Lithium Upgrade

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad;376505 [snip

Based on these parameters, would a 350 amp ANL fuse be too high? Should I base the fuse rating on the PEAK discharge (200 amps) or use the BMS cutoff of 330 amps? I understand the point of the battery fuse is to protect the batteries in case of a catastrophic short - which could easily produce 1000+ amps - but I also don't want to fry the BMS.

I'm referencing an install of 100 Ah Battle Born batteries using a 300 amp fuse... in which case looks like a protection using peak discharge?

The circuit breaker size (amperage) is always based on the wire size (capacity in amperes based on the type of wire insulation) and not the device the wire/cable goes to. Be sure and use the chart for direct current and not alternating current. Then there is the fact that multi core cable can carry less current in the same diameter when compared to solid core (i.e. single core 1 AWG cable can carry 180 amps in open air but the same wire gauge of 43 strand cable can carry only 55 amps).

When carrying large amperage loads, I find it is convenient to use two or three smaller gauge cables rather than one very large copper single wire cable.

When I upgraded my inverter from 1,000 watts to 2,000 watts, I simply ran another 1 AWG, 6 strand cable to the inverter and to the ground parallel to the original Thor MC plant 750 cable.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Looks like I can use a terminal mounted t-class 300 amp fuse at the battery terminal. Then 2/0 welding cable for connections... very short cable runs.

[Ejohn2317]

Originally Posted by BeeDoc

I just completed a Lithium upgrade on my 2018 Thor Citation, and went with the following

- 2x LiFePO4 -170Ah BigBattery
- Progressive Dynamics 12v 55 Amp 4600 Series Replacement Converter Lithium Profile
- BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor

My question is, do I need to add a BIM-225 Lithium? I believe my Citation currently has an Isolator Solenoid, which doesn't allow for the house to charge the chassis. Or is it best to leave it "as-is"?

I would definitely add the BIM. The high output very expensive alternator on the Mercedes could become destroyed because it's trying to charge the lithium batteries. The Bim will safely charge the batteries protect the alternator and has an added bonus that there's a switch you can add if you need to boost the chassis batteries. The BIM-225 is recommended by battleborn I used it on mine and I'm charging renergy 100 amp hour batteries x2. The alternative is a DC to DC charger. The DC to DC charger has a fan moving parts is noisy and in my experience a regular relay without moving parts will last longer .the Bim is also cheaper.

[Ejohn2317]

It's been 3 years since I installed my lithium setup. If I had to do it again I would have been stalled a renergy 3000 watt inverter charger. This would have definitely simplified the setup by eliminating the progressive dynamic charger upgrade also the relay switch that you have to add so that you're not charging your batteries while you're running from your batteries.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Ejohn2317

It's been 3 years since I installed my lithium setup. If I had to do it again I would have been stalled a renergy 3000 watt inverter charger. This would have definitely simplified the setup by eliminating the progressive dynamic charger upgrade also the relay switch that you have to add so that you're not charging your batteries while you're running from your batteries.

I was having second thoughts about a 3k inverter/charger, but went with it anyway. Doubt I'll ever need the extra headroom. Bonus is it has built-in transfer switch for pass-through of AC if shore or generator power is detected... at 1/3 the price of a Multiplus. I also went with the Li-BIM 225.

[Ejohn2317]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

I was having second thoughts about a 3k inverter/charger, but went with it anyway. Doubt I'll ever need the extra headroom. Bonus is it has built-in transfer switch for pass-through of AC if shore or generator power is detected... at 1/3 the price of a Multiplus. I also went with the Li-BIM 225.

That's the way to go but it wasn't available 3 years ago that's how quickly this technology is moving

[Chateau_Nomad]

The not so fun part is now I have to dig into the rats nest of wiring under the bed behind the WFCO power center panel. At least I can eliminate and remove the WFCO converter.
Edit: The inverter/charger I purchased was 1/2 (not 1/3) the price of a Victron Multiplus... about $825.