Magnum inverter and lithium settings

[Hawk-ination]

Wondering if any of you have installed lithium batteries and left the Magnum inverter in place. Getting ready to upgrade and wondering what settings work to partially charge the lithium batteries. I realize it is not ideal and will only charge to like 80 percent. Want to get the batteries in before tackling the inverter upgrade.

I see Magnum lists a setting profile but a bridge is needed. Might go that route for a bit, but haven’t decided yet.

Believe we have the MMS1012 inverter. Thanks.

[AI Joe]

Thinking about the same thing. 2016 Interstate with 3 100w GoPower solar panels; upgraded PVCM25D-MPT Atkinson Controller, and Magnum MMS1012. I have 4 GPL-4CT 6v Lifeline batteries mounted under chassis behind the rear wheels.

BattleBorn charging parameters for 100AH (from Battleborn) Bulk at 14.2-.6, Absorb the same and Float at 13.6 or lower. The MMS1012 set to AGM 1 is 14.6, 14.3 and 13.1. Battleborn told me I would charge to about 90%, which is good to excellent for Lithium as some say 100% full charge always can shorten battery life.

We mostly camp in shaded areas, be it on the east or west coast, so solar isn't always the greatest. And I do not object to using my generator, except in the early morning hours at a crowded campground.

So, lithium in stages, with 4 batteries first, is what I too am considering. From what I have figured, a larger inverter means giving up storage space, et. al. It would be nice to add a 3000w inverter, but not so necessary, as besides the morning Nespresso coffee there is not much else we would need it for.

Only question I haven't answered is what to do about the engine alternator and BIM; not so sure our Mercedes alternator will be happy with lithium without some added electronics.

Will be interested in reading what others post here as I would like the extra 12v hours when boondocking.

[Hawk-ination]

The solution is in replacing our current BIM with the Progressive Industries LI-BIM. You can find a really good video on the replacement that Irene Irene Travels put together on You Tube.
We are finishing removing the battery box tomorrow and will start on the Lithium install over the weekend. Thankful to have the videos to follow as it makes it so much easier than having to figure everything out without instructions.

Still wondering if anyone has still charged their lithium batteries with the current settings in the Magnum even from what they said in the following...

Magnum Industries responded to my email and said that we need the ME-RC50 L unless your newer Interstate has that remote control already installed. It has the lithium profile loaded. The service person said the ME-RC50 L needs version 2.9 loaded and the MMS1012 needs version 2.0. I wish they would have provided further information so I might need to call and figure out if just adding the ME-RC50 L will suffice. Not sure if we can update our inverters. Maybe someone on the forum will know and share.

Here’s the link to the lithium upgrade video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIANRToD-vU&t=1332s

[CorkWins]

I am planning adding lithium.I will remove the BIM and replace with a DC to DC Charger. I have heard that the alternator outputs 35-60 amps at idle and 140 amps at speed. Sterling, Renogy and others provide such chargers. These chargers set the amount of current taken from the alternator thus preventing the lithium’s taking too much current.

[Hawk-ination]

I looked at the Renogy but they seem to have problems with the studs breaking off. Wasn’t super comfortable with having an issue like that. Hope that problem is resolved. That was just my thinking on going with the Progressive Industries LI-Bim.

I’d probably look a little harder at the other options but needed to get the final piece in place before I have to return it to storage. Think it would be worth the time to investigate what might work best between limiting the amps or limiting the time the batteries get charged.

[Sailfast]

Originally Posted by Hawk-ination

Wondering if any of you have installed lithium batteries and left the Magnum inverter in place. Getting ready to upgrade and wondering what settings work to partially charge the lithium batteries. I realize it is not ideal and will only charge to like 80 percent. Want to get the batteries in before tackling the inverter upgrade.

I see Magnum lists a setting profile but a bridge is needed. Might go that route for a bit, but haven’t decided yet.

Believe we have the MMS1012 inverter. Thanks.

