Has anyone fitted a Roamer 460ah battery?

[MisterB]

I'm in the market for a lithium battery or two (lol) and could prob stretch to the 460ah Roamer (far more than I would ever need ?....) as pound for AH it seems like a good price. It is however a hell of a price, so just to make sure I'm not spending a lot of money for no real reason other than I can, can anyone advise on their experience with Roamer?

The reason for a large battery for us is the ability of using the microwave, induction hob, toaster (kettle) whilst off grid. We don't tend to use camp sites whilst touring abroad and would also like to attend more 4/5 day rallies/shows/meetings n the UK where EHU are not offered. We have 200w of solar and will be adding another 100w when we get back to the UK.

Our on board charger is a Nord Electronica 237 on which I can use the lead acid setting for charging.

I don't want to change the 237 unless absolutely necessary.

Our Moho is an Adria 670 2017/8 so assume a smart alternator (how would I know)

Thanks for reading

 

[Billy192]

I'm in the market for a lithium battery or two (lol) and could prob stretch to the 460ah Roamer (far more than I would ever need ?....) as pound for AH it seems like a good price. It is however a hell of a price, so just to make sure I'm not spending a lot of money for no real reason other than I can, can anyone advise on their experience with Roamer?

The reason for a large battery for us is the ability of using the microwave, induction hob, toaster (kettle) whilst off grid. We don't tend to use camp sites whilst touring abroad and would also like to attend more 4/5 day rallies/shows/meetings n the UK where EHU are not offered. We have 200w of solar and will be adding another 100w when we get back to the UK.

Our on board charger is a Nord Electronica 237 on which I can use the lead acid setting for charging.

I don't want to change the 237 unless absolutely necessary.

Our Moho is an Adria 670 2017/8 so assume a smart alternator (how would I know)

Thanks for reading

Hi,
I have just fitted a 300AH KS Energy, using the 10% code from here. also fitting a few solar panels.
i have a 20118 Autotrail with a sergeant system, which i wont be disconnecting.
Billy

 

[BigDean]

I'm in the market for a lithium battery or two (lol) and could prob stretch to the 460ah Roamer (far more than I would ever need ?....) as pound for AH it seems like a good price. It is however a hell of a price, so just to make sure I'm not spending a lot of money for no real reason other than I can, can anyone advise on their experience with Roamer?

The reason for a large battery for us is the ability of using the microwave, induction hob, toaster (kettle) whilst off grid. We don't tend to use camp sites whilst touring abroad and would also like to attend more 4/5 day rallies/shows/meetings n the UK where EHU are not offered. We have 200w of solar and will be adding another 100w when we get back to the UK.

Our on board charger is a Nord Electronica 237 on which I can use the lead acid setting for charging.

I don't want to change the 237 unless absolutely necessary.

Our Moho is an Adria 670 2017/8 so assume a smart alternator (how would I know)

Thanks for reading

I am sure Steve from Roamer will help you out, but I wouldn't use the NE237 for charging lithium. It would be better to use a more configurable charger, like a Victron, so you can set the parameters to get the most from your battery. You dont need to replace the NE237, just pull the fuse on the mains charger and use something else.

Also check your solar controller and B2B are compatible.

I have just ordered the 230ah from Roamer to replace my 100ah as I cant fit ther 460ah in! I have disabled the mains charging from the NE350 in my Adria and installed a Victron Multiplus and Smartsolar MPPT. The NE325 B2B fitted isnt perfect, but the Victron Orion I swapped it for was just too hot in the space so I had to revert.

Hope this helps.

 

[MisterB]

Thanks, I don't have a B2B fitted as I thought they weren't compatible with my NE237. I installed all the wiring and have a Sterling 30A B2B ready to go in.

My solar controller is a votronic 165 (soon to be updated to a 250)

Fitting a 'better' charging unit might mean the difference between getting the 300ah and the 460ah. So I would prefer to get the 460ah now, even if it isnt being 'optomised' in terms of charging - or is that not a sensible move?

 

[BigDean]

Thanks, I don't have a B2B fitted as I thought they weren't compatible with my NE237. I installed all the wiring and have a Sterling 30A B2B ready to go in.

My solar controller is a votronic 165 (soon to be updated to a 250)

Fitting a 'better' charging unit might mean the difference between getting the 300ah and the 460ah. So I would prefer to get the 460ah now, even if it isnt being 'optomised' in terms of charging - or is that not a sensible move?

I spent a lot of time reverse engineering the cabling of the NE237 on my previous Adria, and the NE350 on this one to understand each wire to enable me to keep the Adria functionaity but replace some of the components.

(Also have to say with a lot of help from some members on here and other forums!)

There is no problem using a B2B, no need to include the NE237 in the cabling for that.

Sorry, no knowledge of the Votronic.

The reason I went with Victron is that it all communicates together via a CerboGX, so can ensure that everything is working as it should.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[MisterB]

Thanks, can you point me to the victron unit you are using to charge the batteries from (leisure and vehicle?) please?

