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Interstate 1 · 05-02-2025, 12:08 AM

I just replaced my AGM start battery on my 2022 Interstate 19 with an Antigravity LifePO4 lithium battery. Do I need to bypass the Victron DC to DC gfactory installed buck booster or do I need to reprogram it with new settings via its USB port. If so, what settings should I change.? The new start battery has a built in BMS. The correct configuration is causing the Start battery to drain below 12 volts. Many thanks.

SunchaserV · 05-02-2025, 07:31 AM

Li batteries are not recommended for starting applications. Given all the chips and algorithms on your engine and alternator which are designed for AGMs, I can see some additional problems arising whether warranty, cold weather charging, under the hood temperatures or emission controls.

StogieMan · 05-02-2025, 08:51 AM

I agree with SunchaserV on this one. Besides, having that additional BMS is going to make things a bit wonky with the older Victron Buck Boost. The BMS is going to do what it’s programmed to do. With no access to that BMS, you don’t know what the settings are. I have the settings for AGM batteries and I’ve attached it as a screenshot so that maybe you can get it sorted/figured out.

I would not bypass the VBB as this will disable you getting your house batteries charged up while driving.

If you have things apart, I would consider installing the new Victron Orion XS 50A charger as it would be easier to program. To program the older VBB you’ll need a PC as you can’t do the update with a Mac which is a royal PITA. I had to buy a used PC to get the two that I had programmed. I eventually did away with them and bough the new Orions XS that are BT and easy to program.

sfranklin · 05-02-2025, 09:06 AM

There are some out there like this one:

https://millertechenergy.com/product...ith-bluetooth/

My understanding is that the alternator would need to be able to charge this and IIRC, lithium takes 14.x volts to properly charge where most alternators don't charge at those voltages?

StogieMan · 05-02-2025, 12:46 PM

Actually, try downloading the OverkillSolar app and see if you can get into that BMS to change its settings and line them up with what will work.

However, just to be clear - I would still not swap out the AGM battery for a Lithium one for the chassis battery.

Interstate 1 · 05-02-2025, 10:35 PM

The Antigravity LifePO4 are specially designed for use as a start battery. 80amp 2000 cranking amps. Plus the shut down when they get too low but you can push the remote fob and it will give you about 6 more starts. I hear what you’re saying about sticking with AGM’s but I’ve had bad luck with them. I purchased the latest Victron DC to DC charger with Bluetooth because I too couldn’t get the old Victron to work with the USB port. Any ideas on the settings I should set on the new Orion XS would be great. Again., thanks

PaulBristol · 05-03-2025, 08:14 AM

The battery manufacture and the RV chassis manufacturer are the experts. Ask them.

The chances are the chassis manufacturer will disavow all knowledge of LI start batteries. That leaves the battery manufacturer. Call customer support. Have make, and model of each component handy.

StogieMan · 05-03-2025, 09:13 AM

On the Orion XS you’ll just need the charging parameters of your house batteries. Mainly the the absorption and float numbers. No need to input any info from the new starter battery as the voltage from the new starter battery is auto detected.

Also don’t forget to re-install the engine detection wire back. On the old VBB, IIRC is either the green or purple wire. On the new Orion XS remove the jumper cable and install the wire on the H side port.

The Orions have a way to detect the engine being on by voltage but I would not trust it. With the engine detection wire connected, it will only come on when the engine is on and shut off when the engine is off.

There is a decent video on how to program it and I’ll try to find it for you.

Edit to add video.

Found the video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9KZM4y...T3Jpb24geHM%3D

Interstate 1 · 05-03-2025, 01:28 PM

Thanks StogiMan and others for your great replies. My house batteries are Battleborn LifePO4 100 amp. Does anyone know the proper Orion settings for these. My Orion’s on the way.

Interstate 1 · 05-04-2025, 09:02 PM

Need OrionXS settings for LifePO4 batteries Both my Start and coach batteries are LifePO 4. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Here’s my setup

StogieMan · 05-05-2025, 05:43 AM

A quick search of your BattleBorn batteries turns up these charging parameters:

* Bulk/absorb = 14.2V–14.6V.*
* Float = 13.6V or lower.*
* No equalization (or set it to 14.4V if possible).*
* No temperature compensation.*
* Absorption time is approximately 20 minutes per battery,*if possible.

If you watched the video and as I mentioned above with the D+ start wire connected you don’t need to do anything for the starter battery settings. By looking at your first picture, it looks like you installed it in the right location so you are good there.

Just make sure that you have the engine detection tab off like in the attached picture.

When not using the D+ wire then you have to program the settings for the starter battery as it will turn on/off the charger based on these voltages.

If you bought the Victron charger from an authorized Victron vendor, give them a call and they can help you with the setup and able to help you if you run into any issues.

Definitely keeps us posted as most DC-DC chargers are mostly used to charge a house battery from a lead-acid battery and not a starter lithium starter battery as these are rare.

