Replacing house batteries

[Tjohn-THOR]

I have a new 2024 Indigo. Need to know if replace the original 2 house batteries that the converter will handle lithium batteries without replacing it?

 

[Grumpy Grampa]

You will need to get the name and model number of your converter, then do the research of the converters capabilities to be safe.

Good luck

 

[dkoldman]

I have a new 2024 Indigo. Need to know if replace the original 2 house batteries that the converter will handle lithium batteries without replacing it?

Yes,
but there is so much not said, no one can tell you how well it may work with the lithium without knowing what it is?

Of more importance, you don't even say why what you are trying to accomplish over the OEM Batteries.

 

[45Kevin]

I am in the process of ditching the lead acid batteries and switching to LiPo. My meager 88Ahs of current batteries is not enough to be off grid and have 120VAC. I have a 280Ah LiPo and a 3000W inverter to install.

My plan is to wire the 120VAC from the inverter to the connection where the shore power goes into the 120V breaker panel. For now I'll let the converter then supply the 12V side but will eventually separate the 12V from the 120V side eliminating the converter.

I have 360W of solar on the roof. I have read that my converter supplies a trickle charge to the house battery when there is a 120V supply, shore power now going to be inverter power.

But, does the alternator provide battery charging when the engine is running?

 

[16ACE27]

I am in the process of ditching the lead acid batteries and switching to LiPo. My meager 88Ahs of current batteries is not enough to be off grid and have 120VAC. I have a 280Ah LiPo and a 3000W inverter to install.

My plan is to wire the 120VAC from the inverter to the connection where the shore power goes into the 120V breaker panel. For now I'll let the converter then supply the 12V side but will eventually separate the 12V from the 120V side eliminating the converter.

I have 360W of solar on the roof. I have read that my converter supplies a trickle charge to the house battery when there is a 120V supply, shore power now going to be inverter power.

But, does the alternator provide battery charging when the engine is running?

Many misconceptions:

LiPo batteries are not used in RVs. LiFePO4 batteries are, commonly abbreviated as LFP batteries. Much safer than LiPo.

The converter provides a full charge to the house batteries (not just a trickle charge), probably a maximum of 55 amps in your RV. You'll find out when you research the model number. On top of that the converter supplies all DC loads when on SP or running the generator. If you wire an inverter output to the Power Center input you will create a circular energy system as the inverter takes the energy from the batteries that the converter is charging which is powering the inverter.

Yes, your alternator charges the house batteries and needs to be considered when upgrading to LFP house batteries so you don't overload the alternator.

 

[45Kevin]

Many misconceptions:

LiPo batteries are not used in RVs. LiFePO4 batteries are, commonly abbreviated as LFP batteries. Much safer than LiPo.

The converter provides a full charge to the house batteries (not just a trickle charge), probably a maximum of 55 amps in your RV. You'll find out when you research the model number. On top of that the converter supplies all DC loads when on SP or running the generator. If you wire an inverter output to the Power Center input you will create a circular energy system as the inverter takes the energy from the batteries that the converter is charging which is powering the inverter.

Yes, your alternator charges the house batteries and needs to be considered when upgrading to LFP house batteries so you don't overload the alternator.

Thanks for replying.

Re LiPo. I think the abbreviation for LiFePO4 may be forum dependent, but those are the batteries I am referring to.

I typically don't do shore power or generators due to the places I camp.

Good to know about the alternator charging. A one hour trip the other day did not show any charging according to the analog control panel (push button and 1 of 4 LEDs lights up). I would use a DC-DC charger to limit the draw on the alternator. Mercedes recommends taking no more than 80 amps.

I am sure I read on the Thor website that the converter provides a trickle charge. Just reread the converter manual and the trickle charge was in reference to float mode.

As far as the circular situation, I am aware of it and I could probably disconnect something or not connect something to avoid that. It will warm up in a few days and I'll dig into it deeper.

I don't want to, or have the time to invest too much into the electrical system as we are not sure yet if this is the rig for us. We will know after a winter in it. But we do need more off-grid capability than the current FLA 88Ah batteries can supply.

 

[16ACE27]

Thanks for replying.

Re LiPo. I think the abbreviation for LiFePO4 may be forum dependent, but those are the batteries I am referring to.

I typically don't do shore power or generators due to the places I camp.

Good to know about the alternator charging. A one hour trip the other day did not show any charging according to the analog control panel (push button and 1 of 4 LEDs lights up). I would use a DC-DC charger to limit the draw on the alternator. Mercedes recommends taking no more than 80 amps.

I am sure I read on the Thor website that the converter provides a trickle charge. Just reread the converter manual and the trickle charge was in reference to float mode.

As far as the circular situation, I am aware of it and I could probably disconnect something or not connect something to avoid that. It will warm up in a few days and I'll dig into it deeper.

I don't want to, or have the time to invest too much into the electrical system as we are not sure yet if this is the rig for us. We will know after a winter in it. But we do need more off-grid capability than the current FLA 88Ah batteries can supply.

Sorry, I did not realize you had a MB chassis. In that case the alternator MAY not charge the house batteries. You will need to see the Thor DC electrical drawings from the Thor Owners Resource Website for your RV (by VIN) to see what the actual case is.