Hymer Conversion to Lithium

[Buddy1012]

Decided to 'bite the bullet' and replace my version of the Hymer 'Smart' Battery system with a full blown lithium set-up. Reason: I have an issue with one of the AGMs and whilst the system has generally served me well it seems pointless to buy 3 new AGMs when there are lots of cost effective lithium alternatives. Just wanted to run my plans past those with more technical knowledge or experience of similar:

Fit 2 x 230Ah LifePO4 Batteries
Change EBL settings to Lithium profile via the control panel - this will enable me to continue using the charging module (20A).
Remove the two auxiliary chargers (LAS 1218 & LAS1218 BUS) as neither has a lithium setting.
Fit a new mains charger to work alongside the EBL module (50A).
Replace Schaudt LRM1218 Solar Regulator with a Votronic one with lithium profile. (currently have 240w of solar but may well add another 200w to this after the winter - so I could go large with the new MPPT in anticipation of this increase in size).
Fit a votronic computer and votronic solar monitor.
Inverter to stay - normal factory fitted Dometic 1800w.
Everything else eg, cables etc seems to be fine.
Any observations / suggestions welcome.

 

[Speve]

Can I ask

Other than setting the Lithium Profile did you make any other changes to the Schaudt B2B set up? (I was going to take out the temp and voltage sensors as not required with new Lithium with own BMS). Like everything Schaudt and Hymer, it works well enough but complicated always difficult to follow the wiring logic etc so didn’t want to interfere with it too much.
Thanks

I took out the schaudt chargers as I fitted a Victron Multiplus 2000a charger inverter I have basically left the EBL TO WORK THE 12v systems as it always has and took away its charging capacity and left that to a new multiplus and a new victron 30a smart b2b and extra solar panels on a new victron mppt solar controller.and everything goes through the new bus bars.

 

[Lenny HB]

So in theory I could just re route the Aircon and fridge connections to the inverter circuit.

You don't want the fridge on the inverter circuit.

In my Carthago I ditched the Schaudt B2B and fitted a Victron 50amp Orion XS. didn't think much of the way the Schaudt handles Lithium.

 

[Speve]

I also installed a battery master but also have the option of trickle charge from Multiplus if on EHU.
Interestingly I found that if you are moving frequently the B2B does all the charging and solars just top up as and when required so probably didn’t need the extra as most of the time we are out we are on the continent in the sunshine however I suspect at home they will help a little I haven’t needed to put van on EHU since returning from Spain in May and van has been pretty much stood up since due to my hospital appointments as I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and it’s regular visits.

 

[Dusty_Rhoades]

When you say the Fogstar complains what do you mean?

Apologies for the delay. I have a high Cell Over Voltage count (because of the fridge). When the fridge is not on 12v it's fine and doesn't give any problems. I will be giving the fridge it's own supply ASAP.

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[Lenny HB]

also have the option of trickle charge from Multiplus if on EHU.

Multiplus doesn't need EHU, it will charge the starter battery all the time the leisure battery is connected to it.

 

[Buddy1012]

You don't want the fridge on the inverter circuit.

In my Carthago I ditched the Schaudt B2B and fitted a Victron 50amp Orion XS. didn't think much of the way the Schaudt handles Lithium.

I’m in the process of ditching mine as well - not just the lithium issue but also the unnecessary (imho) complexity with the ‘bus’ and the EBL etc, all seems a bit OTT

 

[Barriesimpson]

Our new Hymer Exsis-i 580 came from the factory such that all we had to do was change the battery.

Took out a heavy AGM lead-acid and replaced it with the same physical weight of lithium.

Job done - Five times the usable battery capacity - just for changing three charger settings.

I understand that our Giottiline Toscan also came out the factory equipped for lithium but the bu**ers at the dealer did not want to know anything about lithium, claiming that they cause too many problems. Me, as a novice, took their word for it. After 4 months on this forum, I now know better.

 

[Buddy1012]

Decided to 'bite the bullet' and replace my version of the Hymer 'Smart' Battery system with a full blown lithium set-up. Reason: I have an issue with one of the AGMs and whilst the system has generally served me well it seems pointless to buy 3 new AGMs when there are lots of cost effective lithium alternatives. Just wanted to run my plans past those with more technical knowledge or experience of similar:

Fit 2 x 230Ah LifePO4 Batteries
Change EBL settings to Lithium profile via the control panel - this will enable me to continue using the charging module (20A).
Remove the two auxiliary chargers (LAS 1218 & LAS1218 BUS) as neither has a lithium setting.
Fit a new mains charger to work alongside the EBL module (50A).
Replace Schaudt LRM1218 Solar Regulator with a Votronic one with lithium profile. (currently have 240w of solar but may well add another 200w to this after the winter - so I could go large with the new MPPT in anticipation of this increase in size).
Fit a votronic computer and votronic solar monitor.
Inverter to stay - normal factory fitted Dometic 1800w.
Everything else eg, cables etc seems to be fine.
Any observations / suggestions welcome.

First phase done - Underfloor Hymer ‘spaghetti junction’ never sat easily with me - I like to know what is what just in case any issues arise. New set-up in garage just waiting to be cabled up for & additional solar to be fitted when it stops raining.

 

[Buddy1012]

400aH LifePO4, 440watts of solar, new DC2DC, new MPPT controller, 3Kwc inverter / mains charger. All done & tested, just a bit of cabinet work to complete for the enclosure. Off for a 7 day off grid road test tomorrow to see how it all shapes up out of the solar season. Final ‘net’ cost after selling off most of the redundant kit is just over £2k which I’m pleased with. A bit fiddly and time consuming though as I am a bit OCD when it comes to hiding & routing cables etc.
Many thanks to those funsters who provided me with answers to my various questions along the way.