Video: Installing Lithium Batteries on my Airstream Myself

[Troutboy]

Larry,

How long did it take to get your lithium batteries from time of order to drop ship, to door?

[lewster]

Your 15K roof top A/C will draw between 150-160 DC amps from your batteries, so you can calculate the run time from your battery capacity.

With the Magnum hybrid inverter/charger, you could have used it's load-support feature to start the compressor of the A/C unit from your lithiums while a single 2000 watt generator would have easily 'run' the A/C load.

I have many folks that use this arrangement for off-grid A/C operation.


Lew Farber

[wulfraat]

I like that idea... use a 3000W hybrid inverter/charger and a single 2000w generator to run the AC....

Starting to plan my future install which will be DIY. Solar is already in place...

[explore more]

We had a 2000w generator before. It was a hassle having to carry a separate gas can just for the generator. And since we have a diesel van, that meant we could only use the gas for the generator. And since we have a van, the generator made it stinky inside. It was a great generator, but we are thrilled that we no longer need it.

My batteries arrived in Utah about 3 days after I ordered them.

[Troutboy]

Check out genconnex, they modify hondas to run off LP. Very cool and it's an internal mod, so the regulator is in inside and you keep the same footprint

Link here.

http://www.genconnexdirect.net

[explore more]

Yeah, those are very cool. Sadly (or not so sadly...) the generator is gone. It was a yamaha and we loved it. We couldn't have been halpier witg it, except for the fumes in the van despite and empty carb bowl and all presaure valves closed. If i had to get another one i'd get the exact same model.

We ended up selling it to someone at our last wbcci rally and they're enjoying it now. As long as we stay out of seattle, we should be good without a generator.

[Troutboy]

The LP ones wouldn't have the smell..... I'm doing solar upgrade and hope to not need a generator either. Only when wide demands AC. Living in Colorado, not sure how often we will need it..... was thinking of Grand Canyon trip this coming year, maybe need it then....

So many choices, not enough $$$$

By the way, love your guys other videos as well.

Just watched the lift one. Thinking about that for sure. Would you still recommend it?


Thx
Troutboy, aka Rich

[explore more]

I 100% recommend the lift. I will never own an airstream without one. But... I do like to get off the beaten path more than most.

[lsbrodsky]

My Victron batteries arrived about 10 days after order. I expected a longer wait but they had a cancellation.

Larry

[m.hony]

So...
You were looking for a 25.
Is this in a new (to you) 25 or in your 30?
Did you decide to keep the 30?
It actually looks like the 30 to me.

[explore more]

we decided to keep the 30

[m.hony]

So...
New tow vehicle?
Or keeping the current tow vehicle?
Current tow vehicle is E350 with a diesel?

[explore more]

We'd be happy to answer lots of specifics about our current setup via email: themoreweexplore@gmail.com

We decided to keep our tow rig - our 97 Diesel E350 and add a high-top to him. Videos coming soon (but not in this thread).

[m.hony]

I do watch themoreweexplore videos on YouTube.
Maybe there will be a high roof conversion video?


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[explore more]

Lithium Battery Install Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5eW-kmvDG8

[explore more]

While this video isn't focused on the lithium install per se, it does answer a few questions about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wPRulYdNPo

[hhendrix]

Bump just so I can subscribe to this thread. Couldn't figure how to subscribe to this thread.

[fran&frank]

So I am considering a lithium battery system for my airstream and have been comparing the GBS packages from Starlight and the Victron packages from AMsolar. I am also a DIYer and will be doing the install myself. So I am trying to understand the different components of your install. If you have a Magnum inverter charger installed under your fridge, what the purpose of the Magnum unit that looks like a charger in the closet with the batteries?-- Frank

[Troutboy]

That's the solar charger, collects power from the solar panels and charges batteries. If you use solar panels, you also need a solar charger. The other magnum charges from shore power.

If you go to the amsolar.com web site, they have a great tutorial section that teaches you much of everything you need to know. A few months ago I didn't know anything about solar, after reading here and asking questions, I am now doing an upgrade myself.

I'm no expert like some on the forum, but I feel I know enough to do it on my own now.




Thx
Troutboy, aka Rich

[fran&frank]

OK, that makes sense, I forgot they also installed solar. Do Lithium batteries require a special solar controller?