More Lithium Conversion Questions

[ADKCamper]

21 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Wondering, what are the internal dimensions of the Elite I battery bay? (with and without the tray) From memory, the E2 battery tray is 14"W x 21"D and the overall space is 18"W x 24"D x 15"H.

Two 220AH lead acid or AGM 6V batteries wired in series produce 220AH at 12V. Given 50% you currently have 110AH usable. Using 80% for LiFePO4, the 300AH Epoch yields 240AH. You will more than double your AH capacity. Good plan!

Our 2018 Elite I battery bay overall dimensions (without the tray installed) are 17-1/4" wide x 11-3/4"H x 18"D (only 11-1/4"H where the 1/2" aluminum block hangs down for the door latch). The tray inside dimensions are 14"W x 14-1/8"D x 11"H (10-1/2"H where the 1/2" aluminum block hangs down for the door latch).

Epoch 460's (either variant) will still not fit, even with the battery tray removed.

Should be able to fit two Epoch 300's without the tray, or one Epoch 300 with the tray. There's only 1/2" clearance for cable/lug above the battery when using the tray... which *may* require laying the single Epoch 300A battery on its side to provide sufficient clearance for a fat cable on top.

Also note that a "without the tray" configuration will require engineering an alternate method for holding the battery(s) down.

[DavePhelps]

21 hours ago, ADKCamper said:

Our 2018 Elite I battery bay overall dimensions (without the tray installed) are 17-1/4" wide x 11-3/4"H x 18"D (only 11-1/4"H where the 1/2" aluminum block hangs down for the door latch). The tray inside dimensions are 14"W x 14-1/8"D x 11"H (10-1/2"H where the 1/2" aluminum block hangs down for the door latch).

Epoch 460's (either variant) will still not fit, even with the battery tray removed.

Should be able to fit two Epoch 300's without the tray, or one Epoch 300 with the tray. There's only 1/2" clearance for cable/lug above the battery when using the tray... which *may* require laying the single Epoch 300A battery on its side to provide sufficient clearance for a fat cable on top.

Also note that a "without the tray" configuration will require engineering an alternate method for holding the battery(s) down.

My battery box tray is the same as your on my 2015 Legacy 1 trailer, 14.25" X 14.25" X 11"
I was ready to go with the Epoch battery but pivoted after consulting with a local solar company. I am now getting 2 of the Victron 200 amp/hr batteries. They fit beautifully in my tray, and together will give me 400 amp/hrs of battery power ( well, almost).

These batteries have a remote BMS, so the room in the battery where the BMS is normally located can be used for more Lithium cells and/or the batteries can be comparatively smaller with more available energy than other brands. Not cheap by any means. The batteries are expensive and then you also have to purchase the BMS module separately. For me and my needs however, it was worth it.

I also elected to have this outfit do the install for me. The whole project just grew way beyond my comfort zone for a DIY job. After seeing their part list for the job, I'm really glad I'm going this way. My hat is off to all you folks who took this on yourself. You saved yourself a pile of money! When completed, I'll post a review with pics.

Cheers,

Dave

[ADKCamper]

Thanks @DavePhelps I will have to read-up on the Victron batteries... Looking forward to your report on this new configuration!

[jd1923]

On 9/14/2024 at 4:28 PM, DavePhelps said:

I do not have an inverter, nor do I plan to get one in the future.

Given this statement, why spend much more money than the 300AH Epoch, going to 400AH Victron batteries? Without an inverter these AHs are overkill! It's difficult to use 100AH running 12VDC only let alone 3-400AH. Your batteries will likely sit above 90% SOC most of the time. Another way of looking at it is you could stay off-grid and wait a week or longer for a sunny day!

[SeaDawg]

The victron batteries and gear are expensive,  but used by many offshore sailors, for many reasons. Separate components are easier to replace than entire batteries, service available around the world. Great technical support, from what i hear from my sailing friends. 

 

[DavePhelps]

21 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Given this statement, why spend much more money than the 300AH Epoch, going to 400AH Victron batteries? Without an inverter these AHs are overkill! It's difficult to use 100AH running 12VDC only let alone 3-400AH. Your batteries will likely sit above 90% SOC most of the time. Another way of looking at it is you could stay off-grid and wait a week or longer for a sunny day!

Well, plans change! After deciding this whole conversion project was above my pay grade, I spent some time talking with my local solar company reps about my system. I have run out of battery several times with my old AGM's when camping off grid where the sun was rarely seen. Rain and gray here in the PNW, especially in the shoulder seasons. For my current needs, the 400 amp/hr Victron will have more than 3 times the power available to me compared to my old AGM's. Maybe overkill. But looking to the future where I may be getting a compressor fridge (when my 3 way gives up the ghost) then things start to even out. As far as I know, this is the most power one can pack in to the Elite 1 while maintaining the OEM battery box and tray. I also changed my mind and am getting a Victron inverter/charger. Mostly for the better charging compatibility with the  Victron batteries. We'll see how this all pans out. The components are expensive but I believe Victron makes a quality product with stellar representation. Pics will be forthcoming when this all gets completed for Elite 1 owners (and anyone else) who may be interested.

Cheers,

Dave

[DavePhelps]

Here's a pic of a couple of "dummy" 200 amp/hr Victrons mocked up in my tray to see if they would fit.

Dave

 

[jd1923]

On 1/29/2025 at 12:03 PM, DavePhelps said:

Well, plans change!

Yeah, I was just going to spend $80 on a 20A ATS, for the original 2KW Xantrex inverter, so that I could run the A/C for an hour or two. Then as soon as the A/C was turned on, the LA batteries dropped immediately under 12V!

So I needed LiFePO4 batteries and why not a 3KVA Victron Multiplus II Inverter/Charger at the same time! I certainly had to rip out all the old wiring, install heavy copper buses and ... 
I'll let you know when I'm done, but it works pretty good now! 🤣 

Good thing about you jobbing this out. They'll get 'er done soon. Best wishes!

Edited Friday at 06:12 AM by jd1923