Lithium for 2021 23FB International

[viking1]

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?

[Kjmmcc]

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

[viking1]

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

[Prettygood]

Sounds like a good setup, and not a break the bank one either!

[viking1]

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?

[drbrick]

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/

[jeffmc306]

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

[viking1]

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?

[Prettygood]

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.

[viking1]

Originally Posted by Prettygood

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...

[drbrick]

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...

[viking1]

Originally Posted by Prettygood

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.

[viking1]

Originally Posted by drbrick

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.

[Drtrash]

What is airstream putting in for converters? Is a PD a big upgrade, 4 stage?

[viking1]

Originally Posted by Drtrash

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.

[Prettygood]

Originally Posted by Drtrash

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.

[viking1]

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.