Switch to LiFePo without DC-DC Charger?

[Air4ME]

Originally Posted by Steamy1

I went with the 20 amp as I wanted to use the existing 10AWG wires from the 7-pin plug."

The DC-DC charger worked as hoped it that it would help maintain the batteries when traveling while using 10 AWG. I did install a 30amp fuse as protection.

I am looking at the Victron Orion-Tr Smart Charger and have hesitated due to the requirement that I upgrade the wiring from the TV. I understood that the small wire from the TV does not carry enough amps to fully charge the batteries. Do I understand that in your experience, you were able to use the existing 7 pin to fully charge your batteries? And can this be done only because they are lithium? Would it also work with Lead Acid?

[drbrick]

Since we have 200w solar on the roof we simply pulled the fuse on our TV so there is no long a "charge" connect between our AS and TV. The solar panels make the DC-DC redundant. Look at it like this. If the solar panels maintain the lithium batteries while the AS is in use boondocking for 14 day, why would I need to spend $200 for a DC-DC charger while towing when the solar panel are still charging the AS batteries while towing????? Simply pull the fuse and forget it. 2 years no issues.