The existing MMS1012 can be left in place by installing a converter with lithium profile such as the progressive dynamics PD9160ALV (CC/CV charging). This unit can be mounted onto the rear wall of the wiring compartment where the magnum is installed. Go with #4 welding cable directly to the battery or inverter positive / negative. Then set the charge rate on the ME-MR to 10%. The primary 120V side can be taken from gen/shore pwr entrance to the magnum (would need to be fused). I take it from the breaker to the microwave which only works on gen or shore pwr. Also install the optional disconnect switch on the PD9100L. The cost is something north $200 (much less than replacing the magnum) .

All of the above depends on the size charger you intend to use. The generator can handle a charger up to 60A.

[Rocinante]

We did not leave the existing Magnum in place, partly because with 400Ah of batteries, we wanted a higher capacity inverter.

[Schmitte]

Me either. I went with the Xantrex xc 2000. 80 A charging, 2000 w inverter and fits under the jump seat.

[Sailfast]

Originally Posted by Schmitte

Me either. I went with the Xantrex xc 2000. 80 A charging, 2000 w inverter and fits under the jump seat.

Interesting ..... out of curiosity, the inverter circuit (battery and/or shore pwr) only feeds 2 TV outlets and one light appliance outlet (behind the drivers seat in my case) and at that for light loads only, would not be able to run a hair drier.

Did you route any or all other 120V circuits (normally operating on shore power / generator only) to the output side of your Xantrex XC 2000?

Also what size battery cable to you use with that inverter?

Just interested to find out whether folks increase battery capacity for better boon-docking capability or to operate heavier loads w/o shore- or gen-pwr. If it is the later, is the cost/benefit ratio worth the investment?

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by Sailfast

Interesting ..... out of curiosity, the inverter circuit (battery and/or shore pwr) only feeds 2 TV outlets and one light appliance outlet (behind the drivers seat in my case) and at that for light loads only, would not be able to run a hair drier.



Did you route any or all other 120V circuits (normally operating on shore power / generator only) to the output side of your Xantrex XC 2000?



Also what size battery cable to you use with that inverter?



Just interested to find out whether folks increase battery capacity for better boon-docking capability or to operate heavier loads w/o shore- or gen-pwr. If it is the later, is the cost/benefit ratio worth the investment?

In short, yes. All electrical outlets now pass through our 3kW Victron inverter.

[Hawk-ination]

Would be nice to have all the outlets working.

I believe the big difference between the Xantrex 2000 inverter and the Victron 3000 are the air conditioner can be run on the Victron (with Micro Start) and not on the Xantrex, correct? The Xantrex is smaller in size than the Victron I think. Anyone want to share what drove your decisions to put what inverter you picked for your upgrades?

[toskeysam]

We went with the Magnum 3012 hybrid. We went that route so we could run the air conditioner for brief periods. Times like stopping for lunch....or upon return to campsite when the van has warmed up while gone. Powered by 480 ahrs of Victron lithium batteries.

[Schmitte]

Originally Posted by Sailfast

Interesting ..... out of curiosity, the inverter circuit (battery and/or shore pwr) only feeds 2 TV outlets and one light appliance outlet (behind the drivers seat in my case) and at that for light loads only, would not be able to run a hair drier.



Did you route any or all other 120V circuits (normally operating on shore power / generator only) to the output side of your Xantrex XC 2000?



Also what size battery cable to you use with that inverter?



Just interested to find out whether folks increase battery capacity for better boon-docking capability or to operate heavier loads w/o shore- or gen-pwr. If it is the later, is the cost/benefit ratio worth the investment?

