Why I chose Lithium (LiFeMnPO4) batteries for my Mercedes Sprinter camper van and what you should know about charging equipment prior to starting or retrofitting your electrical system.
Products used:
GBS/Elite Power Solutions battery: https://goo.gl/XiC3yH
GBS/Elite BMS: https://goo.gl/D5Tn7a
Magnum Inverter/Charger: http://amzn.to/2wA8LVT
Magnum control panel: http://amzn.to/2xf2bI2
Victron solar charge controller: http://amzn.to/2vUP9zx
Victron VE.direct bluetooth dongle: http://amzn.to/2vUIGEM
or Victron 75/15 for smaller panels: http://amzn.to/2vy4nt9
Ancor wire: http://amzn.to/2fdGSQX
Blue Sea A-series 15A breaker before charge controller: http://amzn.to/2x0MT6J
Blue Sea 285-series 30A breaker after charge controller: http://amzn.to/2wMwQdq
Blue Sea battery disconnect switches: http://amzn.to/2xepOQM
Blue Sea power distribution block: http://amzn.to/2wAbTRp
Blue Sea busbar: http://amzn.to/2woBQbF
80/20 aluminum framing: http://amzn.to/2fe9Vnr
Clicking on the above Amazon links will link you to the products I purchased. It will NOT cost you anything to use the links but if you do make a purchase I will get a small credit that will help fund this channel. I am not sponsored by any of these companies. Thank you for your support.
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Very useful information. Thank you for sharing with us.
In such a small enclosure, is heat an issue?
Great video! You should check out the sterling pro alt c intelligent alternator to battery charger as it can configure to charge lifepo4 lithium batteries. Great product!
very detail info, thx for sharing. might try your method convert vehicle power to 120v 1st while driving, then convert it back to dc to charge Li battery. Thumbs up n sub
Hi Ken, I like how you use 8020 for your build. I am going to try and find some videos on that but if you are making a video of the galley set up perhaps you can explain t reason and or use of the 8020 material for you rubies rather than attache straight to the Van walls.
I am looking at the Lithionics Batteries as they have just come out with a system especially designed for the sprinter with all of the proper items for charging etc as you mentioned. They have developed 2, a 150AH and 300 AH. I will study your system and list as I believe it os less money than Lithionics. Thanks or the well explained Video. I currently have the Lion energy Generator system connected but will change out for more power later.
My Maxx fan install went great with the adapter. Curious to see what you are going to do for the kitchen cabinet. I am looking at the Summit C60EL.GLASS stainless steel top with sink and electric cooker. i am going to using the truckfridge which has great reviews an lower cost than most fridges. I will change the electric cooker for an induction cooker I have and insert it.
Again thank you for your time making the videos they are very helpful and appreciated.
We'll done!
Another excellent video!
I'm curious, I did not see or hear you mention the negative from your new battery being chassis/body grounded. Is it?
Also, the monitor displaying battery info, it looks universal. Does it have multiple video inputs should I want to add additional video sources such as camera, etc. to it?
So how much did you know about the lithium/solar ecosystem before attempting this setup? and do you have any suggestions on where to get started on learning about solar/lithium. Great video, i have enjoyed you series so far…I am ready to bite the bullet myself within the next year.
Your set up is just absolutely incredible. I've also got a sprinter which I am building kind of similar to yours. However, mine is the SWB in comparison to your which I believe is the MWB. You've got much more space than me.
I have managed to squeeze 4 x batteries (marine AGM) under the passenger and driver's seat. So far, working great. Congratulations on your build.
Very nice! Not too far from what I'm planning too, except I'll be using a Victron inverter/charger too which of course allows custom charge programming too. I'll also use the 'alternator -> inverter -> inverter/charger -> battery' method primarily as my battery is 30V, while the alternator is 12V. It's not efficient, but it's easy, and as you say the inverter/charger will charge the batteries properly. The other Victron gear I'm using is the "Battery Protect". If you put it into "BMS" mode it'll act as a relay switch. The advantage of it is it draws very little current. For anyone interested in my setup it's all going on my YouTube channel.
Is it true that lead acid can only hold 20% of its ah? someone told me that if you have a 100ah lead acid that you can charge it to 20ah max. Doesn't sound right to me.
What was
the total cost?
Very interesting talk! A wiring diagram would greatly help understand since it's very compact in there!
What is the wheelbase of your Sprinter, and how big is the cargo area (from the rear passenger pillar post to the passenger compartment) to where the back doors are at?
why would you need a heatshield between the batteries and inverter?
I have been very impressed with your build so far (and I think you made a good selection with your battery/mppt/bms), but I find it odd that you took all the time to make sure you are charging your batteries correctly yet you are discharging them with an inverter that is underspec for your loads. Not really looking to "argue on the internet" but your 30 second surge rate of this inverter is 1600w and the 5 min surge is only 1200 watt. I'm not sure how it's going to like the 1400 watt induction burner over time. Even on the lower power settings, most induction burners ramp up full power, then shut down, then ramp back up to full to simulate lower settings so you'll always be using the induction burner at 1400w. This will surge to the inverter over and over again the entire time. Yes, it can support it, but I'm not sure the longevity of the inverter using it in this way.
There are several 2000 watt programmable inverter/chargers such as the Xantrex XC that are VERY low profile that should fit in your cabinet. The Magnum is 16.6”L x 8.4”W x 4.7”H where the Xantrex XC is 14.2"L x 10.6”W x 3.7”H and it appears it could fit in your box. I'm not a reseller or anything, but the XC is 2000w (vs the magnums 1000w), it's got an programmable 80amp charger (vs the magnums 50amp), 30 amp transfer switch (vs the magnums 20 amp), it has a built in screen (vs having to buy the $200 remote although if you want a remote panel, the xantrex is only $60), and the price of the magnum is 790.99 for 1000w where the xantrex is $775 for 2000w.
I also understand that you already have your gear, I guess I'm just posting as a lot of people get their ideas for a build from youtube, so I just thought I'd post for other viewers that may be looking for a similar setup.
Great information!
Maybe you can use a small AGM battery as your filter/charger via an isolator circuit for the lithium battery? Arr you already have under and over voltage checking.
I was wondering where you were up to. Good to see more progress, and thanks for the detailed explanation. From what I know you're doing the right thing with the LiIon battery charge/discharge points – and it's worth doing the same with your phone if you can (but phone chargers are even less configurable than van ones 🙂