2019 Classic / How to add lithium under sofa

[jmitchell]

Nice summary turk123-

Typical for me… I have a tendency to develop these types of solutions based on my self-established, unmovable principles (everything needs to be “perfect”). Low and behold, someone comes along and just does something that works beautifully. Often the beauty is in the function not the design (just don’t tell the engineer)…

[turk123]

Originally Posted by jmitchell

Nice summary turk123-

Typical for me… I have a tendency to develop these types of solutions based on my self-established, unmovable principles (everything needs to be “perfect”). Low and behold, someone comes along and just does something that works beautifully. Often the beauty is in the function, not the design (just don’t tell the engineer)…

I'm just glad we found a solution and we can use the lower-priced Battleborn batteries. Thank you LilPeanut for the trailblazing.

My next question is how many batteries to install. I have five 90 watt Zamp panels on the roof for 450 watts of solar. Checked today and there is little room for any more. Again I would be hard-pressed to put in 4 batteries if the solar can't keep up. Three should give me enough for four or five days that we typically boondock. Recharging with shore power after that.

Does anyone know how to calculate the time it would take for the Victron Multiplus 3000 to charge 300ah of batteries?

[Froglips]

turk123,
Like you, I prefer elegant solutions. I was only planning on four batteries. I want to look at batteries in the armrests to utilize the dead space and avoid overcrowding under the recliner.
I intend to add three panels to the roof. I called Zamp and got the kit number for the Airstream panels. They are available from Back Country Solar, kit 1010. The exciting part of the discussion with Zamp is that I can add three panels without changing the combiner or AS wiring. Zamp claims the Classic 30 was designed to handle 6 panels using the Zamp Y connectors with their 3-way combiner box.

[Froglips]

Oh, because we switched threads, I will remind you that I am planning on installing a Honda generator behind the LP tanks, converted to run on LP. I was going to squeeze in a 2200 watt but now I am thinking I will do a 1000 watt. I was thinking it through and realized that I don't need a generator large enough to run the trailer. I only need to charge the batteries. The batteries run the trailer! The Honda 1000 is even quieter than the 2200 (49 db) and should really sip LP lightly.

[turk123]

Originally Posted by Froglips

Oh, because we switched threads, I will remind you that I am planning on installing a Honda generator behind the LP tanks, converted to run on LP. I was going to squeeze in a 2200 watt but now I am thinking I will do a 1000 watt. I was thinking it through and realized that I don't need a generator large enough to run the trailer. I only need to charge the batteries[URL="https://generatorbible.com/compare/p-9052/p-9053/"]. The batteries run the trailer! The Honda 1000 is even quieter than the 2200 (49 db) and should really sip LP lightly.

Here is a good comparison of the two generators. The part I like about the 1000 is the 28lbs!

https://generatorbible.com/compare/p-9052/p-9053/

[turk123]

I believe the smaller generator will power the Multiplus at a lower rate and increase your battery charging times. Here is a setting on the Victron multiplus 3000:

Procedure
The AC input current limit can be set using DIP switches ds8, ds7 and ds6 (default setting: 50A).
Procedure: set the DIP switches to the required value:
ds8 ds7 ds6
off off off = 6,3A
off off on = 10A
off on off = 12A
off on on = 16A
on off off = 20A
on off on = 25A
on on off = 30A
on on on = 50A
Remark: Manufacturer-specified continuous power ratings for small generators are sometimes inclined to be rather
optimistic. In that case, the current limit should be set to a much lower value than would otherwise be required on
the basis of manufacturer-specified data.

It makes sense that this would be true. I'm not that versed with electronics. Maybe someone could chime in here (why I will not be doing this install myself) and comment on charging output.

