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05-29-2019, 10:32 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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Will LiFePO batteries fit in Forester (Ford) stepwell???
Very close to buying Lithium batteries to replace the 2 group 27 believed to be Exide originals in the step-well. When checking the spec's on both the Battleborn and Renogy batteries I have concerns as to whether they will fit with my cable setup. The lenght of the stepwell compartment with the shunt for the battery monitor is 26" and the height is 10" to the bottom of the top surrounding lip. The Battleborn battery height is 9" but will need the post adapters which may make it too high and their length is 12.75" each or 25 1/2" . That 1/2" clearance should be enough. The Renogy is shorter in length by a few inches, but their height is 9.7" leaving just 1/4" clearanace. That has me concerned about cables and will there be enough room for them to attach to the battery. Will I need to make custom size cables, I think so.?
Have any of you out there installed either battery and can give me some feed back and suggestions? Thanks.
And thank you Babcock for the chat today, learned a lot.
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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05-30-2019, 08:29 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 242
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver
Very close to buying Lithium batteries to replace the 2 group 27 believed to be Exide originals in the step-well. When checking the spec's on both the Battleborn and Renogy batteries I have concerns as to whether they will fit with my cable setup. The lenght of the stepwell compartment with the shunt for the battery monitor is 26" and the height is 10" to the bottom of the top surrounding lip. The Battleborn battery height is 9" but will need the post adapters which may make it too high and their length is 12.75" each or 25 1/2" . That 1/2" clearance should be enough. The Renogy is shorter in length by a few inches, but their height is 9.7" leaving just 1/4" clearanace. That has me concerned about cables and will there be enough room for them to attach to the battery. Will I need to make custom size cables, I think so.?
Have any of you out there installed either battery and can give me some feed back and suggestions? Thanks.
And thank you Babcock for the chat today, learned a lot.
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I have two LiFeBlue 150 amp lithium batteries for my solar system. One fits in the stairwell. The other is in the outside compartment next to the stairwell. I have a 2014 Solera. No cable modifications necessary.
__________________
Charlene
and catpanions, Purrl & Lucy Lu
2014 Solera 24S
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05-30-2019, 08:46 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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Here's photos of the step well battery compartment. My next-door neighbor with a toy hauler suggested using a buss bar outside the compartment along with the negative shunt and then only have one cable off the buss bar and the parallel battery cables to deal with on the positive side and one on the negative.
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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05-30-2019, 07:52 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 860
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I just measured my step well and both the Energized Outdoors 100ah and the Trojan 110ah Trillium will fit. They are both basically Group 27 size. I’ve been using the Energized Outdoors 55ah for the motor on my fishing kayak and I’m really impressed, it easily replaced two 35ah AGM’s and saves 35 lbs. Now I’m really stoked to get them for my Forester, it’s like getting a third battery for free and save a lot of weight.
__________________
Brian
2015 Forester 2801QS GTS
TOAD-Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 kayak and Yamaha Zuma 50cc scooter on a custom trailer.
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05-30-2019, 08:07 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 482
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I'm really happy with my BattleBorn conversion, and babock was a great source of info to me, as well. Lighter, more usable energy, faster charge, 10 year warranty. They fit nicely in my Isata 3 step.
__________________
Rich & Karen
West Michigan
Isata 3 24FW
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05-31-2019, 01:04 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Escondido, CA
Posts: 816
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver
Here's photos of the step well battery compartment. My next-door neighbor with a toy hauler suggested using a buss bar outside the compartment along with the negative shunt and then only have one cable off the buss bar and the parallel battery cables to deal with on the positive side and one on the negative.
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Mine are in an Isata 3 but fit easily with room to spare. In fact I had to cut some foam pieces to keep them from moving around. Here is a picture.
Battle Born Batteries have a 3 year warranty but their Lifecycle is expected to be 10 years.
__________________
2016 Dynamax Isata 3 24FW
2016 Jeep Willys JK
Yellow Lab Buddy Biscuit Eater
USN-RET/DOD-RET
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05-31-2019, 11:30 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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Mimay12, is that a shut or a buss bar in between the two batteries?
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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05-31-2019, 11:59 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 137
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Need more than just batteries...
I just finished the full upgrade, in my 2018 FR Sunseeker 2400 MBS. In addition to the batteries, I needed to change out my PD converter/charger to a Li compatible version, and replace the Battery Isolation Manager system to a Li-BIM. I highly suggest you also add the Victron BMV-712, so you KNOW what is going on with your battery system.
__________________
2018 Sunseeker 2400R MBS (w/dinette)
2013 Honda CR-V toad
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06-01-2019, 07:43 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Escondido, CA
Posts: 816
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver
Mimay12, is that a shut or a buss bar in between the two batteries?
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Its a shunt for a Victron BMV-712. I also highly recommend this monitor.
