2021 AI19 - Scoping out lithium upgrade

[Gehlenv]

We have a 2021 AI19 on order and are expecting to take deliver mid May. We are looking into upgrading to additional Lithium batteries for a total of 400ah or 600ah. Does anyone know the dimensions of the coach battery boxes? I understand they are located underneath the front seats... left and right side. Does anyone know the generator model or dimensions? I couldn’t find specifics in the AI manual online.

[1919]

You are correct, the batteries are under the seats. But under the van, outside. You won't be putting additional batteries there. Right under the driver's seat in the van is the dc to dc battery charger for the Lithium, as well as a Mercedes fuse and other electrical devices, relays and such. Directly under the passenger seat inside is the Magnum 1000 inverter. The generator is a Onan, 2800w, if I remember. Look in your owners packet.

[1919]

Sorry! You don't have the manuals yet! Just saw that you have it on order. I can take pics of the batts, it you want.

[Gehlenv]

Originally Posted by 1919

You are correct, the batteries are under the seats. But under the van, outside. You won't be putting additional batteries there. Right under the driver's seat in the van is the dc to dc battery charger for the Lithium, as well as a Mercedes fuse and other electrical devices, relays and such. Directly under the passenger seat inside is the Magnum 1000 inverter. The generator is a Onan, 2800w, if I remember. Look in your owners packet.

Thanks! This super helpful and gives me good idea of the orientation of things.

[Schmitte]

Originally Posted by Gehlenv

We have a 2021 AI19 on order and are expecting to take deliver mid May. We are looking into upgrading to additional Lithium batteries for a total of 400ah or 600ah. Does anyone know the dimensions of the coach battery boxes? I understand they are located underneath the front seats... left and right side. Does anyone know the generator model or dimensions? I couldn’t find specifics in the AI manual online.

Check out a thread by drpeggau on this forum. He had one of the first AI19s and documented a LiFePO4 upgrade

[Ilguy]

I’ve got a 2021 24GL also on order for April/May delivery. Sure seems like AS is behind the times with the smallest inverter in it’s class. Would love to see the 12v A/C, larger lithium banks and a minimum 2000w inverter on the standard build. The diesel furnace technology is also pretty cool. I’d assume they could save a lot of weight by eliminating LP tank and generator while increasing battery bank.

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by Gehlenv

We have a 2021 AI19 on order and are expecting to take deliver mid May. We are looking into upgrading to additional Lithium batteries for a total of 400ah or 600ah. Does anyone know the dimensions of the coach battery boxes? I understand they are located underneath the front seats... left and right side. Does anyone know the generator model or dimensions? I couldn’t find specifics in the AI manual online.

Hi and welcome! Good subject imo How does one increase house reserve in an AI19 with little or no available space? The roof is already full.

[Gehlenv]

Originally Posted by DaveG

Hi and welcome! Good subject imo How does one increase house reserve in an AI19 with little or no available space? The roof is already full.

Yeah, it’s all about optimizing space for sure. I am learning so far that there is some space below the rear sofa where 600ah of lithium and a 3000w inverter can easily be installed... obviously not ideal because that is some prime storage space. There are two battery boxes up front where the 100ah lithium are stored (one each side), I am a not sure the dimensions of those boxes. It’s also possible to remove the generator, leaving some good usable space there. I think there are some good possibilities and lots of options for system design. I can’t wait until my delivery so I can assess.

[Gehlenv]

Originally Posted by Ilguy

I’ve got a 2021 24GL also on order for April/May delivery. Sure seems like AS is behind the times with the smallest inverter in it’s class. Would love to see the 12v A/C, larger lithium banks and a minimum 2000w inverter on the standard build. The diesel furnace technology is also pretty cool. I’d assume they could save a lot of weight by eliminating LP tank and generator while increasing battery bank.

Ha! Yeah, just wait... I’ve got all these modifications to do on my 2021 and they will announce big improvement for 2022

[DaveG]

"It’s also possible to remove the generator, leaving some good usable space there."

Will shore power always be available?

[Gehlenv]

Originally Posted by DaveG

"It’s also possible to remove the generator, leaving some good usable space there."

Will shore power always be available?

No, probably very limited occasions with shore power. With a 600ah lithium pack I don’t think the generator would be necessary. Our plan is to install a second dedicated alternator that provides 80 to 90 amps @ 24v at idle. That will top up the battery quickly.

Our prior RV was a Winnebago View. The generator was our least favorite aspect... noisy, complicated, additional maintenance.

Does any one have the generator model number installed in 2020/21 19s? I’d love to look up the dimensions. There may not be enough space there to make a difference.

[Gehlenv]

Where do you access the generator on the AI19? I’ve read through the entire 2021 manual but no details on location or access I can find.

Dimensions (at least on paper) would support either a 600ah Lithionics battery or a bank of three 200ah Victron batteries with room to build a battery box in the case of Victron.

[OTRA15]

Please see reply in your other thread:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...ss-220497.html

[Gehlenv]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Please see reply in your other thread:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...ss-220497.html

Thanks Peter. No real answer there, just confirmation that the manual doesn’t say where it is located. I had figured that part out. I did receive a reply in the Facebook group that it is located near the rear in front of the propane tank with access from underneath. That gives me a good idea.

[gcarter]

For info only


DIY LiFepo4 battery. 310Ah 8.25" H x 6.7" D x 11" W

Under $500 plus BMS.

[ATaber]

Here is a link to an installation of lithium batteries you might find helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIAN...eneIronTravels

Also, this couple have many other videos with really good RV living ideas.