N6WT
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Re: CARB smog testing motorhomes Every 4months by 2024
Apparently, there is a way to exclude your DP from the new reporting regulations. I found this YT vid which had this link in it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7QKCDmCjfo https://air.arb.ca.gov/edvr I have not done it yet so I dont know if it works. Some hoops to jump through, but it looks like it will fix the mess for RVs. I hope? Another link: http://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/truckstop/azregs/edvr.html3.8KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Lithium batteries and alternator protection.
BFL13 wrote: "Ref overcharging via the 7-pin, a lifepo4 (with a properly functioning BMS) would have to be subjected to =>14.6v continuously for days/weeks at a time to be overcharged" According to at least one article on LFPs, any time at Vabs past when the batt is "full" reduces its expected number of cycles. This might be in dispute by the various experts. No info on how many cycles lost. Longer time = more lost? Usual? story is wait the 20 minutes like BB says for balancing but no real harm done by leaving it at Vabs for ? time days/weeks. With alternator charging, drive time keeps time at Vabs short. If the batt is not run down much overnight and you drive more next day, does that add more hours at Vabs, which would be reached quickly after starting off? That same article says Vabs can be anything like 14 vs 14.6 it just means it takes longer to get the batt full, so hard to know when it is full and you are now into overtime? I don't know. It is all a mystery how it really works. He also mentioned the rated "3,000 cycles" was done by running the batt up to full and immediately discharging it so there was no time ever sitting at Vabs when full. He claims that if you did the rating like a real RVer would using some time at Vabs when full, you would have fewer cycles as a result. IMO that does not matter if you only get 2,000 instead of 3,000 because many Rvers will only do 500. Oops I forgot--I am not allowed to talk about LFPs on here because I don't own one. Sorry! :) This thread is about damaging your MOTORHOME alternator and using a DC to DC charger to protect it. Not sure your comment is relevant?1.2KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Lithium batteries and alternator protection.
N6WT wrote: The reason for this post is, I am reading that in class A motorhome when you switch batteries you should install a DC to DC charger to protect the alternator of the motorhome from overheating. I would like to know if anyone here has done this to their motorhome, what did you use to do it and where inline did you install it? This was my original question. I have learned I am going to use a DC to DC charger(probably Victron). It is recommended by the battery maker. I just need to figure out where I am going to put it.504Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lithium batteries and alternator protection.
pianotuna wrote: N6WT wrote: I am looking to replace them with 6 Battleborn 100Ah 12v LiFePO batteries. Eventually I will be adding solar. I suggest checking with BB to find out if six may be placed in parallel. Do make sure to wire them in a balanced manner. I would assume it is ok since they sell this: https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/600ah-12v-lifepo4-heated-battery-kit-6-batteries/517Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lithium batteries and alternator protection.
time2roll wrote: N6WT wrote: RLS7201 wrote: I have yet to see a report of any one burning up their alternator while charging their Li batteries directly from the alternator. Can some one show us an engineer's report at what % an alternator is designed to operate? Richard https://youtu.be/jgoIocPgOug OK now show us an RV. Great sales promotion but I prefer to deal with the actual situation. What would be different in an RV from what is shown??285Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lithium batteries and alternator protection.
RLS7201 wrote: I have yet to see a report of any one burning up their alternator while charging their Li batteries directly from the alternator. Can some one show us an engineer's report at what % an alternator is designed to operate? Richard https://youtu.be/jgoIocPgOug286Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lithium batteries and alternator protection.
time2roll wrote: If you have time at one place I recommend measuring the charging amps and then decide if the DC-DC is needed. Depending on wire size and length along with alternator rating there may not be any issue. A DC clamp-on ammeter will tell the actual story. Also consider the DC-DC charger will isolate the house battery such that any existing combiner to maintain the chassis battery could become non functional. Going to really like the BB power. I have read about this and normally on a truck and trailer you may not need the DC to DC charger because of the length and wire size. On a class A motorhome the alternator is much closer to the batteries and I am assuming the wire size is bigger also ( I need to check the wire size). Yes I am looking forward to the advantages of the lithium batteries. Thanks Kent N6WT285Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lithium batteries and alternator protection.
Tom/Barb wrote: This is what we did, A 30amp DC to DC charger gives you the ability to charge the coach battery bank while running the coach engine. This limits the engine alternator to 30 AMPs thus prevents overheating the engine alternator. We have had the system in service for 2 years, with no problems. Tom/Barb What brand and model did you use?? Thanks Kent84Views0likes0CommentsLithium batteries and alternator protection.
The six 6 volt lead-acid house batteries in my class A DP have gone bad. I am looking to replace them with 6 Battleborn 100Ah 12v LiFePO batteries. Eventually I will be adding solar. I am not looking for recommendations on what batteries and components to buy, I have made up my mind so please don't try and change it. The reason for this post is, I am reading that in class A motorhome when you switch batteries you should install a DC to DC charger to protect the alternator of the motorhome from overheating. I would like to know if anyone here has done this to their motorhome, what did you use to do it and where inline did you install it?14KViews0likes78Comments
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