2022 2108FBS With Solar...Upgrade To Lithium

[Marine359]

Originally Posted by R1campr

Marine359, what is the brand of that breaker? Its what I’ve been trying to find.

$20 on Amazon. Make sure you also get a junction post to connect the negative leads.

OUHL 30 Amp Circuit Breaker 12V- 48V DC Manual Reset Fuse for Trolling Motor Rv Marine Boat Vehicles System Protection Waterproof (30A)

https://www.amazon.com/OUHL-Trolling.../dp/B08H25ZDX8

[jonnyr1]

Originally Posted by Marine359

If you are referring to the ac wiring, AND you plan to mount an inverter/charger and battery in the pass thru, you’ll need to run the ac cables through the floor down along the frame rail and up through the floor again under the kitchen sink.

That's a really slick setup. Did you do the work yourself?


What kind of transfer switch did you use?

[Marine359]

I did much of the work myself by pre-mounting components to 3/4” ply board which I affixed to pass thru bulkhead. Unfortunately, at my age and weight, I couldn’t crawl into the pass thru to complete the work. Also it was dead of winter, so crawling under the camper in freezing temps and snow was not an option. Had to take it to a garage for that part. I did all subsequent work to install charge controllers, breakers. Acrylic barrier, and heating mat/switch for battery. Also installed additional 12v/usb outlets.

There is no separate transfer switch. I have a hybrid inverter/charger. It has a built-in transfer switch, which is one of the reasons to go with a hybrid. Saves cost and complexity versus inverter with separate transfer switch.

[eyecando]

https://www.amazon.com/Circuit-Break...089M6NGZ6?th=1

[Booner]

OP asked about the stock converter bringing the battery up to say 80% +\- Then the go power Solar controller bringing it up the rest of the way. The solar controller does have a lithium setting. Will this work? I believe the answer was no? If so what converter would you all recommend as a replacement for the stock converter?

[creativepart]

The simple answer is a converter with either a specific built in lifepo4 charging profile OR a means to custom set charging parameters suitable for LFP battery charging on an existing converter.

When shopping for a converter some will provide LFP charging profiles as standard and others will off a “remote” device to plug in to an older less capable converter that allows custom charging parameters.

If you’re looking for a specific model I’m afraid I can’t recommend any. Most comments I see online speak of adding a remote to an existing converter that accommodates such a device.

[Marine359]

When LiFePo4 enters absorption mode during final charging period, it needs 14.4 volts. Most charge. Controllers need to see 5v delta between battery and pv input. So, a single panel or multiple panels wired in parallel normally output 18v will not trigger the charge controller. I simply don’t know if one panel or multiple panels wired in series producing a much greater voltage output would work. I may try it soon to find out.

WFCO makes boards and switches you can install compatible with the original Micro Minnie WFCO charger board:
https://wfcoelectronics.com/wfco-ele...hium-solution/

OP also needs to keep in mind that the OEM charger will only charge at up to 30 amps during bulk mode. If switching to lithium, you lose one of the greatest advantages of LiFePo4 by pursuing his approach: the ability to charge very fast. To charge a 200ah lithium from zero to 80% takes 5.3 hours at 30 amps. At 80 amps it takes only 2 hours. So I definitely recommend a sharper replacement or board swap that can output 80 amps or more.

[Booner]

So the wife and I went to visit the TT today at my shop and I was able to get a few pics and check a few things. Wondering if you guys would take a look. I’m learning…….

The converter is a WFCO WF-8955-AD. After reading the manual online it says it will auto detect fla, gel, agm and Lithium. Looks like it’s 2 stage with lithium. Bulk @ 14.6 and Absorbtion @ 13.6. Tag shows 50 amp.

The Solar controller is go power gp-pwm-30-sq. That manual shows lithium as an option. Bulk 14.4. Absorbtion 14.4. And float 14v.

The TT came with a 200W solar panel on the roof.

It appears that this unit could take a Lithium battery without changing anything? Almost seems to good to be true. Say a 100ah battle born or something to that effect? Just to get started?

Like I said I’m still learning but it looks like the factory installed converter and solar controllers are ready for lithium to some degree? What am I missing? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Marine359]

Hey Booner,
That auto-detect feature sound sweet. So, you’re already set to install a LiFePo4 battery. However, one of the biggest advantage of LiFePo4 is fast charging. If the WFCO unit only provides 30 amps output, you lose one of the best features of LiFePo4: fast charging. A 100ah lithium typically will accept 80 amps of charge current. Max out your charge current for your LiFePo4 and you’ll be a happy camper.

[Booner]

Thanks so much for the reply. I still have plenty learn. The tag on the converter shows:

Converter output 14.6V,50A. Attached pic for reference.

50 amps of output? It’s not 80 but better than 30?

Im still working it all out. Plenty to digest here!!

[2108_FBS]

Hello All, I too am looking at changing the Lithium. I am going to start a new topic as to not distract from OPs. In regards to the auto detect I found this video that show how to switch the lithium. There is a process to follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pFuVnUsPz4

[parmm]

Originally Posted by Marine359

Unfortunately, at my age and weight, I couldn’t crawl into the pass thru to complete the work. Also it was dead of winter, so crawling under the camper in freezing temps and snow was not an option..

Glad I'm not the only one. Us old vets have to stick together!!!