Patriot

Batteries with internal heaters are a nice option to have. I like options. 😊 This week it’s going to be in the 20’s and 30’s here in beautiful Western NC. XPLORs (2) Epoch 300AH batts will be just fine.

I think you will be happy with your choice! And yes, self heating is a real plus!

@Mark Meadows as to your first post. For all the nonbelievers out there. 😄 Here are the plastic caps that I ordered from Mike Sharpe as a replacement. As mentioned, I think they are like $3 plus shipping. If this is what you are looking for, Oliver Parts usually keeps them in stock. Cheers & Happy New Year!

@Cort, Great question, and thanks for the compliment on my system. I could not be happier with this install and especially all the Victron components. To answer your question, First, I opted to roll with two batteries incase for some reason one of my batteries should go down or have an issue, we are not left flapping and have the second for a back up. (One is none and two is one) a former military term from my service years. I always like contingency plans. Second, I chose (2) 300ah Epoch batteries due to size and how they fit in the OE Oliver tray. Plenty of power for XPLOR. Third, If you have to ship/send one Epoch 460 back to Epoch for any reason, as mentioned you will be “flapping” as we use to say with no power. The option of running our Truma 13.5 AC occasionally is a nice add with the Victron 3000W inverter/charger. Just something to consider as you plan your Lithium battery swap. Having the 12v DC-DC charger installed on our TV also negates carrying our Honda 3200 suitcase generator. Have fun with your install!

Give Mike a call at Oliver Service $3.00 plus shipping.

Bill, Do you remove your Lithium Batteries from “Twist” during winter storage? Or do they have built in heating elements or a heating pad? It’s a beautiful day here and I was just out at the Ollie Hangar. I turned off our 30 amp shore power and am now exercising our new Epoch’s by running our dehumidifier for a few days. I am finding the instant read out of the Victron GX 70 is a nice option and a great back up if a Bluetooth connection is unavailable. The GX 70 fit perfectly in the space of the old Zamp solar module, no drill and no cutting. 76d here tomorrow…crazy weather for Christmas Day. 🤔

GJ, I use the OEM installed Zamp plug for our 90W Zamp Solar suitcase. It bumps up our solar to 420W. With the DC-DC charger it may not get much use. The Zamp suitcase is a very nice product, but heavy as a boat anchor. My guess is to keep it from blowing over in the wind.

Very nice install Bill! Sano!! 😊

On this second day of winter….the hounds of winter.

RIP Chris Rea. Thank you for all your great music.

Another vid from Will on a new issue with BB’s.🤔

Looks familiar 😄

Chris, great question. This is what I came up with in a quick open source search. I thought it was worthy of posting here with regard to Li bats. I did some limited work with the CPS folks in my former career mostly on imported consumption products. https://www.compliancegate.com/lithium-battery-safety-standards-united-states/#Consumer_Product_Safety_Improvement_Act_CPSIA

😄

@John Dorrer Thanks for posting this dangerous safety concern. I know there are several owners of BB’s here on the forum and they will really appreciate this heads up. edit - This could really become a PR nightmare for BB, lets hope they get out in front of it super fast.

@taylor.coyote I recently had a complete Lithium upgrade professionally installed with 2 Epoch 300ah batteries which do have built in heaters. The Epochs fit perfectly in the OEM battery tray. I selected ALL Victron components to include the Victron 3000 watt inverter/charger and the DC/DC charger. Our DC/DC charger is a game changer for us and eliminates the need to ever carry a generator again. Our Ford 6.7 diesel has dual alternators which made my decision pretty easy to roll with DC/DC charger. I considered Battle Born but the preferred the (2) single 300ah Epochs. If one goes down you have a back up. “One is none and two is one”. Charging our house batteries via our TV while on the roads less traveled is certainly a nice option to have while traveling rain, shine or in darkness. ⚡️Have fun with your conversion!

Vince, Sounds like you have a solid plan. Wishing you a seamless install and congrats on getting rid of the 747 “Deafening Demonic” jet engine😄. Just think, post install with a super quiet AC you will be able to sleep peacefully, hold a normal conversation, talk on the phone, watch a movie or listen to music. It was great meeting you at this year’s Oliver Rally. After Oliver installed out Truma, Aventa I brought my Dometic back home and sold it on FB marketplace pretty quickly for $600.00. It now sits on top of a food truck somewhere here in NC. 🤔 Let us know how your install goes! Happy Holidays to you and your family my friend!

I will give Casita a little credit. They are certainly taking “little bites” out of the fiber glass travel trailer market for folks who just cannot justify 90-100k for an Oliver. Smart forward thinking with their R&D folks with a larger/longer camper and dry bath to boot. And oh gee, how interesting? Casita must be listening to their customers! 🤔 Might be just me, But I bet they sell quite a few baskets of those eggs! 😄 https://casitatraveltrailers.com/lc/

With approx 11,000 miles logged on our Alcan running gear we have not had any issues with our gear moving around at all. I agree with Mike the trailer seems more planted when towing. I also run 55# tire pressure. I even leave a pair of reading glasses on a small shelf near my bunk and they stay put.

