Adding solar and replacing house batteries with lithium - issues?

[Brian_HR]

Originally Posted by RGD615

I have moved everything ... I'll start posting photos when i get the batteries...so it will be a minute.

I'm watching this thread with interest. Have you received your batteries? Would love to see what you've come up with. Our 2021 24B has the PD 4060K which has the Lithium switch but it looks like when you do that it only outputs 14.6V (no boost or float setting as best I can tell). As a first step I'm considering switching out the stock Lead Acid battery with one or two Lithiums and flipping the switch on the PD 4060K and see how that works.

[Brian_HR]

Originally Posted by ed767

1. We had to use a Sawzall to cut out the battery compartment (step) lips and the battery box (2 battery) holder. The lithium battery I bought directly from China (on Amazon) fit by 1/32 of an inch - very lucky.

What battery did you go with?

Originally Posted by ed767

5. Since I'm up in Oregon and it's October, I'm not able to test the solar panels very well but I did the install myself and can see that they are generating electricity for sure, just nowhere near the 400W nominal. I only expect 300-320W in the summer, with full sun overhead, so getting 100-200W now midday seems fine. The PWM controller is not 100% efficient I've read. I might upgrade to an MMPT controller if it will really provide more power to make it worthwhile.

Where did you install the solar controller? Did you use the pre-installed connections on the roof and wires pre-wired to the compartment next to the propane?

Originally Posted by ed767

Open question: still uncertain about the alternator but I'm at 1100 miles on this trip and it hasn't fried yet - love to hear from others who are not using the current limiter - I saw one other guy on a forum somewhere (perhaps here) not using one as well. Again, the battery manufacturer said it's not needed. But they aren't USA based.

Does the BMS in the battery limit the amount of current draw from the alternator? I'm curious how much current the alternator can provide on a steady basis. Probably depends on the alternator, correct?

Sounds like a great system. Glad it's working out for you.
-Brian

[RGD615]

Originally Posted by Brian_HR

I'm watching this thread with interest. Have you received your batteries? Would love to see what you've come up with. Our 2021 24B has the PD 4060K which has the Lithium switch but it looks like when you do that it only outputs 14.6V (no boost or float setting as best I can tell). As a first step I'm considering switching out the stock Lead Acid battery with one or two Lithiums and flipping the switch on the PD 4060K and see how that works.

Hey Brian, Yes I did . I bought the "Big Battery" 12V - 170ah. I also bought a Progressive Dynamics 9100AL (for Lithium) to replace my 9200. It is a plug and play and I won't have to mess with the dongle. I charged the battery with the new charge on my work bench. I wired it to a 1000 watt PS inverter. I used a Victron Wifi shunt to track what was going on. I used my Fluke Meter to double check voltages and a clamp meter to check amps going into the battery. . ….To check discharge I plugged a power strip into the inverter and a 150 watt flood light into the strip. Powered up and waited. It went from 6:30pm to 8 something am. My meter showed 10.5 V as did the battery gauge.The shunt showed 168ah used but, my inverter shut off at 10.5v anyway. So satisfied I stooped there. Yesterday was remove everything from the RV today was try and figure out how to put it back in better. I will post pictures asap.

[Camp4life]

Originally Posted by RGD615

Hey Brian, Yes I did . I bought the "Big Battery" 12V - 170ah. I also bought a Progressive Dynamics 9100AL (for Lithium) to replace my 9200. It is a plug and play and I won't have to mess with the dongle. I charged the battery with the new charge on my work bench. I wired it to a 1000 watt PS inverter. I used a Victron Wifi shunt to track what was going on. I used my Fluke Meter to double check voltages and a clamp meter to check amps going into the battery. . ….To check discharge I plugged a power strip into the inverter and a 150 watt flood light into the strip. Powered up and waited. It went from 6:30pm to 8 something am. My meter showed 10.5 V as did the battery gauge.The shunt showed 168ah used but, my inverter shut off at 10.5v anyway. So satisfied I stooped there. Yesterday was remove everything from the RV today was try and figure out how to put it back in better. I will post pictures asap.

Yes, please keep us updated! I have a 2019 Redhawk and Ive been struggling with what lithium battery system to install. I was leaning battleborn but the Big Battery looks like a great possibility. I have 10" H under the step and the Big Battery is almost 12" H. Where are you planning on mounting it?

[RGD615]

Originally Posted by Camp4life

Yes, please keep us updated! I have a 2019 Redhawk and Ive been struggling with what lithium battery system to install. I was leaning battleborn but the Big Battery looks like a great possibility. I have 10" H under the step and the Big Battery is almost 12" H. Where are you planning on mounting it?

On my 2018 Greyhawk I have, on the drivers side...compartments in this order...1st the generator, 2nd little storage compartment, 3rd the "power bay", 4th the battery, 5th slightly larger compartment where the RV company I purchased from installed a second battery. The inverter was all the way in the back under the bed. Now the inverter, the single lithium battery (room for another), the MPPT solar controller are all together.

[RGD615]

I promised photos even though I am not through straightening and securing wires. The Mt-50 sitting in front of the battery is a second one I had. I included the instrument cluster I made where the tray and coin holder was. Before everything was all over the dash. Sorry one photo is sideways. Don't know how to fix it.

[RGD615]

Originally Posted by RGD615

I have moved everything ... I'll start posting photos when i get the batteries...so it will be a minute.

I just got finished doing all of the above...almost finished and post a reply to Brian...I think I get so lost on here. The pictures are also on my profile pictures with descriptions. Contact me, reply or what ever it takes if you have questions...Peace Richard