What All Needs to Be Changed When Switching to Lithium Batteries in an RV

Published 02/23/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Progressive Dynamics 4500 Series RV Converter w/ Charge Wizard and AC/DC Distribution Panel - 60 Amp

(214)

$386.20

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 50 Amp

(91)

$690.00

Question:

I was considering swapping in your PD4560K18LS8 converter since I am switching to lithium batteries and my stock converter doesnt have a lithium option. I was wondering if I have to do something else on the trucks alternator end as that also is used to charge the house batteries. I have a 2017 class C sunseeker by forest river.

asked by: Tom B

Expert Reply:

In most typical setups, the house batteries are only charged by the converter via shore power. The converter can either be standalone or built into the panel like the Progressive Dynamics RV Power Control Center with AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger part # PD4560K18LS8. If switching to lithium, you need to be sure the converter is rated for this as lithium batteries charge different than standard lead acid. The above converter is lithium compatible so there will be no issues there.

In regards to charging the house batteries via the alternator, this is not standard but if done there would need to be some sort of device between the alternator and house batteries. The device would need to be rated for lithium batteries as well. I can't be sure of what you have but we do have these devices which are lithium compatible such as the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger part # 331-BCDC1250D if yours is not

expert reply by: Conner L