Lithium upgrade 2022 Arctic Wolf 327 MB

[LeWarne]

I have been researching upgrading to two 300 amp hour lithium batteries to replace our existing 24 series interstate lead core batteries for our Arctic Cat fifth wheel. After researching the converter/charger I understand it is compatible with lithium batteries automatically. (WFCO 9855). I have room for the mounting of the batteries. The two items I understand I need to purchase is a lithium capable Solar Controller--probably in the 60 amp range I am guessing and the batteries themselves. Based upon any other mechanical upgrade I have ever tried before in my life--- I assume I am missing something. I am posting for advice on what else is necessary to complete this upgrade. Thank you in advance

 

[tomkatb]

Just in case.

A lithium charger. I own the Victron. Unique to lithium is the battery going to sleep. Most chargers will not wake them up..

I like the SOK 280 ah batteries. Thee batteries are good to zero.

If the batteries are really low you can use the charger and the converter.

 

[Aussieguy]

2022 is the year WFCO was switching over to lithium capable
you may or may not have gotten one! .................... I did not get one in my 2022 trailer

solar... look to see if your solar has..... "USER DEFINED" or Lithium setting
if you got ............. user defined set the charging to 14.2 and the Float to 13.8v
or to the lithium... BTW I did NOT like the lithium setting on mine, the user defined better

IF none of them are lithium... I would swap the SOLAR controller
gives you ability to boondock a bit longer ... it will charge up the batteries
size or controller depends on how many panels you got / want...

600w-800w of solar + a 50amp MPPT is a good starting point for average 12v usage
MORE panels if you want to use more power such as running an Inverter
If you want more panels... Look at roof layout and work out what you can fit up there

If you got a factory installed solar ... be prepared to toss it and get better matching panels
get BIGGEST panels you can fit up there.
Charge controller SIZE is worked out after you determine what panels you want up therer.

Over 800w of panels you start getting into ...
a) use two strings of panels + a second charge controller

or
b) look at series connecting the 2x 300ah into a 24v battery ... then only ONE controller is needed
BUT then you also need to convert 24 back to 12v so the RV can use it..

look for videos on 5th wheel solar installs
some of them can have upwards or 3000w HUGE systems
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Converter... If you improve the solar it will 90% of the time keep battery happy
BUT if you rely on a generator a lot then
changing the converter will allow good fast charging = less generator time

Make sure you look at the converter wiring especially the NEGATIVE to frame connections ( possibly 2 of negatives to look at)
MY negative connections for battery and converter were very poor
take them apart and scrape/sand the paint off the frame so you get good metal to metal contact.

 

[LeWarne]

2022 is the year WFCO was switching over to lithium capable
you may or may not have gotten one! .................... I did not get one in my 2022 trailer

solar... look to see if your solar has..... "USER DEFINED" or Lithium setting
if you got ............. user defined set the charging to 14.2 and the Float to 13.8v
or to the lithium... BTW I did NOT like the lithium setting on mine, the user defined better

IF none of them are lithium... I would swap the SOLAR controller
gives you ability to boondock a bit longer ... it will charge up the batteries
size or controller depends on how many panels you got / want...

600w-800w of solar + a 50amp MPPT is a good starting point for average 12v usage
MORE panels if you want to use more power such as running an Inverter
If you want more panels... Look at roof layout and work out what you can fit up there

If you got a factory installed solar ... be prepared to toss it and get better matching panels
get BIGGEST panels you can fit up there.
Charge controller SIZE is worked out after you determine what panels you want up therer.

Over 800w of panels you start getting into ...
a) use two strings of panels + a second charge controller

or
b) look at series connecting the 2x 300ah into a 24v battery ... then only ONE controller is needed
BUT then you also need to convert 24 back to 12v so the RV can use it..

look for videos on 5th wheel solar installs
some of them can have upwards or 3000w HUGE systems
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Converter... If you improve the solar it will 90% of the time keep battery happy
BUT if you rely on a generator a lot then
changing the converter will allow good fast charging = less generator time

Make sure you look at the converter wiring especially the NEGATIVE to frame connections ( possibly 2 of negatives to look at)
MY negative connections for battery and converter were very poor
take them apart and scrape/sand the paint off the frame so you get good metal to metal contact.

Thank you both for the information. I knew I would be missing something. I have attached a picture of my charge converter. It does indicate (LI) which I hope means it is lithium/LifePO4 compatible. Would you agree this would be an acceptable charger for LifePO4 batteries?

 

[TitanMike]

You're good to go. You can download manual from WFCO's website that will provide necessary instructions.

 

[Aussieguy]

AD <-- in the model number = auto detect
if it has trouble detecting Lithium check your wiring... undersized 12v wires AND/OR poor connections can effect the auto
If it does NOT detect lithium after the 2nd charge cycle contact their support
There may be JUMPER that you can install on your model



one good option is to install the converter as close to battery as possible... eliminating lengthy runs of 12v cable
Moving the converter is a fairly easy DIY if you know how to run 120v