Solitude Factory Solar Package - do I need anything else to add lithium batteries?

[Second Chance]

Do you mean the solar charge controller had to be replaced or just the setting on your existing controller had to have the settings adjusted to lithium by the user?

Just the settings - it has settings for flooded, AGM, and lithium.

Rob

[RV Sailor]

Our on-order 378 will have factory solar and we think, a generator. I plan on expanding the factory solar panel to 600W total. We also have a 200W portable solar suitcase to chase the sun. I have 4 Crown 6V 260 ah batteries that we will also likely exchange for 2 or 3 LiFePo batteries at some point soon. Given the solar and gen setup, does it make sense to just go ahead and change out WFCO converter and factory inverter for something like the Victron Multiplus 3000?

We love our Victron Multiplex 3000/12/120 inverter charger. Great power charging the batteries . No worries about exceeding wattage within reason. Seemless switchover from AC to DC. Great Bluetooth.

Well worth the expense

[No-ladder]

I am certainly no expert on the subject, but I have been doing a lot of reading on the subject. You will need a battery isolation module or a dc-dc charger or both?. The lithium batteries can draw much more current than your tow vehicles alternator and wiring can supply. On Battle Borns website they have several drawings with references to these devices.
Please consult with someone more knowledgeable than I before connecting your lithium equipped rig to your tow vehicle.
Sorry if this has been addressed in a previous post and I just missed it
Lee

[Brother_Bluto]

I am certainly no expert on the subject, but I have been doing a lot of reading on the subject. You will need a battery isolation module or a dc-dc charger or both?. The lithium batteries can draw much more current than your tow vehicles alternator and wiring can supply. On Battle Borns website they have several drawings with references to these devices.
Please consult with someone more knowledgeable than I before connecting your lithium equipped rig to your tow vehicle.
Sorry if this has been addressed in a previous post and I just missed it
Lee

I'm in the same boat as you in reading up so I can swap to LiFePo4's after delivery of our unit. I found this on the BB website in reference to battery isolation / alternator charging: "Before discussing this topic please note that when connecting to a towable trailer (such as by a 7-pin connector), you typically get a low amount of charge into your lithium (aux) battery bank and an isolator or current regulating device is usually not necessary."

[No-ladder]

Bruto I found this tidbit of info on Battle Borns site:
"DC to DC or battery to battery chargers are a great way to charge your Battle Born Batteries using your vehicle’s alternator and starting battery. These devices provide a quick and smart charge with the added benefit of isolating the chassis and coach batteries when not in use.

These devices are typically used in conjunction with one to two Battle Born Batteries as they reduce the charging current under the recommended charge rate. Check out the Sterling Power line of DC to DC charges we offer here. "
If you look at the bundles offered on the Battle Born website for towables, or motorhomes...neither include dc-dc charger.


When I look at schematic like the ones on "explorist.life" which has many great tutorials, drawings parts list etc. Whenever there is an alternator involved he has a dc-dc charger. I don't know the correct answer.
Lee

[bertschb]

When I look at schematic like the ones on "explorist.life" which has many great tutorials, drawings parts list etc. Whenever there is an alternator involved he has a dc-dc charger.

He has the DC to DC charger shown because it's an excellent way to charge batteries while driving as it provides far more amperage than the truck alone. And unlike solar, it provides a charge whether the sun shines or not.

I had two Lion Energy UT1300 LiFePO4 batteries in my RV before I replaced them with two of the new BattleBorn BBGC3 270ah LiFePO4 batteries as part of my factory solar replacement project I recently finished. None of my wiring melted while I was driving.