I think from your comments that you have removed the fuse from the on board controller, so that you no longer charge your batteries via the controller on EHU but have installed a separate charger to do that job?

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

On the battery charger,if you cant change the lead acid setting then the charger will only trickle charge the lithium battery at a very low rate .with the lithium always being at 13.5 v+ the charger sees it as a fully charged lead battery so will only trickle charge . But dont forget that it will only charge when on ehu anyway so not much use if your not

 

[BigDean]

Thanks, can you point me to the victron unit you are using to charge the batteries from (leisure and vehicle?) please?

I think from your comments that you have removed the fuse from the on board controller, so that you no longer charge your batteries via the controller on EHU but have installed a separate charger to do that job?

I am using a Multiplus 12/1200 which is a charger and inverter in 1 unit. I will be replacing that with a Blue Smart IP22 Charger 12V 30A though as the inverter side of things doesnt do what I need it to do.

Yes, removing the fuse from the NE237 will work. You then will need to wire up the new charger to your fuse board.

 

[dpsuk999]

You may want to take a look at these:

Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah Lithium Leisure Battery

The Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah lithium leisure battery comes with a JBD Battery Management System (BMS), Bluetooth, a built in Heater and 10 year warranty as standard - £1249.99 including free UK shipping.

www.fogstar-drift.co.uk

 

[Outdoors Dad]

I have the votronic solar charger I believe it can safely regulate upto 165w of panels and the 250 version regulates upto 250 w of solar panels? You may need the bigger charger for 300w of solar

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[GMLS]

You may want to take a look at these:

Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah Lithium Leisure Battery

The Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah lithium leisure battery comes with a JBD Battery Management System (BMS), Bluetooth, a built in Heater and 10 year warranty as standard - £1249.99 including free UK shipping.

www.fogstar-drift.co.uk

Hadn't come across them myself so thanks.

 

[BigDean]

You may want to take a look at these:

Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah Lithium Leisure Battery

The Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah lithium leisure battery comes with a JBD Battery Management System (BMS), Bluetooth, a built in Heater and 10 year warranty as standard - £1249.99 including free UK shipping.

www.fogstar-drift.co.uk

]

Have you any experience of these? I have only heard good things about Roamer, and they are very responsive.

 

[dpsuk999]

No experience of them but I’m in the process of wanting 2 x 460ah and originally had Roamer in my thoughts but someone on here mentioned Fogstar a few days ago so been looking at them too.

 

[BigDean]

No experience of them but I’m in the process of wanting 2 x 460ah and originally had Roamer in my thoughts but someone on here mentioned Fogstar a few days ago so been looking at them too.

Fair enough.

 

[Lenny HB]

You may want to take a look at these:

Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah Lithium Leisure Battery

The Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah lithium leisure battery comes with a JBD Battery Management System (BMS), Bluetooth, a built in Heater and 10 year warranty as standard - £1249.99 including free UK shipping.

www.fogstar-drift.co.uk

Hadn't come across them myself so thanks.

Fogstar are the main importers for EVE LiFeP04 cells one of the most respected prismatic cells, I'd have no worries with them.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[MisterB]

You may want to take a look at these:

Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah Lithium Leisure Battery

The Fogstar Drift 12v 460Ah lithium leisure battery comes with a JBD Battery Management System (BMS), Bluetooth, a built in Heater and 10 year warranty as standard - £1249.99 including free UK shipping.

www.fogstar-drift.co.uk

They are at a very competitive (cheap!!) price - and from one of the comments on this thread are using highly quality cells ...

I have the votronic solar charger I believe it can safely regulate upto 165w of panels and the 250 version regulates upto 250 w of solar panels? You may need the bigger charger for 300w of solar

Sorry, my fat fingers !! I have 100 and want to add another 100, making 200 in total!

Lenny HB - thanks for the info. Have you any knowledge of the company or anyone using their batteries?

 

[MisterB]

On the battery charger,if you cant change the lead acid setting then the charger will only trickle charge the lithium battery at a very low rate .with the lithium always being at 13.5 v+ the charger sees it as a fully charged lead battery so will only trickle charge . But dont forget that it will only charge when on ehu anyway so not much use if your not

Can anyone recommend a battery charger for lithium please?

If I do decide to go down the suggested path of removing the fuse for EHU charging (and keeping the NE237) and fitting the Sterling 30A B2B supplemented by 200w of solar through a bigger MPPT and adding a lithium specific charger (any recommendations?) - does anyone have any additional comments/suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Lenny HB]

Can anyone recommend a battery charger for lithium please?

If I do decide to go down the suggested path of removing the fuse for EHU charging (and keeping the NE237) and fitting the Sterling 30A B2B supplemented by 200w of solar through a bigger MPPT and adding a lithium specific charger (any recommendations?) - does anyone have any additional comments/suggestions?

Thanks

Have a look at the Victron range they have quite a few starting around £120.

 

[jongood]

Can anyone recommend a battery charger for lithium please?

