JustAGuy101
New Member
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2020
- Messages
- 14
Deeuubee:@JustAGuy101 -
My opinion: Install both batteries connected to a marine "1-2-both" disconnect switch.
1 - Lead (travel/shore power/storage), 2-LiFePO (camping)
When in "1" travel/shore power, it's just no drama. No worries about charge profiles, 7-pin charging, stolen battery, etc.
It's just the way it was designed.
When in "2" camping, no drama there either. if the LiFePO runs low, charge it it from the generator with the existing converter. Until you actually do it, you won't know if it charges to 90-80-70-60%. Either way, it's enough to finish the weekend. Your not running the generator long enough to be concerned with bulk, absorption, float charge.
If you're plugged into shore power, well, you're not using the battery anyway, so leave it in "1".
Use your LiFePO charger as a portable charger. Top off the LiFePO at home or camping.
You're supposed to have a set-up/disconnect check list.
First thing on the set-up list, "switch battery to camp" mode. Last thing on the disconnect list, "switch battery to travel" mode.
In the event that you replace the lead with another LiFePO, just leave the switch in "both" for the additional capacity.
You could have all these things done automatically; you just have to decide how much you want to pay.
Oh, and I would buy the 280Ah instead of the 206Ah.
You described in words, pretty much exactly what I'm going to do (see diagram above). I'm sure other people who use their RVs differently than we will will ultimately want a more refined/automated solution, I think this one is pretty much perfect. I already have my 206ah cells and have them all tested with the Overkill BMS (which is WAY cool BTW). After I did the first capacity test, I let the pack sit a couple of days until My Victron 30A charger got here. When it did, I started up my Westinghouse iGen 2200 and confirmed it would provide enough amperage to charge the pack at the full 30 amps which it did. I also found a Craftsman toolbox at Lowes that will fit the pack and BMS very nicely so it all remains portable (removable). Something must be wrong though because this plan is coming together nicely.