Can Lithium and Lead Acid Batteries Play Nice Together

Updated 01/08/2024 | Published 01/07/2024

Question:

Hi. I own a Class A. Since I installed Lithium house batteries, our chassis batteries do not seem to charge unless the engine is running. We like to boondock. I am looking to install a DC to DC battery maintainer to keep our chassis batteries charged from our lithium house batteries. Wondering if I can use a solar mppt for this purpose since those seem to be less expensive? Looking for recommendations. Also, in our rig the house batteries are the front and chassis in the back, I believe I can wire the maintainer into our BIM which is near the rear. Appreciate your advice. Thank you,

asked by: Ron P

Expert Reply:

Lithium and lead acid batteries charge at different voltages which is why you are experiencing what you mentioned. I don't know what your AC charger setup is like that charges the house batteries but I would assume it's setup for lithium batteries and it's not working with your chassis batteries. It's hard to get more specific than that since I do not know your setup details but that's where I would start. To get everything to work together better I would recommend going with lithium batteries for that chassis as well and make sure your alternator can charge at the higher voltage.

expert reply by: Jameson C