Recommended DC To DC Battery Charger For 400AH Lithium Battery Bank

Question:

I need to install a DC to DC Lithium battery charger with a 14.6 volt setting, which is required for the two 200Ah 12V Lithium batteries I installed. The battery charger must work with the stock alternator that comes in a 1987 Toyota Sea Breeze 2.4L engine. I need one that the alternator in the truck can easily handle. The RV has a wire running from the positive side of the truck battery to a 30amp fused battery isolator. From there they had a wire that ran to the positive side of the house battery, which I changed from an 12 V Acid battery to the two 200Ah 12V Lithium Batteries. I also have 320 Watt solar panels system that adds to the charging of the two Lithium batteries. I plan on running a wire from the battery isolator to the new DC to DC Lithium battery charger and then another wire to positive side of the two Lithium batteries. Can you help me with choosing the correct DC to DC Lithium Battery charger with the required 14.6V setting?

asked by: James A

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you have a 400ah lithium battery bank the best option is going to be the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1240D. This DC to DC charger works with 12V or 24V vehicle systems with standard or smart alternators and is compatible with the following battery types: AGM, gel, standard led acid, calcium, and Lithium ion (LiFePO4) batteries. It's compatible with standard alternators, like the one in your Sea Breeze, as well as smart alternators in newer vehicles.

Your solar panels can also be wired into this system in order to pull from the panels first instead of pulling from the vehicle battery. This system is also going to require a fuse # 331-FK60 for the wires running to both the start battery and house batteries. I've attached a diagram of how this system needs to be wired below. I've also attached a video below where Dave will walk you through the installation.

expert reply by: Kevin C