OT Buyer Beware

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

I know a lot of people on here have solar systems on their vans & RV's. Many might be looking at systems to install or upgrade. Just thought I'd warn everyone against purchasing anything from Dakota Lithium. Bought a complete 200 amp hour system from them with high end lithium battery. Got nothing for installation manual....nothing on website that really covers schematics or good installation guidelines....just a very basic instruction card with each component. Called the company to ask questions - got a recording that said you have to email technical questions - no actual person there to talk to. So I did - about 5 questions to start with. I've been waiting over 10 days for a response - nothing. I've sent a follow-up email - nothing. Lots of info on youtube on generic solar installs so I'm getting everything dialed from that - but - if a company can't answer some basic questions and help the customer's they've sold to - I don't know why you'd want to ever buy anything from them. They claim 11 year warranty but I can't imagine they'd honor it if they can't even help people with questions. I should have done more homework & read more reviews before I bought the system - have since discovered I'm not alone in my frustrations.

craz z · Since 01 Dec 2008 130 Posts Montana Stoked

These are drop in replacements no manuals required.

This is not a buyer beware but a buyer needs to be aware of what they are getting. Start by watching will prowse.

Ask any question these are simple to install an maintain with low C ratings they should last 10-20 years.

Warranties of any product isn't worth the paper they are written on I prefer Charmin it's not as rough as warranty paper..

Only 2 things matter no cold ever for lithium and protect your alternator. Everything else is fine tuning. You don't need anything special for lithium especially with a drop in replacement like you bought. Plug n play

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

It's not that intimidating mechanically. It's just the company has -0- customer service. Whenever I buy & install multiple components that are supposed to be integrated I would think an overall schematic and install guide would be part of the package. I would also think a company could provide answers if questions arise. I'm all dialed on installation without them now - but just wanted to let others know that Dakota Lithium is a horrible company more than anything else...don't waste your money there.

exhibitpro · Since 03 May 2019 7 Posts Los Angeles \ Hood River Kook

Sorry you've had issues with them. I've had great experience with their products and their customer service. "horrible company" may not be as accurate as maybe "had a bad experience in this case".

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

"horrible company" may not be as accurate as maybe "had a bad experience in this case".

Nah. I could agree with your premise if I was asking for some warranty refund & there was some dispute over warranty coverage or something of that nature. All I did was ask some pretty straightforward questions of the company after receiving the system. They couldn't even bother to reply - even after following up with the same questions a 2nd time. That's just horrible customer service & reflects an overall attitude from the company itself. I haven't asked for any refund or return....just wanted to confirm ideas on my particular installation. Just hoping the products are as good as you suggest.

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

Just an update on my original post...
I did finally hear back from the company. Over 3 weeks from my original questions to them. Like most tech inquiries the responses lead to more questions or a need for clarification. I'd already installed my system by the time I heard back from them. After installing and upgrading the "system" I ended up not even using several of their components as they were inadequate - especially once I added panels. Their concept of a mounting system on the roof was totally inadequate as well as the charge controller for even a small upgrade in solar input. Inverter is useless. Battery does seem solid though. System is fully functional with upgrades and used on a camping trip with wife over Labor Day. Never plugged in - plenty of juice for our needs.

I will never buy any components or products from this company again - so my original statement remains - buyer beware. There are better companies & products out there - I just didn't do adequate due diligence.