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Old 12-09-2018, 08:48 AM   #1
Pierre D.
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Lithium battery/solar installation

I'm almost done installing a 400AH LiFe/1280 watt solar set up on my 2012 High Country.
I'm now looking to ID the "hot" battery charging wire coming from the tow vehicle plug in order to install a cut-out switch to isolate the lithium battery from the tow vehicle.
Any suggestions as to where I can most easily access that circuit, preferably in the front battery compartment of the RV without having to tear up a bunch of the wiring harnesses. Thanks
 
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Old 12-09-2018, 08:56 AM   #2
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Not 100% sure I understand, but I think you're looking to disconnect the Charge line from the TV to the Monty. If so, how about pulling the fuse for that charge line? I know GM uses a 40 amp fuse, and friends had to replace the fuse in their Ford because he touch something and blew it. Don't know about Rams.
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Old 12-09-2018, 09:55 AM   #3
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There should be a "gang box" in the hitch area where all the wires from the 7way plug(that goes to tow vehicle) connect to the wiring for the coach. Open that up and you can terminate the "hot" charging wire at that point.
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Old 12-09-2018, 11:12 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by Pierre D. View Post
I'm almost done installing a 400AH LiFe/1280 watt solar set up on my 2012 High Country.
I'm now looking to ID the "hot" battery charging wire coming from the tow vehicle plug in order to install a cut-out switch to isolate the lithium battery from the tow vehicle.
Any suggestions as to where I can most easily access that circuit, preferably in the front battery compartment of the RV without having to tear up a bunch of the wiring harnesses. Thanks
May I recommend a relay rather than a switch. Also depending on your specific BMS you can use the alternator if you want under specified circumstances (like the TV ignition on).
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Old 12-10-2018, 08:02 AM   #5
H. John Kohl
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You need to disconnect the Tow vehicle from the RV at the Gang box. That is also the location the brake "break away" switch gets its power if the pin is pulled.
Your other option is to disconnect the 12 volt wire on the 7 pin plug that plugs into the Tow Vehicle.
Good luck and safe travel.
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Old 01-27-2019, 02:32 PM   #6
Hamlej
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What is your reasoning for disconnecting tow vehicle form the lithium battery bank?
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Old 01-27-2019, 03:27 PM   #7
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One so that the lithium will not be drained into the TV battery once the ignition is off. Secondly because the TV alternator doesn’t have the controls to charge the lithium batteries. I’m you need a means to disconnect the lithium so as not to over charge them. That will significantly reduce the life of your lithium battery.
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Old 01-27-2019, 03:41 PM   #8
Hamlej
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Thanks for the explanation. Our solar system with lithium batteries will be going in next week. So I will make sure it is disconnected. Then correct me if I’m wrong, the batteries will continue to charge from roof panels while traveling instead of TV?
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Old 01-27-2019, 03:47 PM   #9
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Thanks for the explanation. Our solar system with lithium batteries will be going in next week. So I will make sure it is disconnected. Then correct me if I’m wrong, the batteries will continue to charge from roof panels while traveling instead of TV?
provided you have sun and there are no disconnects yes
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Old 01-27-2019, 04:00 PM   #10
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Hello to all, I am looking at having a large sysytem installed on my 2025 3402RL. I want as much power as possible because I work from the road. Any help would be appreciated
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Old 01-27-2019, 04:21 PM   #11
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Hello to all, I am looking at having a large sysytem installed on my 2025 3402RL. I want as much power as possible because I work from the road. Any help would be appreciated
They will have it to a refined art by your model year of 2025!
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Old 01-27-2019, 04:21 PM   #12
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Without going into way too much detail. Your lithium batteries should be controlled by a battery management system or BMS. The BMS determines when the batteries can charge and discharge based upon battery manufacturer characteristic and charge curves. Ideally your solar charger should be able to controlled by your BMS either directly via a communications bus or via relay logic. So while I am rolling down the road my cells can theorectically be charging however if my BMS determines that charging is not needed it can disconnect the PV array thereby preventing overcharging of the cells. The BMS is the brains to your lithium system. Some folks choose to go without a BMS and utilize a process known as bottom balancing. A major drawback of bottom balancing is the lack of cell balancing. Some of the recent entries into the lithium battery like Battleborn have a BMS built into the battery footprint. Others like Victron have a separate BMS that is wired into the batteries externally.


Bottom line overcharging or overdischarging WILL kill your lithium investment quickly. You need a way to control when and how the batteries are charged and dischaged this includes all charging sources (solar & TV alternators) and all loads (TV battery when connected to trailer and ignition off).
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Old 01-27-2019, 04:23 PM   #13
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Hello to all, I am looking at having a large sysytem installed on my 2025 3402RL. I want as much power as possible because I work from the road. Any help would be appreciated



There are many commercial designers on the internet that specialize in RV lithium system design and installation. They are premium priced.
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