Fogstar or Roamer and why

[Lenny HB]

Re the BMS, approx how much more power consumption does passive have in % or watt terms?
thanks
tk

I don't know but probably not enough to worry about I think my system when I get it up and running will be in standby mode probably be using about 20 ah a day.

 

[Hoovie]

I don't know but probably not enough to worry about I think my system when I get it up and running will be in standby mode probably be using about 20 ah a day

It's surprising how much power is used once you get up to date setups. I have found my electrics setup uses more power just in monitoring that basic setups use in normal use

 

[Lenny HB]

It's surprising how much power is used once you get up to date setups. I have found my electrics setup uses more power just in monitoring that basic setups use in normal use

Yes frightening if you have a powerful system but might as well have a bit of fun with the electrics otherwise Motorhoming would be boring.

 

[Guigsy]

Re the BMS, approx how much more power consumption does passive have in % or watt terms?
thanks
tk

Some... But it's still a hell of a lot more efficient at turning power fed in into power out than a lead acid battery.

 

[Raul]

Re the BMS, approx how much more power consumption does passive have in % or watt terms?
thanks
tk

Jk bms with balancing off under 3.4vpc will eat few miliahmps on standby monitoring. I think Digital Mermaid on YouTube measured it at 0.2w.
I expect similar bms’s will be close or the same. The resistor type bms, will waste 150-200 mah, considerably more.

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[Guigsy]

Re: orientation. FogStar manual...

 

[Outdoors Dad]

Well my fogstar arrived today, it was safely delivered to my neighbours whilst I was at work.

 

[stevec]

My 280Ah should be here tomorrow!!

 

[stevec]

OK. Battery arrived. A bit disappointed. Their advertising states a length of 345mm which fits nicely in my battery box which is made to fit GEL cells of 345mm. However the Fogstar 280 has handles which makes the overall width 380mm which will not fit the box unless I cut the handles off. I shall be mounting the battery on its side. I could of course stand it up but I will need to construct a new battery box top to accommodate it. I have written to Fogstar to see what they have to say. Watch this space!

 

[MisterB]

OK. Battery arrived. A bit disappointed. Their advertising states a length of 345mm which fits nicely in my battery box which is made to fit GEL cells of 345mm. However the Fogstar 280 has handles which makes the overall width 380mm which will not fit the box unless I cut the handles off. I shall be mounting the battery on its side. I could of course stand it up but I will need to construct a new battery box top to accommodate it. I have written to Fogstar to see what they have to say. Watch this space!

from my experience with them, they will try to come to a compromise that suits you - so i wouldnt worry too much

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[stevec]

from my experience with them, they will try to come to a compromise that suits you - so i wouldnt worry too much

I'm sure. I just want to be able to keep the warranty if I remove the handles. If not I'll fit it the right way up and remodel the battery box lid (which is a flat plate at the moment). I don't particularly want to downsize to their seatbase battery and lose 50Ah capacity.

 

[Guigsy]

I'm sure. I just want to be able to keep the warranty if I remove the handles. If not I'll fit it the right way up and remodel the battery box lid (which is a flat plate at the moment). I don't particularly want to downsize to their seatbase battery and lose 50Ah capacity.

I managed to squeeze the 280Ah into a Ducato seat base... with a lot of swearing.

 

[urban_biker]

My Fogstar 300ah arrived today. Looks great but right now I don't have a van to try it in for a few weeks. The app connected really fast and I can see the battery has 50% charge. Looking forward to finally getting it hooked up when the new van (see pic left) is registered.

 

[Guigsy]

My Fogstar 300ah arrived today. Looks great but right now I don't have a van to try it in for a few weeks. The app connected really fast and I can see the battery has 50% charge. Looking forward to finally getting it hooked up when the new van (see pic left) is registered.

Mine arrived with 50% according to the Drift app. But it took a long time to reach 14v on the first charge. I suspect the BMS needs to see it get to full before it is correctly calibrated.

