Upgrading A 2021 Forest River GT5 To Lithium Batteries

Updated 05/19/2021 | Published 05/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc The Manager30 Battery Management System with Lithium Profile

(3)

$1849.00

Question:

Installing 4 -12V 100AH in my 2021 Forest River Georgetown GT5 and bought a PD9160AVL. My question is what else do I need to purchase to keep out of trouble. Do I need to isolated the alternator from the house batteries. Batteries in Parallel and 1/0 connection cables should carries the load between batteries and total AH should equal the 2 Led Acid batteries already there. Saw where someone has a 20 amp DC to DC converter to charge from the alternator buy did not see weather the alternator charged the house batteries. Thanks

asked by: Dennis

Expert Reply:

From what you're saying you're trying to have 6 batteries total (2 original lead acid batteries + 4 - 12v 100ah batteries as a separate battery bank). Unfortunately you won't be able to charge the lead acid batteries with the Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power RV Converter and Battery Charger - Lithium - 12V - 60 Amps Item # PD9160ALV since it's designed for lithium batteries. Doing so could overcharge them and cause them to crack.

You'll also want to ensure you have the proper wire gauge running to/from from your converter/charger, see attached installation guide for proper setup.

Redarc makes the DC to DC chargers you've seen and I recommend The Manager30 Battery Management System with Lithium Profile Item # RED88FR to help prevent your alternator from overheating and going out.

expert reply by: Kevin C