Need to add Lithium Batter and charger to 2019 RP1 - Event Date: 23 Jan 2023 - 23 Feb 2023 |
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offgrid
Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
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Calendar Event: Need to add Lithium Batter and charger to 2019 RP1 Posted: 23 Jan 2023 at 2:06pm |
The rpod running and brake light circuits are independent from the line supplying charge to the Rpod battery, so all your lights and backup cam will still work even if you disconnect the charge circuit which is pin 4.
But if you want to charge your new battery while kn the road you'll need a DC to DC converter, which should be connected directly to the trailer end of pin 4 before anything else splits off that line. DC/DC converters are available inexpensively on Amazon and elsewhere. If you choose to do that, get one around 20A with an output voltage matching the charge spec of your battery. And, be sure to disconnect it immediately upon setting up camp unless it already cuts off with your ignition, or it will continue to discharge your start battery. |
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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Marvin
Groupie Joined: 21 Jan 2023 Location: Gig Harbor, WA Online Status: Offline Posts: 45 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 23 Jan 2023 at 1:40pm |
Thank you Offgrid for all that. Just what I'm looking for. I will check out all your information.
One note... one of my upgrades is to add a tongue box that will hold the Propane tank, leveling and towing gear. The battery will be relocated back about 2.5 feet to inside the RV under the front seat/bed. I'll probably insulate that compartment outside walls while I at it just for the reasons you stated about the cold, especially here in the NW and especially the mountains we love so much. Hummm... I was wondering about the 12V tow vehicle power from my 7 way towing connector, just forgot to mention it. Problem is... I run with my headlights on to supply power to the RV clearance lights that also power my add-on Rear View Camera that is very handy when passing and backing up. It therefor is only on when I'm driving the rig. GOT ANY IDEAS ON THAT? I'll take before and after photos and post when done. |
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Marv
2019 RP178 Highly Modified 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Turbo Charger |
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offgrid
Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 23 Jan 2023 at 1:12pm |
Hi Marv, and welcome.
Heres some comments. If I understand what you're wanting to do correctly, your items 1 and 2 are one and the same. The converter is just another name for the ac to DC battery charger. And yes you'll want to replace that. While all Lithium batteries come with a BMS (battery management system) which should protect the battery from over/undercharge, operating at too high or too low temps, it should be considered a last line of defense only. So you should remove the converter/battery charger and replace it with one properly set up to manage Li battery charging. There is a direct replacement made by WFCO whivh made the lead acid converter you have now. Progressive dynamics also makes them. Re your question 3 you can connect your solar charge controller directly to the battery (via an appropriate fuse, located at the battery, not the solar end). Be sure to get one with the appropriate lithium setting. And yes the solar ready option is just a couple of wires. It only adds resistance losses, doesn't really add and benefit. There is also a 4th electrical connection to consider. You will either need to disconnect 12V tow vehicle power from your 7 way towing connector or if you need that change source, install a DC to DC converter to manage the voltage difference between your TV batters and rpod battery. This is because your alternator, like the converter, isn't set up for lithium charging. One other consideration. Lithium batteries cannot be safely charged when too cold, so if you will be camping in sub freezing temps you will either need to keep the batteries in the heated space or buy ones that are self heating. It's usually preferred to keep them in the heated area because self heating wastes energy Have fun on your off grid adventures. |
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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Marvin
Groupie Joined: 21 Jan 2023 Location: Gig Harbor, WA Online Status: Offline Posts: 45 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 23 Jan 2023 at 11:19am |
I’m going off grid and want to install a 200 Amp Lithium
battery and 200What Solor panels.
Because its Lithium I need to use a Lithium charger. So this present three issues as I see it. 1. 1. Bypassing/disconnecting the existing lead acid
battery charger in the Panel (?). 2. 2. Disconnecting/replacing the existing 120 to 12
vote converter so it does not interfere with the Lithium charger and Lithium
battery. 3. 3. Tieing the new 12 vote solar system into the
RPod 12 vote system, which I assume is currently running off the existing 120
to 12 vote converter that is also charging the lead acid battery. Of course I will be using a Solar Controller for the panels as well. I hope I have explained this correctly. NOTE: Yes the Trailer comes with so called “Solar Ready” but that’s a bad joke as I understand it because its just a way to plug a external portable panel into the side plug, but there is no Solar Controller to prevent over charging the battery. So, I will not be using that existing system unless someone can provide information to the contrary. Any help is appreciated. Thank you. |
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Marv
2019 RP178 Highly Modified 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Turbo Charger |
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