LiFePO4 install

[webber46]

I am installing new LiFe PO4 12V 200Ah Batteries(2ea.) My battery tray has to be fabricated to accomadate them. I have a welder coming over tomarrow to look and see what has to be done. Am also installing a Renogy Battery Monitor, and Recoil Busbars to manage the power distribution. I also contacted Xantrex concerning the charger/inverter ( Freedom 458 25/12 ) settings and was insured it will manage the batteries. My intention of this post is to see if anyone else has done this and if so, am I missing anything I have not mentioned. Thank you !!! 2005 Winnebago Itaska Merridian 39K

 

[Isaac-1]

You may want to strongly consider moving the batteries into a climate controlled location, LiFePo4 batteries don't off gas like Lead Acid doe so there is no need to keep them in a vented compartment, they also really prefer to be in the same sort of temperature range that humans do. When I installed my similar size pair of batteries last year I moved them into a hard to access lower kitchen cabinet which was directly above my electrical bay where the inverter is located, allowing for a slightly shorter battery cable run than from the factory battery tray which was located about 6-7 cable feet away. My alternative option was building an insulated box around the factory battery tray and duct a small fan and vent from the entry steps to the neighboring battery compartment.

Keep in mind LiFePo4 weighs a bit over half as much as Lead acid for the same size battery with a pair of 200AH LiFePo4 typically weighing in around 100 pounds total (mine weigh 48 pounds each),

 

[webber46]

Thanks Isaac-1 I am not in extreem cold temps that I have to worry, although I'm awere of the cold temps. on the new batteries. Thanks again

 

[Isaac-1]

Its not just cold, they also don't like heat, which will shorten their service life. In my case the original battery location traps a lot of heat when the generator or engine is running.

 

[canuckrv]

You'll want a battery-to-battery charger like 40A 12V DC to DC On-Board Battery Charger

 

[PeterChang]

The battery tray should match the size of the battery. Fix the battery in a limited position, and it's good to use a battery monitor to view the battery in real-time to ensure safe use of the battery.

 

[Ray-IN]

You'll want a battery-to-battery charger like 40A 12V DC to DC On-Board Battery Charger

Exactly! There is a thread on irv2.com where the guy told he had already burned up two new alternators and was looking for a solution.

 

[webber46]

Update: I have all the equipment for the LifePo4 install. Will have to reconstruct the battery trey this week to house the two batteries and start the wiring for the batteries, install the monitor and see how everything went.

 

[John Canfield]

Tom, if you can please take pictures and document your project and share the details here.

 

[webber46]

Hi John, I will surely do that when I start the install !!

 

[webber46]

Sorry for the delay in this project but had an accident that put me in the repair shop. now won't be able to leave here in Rockford, IL until the end of Nov. Altered the trip to head right to my spot in Port Orange, FL. The install of the batteries and monitor is almost complete. Had to get another wire to run inside to the monitor. The one that came with the monitor was 25' and I needed 30'. Will get that done this next week while the MH is still in the shop. Will update this project with pics and explainations when I get to Fl. Will also be able to let you know how well or not so well it works.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Thanks for the update - looking forward to seeing the final results.

 

[John Canfield]

...Will update this project with pics and explainations when I get to Fl. Will also be able to let you know how well or not so well it works.

Great!