I recently replaced my 2 aging 69lb AGM batteries with Lithium batteries and a new inverter. Continuing decline in the cost of lithium batteries made the decision to switch easy and created new power and weight opportunities. I choose the new group 24 100 ah Litime blue tooth batteries (4) and A Renogy 3000 watt inverter to feed a second transfer switch to feed the main 120v line. The goal was to power all outlets for use of Keurig, microwave, hair dryers, and short use of HVAC. I planned the system wireing to handle up to 400 amp surge/draw with 4/0 wires to the inverter and 2/0 to the batteries in 2 banks of 2. Also installed were Victron 30 amp mppt smart solar, 30 amp Orion DC to Dc transformer mounted under passenger seat ( special thanks to JLeising for posts on connecting the transformer to the BIM).
Performance:
Renogy inverter: worked great but needed to swap my hard start cap in the Brisk2 ac to a RVsoftstart. Once switched, hvac worked every time and could easily run for 1 hour lunch breaks without generator.
Litime Batteries: love the blue tooth, could probably have skipped the battery monitor. I can read each battery individually. Power output is awesome. We tried running the HVAC, fridge on electric and the Keurig or hairdryer at the same time. Victron shunt confirmed the 4 batteries pushing 300 continuous amps and still maintaining over 12 volts. Blue tooth on batteries and Victron suggested and HVAC+fridge and lunch time microwave/keurig battery run time of 2-3 hours with compressor running 100 % of the time. Brisk2 +fridge and lights draw 123 amps on the Victron. The batteries only weigh 20 lb each.
Orion DC to DC transformer: easy install, has blue tooth . The best feature is the auto engine start detection. I was prepared to wire some sort of an ignition dependent relay but none is needed. The Orion recognizes the MBS alternator running. Starts transformer about 30 seconds after engine start and shuts 30 seconds after stop. I disconnected the purple trigger wire on my BIM solenoid. The bulk and float charge voltages are fully selectable.
Overall I am happy with project but my expansion of 2 more batteries and an inverter wiped out my weight savings. We did not need to run generator at all on travel days. Looking forward to having my morning coffee at 5 am using the keurig in a national park before generator hours begin. Here are some pics I hope provide ideas for others.
Performance:
Renogy inverter: worked great but needed to swap my hard start cap in the Brisk2 ac to a RVsoftstart. Once switched, hvac worked every time and could easily run for 1 hour lunch breaks without generator.
Litime Batteries: love the blue tooth, could probably have skipped the battery monitor. I can read each battery individually. Power output is awesome. We tried running the HVAC, fridge on electric and the Keurig or hairdryer at the same time. Victron shunt confirmed the 4 batteries pushing 300 continuous amps and still maintaining over 12 volts. Blue tooth on batteries and Victron suggested and HVAC+fridge and lunch time microwave/keurig battery run time of 2-3 hours with compressor running 100 % of the time. Brisk2 +fridge and lights draw 123 amps on the Victron. The batteries only weigh 20 lb each.
Orion DC to DC transformer: easy install, has blue tooth . The best feature is the auto engine start detection. I was prepared to wire some sort of an ignition dependent relay but none is needed. The Orion recognizes the MBS alternator running. Starts transformer about 30 seconds after engine start and shuts 30 seconds after stop. I disconnected the purple trigger wire on my BIM solenoid. The bulk and float charge voltages are fully selectable.
Overall I am happy with project but my expansion of 2 more batteries and an inverter wiped out my weight savings. We did not need to run generator at all on travel days. Looking forward to having my morning coffee at 5 am using the keurig in a national park before generator hours begin. Here are some pics I hope provide ideas for others.