If I do decide to go down the suggested path of removing the fuse for EHU charging (and keeping the NE237) and fitting the Sterling 30A B2B supplemented by 200w of solar through a bigger MPPT and adding a lithium specific charger (any recommendations?) - does anyone have any additional comments/suggestions?

Thanks

I've got 600watts of solar and even though we use mains, kettle, toaster, remoska, ind hob etc, find the only time I turn the mains charger on is in Uk and thats with 400ah Gels.

 

[Wissel]

Just had a quick look at the spec sheets for the Roamer & Fogster 460Ah batteries (both available via the links).

This stood out to me:

Fogster Max Charge Current: 50A (20A recommended)
Roamer Max Charge Current: 250A (5A-230A recommended)

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[paddymcc]

Just had a quick look at the spec sheets for the Roamer & Fogster 460Ah batteries (both available via the links).

This stood out to me:

Fogster Max Charge Current: 50A (20A recommended)
Roamer Max Charge Current: 250A (5A-230A recommended)

That suggests a seriously underspecced BMS which wouldn't work well with the loads the op is proposing to use. My experience with a 230Ah Roamer is that you are rarely if ever going to need the mains charger if you have a B2B and decent solar. I checked with Steve Kennedy from Roamer when I bought the battery and he was happy for occasionally charging with my lead acid profile ( rather than gel profile which is sometimes recommended as a stop gap for lithium. batteries) In reality I only used it once to check that it could charge to 230Ah. Since then the 20A fuse for my EBL charger has remained in a draw. However I don't currently have big loads like MisterB proposes.

 

[MisterB]

I've got 600watts of solar and even though we use mains, kettle, toaster, remoska, ind hob etc, find the only time I turn the mains charger on is in Uk and thats with 400ah Gels.

I can't get much more solar on than around 250 unfortunately and that takes up virtually all my roof space so I am limited.

 

[MisterB]

Just had a quick look at the spec sheets for the Roamer & Fogster 460Ah batteries (both available via the links).

This stood out to me:

Fogster Max Charge Current: 50A (20A recommended)
Roamer Max Charge Current: 250A (5A-230A recommended)

Thanks. In reality, when would I ever want to charge at a rate higher than 50A? (Layman's question as I don't know a lot about stuff like this, still trying to learn) I think it means it would take longer to recharge the battery, but as I am looking at using a 30A B2B, would it really be a problem if I could only charge at 30A when driving and then at 50A (max) if on EHU, especially when if I am on EHU it's likely to be around 24 hours minimum?

I assume I would then be looking at getting a separate lithium charge rated at max 50A?

 

[paddymcc]

Realise I misread Wissel s post. I agree max charge rate of 50A is less critical, it's the max discharge current that seems to be a problem with some BMS. The Roamer is okay with 250A (continuous) if I remember correctly.

 

[jumar]

I've had great help from Roamer both during pre and post sales....I put my faith and cash in them....my 160Ah battery is awaiting delivery.....I'm not at home to receive it just now....

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Wissel]

Thanks. In reality, when would I ever want to charge at a rate higher than 50A? (Layman's question as I don't know a lot about stuff like this, still trying to learn) I think it means it would take longer to recharge the battery, but as I am looking at using a 30A B2B, would it really be a problem if I could only charge at 30A when driving and then at 50A (max) if on EHU, especially when if I am on EHU it's likely to be around 24 hours minimum?

I assume I would then be looking at getting a separate lithium charge rated at max 50A?

If it were me, I'd want to stay within the "recommended" parameters. So 20A.
If not, would the warranty cover damage?

Even 50A is very low for a 460Ah battery.

 

[dpsuk999]

Just had a quick look at the spec sheets for the Roamer & Fogster 460Ah batteries (both available via the links).

This stood out to me:

Fogster Max Charge Current: 50A (20A recommended)
Roamer Max Charge Current: 250A (5A-230A recommended)

I noticed that too which did concern me

 

[jongood]

I can't get much more solar on than around 250 unfortunately and that takes up virtually all my roof space so I am limited.

I'm just making the point that depending where you spend you're time you may not need to bother too much with a mains charger.

 

[dpsuk999]

If it were me, I'd want to stay within the "recommended" parameters. So 20A.
If not, would the warranty cover damage?

Even 50A is very low for a 460Ah battery.

My Mastervolt Masscombi charges at a rate of 100A so I agree 50A is very low. Also I’m in the process of increasing my solar to 830w so again over the 50A threshold so what would appear to be a good priced, good cells battery it’s let down by the poor BMS

 

[Lenny HB]

Just had a quick look at the spec sheets for the Roamer & Fogster 460Ah batteries (both available via the links).

This stood out to me:

Fogster Max Charge Current: 50A (20A recommended)
Roamer Max Charge Current: 250A (5A-230A recommended)

I noticed that, they quote the battery max charge as 200 amp but the BMS as 50 amp. If interested worth asking about it as they may have just listed the BMS spec for one of the smaller batteries.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}