Currently, I have the inverter feeding the original inverted outlets and the microwave. It actually would have been easier to just feed all the AC circuits but I wasn’t comfortable dot that at the time. I will add the a/c and possibly the other outlets this spring. a/c can be run from 2000w inverter with an easy start, which I already installed

[AI Joe]

I gotta believe there are lots of us Interstate owners, with units from 2015 onward that want to upgrade to lithium. I am planing that now - but don't want to change the external look of my units interior, or lose storage space, as I am full up with gear and more to camp 365 days in any temperate (25-95 degrees) climate. Living in The Florida Keys I do love my air conditioning, but feel if needed while camping I will find a spot with electric hookups. So, I want lithium so I can go off-grid w/o worrying about my batteries with both the fridge and freezer units (Nova Cool OEM installed) running full time; a bit of lights, a TV for an hour or two, and my Nespresso in the morning w/o the noise of the generator disturbing the campground or me! So, after lots of research, I am seriously considering the Xantrex Freedom XC 2000 with Bluetooth remote (available since March 2020). That gives me all the inverter power I will normally need and I believe it will fit in the space under the manual fold-out rear drivers side jump seat, in the space where the Magnum MMS-1012 is. Not sure where I will add the Bluetooth remote, as it will not fit in the cabinet with other monitors without a complete re-work. (see photo). Will also add a Victron Bluetooth 500W shunt for further power monitoring capabilities and likely will switch out my upgraded Atkinson PVCM25D-MPT. [While it can be upgraded to Li compatible with a firmware upgrade, it would still not be bluetooth capable], so a Victron Solar Controller for my 3 GoPower roof mounted flex-panels, is also a likely choice, along with the addition of an external solar plug on the rear bumper to add a Xantrex 100w solar portable FLEX kit (or other) to provide some charging when camped in shade (my preferred option).
If I had the means to get the rig on a vehicle lift (to easily work underside while standing), I would consider doing this whole upgrade myself, but I have no access to a lift and haven't found an upfitter willing to do this work. [I already have 4 Lifeline 6v AGM's, installed by Jackson Center in 2017, so the battery boxes are ready to take the Battleborn 100ah BBGC2's.] Comments on any of the above, along with any relevant photos would be greatly appreciated. PM and calls also welcome - 305-393-2504

[AI Joe]

Check out this AirForum post: https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...de-194278.html.

If you don't want to use your AC while off-grid, this is, I believe, a perfect solution. Found out about this from a post I made in Facebook the other day; Susan Reynolds mentioned Xantrex and then E Schmitt added his comments and link to his 2019 upgrade post. Seems Eric has done us all a good deed.

As soon as I find a place where I can raise my AI to replace the 4 AGM's with 4 Battleborns, this is the route I will be taking. Haven't found a "pro" who wants to do this....maybe Jackson Center?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Airs...91851744453263

[Heckler56]

Originally Posted by AI Joe

Check out this AirForum post: https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...de-194278.html.

If you don't want to use your AC while off-grid, this is, I believe, a perfect solution. Found out about this from a post I made in Facebook the other day; Susan Reynolds mentioned Xantrex and then E Schmitt added his comments and link to his 2019 upgrade post. Seems Eric has done us all a good deed.

As soon as I find a place where I can raise my AI to replace the 4 AGM's with 4 Battleborns, this is the route I will be taking. Haven't found a "pro" who wants to do this....maybe Jackson Center?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Airs...91851744453263

Schmitte influenced my upgrade. At this point I have not changed out the magnum as the Sterling dc to dc and solar keep me fine off grid (I only use frig and freezer with the occasional toilet flush).

Check the fit of the gc2s in the underbody boxes. I tried to put mine there and it seemed 1/8” too small. Some say it works, I just couldn’t bring myself to subject a $1k battery to jamming it in.

[AI Joe]

Originally Posted by Heckler56

Schmitte influenced my upgrade. At this point I have not changed out the magnum as the Sterling dc to dc and solar keep me fine off grid (I only use frig and freezer with the occasional toilet flush).

Check the fit of the gc2s in the underbody boxes. I tried to put mine there and it seemed 1/8” too small. Some say it works, I just couldn’t bring myself to subject a $1k battery to jamming it in.

