Recommended Converter and Charger for Single Lithium Battery on 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

My battery is dying in my 2015 fifth wheel. I am planning on upgrading the battery to a 100 ah liFePO4 battery in my 2015 fifth wheel. My plan is to eventually buy a small portable solar kit for it for the few times I boondocks. Will I need to change my charger too? If so what do you recommend?

asked by: Paul M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes. Because lithium batteries have a full charge voltage of 14.4 to 14.6 volts, your standard battery charger/converter system will not be able to fully charge a lithium battery so you will need to upgrade your system. The Progressive Dynamics # PD9160ALV is compatible with lithium batteries and will work well for your single 100ah lithium battery. The # PD9160ALV is a 60amp converter and since it turns off automatically to avoid over-charging, it will help prolong the life of your new battery.

If you want to add a small solar panel system that will work with one battery, the Go Power Solar Flex Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 50 Watt Solar Panel # 34280058 would be a good option. In order to use larger solar charging systems, most would require a battery bank with more than 1 battery, so this would be a good choice for your current setup.

I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to have a look at, as well as a helpful article that can help you determine how much solar power you might need.

expert reply by: Erik B

Christy

10/31/2021

I just bought a Grand Design Transcend (has one solar Panel) with a CONVERTER CHARGER W/DISTRIB CTR 30 AMP AC 55 AMP DC W/11 CIRCUITS BLACK NEW GENERATION. That is all I could get from Grand Design's website. So to upgrade to a lithium I just need to know what to replace it with, and do I need to replace the whole circuit board or just the converter? ? Thank you!

Les D.

11/2/2021

@Christy Standard converter chargers charge standard batteries at around 13.8 volts, whereas Lithium batteries charge at around 14.5 volts. You might get lucky and have a converter charger that has a switch to change between lead and lithium, otherwise you will need a new converter charger. If you can send me the model number of your current charger converter I can figure out which that you have or need.

Christy

11/2/2021

@LesD Thank you. I will get that to you. I have not picked up the trailer yet from dealer.