 

[Brianmor]

OK. Battery arrived. A bit disappointed. Their advertising states a length of 345mm which fits nicely in my battery box which is made to fit GEL cells of 345mm. However the Fogstar 280 has handles which makes the overall width 380mm which will not fit the box unless I cut the handles off. I shall be mounting the battery on its side. I could of course stand it up but I will need to construct a new battery box top to accommodate it. I have written to Fogstar to see what they have to say. Watch this space!

I think I read on this forum somewhere that you don't need a battery box, but only to secure them is OK.


just found it, I searched for "battery box" and apparently Vanbitz don't fit one with their lithiums as not necessary

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[MisterB]

I think I read on this forum somewhere that you don't need a battery box, but only to secure them is OK.


just found it, I searched for "battery box" and apparently Vanbitz don't fit one with their lithiums as not necessary

Mine isn't in a battery box, but then again neither were the original batteries

 

[stevec]

Van came equipped with a battery box to take two Exide Gels. It would take the Fogstar 280Ah on its side as it is 355mm wide. But not one that is 380mm!

 

[Guigsy]

Conventional batteries often sit in a box because they are essentially a bucket of sulphuric acid that likes to vent hydrogen gas. As LiFePO4 batteries don't spill or regularly vent and aren't particularly flammable, do they need one?

... My lead acid battery was just bolted down under the driver's seat.

 

[Outdoors Dad]

My 300amp doesn't fit under my transit seat so I'm going to fit behind the seat where my current 2nd lead acid is, in a battery box. After I've fitted it I'm going to use a strap to secure it and make a cap to cover terminals.

 

[Al n Val]

Theirs been some good replies so far

my motorhome is only a year old, in fact it’s just sailed through its first service/hab/check with flying colours so I’m pleased, it’s already fitted with 2 x 24v 430w Victron solar panels and a Victron MPPT 100/30 smart controller, so hopefully that’s covered but I could possibly get another 2 x 100w 24v panels up there if needed.

As standard fitment their are 2 x 90ah Super B LifePo4 batteries with Super B display above the habitation door, to add another 2 same size, or 2 x 200w and bin mine I’m looking at circa £3/3.5k which I’m not prepared to do as I’m not keen on having 4 batteries and neither is their room tbh and paying another £3.5k for 400ah seems madness to me.

I‘ve a Redarc 40A dc2dc charger fitted as standard and added a Giandel 2kw Pure sine wave inverter

I‘d possibly like to run my Truma Aventa aircon occasionally and we have other electrical appliances, air fryer, microwave, kettle, induction hob, but all used individually

I also have an as new Victron Orion 100/30 dc2dc charger and a Vanbitz battery master but not fitted

So I suppose my questions are

Do I keep my setup as is and be happy

Bin my batteries and replace with 400+ Ah of Roamer or Fogstar

I’d like to do a bit more non ehu travelling so unsure what my best route is, more solar or more battery capacity or both and do I need to fit the Victron dc2dc charger and battery master

Al

Anyone answer these q’s for me please

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[Raul]

In terms of solar you could add panels via second controller, that’s fine. The second B2B you need to check your alternator if it’s big enough to take the total 80A.
I know with the loads you describe, the 180ah does not help much. You will be restricted by this. Sell your batteries, and go for largest that can fit in available space, either a 560ah or two 280ah, or even two 300ah if space allows. Either Roamer or fogstar both good, Roamer has the edge with cylindrical cells, but fogstar has better value for capacity. You know best how far the existing setup helps you, and how much more would be ideal. One think for sure, you can never have enough solar or storage, when you have means of discharging. And you have plenty discharging options.

 

[Blofeld]

Roamer have certainly been prompt to answer questions. I have found that the Bluetooth range on the BMS isn't great. My 240Ah battery is ina compartment below a side seat and yet even with just wood and cushion above it I really have to be within a metre or so to get a connection. If I stand outside the van I have to be within about 50cm for it to work reliably.

Interesting. My 300Ah is also in a compartment under a seat but I can connect from the far side of the van without entering the vehicle.

