I am thinking of changing my AGM batteries to one Kings 300 ah LifePO4 , does anyone have any experience with Kings lithium batteries ?
Wol said
03:18 AM Jan 2, 2026
I have one of their 100Ah batteries. In as much as you might infer similar quality and price point, mine is about 18 months old. Still works. Was cheap and has passive not active balancing but that is okay.
I have no confidence it will last 2 years and no expectations that Kings would care if it didnt. Given the now $209 cost the ACL would agree. Kings provide only a 1 year warranty which I take to be worthless anyway. The current crop are 1/3 to 1/5 th price of more reputable brands and have about 1/3 rated cycles to go with it. Maybe they have second hand insides?
Anyway it has worked fine in my old soft floor but was mainly used for lighting and recharging, small inverter and water pump.
Read the reviews at Product Review etc.
As always, YMMV
regards
-- Edited by Wol on Friday 2nd of January 2026 03:19:55 AM
Dick0 said
10:47 AM Jan 2, 2026
Wol wrote:
I have one of their 100Ah batteries. In as much as you might infer similar quality and price point, mine is about 18 months old. Still works. Was cheap and has passive not active balancing but that is okay.
I have no confidence it will last 2 years and no expectations that Kings would care if it didnt. Given the now $209 cost the ACL would agree. Kings provide only a 1 year warranty which I take to be worthless anyway. The current crop are 1/3 to 1/5 th price of more reputable brands and have about 1/3 rated cycles to go with it. Maybe they have second hand insides?
Anyway it has worked fine in my old soft floor but was mainly used for lighting and recharging, small inverter and water pump.
Read the reviews at Product Review etc.
As always, YMMV
regards
-- Edited by Wol on Friday 2nd of January 2026 03:19:55 AM
Interesting perception.
The battery works well and has for 18 months, however, no confidence will last for two years?
Rated at 2000+ cycles is over 5 years of daily cycling. Should get close to over 8 years plus of normal use.
The battery has positive reviews from buyers and on YouTube.
I bought the lowest cost LiFePO4 batteries (Voltax) with 12 months warranty several years ago and they have not deteriorated at all.
I am expecting at least 10 years from these batteries on current usage powering a 3000/6000w inverter for kitchen appliances and aircon.
Camping use of about 6 months annually off grid only.
Ian G said
11:56 AM Jan 2, 2026
Ok thanks, sale ended last night so I bought one at $620, not many poor reviews and all the youtube I watched were positive. I will have to make a steel box for storage as it is staying under the bed, I will make it a little larger in case I change brands and the other brands may be a little larger.
Wol said
12:30 PM Jan 2, 2026
Yes, no confidence but happy to be pleasantly surprised.
If Kings were confident they would offer a longer warranty.
But at that price point and considering the cost of the AGM battery it replaced I had few qualms about going cheap and cheerful.
I take the view that it is a red dot special and is good value for money. But I wont complain if it croaks it in another 6 months.
I will let you know when I get there.
I am pleased your experience with the Voltax has been positive.
regards
Wol said
12:32 PM Jan 2, 2026
Ian G wrote:
Ok thanks, sale ended last night so I bought one at $620, not many poor reviews and all the youtube I watched were positive. I will have to make a steel box for storage as it is staying under the bed, I will make it a little larger in case I change brands and the other brands may be a little larger.
Great to hear Ian, I hope it suits.
You know there are new venting rules for Lithium batteries etc?
regards
Ian G said
01:29 PM Jan 2, 2026
Yes I am aware there are new standards for Lithium that is why I mentioned making the steel box.
Kings must be more optimistic re their quality as they now have a 3 year warranty !!
TimTim said
10:59 PM Jan 2, 2026
Ian G wrote:
Ok thanks, sale ended last night so I bought one at $620, not many poor reviews and all the youtube I watched were positive. I will have to make a steel box for storage as it is staying under the bed, I will make it a little larger in case I change brands and the other brands may be a little larger.
I was hoping to post earlier but I see that you have taken the plunge and good luck.
Generally I build my own but have done lots of research on different brands and have a 100Ah VoltX and a 100Ah Wattcycle which I bought for testing and the occasional use. I have done plenty of posts here and on another forum and generally I think the King's batteries are ok if you can pick them up on special as you have done.
The earlier LiFePO4 batteries that Kings sold had pouch cells and there appeared to be numerous issues but since their batteries have been constructed with prismatic cells then so called problems seem to have become less. If you do have a problem then I suggest you arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible because you are dealing with sales staff who will be happy to fob you off. I have first hand knowledge of that.
