Is The Charge From The Tow Vehicle Alternator Something To Worry About With Lithium Batteries

Question:

I am looking to change our camper from led acid to lithium. Do I need to worry about the charge from the 7 pin connector. I’m concerned about the alternator. I have read other people using a dc to dc charger to safe guard the alternator and help charge the battery. Is this needed. The camper has solar, so can I just let solar and shore power charge the lithium battery.

asked by: Ken S

Expert Reply:

The 12v accessory pin from the 7-way would need to be connected to the battery in order to charge it so you'd first need to make sure it was actually wired that way since not every manufacturer does. That being said the trickle charge coming from the 7-way wouldn't be anything to worry about since it wouldn't send a high enough voltage to fully charge a lithium battery.

If you were wanting to make sure that the trailer battery was being charged while on the road then you could use a DC to Dc charger like the Redarc BCDC Charger # RED96FR. It's compatible with lead acid and lithium batteries and would be also be compatible with your solar system. It does require two fuses # RED76FR for connecting to the each battery. If your solar is good enough for your needs then I would just stick with that though.

expert reply by: Kevin C