OK - will do - if I can get under the vehicle and clearly measure each dimension. I had my AGM boxes made at Jackson Center in 2017 and hope they will not require replacement. Thats the reason I am thinking of returning to JC for the LiFePO4 replacements - they are making new boxes specific for the GC2's, or they can readily fabricate new boxes. Sadly don't think they will do the Xantrex install. I checked out my space and it is the same as Eric's, all will fit as he describes. Might also add an external jack for xtra portable solar panels for when camping in the shade.
I would be happy to have Jackson Center do it all - would be good for others going forward, but not sure they are game to tackle the whole project. While I can probably do all this myself, I would need more tools, et. al. At 73 years old, I prefer to let an experienced professional do the work; especially getting under the rig. With age comes experience, but also wisdom to know when to let the pro's step in!

[Heckler56]

Originally Posted by AI Joe

OK - will do - if I can get under the vehicle and clearly measure each dimension. I had my AGM boxes made at Jackson Center in 2017 and hope they will not require replacement. Thats the reason I am thinking of returning to JC for the LiFePO4 replacements - they are making new boxes specific for the GC2's, or they can readily fabricate new boxes. Sadly don't think they will do the Xantrex install. I checked out my space and it is the same as Eric's, all will fit as he describes. Might also add an external jack for xtra portable solar panels for when camping in the shade.
I would be happy to have Jackson Center do it all - would be good for others going forward, but not sure they are game to tackle the whole project. While I can probably do all this myself, I would need more tools, et. al. At 73 years old, I prefer to let an experienced professional do the work; especially getting under the rig. With age comes experience, but also wisdom to know when to let the pro's step in!

For me living in ultra cold I wanted the batteries accessible to remove for winter storage so moving them inside was not a game changer. As far as the inverter I have installed on/off switches for the inverter, dc to dc charger, solar and fuses easily accessible under that jump seat by the inverter. I found a coffee maker that uses below 1000 watts and that basically is all my inverter is used for.

The only regret in my build was going with the three 100 watt solar panels. In retrospect I should have looked for three higher output panels. A friend custom built a enclosed trailer to camp in and bought used ~250watt panels from a utility company and captures a stunning 750 watts.

[Hawk-ination]

AI Joe, if I were in Florida, not to tell you what to do, but my first call would be to Lewster as he’s also in Florida now. After replacing our AGMs with Battle Borns, I would not be afraid to stray from the factory at all. If you aren’t upgrading to a 3000 watt inverter and have to run heavy gage cable, it wouldn’t be such a bad upgrade. Making the cables was probably the most time consuming part. It really wasn’t bad other than crouching under the sofa extension arm. You’d still have to crouch down even if it wasn’t there though.

If I had batteries in boxes under the Interstate, I also think I might want to hire that job out too. I agree on the solar panels, I somewhat wish I would have invested more in the higher watt panels. Roof real estate is worth a lot.

[AI Joe]

Hello Hawk-ination: Yes, I did contact Lew back in November 2020. His response was somewhat 'cookie-cutter,' in that he didn't answer my questions as to location of electronics, etc. He suggested his standard install with glass solar panels. Since I rarely benefit from solar, I was not too interested and in the end our e-mail conversations faded into the ether....
I am going in the direction of Schmitte - seems he did work that matches my needs. Have completed all the research, etc. and have drawn up my plans. They will include a suspension upgrade as well - so I likely will do some of the interior electrical work myself and then head West for suspension experts. I really like my 2016 and have not seen anything I would trade it in for . . . . perhaps in a few years when there are lots of updates to the way rigs are now built. So, investing some bucks into a vehicle I love so my wife and I can enjoy it for 3+ years more is worth the effort. Should I get it all done, I will post info here. I have just about completed a full .pdf file for myself on all the work - so I can understand all of it (important to know the intricacies of one's rig) and then find a accomplished pro to do the work, or farm some of it out (undercarriage) and tackle the rest myself. Good luck to me!