Just because you have a cheap battery don't get caught in the belief that you have inferior quality compared to more expensive batteries because the cells inside will be the same quality but in all probability a cheaper BMS. It it when you get down to the cheaper EBay ones that you can encounter all sorts of problems. Take a look at DCS batteries for the other end of the spectrum.
As I have posted here and elsewhere AS/NZ 3001.2.2022 has not been referenced in any legislation for caravan and motor homes up to 4.5t therefore it is just a guide. However, if you are worried about catching fire then go ahead but the do not catch fire like the battery fires you hear on the news. The are a much safer chemistry than AGM's Also check your insurance PDS to be certain it is ok and ask the monsters under the bed if they are happy with what you are proposing .
As for ventilation, AS/NZ 3001.2.2022 does not specify how lithium ion batteries are to be ventilated. Clause 5.4.12.1 merely states, 'The installer should consult with the battery manufacturer and supplier to determine a compartment design and venting mechanism that is practical for the type of battery chemistry, construction, volatility or its response to thermal runaway events.'
Good luck with that part
As voltage is not a good indicator of the state of charge for LiFePO4 I would also recommend you buy yourself a shunt unless you already have one incorporated in your system.
Welcome to the world of LiFePO4.
Tim
-- Edited by TimTim on Friday 2nd of January 2026 11:10:38 PM
Ian G said
10:15 AM Jan 3, 2026
Thanks Tim Tim, yes I have read your and others opinions on the subject for a while now, nothing is simple anymore. Wasn't sure if the metal enclosure was for thermal runaway or venting potential fumes, I am sure if there was a battery fire event {unlikely I know } the cables and any venting tubes would melt within a minute anyway.
Yes I have a shunt. Thanks Ian
watsea said
11:38 AM Jan 3, 2026
I am sure other people have done more research than myself. But what I have gleaned out of my reading is that the gases from LiFePO4 batteries are produced during a runaway event or damage event, like a screw through the side of a battery. My searches have not found if gases are produced during normal operation or normal charging. Does anyone have any information regarding this?
I am not about to change away from my AGM in any foreseeable future but for background information. I cannot see the logic regarding venting and location of venting as mentioned if the ventilation is to release gas in a runaway event. A low vent of any appropriate size will release gas and pressure, obviously not from the higher point where the lighter gas initially accumulates. A runaway event has other associated dramatic issues which are likely to cause problems with a van.
I understand overcharging can cause a runaway event. How much overcharging? How long?
TimTim said
09:01 PM Jan 3, 2026
Hi Watsee,
We are a little off topic I know but unlike lead acid batteries LiFePO4 batteries do not vent gasses under normal charging. I am yet to see a LiFePO4 battery with a vent yet if you take say a standard Prismatic cell battery it contains four nominal 3.2V batteries in series. These batteries are commonly known as cells and each cell has a small vent at the top. So if one or more of the vents were to activate then they would only vent into the sealed battery box which doesn't have a vent.
The Standards Committee that wrote AS/NZ 3001.2:2022 have simply grouped all lithium ion batteries together under Clause 5.4.12.1 without having consideration of how safe LiFePO4 are.
Given that LiFePO4 has two methods of protection to prevent overcharging, these being the charger itself and the BMS then overcharging is nigh on impossible. The cases of overcharged cells are where people didn't use a BMS and there are plenty of stories of those and yet the cells did not vent.
As for venting, thermal runaway and fire etc then this link may provide some useful information for you.
I am aware of a 60Ah LiFeP04 prismatic cell battery that had been isolated for 2 days in a vehicle. The battery had an internal short and burned.
The vehicle was written off.
Cheers,
Peter
TimTim said
09:45 PM Jan 4, 2026
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
I am aware of a 60Ah LiFeP04 prismatic cell battery that had been isolated for 2 days in a vehicle. The battery had an internal short and burned. The vehicle was written off. Cheers, Peter
When did this occur? Can you post the link to the incident and a link to the fire brigade report please.
BarneyBDB said
10:05 PM Jan 4, 2026
Many vehicles are written off after electrical fires, the majority of them probably not Lithium. I have been runniing 2 Kings batteries in the van and one in the tug for the last couple of years. They just work as advertised.
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:06 PM Jan 4, 2026
Friend of mine. NSW. December. No links. Firies determined the internal battery short as the cause. Insurance has paid in full as a repairable right-off.
Cheers,
Peter
BBN2 said
08:29 AM Jan 5, 2026
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Friend of mine. NSW. December. No links. Firies determined the internal battery short as the cause. Insurance has paid in full as a repairable right-off.
