Explained: 4-Stage Battery Chargers for Lithium Deep Cycle RV Batteries

You shouldn’t have to worry about how much battery power you have left and whether it can last throughout your trip when traveling and enjoying adventures aboard your RV. You can avoid that hassle by using a lithium deep cycle RV battery, particularly lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4), the most reliable and stable among other options. It will ensure a worry-free camping experience with minimal charging time and reduced generator runtime. You just need to pair it with a suitable inverter/charger or a solar charge controller to maximize battery life and charge efficiency.

Using a deep cycle battery charger

A multi-stage battery charger is suitable for deep-cycle batteries like lithium-iron phosphate because it maximizes the battery's overall cycle life. Unlike a starter battery, a deep cycle option can be deeply discharged as it provides a steady and low current for extended periods. However, you can only maintain and maximize that capability by using a proper charger that meets the charging specifications and chemistry of LiFePO4.

How does the charger work?

Deep cycle battery chargers work the same way as other battery chargers by converting AC (alternating current) from the power source (i.e., a generator or wall outlet) into DC (direct current) to provide power for charging. With enough power, chemical reactions between the battery components occur in the opposite direction to store electrical energy as chemical energy.

Besides converting AC to DC, the lithium deep cycle RV battery charger must ensure correct charging specifications. It's possible with its built-in microprocessors, which adjust the output charging parameters to deliver the appropriate multi-stage charging algorithm for your battery.

Can I use a lead-acid battery charger for lithium batteries?

LiFePO4 batteries have a wider overcharge tolerance, allowing them to handle overvoltage without deteriorating their electrolytes. Moreover, their self-discharge rate is much lower, so they don’t go into the float stage. That means LiFePO4 batteries only go through two stages when recharging:

Stage 1: Constant current – The charger delivers constant current to the battery as the voltage gradually increases to reach stage 2.

Stage 2: Constant voltage – The charger sustains a constant voltage as the charging current gradually decreases to about 5 percent of the amperage rating of your battery. At this point, charging ceases, and the battery attains a fully charged state.

A lead-acid charger cannot work appropriately for LiFePO4 batteries as it provides a four-stage charging process. Therefore, it could damage your lithium deep-cycle RV battery. You should invest in a high-quality lithium battery charger to protect your investment, ensure safety, and prolong its lifespan. Only a lithium battery charger can recharge lithium-iron phosphate batteries with the correct charging parameters relevant to their needs.

About the Company:

Lithium Battery Store sells LiFePO4 deep cycle systems that are made with American cells and assembled in China. Distribution is worldwide. This is the leading company looking for the latest technology advancements to ensure that the customers get the latest and greatest, best quality battery technology at the best price. Lithium Battery Store is proud to work with customers closely to get the exact battery they need and is happy to work with people and answer any questions about this ‘newer’ battery technology.