Adding a "helper" charger

[docque]

Can you run a battery charger while the battery is connected to the RV?

I am just wondering because when I switch to LiFePO4 in the Spring I understand the converter will not charge it fully. Could I put a charger on the battery while it is still connected?

[Soundsailor]

Can you run a battery charger while the battery is connected to the RV?

I am just wondering because when I switch to LiFePO4 in the Spring I understand the converter will not charge it fully. Could I put a charger on the battery while it is still connected?

That's what I do, the battery doesn't care where the charging electrons come from.

[Second Chance]

The add-on charger would have to have a lithium setting in order to do any better than the on-board converter-charger. The best route is to switch out the OEM converter with one that is lithium compatible. They're available for the unitized power centers like you have in your Transcend. Then you don't have to worry about extra stuff and complication(s).

Rob

[Butcher]

Adding a higher voltage charger will work if the battery was isolated but it is not.

I suspect it would be fine, but what would the stock converter with that extra voltage? Would it consume it a bit? Would the converter not work at all since your additional charger has more voltage? If your additional charger is rated at just 20A, would that be able to handle the extra consumers may be on?

My $.02 is to dump your factory converter for something that is lithium rated AND a higher current. Pretty simple to swap it out to 100A or less. More than 100A may need additional wiring changes. Since lithium batteries can take 100A easily, you may want to make certain that the converter to the battery cables are up to par.

I would not recommend a second charger unless you can isolate the batteries from the RV and that sounds like a silly idea.

[Second Chance]

Adding a higher voltage charger will work if the battery was isolated but it is not.

I suspect it would be fine, but what would the stock converter with that extra voltage? Would it consume it a bit? Would the converter not work at all since your additional charger has more voltage? If your additional charger is rated at just 20A, would that be able to handle the extra consumers may be on?

My $.02 is to dump your factory converter for something that is lithium rated AND a higher current. Pretty simple to swap it out to 100A or less. More than 100A may need additional wiring changes. Since lithium batteries can take 100A easily, you may want to make certain that the converter to the battery cables are up to par.

I would not recommend a second charger unless you can isolate the batteries from the RV and that sounds like a silly idea.

The Imagines have the converter-charger integrated into the power distribution center - not separate like in the Reflections, Solitudes and Momentums. This limits the charge rating available (size and space), but lithium-capable units for those specific distribution centers are available. I switched one out for a neighbor a couple of years ago.

Rob

[Butcher]

I believe I know what you are saying, but I suspect that the stock converter could be removed or even disconnected from the panel and an upgraded converter installed closer to the battery [where the real load could be]. Then run 12v cables to the panel.

I don't see this a challenge but an opportunity to make it better. A challenge would be how to integrate a higher voltage charger to be integrated to the stock system. I can only see that the lower voltage converter would sit there and do nothing or at least very little.

[docque]

The Imagines have the converter-charger integrated into the power distribution center - not separate like in the Reflections, Solitudes and Momentums. This limits the charge rating available (size and space), but lithium-capable units for those specific distribution centers are available. I switched one out for a neighbor a couple of years ago.

Rob

I was thinking about changing out the WCFO converter to the AD version. Although I hear those are crap also. We are looking at upgrading the RV in a year or two so not wanting to break the bank on this. Next rig will have the solar, a few batteries, inverter and a converter that works well.

[Donpworks]

So I have a 22mle and the converter is wired to the main breaker switch in the power center and is not removable. I’ve thought of replacing the entire power center with a unit that’s lithium compatible but when I look into the rats nest of wiring, it seems like it might be much easier to cap off the existing converter wire running to the breaker in the power center and simply installing a new converter in the space behind the power center. Is this possible??

[Butcher]

Not certain it's possible but that is what I was suggesting. From what I have seen, the converters may be bolted into the panel space, but I suspect they could be easily bypassed and possibly removed. There really can't be that much wiring. AC to make the converter work and DC to put all that work to use.

Of course, Google is your friend and a quick search would probably give you a lot of pictures to look at.

[Second Chance]

So I have a 22mle and the converter is wired to the main breaker switch in the power center and is not removable. I’ve thought of replacing the entire power center with a unit that’s lithium compatible but when I look into the rats nest of wiring, it seems like it might be much easier to cap off the existing converter wire running to the breaker in the power center and simply installing a new converter in the space behind the power center. Is this possible??

Not certain it's possible but that is what I was suggesting. From what I have seen, the converters may be bolted into the panel space, but I suspect they could be easily bypassed and possibly removed. There really can't be that much wiring. AC to make the converter work and DC to put all that work to use.

Of course, Google is your friend and a quick search would probably give you a lot of pictures to look at.

The converter-chargers in the unitized power distribution centers are removable and replaceable. Like I said, I've done it.

Rob