SOK 280Ah LiFePO4 Battery with Self-Heating Review - Well-Built Battery for Low-Temperature Use

I'm back with a longer-term follow-up video on the SOK 280Ah lithium battery. In this video, I test the max charge/discharge rates. The spec sheet lists a maximum discharge current of 200 amps and a peak of 250 amps. I test that using my 3000W Motomaster Inverter. I also test the maximum charge rate of 120 amps using my Xantrex Freedom XC Pro inverter/charger.
Fair Disclosure: I received a review sample free of charge. I received no money and maintained complete editorial control over the video content.
Likes:
Heavy Duty Case and Terminals
Excellent Internal Build Quality
High-Grade Lithium Prismatic Cells
Self-Heating Feature for Low Temp Use
Easy Disassembly for Repairs
Bluetooth App
Connect up to 4 in Series
Connect up to 10 in Parallel
Good Support - USA Warehouse
Economically Priced
7 Year Warranty
Dislikes:
Heavier Due to the Amount of Metal Use
Side Terminals May Be an Issue in Some Installs
Weak Bluetooth Signal
Screwheads on Bottom
Related Links:
Truck Box Power Station Update Video - • Truck Box Power Statio...
View SOK Battery Teardown & Self Heating Test Video - www.loveyourrv.com/sok-280ah-...
SOK USA Website - www.us.sokbattery.com/?ref=Lo...
SOK Canada - www.canada.sokbattery.com/?re...
SK12V280H Manual and Spec Sheets - www.us.sokbattery.com/file-sh...
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[@garrypittman1732]

Thanks for the video - much appreciated. I have one of these batteries on order to pair with a 3kW inverter I have. I was wondering about the two specs Maximum Discharge vs Peak Discharge. To me your test demonstrated that the battery can supply >200A continuously. I wonder what the 200A spec really means.

[@LoveYourRV]

The manual specs are Maximum Continuous Discharge Current = 200 A Peak Discharge Current = 250 A (7.5 s ±2.5 s) but I have found that companies often have fairly conservative ratings, and the battery will sometimes handle more, especially when the cells are new. Giving them some headroom for warranty purposes, is my guess. Cheers, Ray

[@johncrisp6683]

Glad to see the SOK working well. I have the regular 206. I use the Renogy and Victron tool to track everything. What are you using? Does SOK have an app for the internal BMS? Whoops, you just covered that. Did it come separately with this battery vs the older ones?

[@LoveYourRV]

This battery came with Bluetooth built in. For my main, RV power system, I've been using a Trimetric battery monitor with the WiFi add-on module since 2015. The interface is fairly old school but still does the job. www.bogartengineering.com/products/battery-monitor.html For my boat I've been using a Junctek www.loveyourrv.com/junctek-kh140f-battery-monitor-demo-review/ and currently in my truck toolbox power station I'm testing one from Power Queen www.loveyourrv.com/power-queen-40a-lithium-charger-battery-monitor-revview/ Cheers, Ray

[@user-yn6xr9pn3q]

Ray, so glad to finally catch up with you at the walmart in Yuma a couple of weeks ago while doing some banking. Do you know what the charging parameters are in the way of float voltage, absorbtion voltage and the length of time for that. Instructions say to charge up to 14.6 but I can't get my two SOK 280 amp hr past 14.04 with my Victron I/C at 120 amps. The cmos on the app cuts it off therefore I never get to the absorb phase and float phase. I do agree with you the app is a little weak in bluetooth and SOC readings. I tried to reach out to SOK with the number on the website but it is no longer in service, would you happen to have one. Keep up the good work and again nice to finally say hi to you. Congrats on the wedding!!!

[@sokbattery]

14.04V is good enough, it means fully charged already. 14.6V is charger voltage, it doesn't mean your fully charged battery could up to 14.6V

[@LoveYourRV]

I tested with SNRE solar controller preset Li setting at 14.2V, a Power Queen 14.6 charger, and the Xantrex inverter/charger, which uses a preset 14.4V for lithium. All were able to fully charge the battery. When you disconnect charging on what is referred to as a 12-volt LiFePO battery, it sits at about 13.4 - 13.6 volts, I find. Some manuals recommend a charging voltage as high as 14.6 volts, I think, to help keep the battery cells in balance. Cheers, Ray

[@NMLongshot]

How do you keep your battery from rattling out of place? I don't notice a hold down strap or bar in your mobile application. I am trying to figure out how to best keep mine in place.

[@LoveYourRV]

I use wood frame at the bottom of the battery to keep it from sliding around, and it's 60 lbs, so it tends to stay where it is. Also, the box is tightly packed for travel, and I use some pool noodle pieces. You could use marine battery ties downs - amzn.to/48XAt0Q

[@DanyRivard]

With 3000 watts you will be ok for an induction cooktop !