What was the make and model of the battery and the date and location of the fire?
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:34 AM Jan 5, 2026
That is legally sensitive information.
Cheers,
Peter
Ineedabiggerboat said
01:12 PM Jan 5, 2026
My mate Rods mother, used to catch the bus to Roselands with Johnny Farnhams mother.
BBN2 said
01:40 PM Jan 5, 2026
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
That is legally sensitive information.
In what way?
The insurance company have paid the claim so that avenue is closed.
The fire brigade, a public body, have pronounced on the cause of the fire and, clearly, the insurance company has accepted that.
Legally, this matter is closed.
What's your answer Peter?
Peter_n_Margaret said
08:18 PM Jan 5, 2026
It is not closed according to the battery supplier. They have not yet sighted the report and are unlikely to accept it when they do.
Plenty of room yet for legal action and I do not want to be a part of that. If you think that is not so you are naïve.
Cheers,
Peter
TimTim said
08:10 AM Jan 6, 2026
There are always links, whether it be local TV or newspaper. When in December and whereabouts in NSW.
Ineedabiggerboat said
09:46 AM Jan 6, 2026
So are the firies going to have their arses sued off? Spare me.
Im calling BS on this without the most minimum details.
60ah seems low? Was the battery used as a starter of for something else?
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:40 AM Jan 6, 2026
Ineedabiggerboat wrote:
So are the firies going to have their arses sued off? Spare me. Im calling BS on this without the most minimum details. 60ah seems low? Was the battery used as a starter of for something else?
You really don't have a clue do you?
It was a starter.
Actually it was 30/11/25.
If there are links you can find them as easily as I can.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 6th of January 2026 10:42:23 AM
Youre correct. I didnt have a clue as you werent providing any.
Peter_n_Margaret said
11:06 AM Jan 6, 2026
Then you make yourself look stupid by speculating.
Cheers,
Peter
Ineedabiggerboat said
12:07 PM Jan 6, 2026
Sensitive little petal.
Offensive. Paranoid. I could go on.
Come on, is that all youve got?
BBN2 said
05:16 PM Jan 6, 2026
I hardly know where to begin so I'll start with some much needed advice for you Peter:
When you are at the bottom of a hole... stop digging.
-----
Let's step back a post or two:
You expect us to believe the fire service finalised a report and issued it to your friend and an insurance company but didn't have the professional decency to send a copy to the battery suppliers? Yet they must have worked closely with the battery suppliers during the investigation, they would have needed battery drawings and technical information.
Both the fire service and the battery supplier would also be most concerned this problem was endemic to all similar batteries and could cause more fires and/or deaths in the future - they would take this matter VERY SERIOUSLY. By withholding the report the fire service may face liability claims for negligence. The supplier will not institute a recall if he is unaware the report has been finialised.
Incidentally, you now say the incident occurred about five weeks ago, that is an *astonishingly* fast time (which includes Xmas/NY) in which to produce a formal report of this type. And it's an *astonishingly* fast time for an insurance company to accept the claim and pay up.
-----
Your photograph Peter:
I asked ChatGPT, the paid version, to take a look at it, this is what it said:
As you can see Chat GPT considers there is a 95% chance you are trying to deceive us. And in its support I recall posts made by you a few years back when you attempted to mislead us about the requirement to register a PLB, so you have history Peter.
Personally, Peter, I'll never believe another thing you say.
Ineedabiggerboat said
05:37 PM Jan 6, 2026
To add to Peters woes, I asked Grok what it was I.e a. 60ah prismatic cell battery and it said
No, this is not a 60Ah LiFePO4 prismatic cell battery.
Why its not a LiFePO4 prismatic cell
Shape and design: Standard 60Ah LiFePO4 prismatic cells are typically thin, rectangular aluminum-cased blocks (often blue or silver) with flat laser-welded terminals on top. They look clean and metallic even when new.
Oops. Its cute how some people attack and resort to insults when challenged.
Ineedabiggerboat said
05:43 PM Jan 6, 2026
I googled the battery type Peter mentioned.
3.2V 60ah Lithium Li Ion Battery Prismatic LiFePO4 Battery Cell ...
A 60Ah LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) prismatic cell battery is a lightweight, long-lasting, and safe power source, often used in solar, RV, marine, and off-grid systems, known for thousands of deep cycles, built-in BMS protection (thermal, overcharge, etc.), and compact design, making it a popular, dependable alternative to heavy lead-acid batteries. These batteries come as individual 3.2V cells or assembled into 12V packs, offering high energy density and reliable performance for demanding applications.
