Will Vehicle Still Charge House Battery If Lithium Battery Is Added With Solar Power Item # 34282183

Question:

I have a 2021 Winnebago Hike 171db that has a standard setup that has a converter only with already battery. As I understand it, the house battery is charged when I tow with my 2015 Mercedes ML350. If I go to GoPower Weekender Solar system, and an LiFePo battery, will the house battery no longer be charged as I pull the trailer? I ask because I see so many questions about charging the house battery when driving and additional components needed.

asked by: Jed H

Expert Reply:

If you add the Go Power Weekender Solar Charging System Item # 34282183 with a Lifepo battery to your 2021 Winnebago Hike 171db you would replace you house battery with the lithium battery. As long as you retain all the original wiring you would maintain the charging process from the vehicle while towing. There is no way to add a separate battery in parallel with the electrical system and have it run trailer loads. It is recommended to add a battery isolator and dc to dc converter so the vehicle can charge the battery and the isolator prevents the house battery from pulling power from the vehicle battery when the vehicle is off.

I recommend adding the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger Item # 331-BCDC1240D which provides both the dc to dc charging and has has a built in isolator. It will require the 60-Amp MIDI Fuse Kit Item # 331-FK60.

I also recommend the Go Power Lithium RV Battery Item # 34282738. This is a deep cycle battery with 100 amp hour capacity. It has a built in BMS which offers voltage, temperature, overcurrent, and short circuit protection.

expert reply by: Shane H