A little more detailed info on battery storage I received from Epoch. ⚡ If You Must Leave the Battery Installed Cold climates: • Keep the battery connected to a powered LiFePO₄ charger or maintainer so the internal heater can operate. o The heater only runs when the battery is plugged into an active power source. o Solar panels alone usually can’t provide enough energy at night or during long cloudy stretches. • Do not attempt to charge the battery below 32 °F (0 °C) unless the heater is operating. Temperate or warm climates: • A small solar maintainer can work if days are sunny and parasitic draws are very low. • If possible, connect to shore power or plug in occasionally to ensure a full top-up. • Avoid long periods at 100% charge — this shortens battery life. 🔌 Before Storage 1. Charge to about 50% SOC (roughly 13.1–13.2 V for 12 V systems). 2. Turn off or disconnect all non-essential loads. Even a tiny 50 mA draw can drain 36 Ah per month! 3. Use a battery disconnect switch or pull the main fuse if possible. 4. Confirm heater power if you plan to leave the battery in a freezing location. 🧯 Step 3 – Understand heater and charger operation • Epoch batteries with internal heaters must be connected to an active charger for the heater to receive power. • The heater automatically turns on when the internal temperature drops near freezing and turns off when warm enough to charge. • If no power source is available, the heater cannot run, and charging below freezing must be avoided. ⚠️ Never try to “force charge” a cold battery. Doing so can cause permanent damage. 🧭 Step 4 – Check occasionally • Installed batteries: check voltage or Bluetooth app monthly. • Stored indoors: check every 1–3 months. If voltage falls below about 13.0 V (12 V system) or 26.0 V (24 V system), recharge briefly to about 50% SOC. 🌡️ Summary Table Storage Location Climate Recommended SOC Charger Needed? Heater Power Notes Indoors (best) Any 40–60% No N/A Check every 2 mo. Installed + Shore Power Cold/Temperate 40–60% Yes – active Yes Ideal if removal not practical Installed + Solar Only Temperate 40–60% Possibly Maybe Risky in long cloudy/cold spells Installed + No Charger Any 50% No No Disconnect all loads; check monthly ⚠️ Quick Reminders • Do not charge below 32 °F (0 °C) unless the internal heater is powered. • Avoid storing at 100% charge for more than a few weeks. • Avoid high heat (above 86 °F / 30 °C) during long storage. • Use only LiFePO₄-compatible chargers (Victron, Epoch, or similar). • Always follow Epoch’s voltage and temperature specifications for your model. 🏁 Spring Startup 1. Inspect cables and terminals. 2. Reconnect any disconnect switches or fuses. 3. Bring the battery to full charge before first use. 4. Verify normal operation in the Epoch App or Victron monitor. Questions or Support If you’re unsure which option is right for your climate or setup, contact your authorized Epoch dealer or support team. They can help you confirm heater operation and charger compatibility.

@Kpaladin Welcome to the Oliver family. Wishing you many happy miles and smiles in Casa Blanca a nicely equipped and well maintained Oliver. Like others have said whatever we can do to help with any questions, please ask. Safe Travels! Patriot

Art, Going to reeeeally miss you here, but glad you’re only a txt or phone call away brother. When Kathy and I head out west again we will be sure to drop a line and connect in New Mexico. Same goes if you ever guys ever come east to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mtns, you’re always welcome at our home! A big huge congrats on the new Brinkley I 235 and new TV too! It was great talking with you last night. Kathy and I wish you and Diane many happy miles and smiles!! David & Kathy

Epoch Lithium Battery Storage Info- I reached out to Epoch Battery Lithium battery customer service (Stockbridge, Georgia) regarding our recent install of (2) of Epoch 300ah (self heating) batteries in our OLE2 and correct SOC during short term winter storage. They responded quickly and this is the guidance they provided. This information is for anyone that now owns or is considering a swap at some point from aging AGMs over to Epoch 300ah batteries. Epoch recommends 1-6 months in storage a 50-70% SOC. Epoch does not recommend leaving the batteries plugged in 24x7 via 30amp power and maintaining the batteries at 100% SOC during storage months. Just passing it forward!

They use a really strong industrial strength glue which I do not recall the name of. I do know that they use this adhesive in ALL their RV and Marine fiberglass installs. The next time I speak to the good folks at Inverter Services, I will try and remember to ask him about the adhesive they use. 👍🏻

Here are my thoughts: edited- We previously owned an Overland Trailer (which had a Max Air fan). We experienced a voltage issue so I had the Orion-Tr 12/12-9 installed to stabilize and maintain 12v power to the fan. Now I do not have to be concerned about possible spikes or a malfunctioning control board. Max Air Fans operating above 13.8v can damage the fans control board. This will prevent damage to the sensitive control board. The black plastic board material used to secure all components is called Starboard or Black HDPE and I can tell you it’s super tough and used in Marine grade applications. Inverter Services uses lots of this material during their installs. Here - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08M6DJNH4/?_ Open Source info on Max Air Fans- *** MaxxAir fans are designed for a 12 Volt DC system, operating within a voltage range of approximately 10.6–13.6V, with an optimal test voltage of 12.8V. Operating above 13.8V can damage the fan's control board and void the warranty, especially if the system is charging. To prevent issues from voltage spikes, a DC/DC voltage regulator is recommended for stable power, especially when the vehicle's charging system is active.