__________________
2016 Dynamax Isata 3 24FW
2016 Jeep Willys JK
Yellow Lab Buddy Biscuit Eater
USN-RET/DOD-RET
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06-01-2019, 12:04 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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My solar controls are in the trash compartment in the step well. The Xantrex Battery Monitor is almost 15 years old, but still works great!. Had to return my new controller to Renogy as it was putting 15.2v to my flooded coach batteries compared to my original controller that was 13.8v. Not happy with Renogy as they paid for return shipping and they will test it. If defective I will get a new one otherwise, I have to pay for shipping back to me. I should have used Amazon for a few dollars more than going direct to Renogy. No hassle with Amazon, easy exchange, no questions asked.
I have given it much thought and I can't use the Renogy batteries as they are too tall and if I hit a bump the terminals may hit the step. So I have to go with Battleborn. My concern about cable routing I think is solved and won't be adding a buss bar. I can do some cable re-routing and shorten a few cables or swap them around.
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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06-01-2019, 12:52 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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Here's a better photo of battery compartment labeled. Will have to move 2 03 3 positive cables from the left battery positive to the righ battery. I know it's not the best wiring for charging, but I can leave the Solar cable, Converter charger cable and Generator cables on the left battery. You can see how the BIM cable is2 feet too long looping the compartment and the Generator cable is a little too long also. Any ideas other than a buss bar somewhere?
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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06-01-2019, 06:15 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 924
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Sage,
I installed a positive buss-bar in my battery compartment (top left) to eliminate most of the cabling across the top of the batteries. Now if I want to take the batteries out for any reason its a relatively simple task. You can also see the negative shunt for the battery manager on the top right
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06-01-2019, 06:36 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: North of Seattle, WA
Posts: 17,263
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If you used Battleborn batteries no adapter required. Just ditch the round post clamps and connect to terminals using supplied bolts. It looks like cables are just bolted to clamps. Even if cables or ends need to be changed it's worth it to get rid of extra connection in lines.
One thing about terminal Battleborn uses, you can make a TIGHT connection with no fear of stripping threads or breaking clamps
They also supply two lengths of bolts so you can make multiple connections instead of having to resort to using round post.
__________________
"A wise man can change his mind. A fool never will." (Japanese Proverb)
"You only grow old when you run out of new things to do"
2018 Flagstaff Micro Lite 25BDS
2023 f-150 SCREW XLT 3.5 Ecoboost (The result of a $68,000 oil change )
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06-01-2019, 10:45 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TitanMike
If you used Battleborn batteries no adapter required. Just ditch the round post clamps and connect to terminals using supplied bolts. It looks like cables are just bolted to clamps. Even if cables or ends need to be changed it's worth it to get rid of extra connection in lines.
One thing about terminal Battleborn uses, you can make a TIGHT connection with no fear of stripping threads or breaking clamps
They also supply two lengths of bolts so you can make multiple connections instead of having to resort to using round post.
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That's what I'm thinking, thanks!
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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06-06-2019, 08:20 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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Renogy came thru on the defective controller. I was able to return the 30amp Adventurer PWM and they allowed me to upgrade for the difference minus 20% holiday discount to the Rover Li MTTP 30amp. This should just fit in the trash compartment. Now it's just the BB batteries and I hope to get them later this month when I can change my credit card rewards to online purchases and get the 3% $54 cash reward. Hope to get them installed and running prior to my early July trip.
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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06-06-2019, 07:56 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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Received the new MTTP controller today. It is substantially larger and I'm not sure it's going to get the air flow it needs for the heat sink where it is. May ask Babcock to stop by and take a look, hint hint!
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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06-06-2019, 09:12 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Posts: 7,616
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver
Received the new MTTP controller today. It is substantially larger and I'm not sure it's going to get the air flow it needs for the heat sink where it is. May ask Babcock to stop by and take a look, hint hint!
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I can do that!
If it's similar to the Victron, it lowers it's output based on temperature of the controller itself until it gets to a max temp where it turns itself off completely. May have to ask Renogy and/or look at the manual.
You will be glad you got the MPPT.
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06-08-2019, 07:22 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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Thanks Babcock for all the tips, suggestions and info yesterday. During my trip next week, I will monitor the temperature in the trash cabinet, solar output and batteries. When I return home, I will start to work on the buss bar/ cable situation. Thanks again!
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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06-08-2019, 10:00 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Posts: 7,616
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You are welcome.
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07-19-2019, 02:41 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,087
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Done with rewiring for Lithium!
Just about finished with rewiring for Lithium batteries in my step well. There was way too many cables to properly attach to the BattleBorn batteries so I mounted a buss bar and 3 of the cables are now on one. Only thing left to do besides getting the lithium batteries and dropping them in is to install the 100amp resettable fuse/cut-off. It looked like I wouldn't be able to mount it anywhere as it is a bit too thick. But after I but the flooded batteries back in I found a place in the left back and turn it sideways.
Special thanks to Babcock and my next door neighbor advice and tools.
__________________
2004 Winnebago Minnie 22e(went to a nice family Oct 3, 2015)
2016 Forester 2701DS (Aug 31, 2015)
2017 Camping 12 trips 38 nights
2018 Camping 10 trips 38 nights
2019 Camping 6 trips 19 nights
2020 Camping 0 trips Cancellations 6
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