 

[dpsuk999]

Anyone answer these q’s for me please

I’m selling my Relion 300ah lithium battery if that’s any good to you?

Relion 300ah Lithium Battery

I will be replacing my Relion 300ah with 2x460ah so will be available middle of March if anyone is interested contact me. I’ve now replaced it so it’s all ready if anyone is interested. A great saving on new price too and only 18 months old. Can...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[paddymcc]

Interesting. My 300Ah is also in a compartment under a seat but I can connect from the far side of the van without entering the vehicle.

I might contact Roamer to see what they have to say about it as it's a bit annoying.

 

[Al n Val]

I’m selling my Relion 300ah lithium battery if that’s any good to you?

Relion 300ah Lithium Battery

I will be replacing my Relion 300ah with 2x460ah so will be available middle of March if anyone is interested contact me. I’ve now replaced it so it’s all ready if anyone is interested. A great saving on new price too and only 18 months old. Can...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

thanks but that’s only 100ah more than what I have already and I need/want more

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[Al n Val]

In terms of solar you could add panels via second controller, that’s fine. The second B2B you need to check your alternator if it’s big enough to take the total 80A.
I know with the loads you describe, the 180ah does not help much. You will be restricted by this. Sell your batteries, and go for largest that can fit in available space, either a 560ah or two 280ah, or even two 300ah if space allows. Either Roamer or fogstar both good, Roamer has the edge with cylindrical cells, but fogstar has better value for capacity. You know best how far the existing setup helps you, and how much more would be ideal. One think for sure, you can never have enough solar or storage, when you have means of discharging. And you have plenty discharging options.

thanks Raul

couple of q’s if that’s ok

What are the benefits of cylindrical cells?

1 large battery or 2 smaller but equal ah ones?

 

[Raul]

thanks Raul

couple of q’s if that’s ok

What are the benefits of cylindrical cells?

1 large battery or 2 smaller but equal ah ones?

Cylindrical cells are better for temperature dissipation, and don’t swell. Most degradation happens at high temp, and swelling at high voltage. The cylindrical shape is more robust and more stable, compared to a large prismatic cell. A prismatic it’s a large pouch in a aluminium case. A cylindrical it’s a roll in a aluminium tube. Both have same separator, electrolyte, anode and cathode, so calendar life and chemical reaction it’s equal.

One large it’s heavy and difficult to accommodate for space. Two can be easier to fit a limited space. Also a 200A bms is a must, if one battery can’t provide that, then two parallel can. That’s about 2-2.2kw peak power. It also helps with rapid charge, not only discharge. Also,there is redundancy if one develops a hiccup, you can still carry on.

 

[Guigsy]

Cylindrical cells are better for temperature dissipation, and don’t swell. Most degradation happens at high temp, and swelling at high voltage. The cylindrical shape is more robust and more stable, compared to a large prismatic cell. A prismatic it’s a large pouch in a aluminium case. A cylindrical it’s a roll in a aluminium tube. Both have same separator, electrolyte, anode and cathode, so calendar life and chemical reaction it’s equal.

One large it’s heavy and difficult to accommodate for space. Two can be easier to fit a limited space. Also a 200A bms is a must, if one battery can’t provide that, then two parallel can. That’s about 2-2.2kw peak power. It also helps with rapid charge, not only discharge. Also,there is redundancy if one develops a hiccup, you can still carry on.

I'm not convinced that cell shape makes that much difference for motorhome applications. Car batteries pull enough current to get very hot and require active cooling with fluid running between the cells. But even some cars are using 'blade' cells rather than cylindrical. For motorhome batteries, the difference in cooling when it's all wrapped up in the same near airtight box is going to be pretty minimal.

 

[Gromett]

I'm not convinced that cell shape makes that much difference for motorhome applications.

Me neither. For a car I think cylindrical is optimal. For leisure use I also don't think it makes any difference.

 

[Raul]

Yes we don’t pull same currents, but prismatic do run hotter than cylindrical, and it’s not me only, do your research.
We don’t use automotive traction cells here, these are much weaker cells.

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