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11-23-2020, 09:50 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
2021 23' International
P
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 199
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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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11-24-2020, 07:03 AM
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#2
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1 Rivet Member
Houston
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 15
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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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01-21-2021, 09:35 AM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member
2021 23' International
P
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 199
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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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01-21-2021, 09:49 AM
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#4
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4 Rivet Member
2019 22' Sport
Carlsbad
, California
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 403
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Sounds like a good setup, and not a break the bank one either!
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01-21-2021, 09:56 AM
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#5
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3 Rivet Member
2021 23' International
P
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 199
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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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01-21-2021, 12:34 PM
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#6
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Married with Airstream
2004 25' International CCD
Vancouver Island
, British Columbia
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 934
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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/
__________________
La Dolce Vita Brick & Mona
We're Married With Airstream dot com
2004 International 25CCD Registered Name "Blue Streak"
2013 F-150HD FX4 SuperCrew Lariart (MaxTow) "Red Dragon"
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01-21-2021, 01:12 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
McHenry
, Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,162
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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
__________________
2019 27’ Globetrotter FBT Walnut/Dublin Slate
2018 FC23FB
2019 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi Laramie Blue Ox 1000#
WBCCI# 10258
RETIRED!
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01-22-2021, 05:52 AM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
2021 23' International
P
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 199
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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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01-22-2021, 06:12 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2019 22' Sport
Carlsbad
, California
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 403
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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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01-22-2021, 11:18 AM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
2021 23' International
P
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 199
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Quote:
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.
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Just called 3M and that is what they said also. Now to get the old tape off...
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01-22-2021, 01:13 PM
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#11
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Married with Airstream
2004 25' International CCD
Vancouver Island
, British Columbia
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 934
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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...
__________________
La Dolce Vita Brick & Mona
We're Married With Airstream dot com
2004 International 25CCD Registered Name "Blue Streak"
2013 F-150HD FX4 SuperCrew Lariart (MaxTow) "Red Dragon"
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01-22-2021, 05:07 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
2021 23' International
P
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 199
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prettygood
Sounds like a good setup, and not a break the bank one either!
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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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01-22-2021, 05:08 PM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
2021 23' International
P
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 199
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Quote:
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...
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Sounds like I have quite a job ahead.
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01-22-2021, 06:33 PM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Scottsdale
, Arizona
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 28
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What is airstream putting in for converters? Is a PD a big upgrade, 4 stage?
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01-23-2021, 08:29 AM
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#15
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3 Rivet Member
2021 23' International
P
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 199
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drtrash
What is airstream putting in for converters? Is a PD a big upgrade, 4 stage?
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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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01-24-2021, 10:59 AM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
2019 22' Sport
Carlsbad
, California
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 403
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drtrash
What is airstream putting in for converters? Is a PD a big upgrade, 4 stage?
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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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01-25-2021, 08:43 AM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
2021 23' International
P
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 199
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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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04-09-2021, 09:52 AM
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#18
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1 Rivet Member
2016 23' International
Aumsville
, OR
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 7
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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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04-09-2021, 11:36 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1986 31' Sovereign
Miami
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,137
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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...
__________________
Sorta new (usually dirty) Nissan Titan XD (hardly paid for)
Middle-aged Safari SE
Young, lovely bride
Dismissive cat
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04-09-2021, 01:45 PM
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#20
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1 Rivet Member
2016 23' International
Aumsville
, OR
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 7
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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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