Wfco8930/50

Rickyrocket wrote:
I want to add lithium to my travel trailer. I have researched it and can't understand what is the best way to go. Do I upgrade just the charging part or entire distribution panel, what parts would I need.

just upgrade the converter part of the power center. if you are doing it yourself you can buy a standalone converter and just screw it to the floor behind or under the power center then take the wires out of the lugs from the existing converter and put the wires from the new one in that place. This way if you sell the unit and want to keep your nice LFP batteries you can just put it back to normal and keep the converter/charger also for your next unit.

I only did a whole power center in my camper as it was a 1991 parallax with glass tube fuses and unfiltered dc power.

So far, my experience with LiFePO4 has been that the non lithium rated converter has kept the battery at full charge. My TT is always connected to power in storage so extra charging time hasn’t mattered. I did buy and initially use a standalone battery charger to make sure it got the full voltage needed to equalize the cells occasionally. As long as the stock converter voltage is higher than the battery, it will continue charging. A lithium capable converter puts out higher voltage and amperage to charge the battery faster. I’ve since installed 200 watts of CIGS solar panels with a solar controller (previously had free standing panels) that keeps the batteries topped off. I have no plans to replace my converter unit. I did research that. About $240 or so for the WFCO converter and install didn’t seem to hard for a semi-knowledgeable DIYer. On my power center, its the metal box attached below the fuse box.

Thanks,this lithium upgrade is a challenge for the brain.

Lithium is not that different. Most "lithium" converters are actually not the best for lithium batteries.
The existing WFCO might work fine even if not perfect. Will not harm the lithium. Charging might be a little slower but will still far exceed lead-acid. Might short charge the lithium to maybe 90% - 95% which will not harm the lithium one bit. Might even last longer.

Li charging is unique and for the best results use a good lithium compatible charger. Many may say WFCO isn't a good charger even for flooded.

Consistent with WFCO the wiring may be to small for the length and you might want to upgrade the wiring from the charger to the LI battery. Locate the charger closer to the battery if you can. Fuse any new wiring.

Then depending upon you "new" power needs other wiring updates could be considered. There are a lot of variables depending upon what you want to accomplish now and perhaps in the future.

Li charging is unique and for the best results use a good lithium compatible charger. Many may say WFCO isn't a good charger even for flooded.

Consistent with WFCO the wiring may be to small for the lenght and you might want to upgrade the wiring from the charger to the LI battery. Locate the charger closer to the battery if you can. Fuse any new wiring.

Then depending upon you "new" power needs other wiring updates could be considered. There are a lot of variables depending upon what you want to accomplish now and perhaps in the future.