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Old 11-23-2020, 09:50 AM   #1
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2021 23' International
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Lithium for 2021 23FB International

Keeping in mind that I want to keep this simple, what would I need specifically to upgrade to two Lithium batteries to be charged from a car alternator, occasionally a Honda 2200, and one rooftop solar panel?


1. Will two Lithiums fit inside the existing battery box?/ What's the highest wattage batteries I can cram in there?

2. Presumably I'd need a solar charge controller--where to place it?


3. Can the voltage on the existing 1000 watt Vitron inverter/charger be turned up to 14.3 to avoid replacing it?


4. Is the factory solar pre-wire kit sufficient?

4. What other devices or wiring is necessary?
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Old 11-24-2020, 07:03 AM   #2
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We took delivery of a 2021 Globetrotter 27FB. We added (2) Renogy 170amh lithium for a total of 340amh. We also added 540 watts of solar on the roof and have a 200w solar suitcase. The moot inverter charger went near the batteries in the storage area behind the batteries in the trailer and although I hated to loose that space, we have enough left over for plenty of storage of wheel chokes, water hose, etc. the system works great
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Old 01-21-2021, 09:35 AM   #3
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After endless reviewing of this site regarding the desired upgrade, finally, through this Lupron haze, I think I may have a plan all together. And am ready to install the following today:

1. One Zamp rooftop 170 watt solar panel. Using supplied double face tape.
2. Two Relion 100 amp Lithiums (For a drop-in to battery box)
3. One Victron SmartSolar charge controller MPPT 75/15
4. One Progressive Dynamics PD4655LIV 55 Amp upgraded battery charger to replace stock unit.
5. One Victron BMV 712 SMART Bluetooth battery monitor.

My mental focus toggles in and out due to the meds so I'd appreciate any advice during the installation process today as I post my progress.
Thanks,
Glen
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Old 01-21-2021, 09:49 AM   #4
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Sounds like a good setup, and not a break the bank one either!
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Old 01-21-2021, 09:56 AM   #5
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So far, I've identified the factory solar pre-wires +yellow and -green. However it appears that at the factory my trailer may have had a partial solar install and then abandoned because those wires had been cut and then taped together with a smaller gauge orange wire.

1. Is it correct to connect the +yellow solar wire to a cutoff switch which then connects to the +side solar of Victron charge controller?
2. Then the -green is connected to the - side of the charge controller?
3. Then the charge controller +wire connects with 20amp inline fuse to the bus bar--but where exactly? Please show on attached photo.
4. And then, where does the negative battery controller output connect to? On the bus bar?
5. To avoid smoking the system, is there a particular sequence to connecting all of these components?
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Old 01-21-2021, 12:34 PM   #6
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We have a factory installed 100w zamp and controller add 100w panel = 200w on the roof. We add to SOK 100w lithium batteries inside (simple install) use the old battery box outside for storage. Also use a 180w suitcase unit via the trailer umbilical total 380w of solar. Since we have an IOTA charger/converter we simple upgraded the units controller for $35 - Installs was simple and inexpensive. (that's under $2000 cdn) Details of install: marriedwithairstream.com/the-lithium-experiment-introduction/
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Old 01-21-2021, 01:12 PM   #7
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Viking1, we have the factory solar installed. I took a photo of the Atkinson controller and wiring that may answer your questions.

By the way, look under the cover for a wiring diagram. Who knows what that orange wire was for...

Hope that helps!
Jeff
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Old 01-22-2021, 05:52 AM   #8
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Too cold for double-face tape?

By the time we set up the solar panel where we wanted it on the roof with the adjustable feet tightened down, the last thing left to do was peel back the super-strength 3M double-face tape and press down. Problem is that at the end of the day here in the mountains the temperature dropped into the forties and there was no adhesion.