Interstate 1 · 05-05-2025, 08:32 PM

So far so good. Thanks StogiMan for your info on settings. I checked to make sure the generator feeds the charger as well as when the RV is hooked to shore power. I’m doing a simulated boon docking and so far so good. Well let you know the results. With the prior electronics, the start battery shut down due to low voltage. I press the button on the provided remote from AntiGravity Batteries and the van started right up.
Again, Thanks

mrcolin2u · 05-07-2025, 09:37 AM

What’s the advantage of a lithium battery for starting your engine ? A lead acid battery works fine and should last for years and a much lower chance of exploding like a lithium battery.

Bnystrom · 05-07-2025, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcolin2u

What’s the advantage of a lithium battery for starting your engine ? A lead acid battery works fine and should last for years and a much lower chance of exploding like a lithium battery.

Are you comparing to a flooded lead-acid (FLA) battery or an AG?

Compared to FLA, both AGM and LiFePO4 batteries are maintenance-free. LiFePO4 batteries have the advantage of being much lighter weight than either type of lead-acid and pack much more power in a given size. That said, I'd be hesitant to switch to a LiFePO4 starting battery in our Sprinter-based RV, as Mercedes electronics are notoriously finicky.

For the record: LiFePO4 batteries are extremely safe, don't "explode", and are not prone to catching fire.

You've got a much greater chance of a fire from your phone, charging pack, laptop, or e-bike battery. All of these use lithium-ion chemistries that are prone to thermal runaway - and fires - if they're damaged.

FLA batteries are also prone to explosions and fires if they're overcharged or allowed to go dry while being charged.

JayP · 05-07-2025, 08:40 PM

Interstate 1, now that both your chassis and starter batteries are Lithium, do you have a generator and have you started it with your Lithiums yet? My understanding (and recent wiring changes) is that the LI’s will use too many Amps for the starter on the generator. Be interesting if you have an amp meter and can make that measurement. I hope it works for you.

My original Sprinter OEM AGM’s just needed replacing - yes after more than 10 years so I have no issue with chassis AGM’s.

Interstate 1 · 05-07-2025, 10:41 PM

80 hours with no shore power. Fridge, WiFi modem, hot spot and Dish network all running the whole time. Cloudy weather for my solar panels on the rook but all batteries still at 13.3 volts. Couldn’t get 12 hours with the AGM battery dropping well below 12 volts. Generator starts fine. All components are made for LifePO4 batteries. The Orion XS is set to the settings from each batteries manufacture. The starter LifePO4 is made specifically for starting. Also if it should ever get drained, it shuts off but all you have to go then is press the remote that comes with it and you can get appropriately 6?start cycles, no need to jumpstart. I sure, people bashed AGM’s when they first came out. So far so good with the Antigravity battery.

Bnystrom · 05-08-2025, 07:39 AM

Well, it's good to know that it's working well for you. That's another option to consider when my AGM chassis battery croaks.

mrcolin2u · 05-08-2025, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bnystrom

Are you comparing to a flooded lead-acid (FLA) battery or an AG?

Compared to FLA, both AGM and LiFePO4 batteries are maintenance-free. LiFePO4 batteries have the advantage of being much lighter weight than either type of lead-acid and pack much more power in a given size. That said, I'd be hesitant to switch to a LiFePO4 starting battery in our Sprinter-based RV, as Mercedes electronics are notoriously finicky.

For the record: LiFePO4 batteries are extremely safe, don't "explode", and are not prone to catching fire.

You've got a much greater chance of a fire from your phone, charging pack, laptop, or e-bike battery. All of these use lithium-ion chemistries that are prone to thermal runaway - and fires - if they're damaged.

FLA batteries are also prone to explosions and fires if they're overcharged or allowed to go dry while being charged.

Is this your house battery or starter battery ?
House battery I can see a definite advantage but to start your engine you don’t need lithium because your vehicle runs on an alternator once the engine starts !

Bnystrom · 05-09-2025, 12:05 PM

The only definite advantage I can see to a lithium starting battery is that it will be half the weight of an AGM. It may be more durable, which is the case with chassis batteries. You're right that it's not necessary.

Interstate 1 · 05-09-2025, 11:24 PM

Benefits of a LifePO4 start battery:
1.High cranking amps, 2000
2. High reserve power
3. Weighs a lot less
4. Has BMS built into it
5. Longer Life
6. Longer warranty
7. If the battery gets so low it shuts off. You simply push the button on the battery or the supplied remote and you get up to six starts. Nice peace of mind.

Yes the alternator charges the start battery. But it also charges the coach batteries. The 200 amp smart alternator on my 2021 Mercedes has plenty of power. Also, when the engine is off the start battery charges the coach batteries.

My setup on my Airstream Interstate 19 works great. 2 days of boondocking. with my fridge, WiFi hot spot , dish network and tv on all day and my start battery is at 13.3 and my coach batteries at 13.2 with little help from my roof solar panels due to clouds.

May be I’m lucky but with the AGM batteries, II’ve tried 3 different ones, I couldn’t go a day without having my coach batteries drop below 11.75 volts.

I’m very happy with my setup. See my photos of the before and after. The Victron Orion XS is a godsend. Thanks again for all the positive input. They’ll always be negative naysayers on anything different than the norm.

Thanks