LiFePo4 battery + inverter install & solar prep

[03bart]

We purchased a 2019 International Signature 28 RBQ at the end of summer 2019. For the last several years we have been camping in a Winnebago View 24H. That was a 30A rig and our new AS is a 50A rig. I wanted a 30A AS, but this had everything else we wanted so...

In the View, I installed a Magnum 1000W inverter and 2 220Ah Trojan 6V batteries along with 200W of AM solar panels using a Bogart Engineering Trimetric TM 2030-RV and an SC 2030 solar controller. It worked beautifully for several years and I wanted at least that capability in the AS.

BL: I want to run the Keurig while boondocking with no generator!

My original RV electrical/solar education came from my research in 2014 from the following excellent sites:

• http://www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm
• https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/...ging-puzzle-2/
• http://solarseller.com/
• https://amsolar.com/

I considered taking my original system out of the Winnebago and installing in the AS, but was worried about the 30A versus 50A difference and started to research that and found this forum. Also figured leaving the solar and inverter installed would help with the sale of the View.

Thanks also to Troutboy, wulfraat, and others for their install threads which proved extremely useful!

I decided to go with a Victron MultiPlus inverter/charger based system and I decided to purchase most of it through AM Solar. My system consists of:

1. Progressive Industries MES HW-50C surge protector
2. Victron MultiPlus 12/2000 inverter/charger
3. BattleBorn 100Ah LiFePo4 batteries x2 (built with room to add 3rd later)
4. Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 solar controller
5. AM Solar Zamp 100W panel x4
6. Victron BMV-712 battery monitor
7. Victron VE.bus smart dongle (for MultiPlus) - this is temporary until my CerboGX comes in
8. AM Solar Smart Phase Selector - I initially planned on installing a 50A subpanel, but decided to switch to the SPS instead of the subpanel

[03bart]

First, I pulled out the lounge in order to get room to work and to access the DC box and all the wires I needed to reach...



This was easier than I thought it was going to be.

[03bart]

Then I started tracing wiring diagrams and figuring out where to put things.

I had initially thought I was going to install the batteries and inverter under the main lounge but reconsidered once I got in there. I decided to install the batteries under the main lounge but install the inverter under the return. I also installed battery trays for 3 batteries to leave room for planned expansion...I only have two batteries at the moment.


Also decided to install the controls (battery monitor, surge protector remote readout, solar controller and cutoff switches) in the small cabinet under the return. Previously we were storing our airstream manuals in there but it makes a really convenient place to put the controls.

I also relocated the airstream PCB that contains the awning controls among other stuff to the wall after I removed the OEM inverter.

Of course, I pulled the existing batteries out of the external battery box and removed the cabling from the box into the trailer. The only wiring I had to add externally was to run a wire from the DC junction box out to the existing tongue jack wiring. I made that splice in the battery box.

[03bart]

I pulled the electrical fuse panel from under the frig and found a mess...

I removed the converter and installed my progressive industries surge protector in its place. Then I ran the AC wiring from the surge protector to the SPS under the galley and ran the AC return wiring from the SPS back to the electrical panel. I also ran the surge protector remote cable under the galley.

After I got the SPS wired up this is what it looks like under the lounge return. I moved the subwoofer to make room for the inverter.

Here's what the control panel looks like at the moment, I have not yet installed the solar wiring.

[mythbuster88]

So what happened?

[Njg]

Bumping because I would like to see how it all went too. I am looking to do this EXACT system in my new trailer, and I’m concerned about the 2k Multiplus and the am Solar sps fitting. If you have more pictures particularly showing the installation that would be great to see!

[mythbuster88]

I'll bet it worked out for the guy otherwise we would see the "why doesn't it doesn't work?" questions.

[GMFL]

Here’s some pics of an install I just completed on a 2021 28’ International.

[mythbuster88]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Here’s some pics of an install I just completed on a 2021 28’ International.

Nice!

[GotTaGo]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Here’s some pics of an install I just completed on a 2021 28’ International.

Looks great! Really like the way you enlarged the storage unit bottom panel to gain more access for components.

I’m going to copy that in my 28’.

[Mercerme]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Here’s some pics of an install I just completed on a 2021 28’ International.

Rock solid!

[Wayne&Sam]

Too bad you mounted all that stuff sideways.