Lithium upgrade to my 2015 ERA 170X

[BuddyM]

I recently completed a conversion from 2 ea. 100ah AGM batteries to 2 ea. Custom made 280ah LIfePO4 batteries and added a 3kw Inverter/charger
and DC to DC charger from the 220amp alternator to those batteries.
My process and drawing are attached. Your wiring may be much different than mind so please don't use this to build your conversion. This should only be used as a reference.

[booster]

Where is the major charging going to come from, I couldn't see a charger output rating in the link?

[BuddyM]

The inverter/charger provide 60 amps. 30 to each battery when plugged into 120VAC or using the generator. When driving the DC to DC charger provides 40 amps. from the alternator. 20 amps to each battery.

[booster]

Originally Posted by BuddyM

The inverter/charger provide 60 amps. 30 to each battery when plugged into 120VAC or using the generator. When driving the DC to DC charger provides 40 amps. from the alternator. 20 amps to each battery.

That is going to be a lot of driving or generator time if you don't get shore power when you have batteries that are down over 500ah.

[BuddyM]

Well, I don't plan to use my AC unit on batteries. I just wanted to know that I could. 560 ah should last me a very long time. The way I travel it's 10-12hr days of driving followed by RV parks for the night. (if available). or Hotels.
It's just a van so it really doesn't draw a great deal of power.

[@Michael]

This is a very interesting writeup. Thanks for posting it.

[BuddyM]

Thanks . When I did my research it wasn't real clear how to get this done. Thought it would help some people.

Buddy

[Nspekter]

Buddy,
Your write up has been very helpful as I make a similar conversion to my 2013 ERA 170A. I have a couple of questions about the switches you used for the battery boost. What kind did you use? Where did you mount them? And did you consider a SPDT instead of 2 separate switches?
Thanks for your help.

[BuddyM]

Nspekter, I actually tried to find a spdt switch but one had to be high current (40amp) and the other low current. See page 8 of my writeup top photo, bottom left. you will see both switches from the back side. this is under the passenger seat. On another part of my project I have since added high current ac switch to bypass the inverter when i have outside or generator power. buddy

[Nspekter]

Thanks for the answer. Did you add the switch at the inverter because of problems or to protect it?

[BuddyM]

I don't understand why but when I tried my air conditioner with 120vac into the rv it powered off. If I run the ac on batteries only it seems ok. But I had power into my inverter/charger the inverter out was trying to run the air conditioner so I put the bypass switch so it powers the inverter/charger and bypasses the inverter and goes directly to the rv. Seems to work very well. New drawing last page.

[Nspekter]

Buddy, I'm getting ready to hook up my new inverter/charger. I want to eliminate the old charging connection from shore power but I'm not finding it. Do you know where that connection was made? at least in yours?