2015 XL 40QL - My LiFeP04 Upgrade

[jknutter]

I just recently finished my LiFeP04 project and thought I'd share:

The original set up - four 6vdc 220ah batteries


Pulled batteries, removed corrosion, repainted floor, added Plywood with battery box and wireway then sealed it all off.


Undercoated floor then mounted: SOK 206ah batteries, 350Amp Shunt, Power Cord Reel, and 12vdc fuse block. Cleaned up wiring


Removed OEM 50AMP Cord (repurposed as an extension cord), connect cord reel to wall mounted receptacle and installed Guard Dog surge protector.


Mounted Battery Monitor inside and ran cables to shunt in battery bay.


So far I'm extremely happy with the results. I believe the 6vdc golf cart batteries were original as they only supplied power for about 45minutes before dying. I have not had a chance yet to see how long the new LiFeP04 batteries will last but I let them run for about 8 hours while I had the RV parked at work and they were still going strong when I clocked out. We are planning our first Boondocking trip in September and I'm excited to see how it goes.

[jknutter]

Incase anyone is interested, The parts list:

1) Two SOK 206ah batteries (non-heated) from ShopSolarKits.com - $2278
2) Technology Research Corp RH54331RMK 50 Amp RV Power Cord Reel, High Profile - 33' Cord from Amazon - $706
3) Hughes Autoformers PWD50EPO Power Watchdog Smart Surge Protector + EPO - 50 Amp from Amazon - $256
4) AiLi Voltmeter Ammeter Voltage Current Meter Voltmeter Ammeter 100V 350A Caravan RV Motorhome 999 AH from Amazon - $45
5) Trc Shoreline Reels RV2060 Floor Hatch and Roller Kit 5 in by 6 in from Amazon - $88
6) Misc male & female 50amp plugs and hardware $30

Took a few days to complete but worth every penny to me - planning on going full time when I retire in 3 years.

[dave-g]

Did you reuse your existing inverter?

I'm planing on going to the sok's myself in the fall. With your set up you should have double the usable power. Very nice.

[jknutter]

Originally Posted by dave-g

Did you reuse your existing inverter?

Yes, I did. Not enough battery to run AC so no need to upgrade from 2000W. Never know what the future brings though.

[caflorin]

I noticed you did not mention anything about the battery isolation manager (BIM). Did you change this from a lead acid to a lithium model?

[jknutter]

Originally Posted by caflorin

I noticed you did not mention anything about the battery isolation manager (BIM). Did you change this from a lead acid to a lithium model?

Yes, I did. I did a ton of research and ended up using the settings I found on SOK's website. I haven't yet but I want to contact Magnum and see what they recommend also.

[caflorin]

Nice upgrade. Thank you for the pictures. I'll be hanging onto this post in my library.

[jknutter]

So we completed our first Boondocking experience with the new battery upgrade. I must admit I am thoroughly impressed with the performance of these SOC batteries. We arrived at the campground about noon with 100% battery. We were by no means "nice" to them and used our electrical appliances as if we were connect to shore power. We did not use the AC, fireplace, or did any laundry as that would have required the generator. When we went to bed that night the batteries where down to 71%. We ran my CPAP, a desktop fan, and what ever was required by the RV through the night. The next morning the batteries only dropped to 48%. After breakfast I ran the gen for about 3.5 hours which bought the batteries back up to over 90%. I really think if we were conservative the batteries would have easily lasted over 24 hours. Now to look into adding solar.