Lithium and DC-DC Charger?
My two group 27 lead acid batteries need replacing. Even though I'm too old to get maximum benefit from lithium longevity, I am thinking about going with a single 100 AH LifePO4 lithium. Doing some r...
Forum Discussion
I don’t get that “protect the alternator” advice at all. Assuming you were going to connect the Li battery directly to the alternator, wouldn’t you also install a fuse or CB to protect it?
But, the more important point is that if you are going to put the money into a lithium battery, a DC-DC charger will charge that battery better than connecting it to the alternator anyway. The DC charger will be connected to the starting batteries, and will just be another electrical load on the system. In fact, if SiO2’s are the drop in replacements they claim to be, a DC-DC charger (with a solar input in Ralph’s case) would be the best way to recharge them as well.
Even in a TC, the charging circuit to the camper batteries is surprisingly long, and while you can minimize the voltage drop, you can’t eliminate it. Install a DC-DC charger with adequately sized wires and forget about voltage drop entirely.
:):)
But, the more important point is that if you are going to put the money into a lithium battery, a DC-DC charger will charge that battery better than connecting it to the alternator anyway. The DC charger will be connected to the starting batteries, and will just be another electrical load on the system. In fact, if SiO2’s are the drop in replacements they claim to be, a DC-DC charger (with a solar input in Ralph’s case) would be the best way to recharge them as well.
Even in a TC, the charging circuit to the camper batteries is surprisingly long, and while you can minimize the voltage drop, you can’t eliminate it. Install a DC-DC charger with adequately sized wires and forget about voltage drop entirely.
:):)