Key Features
Capacity: 60 Amp-hours (Ah).
Chemistry: LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) - very stable and safe.
Cell Type: Prismatic (rectangular, pouch-like) for efficient packing and assembly.
Voltage: Typically 12V (four 3.2V cells in series) or individual 3.2V cells.
Cycle Life: Excellent, often 2000-5000+ cycles at 80% Depth of Discharge (DoD), far exceeding lead-acid.
Weight: Significantly lighter (around 6-9kg) than lead-acid equivalents.
BMS: Includes an integrated Battery Management System for safety (overcharge, short circuit, thermal protection).
Common Uses
Solar & Off-Grid Systems: Storing energy efficiently.
Recreational Vehicles (RVs) & Caravans: Powering appliances.
Marine & Boats: Trolling motors, general power.
Electric Bikes/Scooters & Wheelchairs.
Portable Power Stations.
Why Choose This Type?
Longevity: Lasts many times longer than traditional batteries, reducing replacement costs.
Safety: More thermally stable than other lithium-ion chemistries.
Performance: High discharge rates and consistent power delivery.
Lightweight: Easier to transport and install.
Things to Note
These cells often need assembly into packs (e.g., 4 cells for 12V) and a BMS if bought as individual components.
Always use them within specified voltage and temperature ranges.
Avoid physical damage like punctures or strong impacts.
I am thinking of changing my AGM batteries to one Kings 300 ah LifePO4 , does anyone have any experience with Kings lithium batteries ?
I have one of their 100Ah batteries. In as much as you might infer similar quality and price point, mine is about 18 months old. Still works. Was cheap and has passive not active balancing but that is okay.
I have no confidence it will last 2 years and no expectations that Kings would care if it didnt. Given the now $209 cost the ACL would agree. Kings provide only a 1 year warranty which I take to be worthless anyway. The current crop are 1/3 to 1/5 th price of more reputable brands and have about 1/3 rated cycles to go with it. Maybe they have second hand insides?
Anyway it has worked fine in my old soft floor but was mainly used for lighting and recharging, small inverter and water pump.
Read the reviews at Product Review etc.
As always, YMMV
regards
-- Edited by Wol on Friday 2nd of January 2026 03:19:55 AM
Interesting perception.
The battery works well and has for 18 months, however, no confidence will last for two years?
Rated at 2000+ cycles is over 5 years of daily cycling. Should get close to over 8 years plus of normal use.
The battery has positive reviews from buyers and on YouTube.
I bought the lowest cost LiFePO4 batteries (Voltax) with 12 months warranty several years ago and they have not deteriorated at all.
I am expecting at least 10 years from these batteries on current usage powering a 3000/6000w inverter for kitchen appliances and aircon.
Camping use of about 6 months annually off grid only.
Yes, no confidence but happy to be pleasantly surprised.
If Kings were confident they would offer a longer warranty.
But at that price point and considering the cost of the AGM battery it replaced I had few qualms about going cheap and cheerful.
I take the view that it is a red dot special and is good value for money. But I wont complain if it croaks it in another 6 months.
I will let you know when I get there.
I am pleased your experience with the Voltax has been positive.
regards
Great to hear Ian, I hope it suits.
You know there are new venting rules for Lithium batteries etc?
regards
Kings must be more optimistic re their quality as they now have a 3 year warranty !!
I was hoping to post earlier but I see that you have taken the plunge and good luck.
Generally I build my own but have done lots of research on different brands and have a 100Ah VoltX and a 100Ah Wattcycle which I bought for testing and the occasional use. I have done plenty of posts here and on another forum and generally I think the King's batteries are ok if you can pick them up on special as you have done.
The earlier LiFePO4 batteries that Kings sold had pouch cells and there appeared to be numerous issues but since their batteries have been constructed with prismatic cells then so called problems seem to have become less. If you do have a problem then I suggest you arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible because you are dealing with sales staff who will be happy to fob you off. I have first hand knowledge of that.
Just because you have a cheap battery don't get caught in the belief that you have inferior quality compared to more expensive batteries because the cells inside will be the same quality but in all probability a cheaper BMS. It it when you get down to the cheaper EBay ones that you can encounter all sorts of problems. Take a look at DCS batteries for the other end of the spectrum.