If I had a heat gun or even a hair dryer to warm up the tape maybe that would help?
Weather forecast is cold, snow and rain for the next week. Suggestions?
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Old 01-22-2021, 06:12 AM   #9
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I’d suggest being patient. You really want the 3M tape and the sealant on top to set correctly. Mark the location of the feet with a sharpie and put the panel in the garage until you get some warmer weather and sun.
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Old 01-22-2021, 11:18 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prettygood View Post
I’d suggest being patient. You really want the 3M tape and the sealant on top to set correctly. Mark the location of the feet with a sharpie and put the panel in the garage until you get some warmer weather and sun.
Just called 3M and that is what they said also. Now to get the old tape off...
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Old 01-22-2021, 01:13 PM   #11
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You get the old tape off with scraper, then mineral spirits, then dawn soap/water, then isopropyl alcohol - so the next tape you use has a "clean" surface...
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Old 01-22-2021, 05:07 PM   #12
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Quote:
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Sounds like a good setup, and not a break the bank one either!
The stock 1000watt pure sine wave inverter has a surge capacity of 2,000 watts. Since we only use the inverter to watch TV and recharge laptops, that should be enough power.
I would rather have had the cabinet space where the convection/microwave is and saved the extra $500. We don't even use a microwave at home.
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Old 01-22-2021, 05:08 PM   #13
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You get the old tape off with scraper, then mineral spirits, then dawn soap/water, then isopropyl alcohol - so the next tape you use has a "clean" surface...
Sounds like I have quite a job ahead.
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Old 01-22-2021, 06:33 PM   #14
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What is airstream putting in for converters? Is a PD a big upgrade, 4 stage?
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Old 01-23-2021, 08:29 AM   #15
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What is airstream putting in for converters? Is a PD a big upgrade, 4 stage?
Factory install is a WF-8955PEC-J and here is the recommended upgrade for Lithium.
I'll be tackling that project today.
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Old 01-24-2021, 10:59 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drtrash View Post
What is airstream putting in for converters? Is a PD a big upgrade, 4 stage?


Dr. Trash (awesome name)

If you plan to upgrade, I’d recommended a converter that can switch to different profiles, including a lithium setting. That gives the flexibility you need, doesn’t lock you into a specific battery type in the future.
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Old 01-25-2021, 08:43 AM   #17
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The new Lithiums fit perfectly

Turns out that swapping the two stock Interstate batteries for two Relion 100amp Lithiums was a perfect fit with a little room on the sides.
Now onto connecting the Victron battery monitor.
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Old 04-09-2021, 09:52 AM   #18
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Advice requested. We own a 2016 23D International. I have been using batteries successfully in tractors, cars, motorcycles, etc. for 50 years. I am not in the habit of abusing, overcharging or neglecting batteries. Our Airstream was purchased new - and has received no modifications. I have gone through 3 sets of Interstate batteries. The Airstream Owners Manual (Section 8, Page 13) says you can leave trailer plugged into shore power and the factory system would keep batteries charged when in "USE" position.
"The charging circuit automatically controls the current, reducing it as the batteries increase in charge."
Our experience is that the factory system overcharges and cooks the batteries. Dealer blames me - saying I allow the water level to get low. We use the trailer from about May to October - and it's stored inside a heated building in winter months.
I am ready to upgrade the electrical system this spring with lithium batteries and a charging system that won't overcharge and ruin batteries. Not planning on solar at this time. Recommendations appreciated.
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Old 04-09-2021, 11:36 AM   #19
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Well, to be honest, considering you have a long, uninterrupted period of storage with power available, it would be far simpler (and very much cheaper) to simply disconnect your Interstates completely (as in remove the cables) and then use a pair of Battery Tenders to keep your batteries in tip-top shape. They monitor battery voltage, charge as necessary and maintain a float charge that will not boil off your electrolyte.

I park my wife’s Miata all summer long ( 6 months here) with the little 750ma Battery Tender attached and when we get home, the little beast fires right up. The battery is now 8 years old...
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Old 04-09-2021, 01:45 PM   #20
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Current batteries also won't hold a charge - so ready to upgrade - if it's worth the money. Original Airstream charger seems to overcharge batteries when in USE modes and while the trailer is being stored - even if only a day or 2 (I can smell acid in the shop after just 1/2 day). Another dealer checked the system a year ago and said the system appeared to be okay.

I am familiar with trickle chargers - I own several Battery Tenders and use them on motorcycle and tractor batteries. Unfortunately, I was led to believe by the owner's manual (and the dealer) that the Airstream system would properly maintain batteries and not overcharge them when the trailer was not being used if plugged into AC with the switch on "USE" position.
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