By Sierra Rec Magazine
When you head into the Sierra Nevada for a weekend of dispersed camping near Mammoth, an overlanding trip down Highway 395, or a snow-filled RV adventure at Blue Lakes, one question always comes up: how do you keep everything powered without the drone of a generator?
This week on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, we sat down with Jesse Asay and Tyler Bourns from Dragonfly Energy, the Reno-based manufacturer behind the well-known Battle Born Batteries® brand. The discussion pulled back the curtain on how lithium battery technology is reshaping RVs, overlanding rigs, and outdoor lifestyles across the Sierra.
Why Lithium Changes the Game
For decades, RVs and boats ran on heavy, finicky lead-acid batteries. They corrode, require constant maintenance, and simply don’t keep up with modern needs. Jesse explained it simply:
“With lead acid you had limitations. You couldn’t run a microwave, air conditioner, or many of the modern conveniences without a generator. Lithium changes that — you can charge quickly, pair with solar, and go days without plugging in.” sierra-rec-now_dragon-fly-rv-po…
Lithium batteries not only last longer but are lighter, safer, and more versatile. A single upgrade can transform how an RV or overland rig functions in remote areas.
Complete Power Systems for Adventure Vehicles
Dragonfly Energy isn’t just building batteries. As Jesse shared, they’ve grown into designing complete power solutions — from inverters and charge controllers to solar panel integration.
“We’ll size out the system for you. From a Toyota 4Runner with just a fridge in the back to a full-time RV lifestyle — we help people figure out what battery bank, solar, and inverters they need to stay powered and sustainable.”
This means more campers are heading into places like Sonora Pass, Death Valley, and the backroads of the Sierra Nevada without worrying about shore power or generator hours.
Built for Sierra Extremes
The Sierra offers everything from desert heat to sub-zero mountain nights, and battery performance in those extremes matters.
“Lithium works so much better in cold weather than traditional batteries. And with our self-heating versions, you can still charge in freezing temps. On the high end, our batteries operate safely up to about 140°F internally. That range covers most of what the Sierra throws at you.” – Jesse Asay
This adaptability is crucial for RVers who might be snowmobiling near Kirkwood one month and desert camping near Bishop the next.
Dragonfly Intelligence: Smarter, Safer Power
One of Dragonfly’s newest advances is Dragonfly Intelligence®, their smart battery system with built-in safety and real-time monitoring.
“We’ve put in tons of protections. If you short a wire, overcharge, or the system gets too hot, the battery just shuts down instead of frying itself. On top of that, with the app and hub, you can see state of charge, voltage, and historical data. It takes the guesswork out of battery management.” – Jesse Asay
For overlanders and RV owners, this means less stress and more confidence when heading into the backcountry.
Wild Customer Stories
Tyler shared some of the more creative systems they’ve built — from powering telescopes in the Nevada desert to massive off-grid estates in the Sierra.
“We’ve done Jacuzzis in the middle of the desert. I’ve seen rigs with wine fridges, espresso machines, even a full mobile concert stage. The technology opens up so many possibilities.” – Tyler Bourns
Whether you want a simple morning coffee without a generator or a fully loaded adventure van with heated floors, the Battle Born Batteries® lineup makes it possible.
Why Switch to Lithium?
At the end of the day, Jesse says the biggest advantage is peace of mind:
“When we set up these systems, they can last 15 years or more. Lead acid, you’re replacing every couple of seasons. Lithium eliminates the corrosion, the off-gassing, and the constant battery anxiety. You just set it and forget it — and focus on enjoying the outdoors.”
For RVers and overlanders exploring the Sierra Nevada, that reliability is priceless.
About Dragonfly Energy
Based in Reno, Nevada, Dragonfly Energy manufactures lithium-ion batteries and complete energy storage systems under the Battle Born Batteries® brand. Their products are used in RVs, boats, overland rigs, off-grid homes, and even industrial applications across North America.
Listen to the Full Episode
Hear the full conversation with Dragonfly Energy on the Sierra Rec Now podcast:
- 🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3D85TzI042mGxJx8SxuMw1?si=qc9OzHAyTPibYz3zfXNlLA
- 🎥 Youtube: https://youtu.be/AUPggaXtAL0
- 📱 Apple Podcasts
