Another AGM to Lithium Modification on 2020 LE2

[Ray Kimsey]

I updated my batteries with assistance of a friend who does solar installs for a living. This is a bit different than most of the installs  I have seen here in that we used two 400 AH EG4 rackmount batteries.  After removing the rackmount handles from the batteries and the battery tray from the Oliver they fit perfectly. There was a bolt in the bottom of the battery cabinet that was an issue. We put in 1 inch square aluminum  rods on the floor of the cabinet to raise the batteries above the bolt head.  We also replaced the Xamp solar charger with a Victron solar charger 100/30, added Victron lynx shunt, Victron distributor, and Victron cerbo with a touch screen (7" model).  This fit perfectly in the hole left by the removal of the Xamp solar charger. To get the cables from the cerbo to the touch screen I ordered an extra HDMI extension cable and USB cable (approx. 15'). I ran the cables to the back of the camper in the tray behind the cabinet and then down the wall in the back, under the basement, and back up under the street side bed. Trying to pu the wire down next to the pantry would not work. It was too tight. I believe Victron is planning on replacing the HDMI cable with the small USB connections this spring. Didn't help me, but maybe it would help you. In addition we added a solar disconnect which you can see below. In the pictures below.  These batteries can be powered off and the breaker thrown to disconnect. They also come with automatic fire suppressants, two per battery. Cost was $1200 per battery (400 AH, each).

This was the first stage of the upgrade. At some point I may replace the Xantrex 2000 inverter, but for now it works well for us. Unfortunately the Xantrex and Victron do not talk to each other.  That is why you don't see information on the touch screen about the AC loads and AC input. We have taken it on a couple of trips now and we do not come close to making a dent in the batteries. I added an extra battery in case we need to replace our 3-way fridge in the near future. So far it is doing well. I replaced a power board on it a while back, but since then no issues. Parts are harder to come by now though.

[Patriot]

Nice job Ray! I may go the Lithium route at some point when my AGMs give up the ghost.

[Ray Kimsey]

17 hours ago, Patriot said:

Nice job Ray! I may go the Lithium route at some point when my AGMs give up the ghost.

Thank you. My AGMs were still doing pretty well, but we were up in Canada this summer for five weeks and we were having to work hard at not pushing them too hard and using voltage to guess at the state of charge was rather annoying. I decided to go ahead and replace the batteries and enjoy the upgrade myself instead of waiting until they had to be replaced. 

[jd1923]

21 hours ago, Ray Kimsey said:

This is a bit different than most of the installs. I have seen here in that we used two 400 AH EG4 rackmount batteries...

Cost was $1200 per battery (400 AH, each).

Wow, great idea Ray with the help of your friend in the solar biz! This is $3/AH (given this is the true OTD price, no tax and free shipping). I spent $1800 OTD on 600AH of Epoch batteries which is again $3/AH, but you fit 800AH in the Oliver battery bay at this price. What an EXCELLENT upgrade!

I'm not the guy who worries about warranties and most LiFePO4 warranties are 11 years but likely not full replacement after 5 years. EG4 claims 15 years service to 80% DoD with a 5-year full replacement warranty. It appears they are being honest and do not want to get into prorating warranties after 5 years.

18 hours ago, Patriot said:

Nice job Ray! I may go the Lithium route at some point when my AGMs give up the ghost.

Really? on your gorgeous XPLOR! I just assumed you had the OEM Platinum Package.

We needed the LiFePO4 upgrade this year, along with Victron MP2 and 400W suitcase solar (now 720W total), allowing us to dry camp for days, and up to a week off-grid using several 110VAC appliances daily. AGM is fine for those who camp with hook-ups.

We had very good condition lead-acid batteries, replaced in 2022 by the prior owner. We could have used these for many more years but would have only 220AH available which can be depleted over two cloudy days. Instead, we spent $1800 on 600AH LiFePO4 and sold the LA batteries for $300 on Craigs, net cost $1500! Four years ago on a prior RV, we installed AGM since back then the cost of LiFePO4 was prohibitive.

If Ray had posted this 6 months earlier, I would have copied this install for 800AH! Hard to beat this capacity/value. Instead, we'll limp along with only 600. 🤣

[Patriot]

4 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Really? on your gorgeous XPLOR! I just assumed you had the OEM Platinum Package.

Lithium packages were not available when we ordered our 2020 Oliver. The AGMs have been serving us well! 😊

[KeysConchs]

Nice upgrade, Ray.  Curious where you installed the 3rd battery.  We are installing 2, 300aH Epochs in the battery bay and have room under the streetside bed for more batteries, even with the Victron MPII installed there.   Just wondering if anyone else has considered this option or alternative locations for increasing LiPO4 battery capacity?  Is this unwise considering venting issues with possible battery failure?  

[ScubaRx]

Lithium batteries do not have the risk of venting hydrogen gas like the LA batteries. They can safely be mounted anywhere and in any orientation.

[rideadeuce]

On 11/8/2024 at 2:18 PM, Ray Kimsey said:

There was a bolt in the bottom of the battery cabinet that was an issue. We put in 1 inch square aluminum  rods on the floor of the cabinet to raise the batteries above the bolt head.

Nice install. I built up the floor with a 1/4 inch rubber mat to get ride of the bolt problem. 

[Ray Kimsey]

7 hours ago, KeysConchs said:

Nice upgrade, Ray.  Curious where you installed the 3rd battery.  We are installing 2, 300aH Epochs in the battery bay and have room under the streetside bed for more batteries, even with the Victron MPII installed there.   Just wondering if anyone else has considered this option or alternative locations for increasing LiPO4 battery capacity?  Is this unwise considering venting issues with possible battery failure?  

Thank you. I only have two batteries, 400AH each for a total of 800AH., So one on top of the other.

[jd1923]

9 hours ago, KeysConchs said:

Nice upgrade, Ray.  Curious where you installed the 3rd battery.  We are installing 2, 300aH Epochs in the battery bay and have room under the streetside bed for more batteries, even with the Victron MPII installed there.   Just wondering if anyone else has considered this option or alternative locations for increasing LiPO4 battery capacity?  Is this unwise considering venting issues with possible battery failure?  

So, you also installed the MP2? Have an installation post or pictures. I knew of 3 prior to our installation but your name is new to me. Thanks.

Like Steve wrote, no venting issues. I installed our MP@ under the streetside bed, so no room under there. Without detail measurements, If I was to desire more than 600AH in the battery bay, I would look under the pantry!