New converter needed

[kb0zke]

Even though we told the dealer to install the lithium batteries (which was done), we still got the stock (non-lithium-capable) converter, so I need to replace it. What's the current thought on the best one to get?

[FT4NOW]

There is no best one, it depends on long term goals. Will you dry camp a lot and install an inverter, then a combo unit like Victron Multiplus is a good choice. Are you only on shore power, then Progressive Dynamics and Powermax are good choices. Converter size depends on your wants and needs, just make sure all wiring is appropriate for the current of the charger.

[kb0zke]

Probably 95% of our use will be on shore power, but we do want to have the capability of going 3-4 days off-grid. I'll be adding more solar panels and batteries later this year or early next year.

[NB Canada]

There is no best one, it depends on long term goals. Will you dry camp a lot and install an inverter, then a combo unit like Victron Multiplus is a good choice. Are you only on shore power, then Progressive Dynamics and Powermax are good choices. Converter size depends on your wants and needs, just make sure all wiring is appropriate for the current of the charger.

Quite sure he already has an inverter.

[FT4NOW]

Quite sure he already has an inverter.

Oh that's right, I forgot about the fridge topic. Either way, still depends on his plans, since his inverter doesn't cover all outlets.

[Jomani]

Probably 95% of our use will be on shore power, but we do want to have the capability of going 3-4 days off-grid. I'll be adding more solar panels and batteries later this year or early next year.

From your experience with the solar controller and converter issues, you can already see that you are heading down an expensive rabbit hole. The best advice I can give is to know your end game. Essentially, you are looking for a way to keep your battery bank charged while at the same time powering your rig. When you throw inverters into the mix, things certainly get more expensive.

There are essentially three ways to keep your batteries charged - converter (shore power), solar (sun power), and tow vehicle (DC-DC). If you throw a generator in the mix, you are still talking about shore power.

If conditions are correct (lots of sunlight), solar is a great option. Properly sized solar array/controller for the battery bank will keep your batteries charged during the day so you can rely on power from them at night. Cloudy days can present a problem with solar alone.

If you get above 200ah of battery bank and solar is minimal, a 60 amp converter is probably not going to be sufficient - especially if you want to do a quick charge. Since it sounds like you are also considering an inverter upgrade, DC power consumption will be very high.

[goducks14]

Do Lithium batteries need to be fully charged or would a charge of 95% work? Point of the question is if the OP's on shore power 95% of the time then they don't need the Lith batteries. The other part is how often and how long do they needed just the batteries.

[SolarPoweredRV]

Even though we told the dealer to install the lithium batteries (which was done), we still got the stock (non-lithium-capable) converter, so I need to replace it. What's the current thought on the best one to get?

There is no best one, it depends on long term goals. Will you dry camp a lot and install an inverter, then a combo unit like Victron Multiplus is a good choice. Are you only on shore power, then Progressive Dynamics and Powermax are good choices. Converter size depends on your wants and needs, just make sure all wiring is appropriate for the current of the charger.

Since you already have a Solar system installed, you can delay upgrading your Converter until you have a better idea of exactly what you want your final system to look like. This is because your Converter and Solar system will work together to fully charge your batteries. Your Converter will be able to keep your batteries charged to 55% (or more) and your Solar system will kick in to complete the charge to 100% (presuming that the Solar Charge Controller is set for Lithium batteries).

On the days you boondock, you will be relying on your Solar system to keep your batteries charged. Whether you have enough Solar capacity to meet your daily needs while boondocking is something you will need to test and determine for yourself.

Here is a good thread about installing and designing your Solar system:

Affordable-Solar-How-To-Design-and-Install-an-Affordable-Solar-System

Note: be sure to follow all the links embedded in the thread to get more detailed information.

[Jomani]

@SolarPoweredRV
He has another thread that goes into detail about the apparent conflict between his converter and solar controller - solar controller defaulting back to lead acid mode. That is why he is looking at upgrading the converter.

https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/show...ion-controller