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Old 01-25-2023, 12:48 PM   #21
JHenry
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Unplugged RV in Ocala - talk to George. Absolute pro.
 
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Old 01-25-2023, 01:16 PM   #22
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another thought on lithium batteries

if your going to be in extreme cold you may want to consider heating pads for your Lithium batteries they do not like charging in freezing weather
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Old 01-27-2023, 07:53 PM   #23
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We've installed 400w solar to charge our 4 FLA 6v batteries before changing to the Victron 3000 MultiPlus system and 600AH lithium batteries and have loved every mile. To maintain during cold snaps we have a 100w incandescent light in the battery compartment. Works good so far, though we've not hit any teens yet. Victron also assists with more power when on 30 amp electric. Many may well know; 400w solar is not sufficient to maintain full charge; not even close. Nor does the single 3000 replace 50amp electrical service. Well with full sun out west, our charge lasts around 3-4 days depending on use. So we adapt. We conserve power used by cooking or cooling or when required, run our 3500w gen to recharge.
The best part is here in Florida, with frequent power surges, the Victron sys acts just like a whole house battery back-up switching over nearly seamlessly. We are full-timers and have certain devices like satellite, modems, computers all plugged into a Costco battery backup to avoid power surges or interruptions.
After watching many you tubes, I installed my system & neighbor's. All our fuses, terminals, etc to accomplish the task came from West Marine.
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Old 01-31-2023, 06:57 PM   #24
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Can you please share a little more detail on the Lithium charger statement? I have a 2015 3100 RL and the panel does not have a lithium switch. I need new batteries and am researching AGM vs. Lithium. I do boondock a few times each year at events and national forest camp grounds. I am debating if I need to replace my charger and would appreciate more information. Thx.
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Old 01-31-2023, 07:12 PM   #25
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You will have change the settings on the converter
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Old 01-31-2023, 07:19 PM   #26
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AZMont, you may want to read this thread. https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=83740
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Old 01-31-2023, 08:02 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZMont View Post
Can you please share a little more detail on the Lithium charger statement? I have a 2015 3100 RL and the panel does not have a lithium switch. I need new batteries and am researching AGM vs. Lithium. I do boondock a few times each year at events and national forest camp grounds. I am debating if I need to replace my charger and would appreciate more information. Thx.
You need to look up your model converter on the Progressive Dynamics webpage and download the manual. Find out if you have a Charge Wizard built in. If you do you will have a green blinking light and a green Mode button next to it.

If you put the Charge Wizard in Boost mode it will charge your Lithium batteries at 14.4vdc for 4 hours before returning to normal 13.6vdc.
Lithium batteries charge fast.

I put Lithium batteries in over 3 years ago and kept the original converter. It does not have a lithium switch but I use the Charge Wizard in Boost mode to get the batteries to about 90%.
I added 400W solar panels with my Victron MPPT set to lithium mode to top them off when going boondocking.

Progressive Dynamics Charge Wizzard:

https://www.progressivedyn.com/wp-content/uploads/Support/manuals/Operation-Wizard-Pendant.pdf

Mode Select Switch:
The Charge Wizard functions are fully automatic however, you can test the Charge Wizard’s functions manually by pressing and holding the MODE SELECT SWITCH BUTTON DOWN. When the button is first pressed, the light will be “ON” all the time, indicating it is in the BOOST Mode (converter output 14.4 VDC). If you continue to hold the button, the unit will switch to the NORMAL Mode (converter output 13.6 VDC) and the light will blink from once to many times a second. If you continue to hold the button down the unit will go into the STORAGE Mode (converter output 13.2 VDC) and the light will blink approximately every five- (5) seconds. NOTE: No matter which mode you manually select, the Charge Wizard will automatically return to the NORMAL Mode of operation after 4 hours.
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Old 01-31-2023, 09:00 PM   #28
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Thx, the boost mode explanation was helpful.
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Old 02-05-2023, 03:46 PM   #29
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How do you change your converter settings?
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Old 02-05-2023, 03:53 PM   #30
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Where is the switch to change over the converter to Lithium?
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Old 02-05-2023, 04:45 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TripleP View Post
How do you change your converter settings?
Quote:
Originally Posted by TripleP View Post
Where is the switch to change over the converter to Lithium?
From a Past by Jeffba (Post #4 in the following Thread) https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=79933

OPTIONAL OUTPUT MODE SWITCH:
The optional OUTPUT MODE SWITCH sets the converter output to either a constant 14.6VDC with the Charge Wizard® disabled
(switch in ‘LI’ position) or a nominal 13.6VDC with full Charge Wizard®
function (switch in ‘LA’ position). ‘LI’ mode is intended
for use with lithium batteries with a BMS requiring a constant converter output. ‘LA’ mode is intended for use with lead/acid
batteries where the Charge Wizard® will optimize battery charging.
NOTE: The OUTPUT MODE SWITCH should only be switched when new batteries are installed.
Verify battery type before adjusting the output mode switch.


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Old 02-13-2023, 04:50 PM   #32
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I just installed (1) lithium battery and also purchased a solar panel charger. I had /have no idea about any lithium converter switch. What/where is it
2011 3665-RL
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Old 02-13-2023, 05:51 PM   #33
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The converter on a 2011 Montana has no Lithium switch. Lithium batteries didn't exist back then.
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