[AirMiles]

Originally Posted by turk123

I believe the smaller generator will power the Multiplus at a lower rate and increase your battery charging times. Here is a setting on the Victron multiplus 3000:

Procedure
The AC input current limit can be set using DIP switches ds8, ds7 and ds6 (default setting: 50A).
Procedure: set the DIP switches to the required value:
ds8 ds7 ds6
off off off = 6,3A
off off on = 10A
off on off = 12A
off on on = 16A
on off off = 20A
on off on = 25A
on on off = 30A
on on on = 50A
Remark: Manufacturer-specified continuous power ratings for small generators are sometimes inclined to be rather
optimistic. In that case, the current limit should be set to a much lower value than would otherwise be required on
the basis of manufacturer-specified data.

It makes sense that this would be true. I'm not that versed with electronics. Maybe someone could chime in here (why I will not be doing this install myself) and comment on charging output.

I get to listen to all kinds of generators at NASCAR races. Some really big open frame ones I regret to say. But I like the tone of bigger inverter generators. I like the low purr of the 3000W class inverter generators. The 2000W generator may be quieter in DBs, but has to run at higher rpms. The 1000W generator also may be quieter but will need to run at even higher rpms. I think the sound of a 1000W Honda generator is annoying. It has a higher pitch sound like finger nails on a chalkboard, exaggeration but helps you understand what I'm suggesting. To my hearing taste, I would choose the 2000W over the 1000W and the 3000W over both of them. Everyone has a different hearing perception and may disagree with my taste.

[Froglips]

I have heard the 3000 and 2000. Different sound patterns but neither offensive. Not sure where to go hear a 1000 before I buy one. The decibel difference is significant 49 v 53.

[MarkBry]

I have a 20 Classic 30 and am in the midst of adding lithium. I considered under the sofa. One of my ideas was to remove the three piece couch and replace it with two lazyboy recliners. Then build a wall to wall box behind them just tall enough to accommodate the batteries. Instead, i had a new battery box fabricated slightly larger than the original. The new box is insulated but not heated. I have also installed my converter/inverter, solar controller, battery and solar disconnects, and main fuses in the new box. I am not installing heat as i believe the various components will add sufficent heat. I spoke with the battery mfg and they said the batteries would be fine receiving a low current, <18a charge down to 0 degrees f. I am able to set that up in the PD smart charger. I’m thinking i may have to install vents for the summer. I am a bit concerned with the extra weight, just under 100# all said. I’ll be able to do a test tow next week. Anyway, I’ll end up with 700 watts of solar and 900ah of lithium. Second part for down the road is to replace the fridge with a residential compressor type and the cook top with electric.

[DocHalo]

Originally Posted by Froglips

Constraints for me appear to be:
1) My wife won't let me move or modify the reclining sofa.
2) I can not move any more significant weight behind the rear axle. (Maybe after I get the generator mounted.)

I am pretty sure I could fit the 200w hybrid inverter under one of the recliners.
Attachment 363034
The center is pretty full with the sub and the 12v panel box.
Attachment 363035
However, as we all know, there are two armrest storage areas carefully engineered so that neither the Airstream chairs or the cushions for the dropdown table will fit in them, that are usually empty. I think I can build a slider that will fit inside the armrest storage and hold the inverter. Two batteries will fit in each armrest storage.
Attachment 363033

As I crawled around under the recliner, I can't help but give a shout out for the now-standard Airstream quality. They didn't use to look like this in their hidden corners.
Attachment 363032

======

Did you ever install batteries and/or related gear in the “carefully engineered” armrests? If yes, pics?

[Shinytow]

I have a 2020 Classic 30 RB Twin and am also interested in adding 2 additional Zamp 90 watt panels which would increase total wattage to 450w. My initial assessment would be to locate 4 battle born 100 amp batteries and a Spartan 2200 watt inverter/charger in the wardrobe closet. This has an unreinforced floor measuring approximately 34” w x 27” deep. The existing solar panel wiring is already located there and the Victron charge controller, and electrical distribution panel is just below the floor of the wardrobe. It would appear, at first blush, this is a more logical location rather than under the front sofa or the outside curbside storage compartment. The job of reinforcing the wardrobe floor could be the most difficult part of the install. Has anyone considered installing in this location?