Front Storage Box

[oldwave]

True but the OP is worried about their stock lithium batteries from Escape that I think are GoPower.

Ah that’s different

 

[oldwave]

Do the go power batteries lack low temp sensor connection to the BMS ?

 

[oldwave]

I looked them up, at least the are protected from low temp charge damage

 

[Doug2000]

I would definitely put those batteries inside because of potential theft, those batteries are $$$$$.

 

[TTMartin]

Does the front storage box offer any protection from temperatures outside? If not, would adding some kind of insulation help with temperature control? Our 2 Lithium batteries will be installed there per specs on 21NE.

Insulation will not help. There is no source of heating or cooling in the box. The only thing insulation will do is slow the temperature changes not prevent them.

 

[kathytony1985]

I would definitely put those batteries inside because of potential theft, those batteries are $$$$$.

Yes, I believe that is the direction we will go.;D

 

[kathytony1985]

Insulation will not help. There is no source of heating or cooling in the box. The only thing insulation will do is slow the temperature changes not prevent them.

That makes sense! Thanks for your input.

 

[kathytony1985]

I looked them up, at least the are protected from low temp charge damage

Yes, I did see that on the website.

 

[Radar1]

Dinette space

We have a 2020 19' so I can give you some under bench dimensions under the driver's side front bench. 21 NE should have even more space.
Longest measurement from the front edge of black tank box to front of trailer is 21". The front curves a little, so shortest measurement is about 19".
From back of converter to driver's side of trailer is 16 3/4". From floor to bottom of bench seat is 17" if you get the raised dinette, a couple inches less with standard dinette.
Hope this helps with your decision.

 

[kathytony1985]

Thank you John/Marilyn! I think that may just work, especially if there is more room in the 21 NE. The battery dimensions are 12.9" L x 7" W x 9.2" H for each battery. I am sure there will be room to move them inside.
On a side note, is that foam insulation I see in your storage area? Is that standard or did you add it after the fact?

 

[cpaharley2008]

Thank you John/Marilyn! I think that may just work, especially if there is more room in the 21 NE. The battery dimensions are 12.9" L x 7" W x 9.2" H for each battery. I am sure there will be room to move them inside.
On a side note, is that foam insulation I see in your storage area? Is that standard or did you add it after the fact?

The foam seen in the pictures is the standard Escape wall insulation installed in every Escape....

 

[kathytony1985]

Thank you! I had no idea.

 

[Radar1]

On a side note, is that foam insulation I see in your storage area? Is that standard or did you add it after the fact?

It was standard in our 2020, but I think at one time it was an extra cost for the additional foam in the lower sections.

 

[kathytony1985]

Good to know. It seems Escape has made some things that were optional in the past as a standard item today.

 

[DGLP]

Reason for not installing batteries inside the 21 NE

Hi Kathy,

We also have a 21 NE on order. I understand the concerns about having the batteries in a storage box outside. After reading your post, I enquired about placing the batteries inside the trailer. It seems that the cables can terminate inside the trailer but the batteries cannot be installed by Escape.

From Escape:
We cannot actually install the batteries inside for you. As a Canadian trailer manufacturer, when we install batteries inside a trailer (no matter what kind of battery it is) we need to install them in a sealed box and vent them to the outside of the trailer. The 21NE is not set up this way.

A question for those familiar with the electrical system: What are the risks of placing the lithium batteries inside the trailer without venting?

I look forward to your responses!

Darrell

 

[kathytony1985]

That is what I was told as well. Will wait to see what answers you get to your question.

 

[cpaharley2008]

Sometimes your personal modifications will have to wait until you take possession.

 

[DGLP]

https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/...-address-growing-popularity-lithium-batteries

October 21, 2020:
"As such, last month, the RV Industry Association Board of Directors approved a recommendation from the Standards Steering Committee permitting non-vented (lithium) batteries to be located inside the living space of the RV, without venting. Manufacturers who install lithium batteries will need to have multiple warning labels that educate consumers “to not replace a non-vented battery with a vented battery.” These warning labels will need to be affixed on the battery, on the RV adjacent to the non-vented battery’s location, on the inside and outside of a case or compartment, if provided, and included via a statement in the RV owner’s manual."

 

[kathytony1985]

https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/...-address-growing-popularity-lithium-batteries

October 21, 2020:
"As such, last month, the RV Industry Association Board of Directors approved a recommendation from the Standards Steering Committee permitting non-vented (lithium) batteries to be located inside the living space of the RV, without venting. Manufacturers who install lithium batteries will need to have multiple warning labels that educate consumers “to not replace a non-vented battery with a vented battery.” These warning labels will need to be affixed on the battery, on the RV adjacent to the non-vented battery’s location, on the inside and outside of a case or compartment, if provided, and included via a statement in the RV owner’s manual."

Thank you for the link!

 

[Brian B-P]

https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/...-address-growing-popularity-lithium-batteries

Another relevant section from the same article:

To be included in RV products, lithium batteries must be listed by a third-party listing agency recognized by the RV Industry Association. The listing agency gives their independent stamp of approval which addresses thermal run-away, having a management or protection system to provide safety in situations of high/low voltages and temperatures, limiting high current output, and cell balancing.

This would eliminate DIY battery assemblies, any battery not approved by a recognized listing agency, and probably all lithium-ion battery types other than lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) due to thermal runaway issues. The commercial products mentioned in discussions in this forum do include a battery management system with the listed features, but it's not clear what might be intended regarding thermal runaway.

It is also applicable only to RVIA (used in the U.S.); is anyone aware of a similar initiative in CSA (used in Canada)?