that some of our techies can provide.  We’ve found that our 300aH has been plenty and when we had 200aH for over a year we never had an issue.  There is more useable power in a lithium than in an AGM.  When we had our 400aH AGMs we got very near our limit while camping in cool cloudy weather at Glacier NP and Grand Teton NP.  I had to run the generator because the solar was unable to keep up.  Because you can take lithiums down lower than AGMs I don’t think we would have had the same problem.  I will add that we don’t use the AC on battery power, run the fridge on propane, and are generally pretty conservative in our electricity use.  Occasional microwave and blow dryer are the big loads.  Mike

Mike, great info Thanks

[johnwen]

9 hours ago, tallmandan said:

It's only day 1 but I'm impressed so far...

I know the feeling...we did the same as you at Quartzsite this year with the help of a few patient friends.  It's soooo nice to not be worried about the batteries!  (2000w Xantrex and 3 way fridge).  Usually 85-90% in the morning with cpap and television usage.  The days sun (if out) tops them off by early afternoon.

Congrats on your success,

John

[Teaney Hull 292]

16 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Option 3: I mentioned before re a local solar company that works with Xantrex or better would be Victron. I spent about $3400 (parts, no labor) for the Victron 3KVA Multiplus II and two 300AH Epoch Essentials with new wiring, buses, etc.

I spent MANY HOURS getting this all installed (and so has craig on all of his mods). Batteries are easy, new larger inverter is a custom install building a shelf, an overhaul of battery and 120VAC wiring, and more. 

Gary @Teaney Hull 292 you live in Tampa. There must be 100 custom solar installers and marine shops that work with Victron. Any local option would be better than OTT and OTT is very likely already book before, during and after the national rally.

 

WOW. My thoughts on your Options. 1. No way do I have enough coins in the couch to pay $10,000 for the Mothership to do this. Option 2. At 73 I would not be where I am today, if not for “A Little Help From My Friends.” $2 to $3,000 is worth it to have upgrade to have possibility to Boondocks for a few days. Option 3. I am willing to buy the Victron 3KVA. I see there 3 different ones on Amazon; 1.  Victron Energy MultiPlus-II Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger, UL-Certified, 48/3000/35-50 120V For $1168.75. 2. Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 2X Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger for 120 amp Battery, 120V, 3000VA 12-Volt For $1,088.00 3. Victron Energy MultiPlus-II Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger for 120 amp Battery, 120V, 3000VA 12-Volt For $997.05.  For the small difference happy to spend on #1 if it makes a difference. JD says based on what I have now, I should be able to add the Lithium batteries and install the rest when I get to the April Rally, with the help from my Ollie Friends. What else will I need to add before I head up to the Ollie. Thanks for taking the time to read what I hope makes sense and taking the time to respond. 

Gary Hull 292 2017 Build, bought new in 2018 and new to us in Dec 2025