As I have posted here and elsewhere AS/NZ 3001.2.2022 has not been referenced in any legislation for caravan and motor homes up to 4.5t therefore it is just a guide. However, if you are worried about catching fire then go ahead but the do not catch fire like the battery fires you hear on the news. The are a much safer chemistry than AGM's Also check your insurance PDS to be certain it is ok and ask the monsters under the bed if they are happy with what you are proposing
.
As for ventilation, AS/NZ 3001.2.2022 does not specify how lithium ion batteries are to be ventilated. Clause 5.4.12.1 merely states, 'The installer should consult with the battery manufacturer and supplier to determine a compartment design and venting mechanism that is practical for the type of battery chemistry, construction, volatility or its response to thermal runaway events.'
Good luck with that part
As voltage is not a good indicator of the state of charge for LiFePO4 I would also recommend you buy yourself a shunt unless you already have one incorporated in your system.
Welcome to the world of LiFePO4.
Tim
-- Edited by TimTim on Friday 2nd of January 2026 11:10:38 PM
Yes I have a shunt. Thanks Ian
I am not about to change away from my AGM in any foreseeable future but for background information. I cannot see the logic regarding venting and location of venting as mentioned if the ventilation is to release gas in a runaway event. A low vent of any appropriate size will release gas and pressure, obviously not from the higher point where the lighter gas initially accumulates. A runaway event has other associated dramatic issues which are likely to cause problems with a van.
I understand overcharging can cause a runaway event. How much overcharging? How long?
Hi Watsee,
We are a little off topic I know but unlike lead acid batteries LiFePO4 batteries do not vent gasses under normal charging. I am yet to see a LiFePO4 battery with a vent yet if you take say a standard Prismatic cell battery it contains four nominal 3.2V batteries in series. These batteries are commonly known as cells and each cell has a small vent at the top. So if one or more of the vents were to activate then they would only vent into the sealed battery box which doesn't have a vent.
The Standards Committee that wrote AS/NZ 3001.2:2022 have simply grouped all lithium ion batteries together under Clause 5.4.12.1 without having consideration of how safe LiFePO4 are.
Given that LiFePO4 has two methods of protection to prevent overcharging, these being the charger itself and the BMS then overcharging is nigh on impossible. The cases of overcharged cells are where people didn't use a BMS and there are plenty of stories of those and yet the cells did not vent.
As for venting, thermal runaway and fire etc then this link may provide some useful information for you.
https://diysolarforum.com/threads/how-dangerous-are-the-gasses-created-by-lifepo4-can-they-create-an-explosion.110726/
Good luck
Tim
The vehicle was written off.
Cheers,
Peter
When did this occur? Can you post the link to the incident and a link to the fire brigade report please.
Cheers,
Peter
What was the make and model of the battery and the date and location of the fire?
Cheers,
Peter
In what way?
The insurance company have paid the claim so that avenue is closed.
The fire brigade, a public body, have pronounced on the cause of the fire and, clearly, the insurance company has accepted that.
Legally, this matter is closed.
What's your answer Peter?
Plenty of room yet for legal action and I do not want to be a part of that. If you think that is not so you are naïve.
Cheers,
Peter
There are always links, whether it be local TV or newspaper. When in December and whereabouts in NSW.
You really don't have a clue do you?
It was a starter.
Actually it was 30/11/25.
If there are links you can find them as easily as I can.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 6th of January 2026 10:42:23 AM
Cheers,
Peter
I hardly know where to begin so I'll start with some much needed advice for you Peter:
When you are at the bottom of a hole... stop digging.
-----
Let's step back a post or two:
You expect us to believe the fire service finalised a report and issued it to your friend and an insurance company but didn't have the professional decency to send a copy to the battery suppliers? Yet they must have worked closely with the battery suppliers during the investigation, they would have needed battery drawings and technical information.
Both the fire service and the battery supplier would also be most concerned this problem was endemic to all similar batteries and could cause more fires and/or deaths in the future - they would take this matter VERY SERIOUSLY. By withholding the report the fire service may face liability claims for negligence. The supplier will not institute a recall if he is unaware the report has been finialised.
Incidentally, you now say the incident occurred about five weeks ago, that is an *astonishingly* fast time (which includes Xmas/NY) in which to produce a formal report of this type. And it's an *astonishingly* fast time for an insurance company to accept the claim and pay up.
-----
Your photograph Peter:
I asked ChatGPT, the paid version, to take a look at it, this is what it said:
Chat GPT and that photograph
As you can see Chat GPT considers there is a 95% chance you are trying to deceive us. And in its support I recall posts made by you a few years back when you attempted to mislead us about the requirement to register a PLB, so you have history Peter.
Personally, Peter, I'll never believe another thing you say.