Change to lithium batteries

[sherman12]

Watch this YouTube couple add solar and lithium to their old Class C project. Wild RV Life

 

[TitanMike]

Been so long since I turned on my converter … wonder if I’ll remember how?

Just start a thread here asking how and see how long before it will morph into suggestions to add solar, etc

 

[Aussieguy]

What I see is …….
a lot people only half look at solar and then when it doesn’t work perfect they blame the camp, the trees, the mother in law.

Solar and lithium go so well together
Too many simply just complain Instead of looking at small things they can/should do to get to work better

For average power users adding solar should be a no brainer very easy to do and not really that expensive

I paid the same for solar as I did for a generator… and have not had to spend any more time or money since

Some days it just won’t work because of rain or something those day should be rare or you need to pick better camping spots

But ….some days my generator also refuses to start
Sadly I been Neglecting it

 

[Reverse_snowbird]

Since you have a 5th wheel, you shouldn't have a problem.
If you had a motorhome, you'd need a dc-dc charger.

Since you just need the extra power when traveling between campsites, buying the battery and then deciding if you need a new converter makes sense to me.

 

[Riverguy42]

what would be the problem with just changing to a lithium battery without up grading the converter besides not getting the full usable power from it?

First (easiest) thing is to replace the WFCO power supply board in your rig with the "Auto Detect" (Lithium Compatible) version. If you want to buy it from WFCO, it's $200, but you can get them on ebay (from the OE chinese source) for $50-$70. RV WF-8955-AD-MBA 55 Amp Converter 12VDC Main Board Assembly Replacement Unit | eBay.

The 55AMP model is WF-8955-AD-MBA. Make SURE you are getting the 'AD' version!

It's an easy swap -- units fit identically. Spend a few extra $$ and get a LiFePO4 with Bluetooth monitoring. Well worth it!

 

[TitanMike]

First (easiest) thing is to replace the WFCO power supply board in your rig with the "Auto Detect" (Lithium Compatible) version. If you want to buy it from WFCO, it's $200, but you can get them on ebay (from the OE chinese source) for $50-$70. RV WF-8955-AD-MBA 55 Amp Converter 12VDC Main Board Assembly Replacement Unit | eBay.

The 55AMP model is WF-8955-AD-MBA. Make SURE you are getting the 'AD' version!

It's an easy swap -- units fit identically. Spend a few extra $$ and get a LiFePO4 with Bluetooth monitoring. Well worth it!

Looked at the linked listing. Looking at ALL the details the listing is for a USED unit.

Given the issues with WFCO "auto detect" units not detecting lifepo4 batteries automatically it could well be a returned unit that has this "defect".

For a WFCO 8955 replacement I'd recommend a Progressive Dynamics 4500 series drop in converter section.

Their units work a lot better

 

[Aussieguy]

The auto detect feature needs to run through a charge cycle
It should “detect” on the second cycle

Mine worked..:. Other people were also given/sent a jumper connection to force the lithium

I had no problems when I actually swapped and used the AD converter

 

[TitanMike]

The auto detect feature needs to run through a charge cycle
It should “detect” on the second cycle

Mine worked..:. Other people were also given/sent a jumper connection to force the lithium

I had no problems when I actually swapped and used the AD converter

Based on comments across the 'net you were one of the lucky ones.

 

[Aussieguy]

it's probably cheap..
maybe nasty..
But it's there and works when i need it

so if you got one
see if you can fix any connection/wiring issues
and contact them for a jumper connector


will consider replacing it with a different one......... if it ever gives up the blue smoke
but since I never use it... chance of it smoking is slim

 

[wmtire]

The site team is going to close this thread for a short time to sort some things out.

 

[tradventures]

Before going to lithium batteries, how much do you plan to boondock or Wally-dock to justify the expense?

Just wondering why you said that? For a Berkshire 2019 39A If I have (4) lead-acid batteries that need replacing and they are roughly $180 ea = $740 I can purchase two LiFePO4's with probably same or more amp hours for the same or less money. Why would I not purchase LiFePO4's? I just need to change the settings on my charger/inverter - I am not too sure about my Battery Isolator, but I can buy a new one for $100 or so. The only real question is the coach alternator, but I think it is fine with newer batteries BMS they have now, especially on something like SOK Batteries

 

[NJKris]

I'm 'transitioning', lol. For now relying on my solar to top off the LFP batt, or a small standalone LFP charger with alligator clips. The old school converter fills it up most the way.

 

[TitanMike]

Just wondering why you said that? For a Berkshire 2019 39A If I have (4) lead-acid batteries that need replacing and they are roughly $180 ea = $740 I can purchase two LiFePO4's with probably same or more amp hours for the same or less money. Why would I not purchase LiFePO4's? I just need to change the settings on my charger/inverter - I am not too sure about my Battery Isolator, but I can buy a new one for $100 or so. The only real question is the coach alternator, but I think it is fine with newer batteries BMS they have now, especially on something like SOK Batteries

With a new "battery isolator", a Li-Bim, your alternator will be just fine.

There's a reason the lifepo4 batteries being marketed to the RV world are often referred to as "drop-in".

Set your charger to the desired lifepo4 charge profile, change isolator to Li-Bim, and install the lifepo4 batteries of your choice. Things will work exactly as they have in the past. Just without water maintenance, corrosion control. Also quicker charging and more hours between charging when off grid.

No need to get complicated unless you want to start a major project so you can run the A/C or use the microwave for extensive cooking (as opposed to just heating a TV dinner or heating a cup of coffee).

 

[sherman12]

Hopefully, it's as simple for TR as TitanMike points out.

The OP's question was that he would need more than just a battery-to-battery swap, adding additional expense. And, he/she provided no information on what type of camping they do, or where, or how often.

 

[sharptailhunter]

I hope I’m not hijacking this thread by asking a question but I feel like it applies to the topic at hand, so here goes:

I have a 2021 Geo Pro 20BHS with a roof mount 190w solar panel and PWM controller. For a power center I have a WFCO WF-8735P and for batteries I have two 6v golf cart batteries. I’m looking at switching to LFP batteries. As far as I understand, my converter won’t top off the LFP batteries. But, will my associated solar setup do that? I know I can switch the controller to LFP mode. Would there be any benefit to switching out the converter to one that is lithium ready?

 

[TitanMike]

I hope I’m not hijacking this thread by asking a question but I feel like it applies to the topic at hand, so here goes:

I have a 2021 Geo Pro 20BHS with a roof mount 190w solar panel and PWM controller. For a power center I have a WFCO WF-8735P and for batteries I have two 6v golf cart batteries. I’m looking at switching to LFP batteries. As far as I understand, my converter won’t top off the LFP batteries. But, will my associated solar setup do that? I know I can switch the controller to LFP mode. Would there be any benefit to switching out the converter to one that is lithium ready?

While one can get by with the original converter changing to a Lithium Ready one will yield faster charging when on Shore power or generator. Also less reliance on solar to top off and balance cells.

It's something one needs to decide for themselves based on how they use the batteries. If merely for short off grid periods like a 3-day weejend; an overnite while traveling to a campsite with power, then perhaps a change in converter is unnecessary. If there's a need to fully charge the lifepo4 batteries quickly from shore/generator power then changing converter would be highly recommended. Using a separate charger could work but isn't as easy as just plugging in the main power cord.

It all depends on personal needs and desires.

 

[sharptailhunter]

Thanks @TitanMike , that was just what I was looking for.