Another Lithium/Solar Upgrade Question

[philanum]

2023 27DSE Solera. I'm wanting to upgrade to lithium. In the desire to keep the batteries in the step and get as many Ah as possible, it looks like I can get 2 Victron 200 Ah batteries in the step (I know, expensive). It looks like I would also need to use the Victron Energy Smart BMS 12/200. Would I still need to upgrade the original BMS to lithium. Would I just disconnect the battery 2 wire (from alternator?) from it? Would I need any other Victron components to complete this. It seems like the already installed Way Elite MPPT duo-battery charge controller would not need to be replaced. I know to switch to Li in the breaker box. In early planning stages and would welcome any suggestions.

 

[Mainframe]

It looks like your rig is like mine, 2021 3010DS, well kinda like mine, I just did an upgrade, I did 2 100 AH in the steps, (I didn't know you could fit 2-200 AH in there) and one more in the next over storage bay. I had to change BIM to the Lithium one so my alternator wouldn't burn up and I had to switch my solar to Lithium and the transformer under the bed had a switch on it so I am wondering if you only need to change you BIM

Here is a link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DY8S815?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[philanum]

Thanks for the reply Mainframe. Victron batteries require a Victron BMS which charges the alternator. Just not sure how to bypass the BIM, or if I even need to. Or put a cable from the upgraded BIM to the alternator lug on the Victron Energy Smart BMS 12/200. Or remove the chassis battery cable off the BIM (leave it empty) and place it on the Victron BMS.

 

[Aussieguy]

Thanks for the reply Mainframe. Victron batteries require a Victron BMS which charges the alternator. Just not sure how to bypass the BIM, or if I even need to. Or put a cable from the upgraded BIM to the alternator lug on the Victron Energy Smart BMS 12/200. Or remove the chassis battery cable off the BIM (leave it empty) and place it on the Victron BMS.

Lithium have a BMS built into the battery.
Some motor homes can charge the chassis battery via the BMS and shore power

Find and check what Battery manager / BIM you have...
It may already be Lithium capable LI-BIM ?

https://www.precisioncircuitsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/00-10041-26x-Li-BIM-Rev1.pdf

 

[philanum]

This is the 200Ah lithium battery from victron; 2 will fit in the stair. It does not have integrated BMS which is why they require a separate one. The 2 wires coming from the battery hook into a BMS sold separately.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08175JHM...B4WB5LNL0&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

This is the BMS:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P5LTNK...4WB5LNL0&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I assume I'll need the BMS and the upgraded BIM.

 

[Saluda]

Wow, that's quite expensive for a LiFePO4 battery without a built-in BMS. I guess it's designed for more advanced setups. I wonder if two Group 31 200ah batteries with built-in BMS would fit in that space?

 

[philanum]

Saluda, I searched and searched and measured and measurmeasured. Couldn't find any. Would much rather go that route if possible

 

[Saluda]

I will do some measurements and check in with big beard batteries to see if they have any custom solutions. I am interested in what they have to offer.

 

[MGD1961]

I am of the opinion that it’s always better to buy the best you can and only cry once rather than crying twice when the system doesn’t work.

Victron is top notch and no, they don’t have a built in BMS on the batteries you are looking at. The external BMS will perform better and just work better overall. They are not the cheapest you can get for a reason

I would also say it is worth looking at Mastervolt as well. They are a step better in my opinion and have much better tech support if you need it. Understand that I work for a dealer for both but don’t sell victron as a first choice only because of Victrons weak support and the Masterbuss monitor system is much more user friendly.

 

[codefoster]

I'm a little late to the conversion, but I like the Victron batteries a lot. They don't have a BMS which separates your concerns - meaning you get the right BMS for your install. That SmartBMS 12/200 is a good unit to. It is designed to be hooked up to an alternator and make sure the battery draw doesn't cause the alternator to overheat. It should be exactly what you need.