Change to LiFePO4 battery for Freedom Express UltraLite

[wiesnerjil]

We have a 2021Freedom Express UltraLite 231RBDS and need to replace the LA battery after a couple of seasons. Would like to go with Lithium (LiFeP04), but it looks like our current Controller/Inverter (WFCO model WF-8955) doesn't have a "lithium" switch or option.

Can anyone with a similar Freedom Express who has made this transition share their experience? Did you change out your Controller? Or was the original Controller able to charge it but not quite to 100%? We've read that they can sometimes charge up to ~80% without the Lithium switch. Just trying to get more consistent power without damaging something.

Thanks for your help!

[wiesnerjil]

Thank you both for the feedback. We're going to educate ourselves more on the inverter/converter/charger issues. But definitely moving forward with a new battery. Thanks so much!

[Boomerweps]

I swapped my 5 year old LA battery, that was still doing fine, out with a cheap LiFePo4 battery. Has Bluetooth monitoring. Did NOT swap out the converter. Battery arrived with 92% charge (also has a small % digital readout on the battery top). I added a battery disconnect, my TT did not come with one. I also was told that the non-lithium option converter would not fully charge the battery 100%, maybe 80-85%. Some others just bought a $40 stand-alone charger to top them off and equalize the cells occasionally. Haven’t bought one yet. Another option was to use a solar controller with lithium setting and solar panels to top off the battery. I connected mine with clamps (still getting install parts) and let the panels do their thing for a couple hours (supposedly 800 watt panels x2) a few days ago. Now the battery is reading 100%! I hadn’t checked the battery before the solar hookup so I don’t know the beginning charge there. The WFCO replacement lithium option converter is $234 IIRC plus install hassle. I’m holding off on that while I’m considering getting an inverter and second battery. I added an SAE jack in addition to the Furrion 10amp max solar jack to handle higher amperage. Finally figured out the Bluetooth monitor setup. Unfortunately, I tried before and set up a password that I cannot retrieve so I cannot track battery history. But I can get up to date data with not signing in.

[wa8yxm]

I would upgrade. Battle Born batteries has an agreement with Progressive Dynamics (Considered one of the best converters on the market) to make converters for their LiFePO4 batteries.

Or you might consider swapping your converter for an Inverter/charger which is adjustable Several first quality options on the market. (just disable the converter. Find the wire that feeds it and disconnect. cap and tape in case you eer need it again)