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bajajoaquin's avatar
bajajoaquin
Explorer
Sep 07, 2021

Shore Power Charger in 99 Jamboree

I recently bought a very nicely maintained and low mile 1999 Jamboree 26’ Class C. I’d like to add solar and upgrade the battery to LiFeSO4 (currently a lead acid 12v).

It seems to me that I can have the alternator and the solar both provide the proper charge profile through the charge controller, but the generator/shore power setup isn’t so clear. What charger is this likely to have?
  • Edited: I didn’t see those last two posts when I replied. I’ve got a message into the manufacturer of the batteries I’m considering. Looking like I want dedicated chargers for it.

    Any opinions on charging options for LiFeSO4 batteries? I’m considering a Renogy DC to DC charger to address the solar and alternator charging, but that leaves out shore/generator power, is limited on input voltage and is expensive. A 60 amp MPPT charger would be more cost-effective and flexible with series-connected panels but doesn’t address alternator and shore/generator charging.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Will this be a problem is the question you should ask
    Some LiFePO4 batteries have internal charge controllers... Some do not.
    You need to "chat" with the battery maker once you know what converter you have
    Upgrade (Progressive Dynamics makes one specific for Battle Born LiFePO4 and in many cases I recommend upgrading to a PD unit anyway) but it may not be needed.
  • Most standard converters are fine with LFP. Just don't use the converter for long term storage. LFP prefers about 60% charge and just disconnect.
    Actually some of the so called "lithium" converters are worse for these batteries.
  • If it hasn't been upgraded/replaced, it's probably some sort of fairly basic single-stage converter, quite possibly a ferroresonant unit. You may be able to hear it hum when connected to shore power, which could help in locating it to see exactly what you have. (Sometimes they're built into the same chassis as the power center with the AC breakers and DC fuses. Sometimes they're separate deck-mount units, which can be hidden almost anywhere.)

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