2023 17MKE Battery upgrade to lithium. What to know

[Walleyed99]

After 17 years as cabin owners, my wife decided she wanted to start camping again (we kept 5he cabin,and bought a trailer). A 2023 Imagine XLS 17MKE.

We camp mostly at a small prim8tive campground in the Prince Albert National Park. Currently the camper and solar system is all stock, we have a 4000 inverter genny for charging the 100Ah LA. With the 12V fridge power is limited.

Looking to change to a LiTime lithium. I know I need to change the converter to a lithium capable converter to get the most out of the battery. Is it as simple as it seems, just plug it in, and tie in the positive and negative wires, or am I missing something?

Also, I have another solar panel and charge controller.can I just hook it directly to the battery for a little extra boost to the solar charging , or will this cause other issues elsewhere?

Anything and everything you can tell me will be appreciated, and will probably lead to a ton more questions. we're likely not going with a converter/ inverter at this time, as we don't watch TV when camping, or use the AC, so it's not a big deal for now, but may upgrade further down the road, so future upgradabilitg might be nice..

 

[Soundsailor]

Yes, you can just swap out you LA battery for a LiFePo4 battery. I'd suggest that as a good first step. If you're going with LiTime, I'd suggest the LiTime 12V 230Ah Plus Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery With Low-Temp Protection. You'll get a 200 Amp BMS which you'll appreciate down the road if you decide to add and inverter. The low temp protection will come in handy if you decide to expand your camping season to colder weather.

Spend on the battery at first, skip upgrading the converter/charger until you get some experience. Your existing charger/converter will most likely charge you up to about 80%, any solar may take that further. And yes, you should be able to add you second solar system without many issues.

 

[Conner58]

Yes, you can just swap out you LA battery for a LiFePo4 battery. I'd suggest that as a good first step. If you're going with LiTime, I'd suggest the LiTime 12V 230Ah Plus Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery With Low-Temp Protection. You'll get a 200 Amp BMS which you'll appreciate down the road if you decide to add and inverter. The low temp protection will come in handy if you decide to expand your camping season to colder weather.

Spend on the battery at first, skip upgrading the converter/charger until you get some experience. Your existing charger/converter will most likely charge you up to about 80%, any solar may take that further. And yes, you should be able to add you second solar system without many issues.

This is all the info you need !

 

[Walleyed99]

Thanks for the information!,

 

[Walleyed99]

?Appreciate the reply!