Converting to LifePO4

[RV_Lifers]

We have a new 2024 Thor RV 22B. I was going to replace the house battery with 2 LifePO4 batteries. Seems simple enough. Noticed that there is a chassis battery on the driver side by the LP tank. Question - do I also need to replace the chassis battery as well with a LifePO4 or is it fine the way it is. Was not 100% sure if the chassis and house batteries were charged the same.

 

[2Uncorked]

No need to replace chassis Battery

 

[RV_Lifers]

Awesome - ty for the quick response!

 

[ducksface]

Not only is there no need;
You never use anything but agm or dry cells(odd and expensive)or wet cells to start a vehicle.
(This is changing rapidly and soon it won't be an issue...but for now, just don't)

 

[psdtime]

This is a lot of people that will tell you that you can damage your alternator by just putting in the LiPo batteries, I think that you at least need to change the BiM, which shouldn't be hard. I do not know enough about this to argue, but I think that you should at least do a bit more research. Something like this (not promoting this since I do not have one) LiFePO4 Battery Isolation Manager (BIM)

 

[mdntblu]

I do not know enough about this to argue, but I think that you should at least do a bit more research. Something like this (not promoting this since I do not have one) LiFePO4 Battery Isolation Manager (BIM)

I can vouch for this. If your RV has the older style you will need a BIM. I also had to change my converter (Charger) to one that auto-detects if it's Lithium or Lead Acid. But I believe on newer MH's (mine is 2018) they had those type of converters. But you should still double check the model number of yours and make sure it can charge Lithium batteries. Other than that I got two of the Dr. Prepare 100aH batteries a few years back and they are amazing.

 

[ducksface]

No,
You don't need a lithium specific charger and haven't needed one since bms were integrated into lithium batteries.

 

[2Uncorked]

My 2022 Thor MBenz 3500 chassis came with a 220amp alternator and a 100Ah AGM house battery. In 2023, I upgraded to a single 100Ah Renogy w/BMS (2020gen) and had no issues.

 

[2Uncorked]

Just upgraded to an Epoch single 300Ah battery and have tons of house power for boondocking.

 

[DavidEM]

300 Ahs may be enough to put too much load on the chassis alternator.

To check, run the house bank down below 50%, start the engine and let it run for 15 min. Then check the case temp with an IR gun. Should be less than 225 deg.

David

 

[16ACE27]

Epoch single 300Ah battery

300 Ahs may be enough to put too much load on the chassis alternator.

To check, run the house bank down below 50%, start the engine and let it run for 15 min. Then check the case temp with an IR gun. Should be less than 225 deg.

David

Your Renogy battery added at most 50 amps charging to the alternator. That 300 AH battery can suck down 200 amps when charging easily overloading your 220 amp alternator.

 

[2Uncorked]

Thankyou for your feedback.
here is the Epoch 300 spec sheet: