PD-9260To be sure, we'd need the model number on your charger (it should be on your build sheet). My charger gets the batteries to about 85% full, the solar can take it from there. Before investing in a new charger, I'd test it out in the field.
Thanks @CampKielbasa !Hello! In my 324MBS I was able to change the settings on the converter charger. Mine is pictured below. Was a paper clip style poker taped on the side, and I pressed it until the light flashed blue (If I recall correctly was a few months ago... I would double check) the instruction manual listed which color to get for lithium.
Here is my makeshift set up. I plan on cleaning up the wires a bit in the spring as it mentally bothers me with the mess, but with Kids time was limited. Hope this helps!
It doesn't look like that model has a LiFePo4 setting. But it should still charge your LiFePo4 battery to more than 80% of capacity.PD-9260
Your goals are definitely achievable. If you do it yourself you'll learn a lot about your coach. I certainly did in my project (documented here).Thanks @CampKielbasa !
This helps a lot! What year is your 324? Do you have a list of all the cables and specs of your setup that you could share. Looking for something similar. I am not really big on solar itself, but mostly interested in reducing the generator noise and be able to take naps with AC while on the road without running the generator every time.
Agree on the Ah. I am thinking more in terms of efficient generator use. Most of the time it idles when power is not drawn... Anyways, I appreciate the info. Will start looking into all the options. I think figuring out the part with including at least on of the ACs into the inverter circuit going to be interesting.Mine is a 2024. I used the inverter prep (orange) wire so it does not run the A/C or the Fireplace, but does run everything else. Fridge and lights obviously already run of the 12v. I added the Renogy 2000W Inverter with built in Automatic Transfer Switch and x2 Victron MPPT 100V/50A as I use the solar on top and some portable solar hook ups that I ran through the pass through so I can angle them towards the moving sun or if parked in the shade. The Victron Lynx Distributor to help consolidate wires and finally a Victron SmartShunt to monitor all the ins and outs via blue tooth. To run the A/C off Batteries you would need a lot of Ah's. I only have 420Ah with the x4 Lion Energy's (Great batteries, but after I went that route there are so many other way cheaper options out there like LiTime etc that you could double up the Ah's for the price I paid with mine). The Cords / Wiring I made myself as I had no clue the lengths I would need. A mix of 6gauge, 10gauge, and 2gauge depending on where and what it was going to. Pretty simple to do if you are willing to buy the crimper and connections etc (amazon is a great place and youtube helps a lot). Doing it this way I actually learned way more about how the whole system works and the wiring of the camper in general which I like to think will be helpful down the road for trouble shooting. Best of luck! Happy to answer any questions
You need to know if the converter you have will support a LifePo battery. IF NOT, you will need to convert it to one that will. Otherwise, the LifePo battery will only be charged to about 80% and over time cells will be damaged.Does the converter/charger for the battery that comes in 324MBS support LiFePO4 batteries? I see there is an option to switch to Li on the solar charge controller, but I am not sure about the 120 charger.
No, they will not be damaged if you only charge them to 80%. If anything, the batteries may not be so stressed and they will last longer. People keep forgetting, with a BMS that is programmed and working properly, the batteries cannot be ruined by the charging process.over time cells will be damaged.
Just out of curiosity, why did you replace the Furrion MPPT? I am looking to add a portable solar setup and was going to add a secondary Victron MPPT but was just going to leave the Furrion in place.x2 Victron MPPT 100V/50A as I use the solar on top and some portable solar hook ups that I ran through the pass through
I only switched so I could monitor it all through one bluetooth app as the Victron stuff all talks together really nice and easy to monitor. I read enough people having issues with the Furrion staying in "Lithium" mode and or general problems, I figured if I was going to full on do the rest, then may as well swap it out. I did not have too in any way though no.Just out of curiosity, why did you replace the Furrion MPPT? I am looking to add a portable solar setup and was going to add a secondary Victron MPPT but was just going to leave the Furrion in place.
I also have the 2024 324MBS and it came with the PD-9360 model which has the ability to support Lithium. Already swapped over to a couple 230ah Li-Time batteries. Awesome for getting through cloudy days without having to bust out the generator to charge the batteries.
I get that! It all comes down to budget and plan. I probably over complicated mine a touch, but was a great learning and fun. I am sure you will be happy either way!The Victron stuff is really nice, so I get it. I have a smart shunt from my previous trailer which is right off the bat night and day from trying to rely on the trailer panels.
I am arguing with myself right now to do pretty much the exact setup you did or go big with the Victron Multiplus 2x120. Diminishing returns on the investment, but super cool setups can be had with Victron.
Here is my makeshift set up. I plan on cleaning up the wires a bit in the spring as it mentally bothers me with the mess, but with Kids time was limited. Hope this helps!
I left the two wires coming from the trailer bus bar and put them directly to the battery. As I was not 100% which was what, and went with the don't mess with something that was working aspect for my first attempt at something like this. So the Converter goes to trailer bus bar, and the batteries only went to the Lynx distributor. I took the wires from the trailer bus bar and just attached directly to the batteries. I will be honest, not sure if that is the correct way to do it? I am not an expert, but it currently is working with no issues.I am about to commit to a similar setup and wanted to see what you did with a few connections.
Did you connect the batteries to both the Lynx and the trailer bus bar or connect the batteries to the Lynx, then a connection from the Lynx to the trailer bus bar? My trailer came with two positive cables stacked on the battery to two different connections on the trailer bus bar.
Same question for the converter. Did you leave it connected to the trailer bus or go Lynx, then back to trailer bus bar?
I am thinking I can just leave the battery to trailer bus bar and converter to trailer bus bar in place. Just using the Lynx for the Battery/Inverter/Solar connectivity.