We have a 2024 accolade and would like to change out the 4 6-v battery bank to 2 300 amp hr lithium. I thought I read somewhere that all the current gear will support it but won’t to make sure ?
Thanks
Your rig likely has a converter that includes the switch that will change its charging profile from traditional lead-acid batteries to one suitable for lithium batteries. That will allow your rig to charge your new batteries fulling when plugged-in or running the generator.
But another aspect that must be considered/addressed is the Battery Isolation Manager (BIM). The BIM is what allows the chassis alternator to recharge the house batteries as you drive, and it also allows the converter to recharge your chassis batteries when you are parked and plugged-in or running the generator. The manufacturer of your original BIM makes a lithium-compatible version that will protect your alternator from "overworking" itself if you start driving with depleted house batteries. Since lithium batteries can absorb a charge at a much faster rate that lead-acid batteries you don't want your alternator to overheat. A lithium BIM limits how much current is sent to the batteries to protect the alternator.
Likewise if your converter is set to a lithium charging profile, the lithium BIM will limit what charging is allowed to pass through to the chassis batteries. It will still allow the system to charge your chassis batteries, but it won't allow them to be overcharged and damaged.
Another function of the BIM is to tie both battery banks together for "emergency starting" when necessary and you use the button on the bottom of the dash to the left of the steering column.
Some owners have "bypassed" the BIM and install a component known as a DC-to-DC charger which also limits how much charging current can be passed from the chassis alternator to the house battery bank. That device protects the alternator from overheating if the house battery bank is depleted and the engine is running. But then provisions must be made to provide "emergency starting" if the BIM has been removed or bypassed.
I have 600Ah of lithium batteries in my 2014 and use Precision Circuit's lithium BIM. I did have to swap my converter section, since my original converter did not have the lithium profile switch newer rigs have. I also have 600 watts of PV panels on my roof, it all works together very well for me. Your wiring will look different than mine, your BIM is in the compartment to the rear of your battery tray hidden behind a removeable panel.
