Enhancing Off-Grid Capability of Motorhome Power System

[Coppy2000]

Hi, I’m looking to upgrade the current 95Ah battery and 100W solar panel to allow longer off grid. The motorhome has LMP1218 power unit. I believe the existing solar panel is connected to that power unit. What do I need to do if I want to add another battery and solar panel please.

 

[cyberyacht]

Insufficient data. How much longer off-grid and what time of year? Are you switching to lithium batteries? How much roof space do you have? How deep are your pockets? How much spare payload is available?

 

[Coppy2000]

I’m thinking of switching to Lithium and adding another solar panel as there’s plenty of roof space. Not looking to use an inverter. Some people have mentioned b2b but I believe the LMP1218 has a built in VCR.

 

[headlight]

I’m thinking of switching to Lithium and adding another solar panel as there’s plenty of roof space. Not looking to use an inverter. Some people have mentioned b2b but I believe the LMP1218 has a built in VCR.

Do you mean VSR ?

 

[Tombola]

Advisable to change from the LMP1218 which is a pwm solar controller to an MPPT one, you get more bang for your buck, and if switching to lithium then is a must.
Another panel is a good idea and so is lithium as it charges quicker.

So Ideally you need a new MPPT solar charge controller, and also a b2b as this sorts the charge rate to lithium so as to protect the alternator especially if it is a smart alternator, (Can depend on the age of your van)

VSP will likely need disabling too, easy on some vans, not so much on others.

the more info you can give, the more help you can get

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[Coppy2000]

Advisable to change from the LMP1218 which is a pwm solar controller to an MPPT one, you get more bang for your buck, and if switching to lithium then is a must.
Another panel is a good idea and so is lithium as it charges quicker.

So Ideally you need a new MPPT solar charge controller, and also a b2b as this sorts the charge rate to lithium so as to protect the alternator especially if it is a smart alternator, (Can depend on the age of your van)

VSP will likely need disabling too, easy on some vans, not so much on others.

the more info you can give, the more help you can get

I don’t know anything about a b2b. Where would I install it and wire is? The motorhome is a 2024 Pilote G740FC.

 

[Tombola]

The b2b is connected from the engine battery to the leisure battery to control the charge.

A 2024 van could possibly have it installed already. I don't know which makers do.
They are easy enough to fit , and plenty advice on here .

This is general electrics and is a good start though a few years old now the principles are the same. No b2b on this though. You may want to as your dealer If one is fitted.

 

[Coppy2000]

Do you mean VSR ?

No Voltage Charge Relay

 

[funflair]

No Voltage Charge Relay

Most likely the same thing as a voltage sensing relay and a bit crude for Lithium install, as others have said a B2B is the way to go, if it's a 2024 van it might be worth asking the dealer what is already there in terms of B2B and then have it fitted professionally.

 

[nicholsong]

Another endorsement for B2B, especially if one moves every 2-3 days. In combination with two LiFePO4 batteries that could extend to 4-5 days, according to use.