Wanting to fit a 230ah lithium battery to McLouis 379

[Loopylouis]

I am new to motorhoming and want to fit a 230ah lithium battery to a McLouis 379. Not sure exactly what I need in terms of equipment. Want to run a 3000w inverter. Will the existing wiring from the alternator be able to charge the new battery or will this need changed. Also we have a NE287 charger which has a lithium setting on it. Will I also need a b2b charger? (This is all very confusing to me) any advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[Guigsy]

There are generally 3 sources of power to charge the battery:
-Alternator DC (either straight fed or via a B2B)
-Mains AC
-Solar (if fitted)

Lithium is largely similar to lead acid. But its charge profile (voltage and current that can be applied) is a bit different. Most feel that long term, you should use chargers that are lithium aware.

Note that to run a 3000w inverter, your battery will need to support over 250 amps of output. That's a lot!

 

[Pausim]

A 3000W inverter would be right on the limit of even the best 230Ah lithium batteries. I would opt for a smaller inverter. What are you hoping to power that needs 3000w.

 

[LithiumConvert]

A 3000W inverter would be right on the limit of even the best 230Ah lithium batteries

I agree. Maybe better to fit two LiFePo4 batteries to split the load.

Most say a B2B is essential. Does the McLouis have a smart alternator?

 

[Bessy765]

We have 700 watts of solar 2 x 100 amps lithium and a 12/2000/80 Victron inverter charger, no B2B fitted, the installer said it was not required and warranties the system for 5 years, the only caveat is not to run the engine for more than 15 mins stationary to just charge the batteries. Had the system nearly 5 years and 27000 miles, this is the charge whilst driving, the right hand is from the solar, the middle with the minus sign is from the alternator and the left hand side is what is going the batteries whilst running the fridge on 12 volt and a Dometic CX35 Freezer.

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[Guigsy]

I fitted lithium and didn't put in a B2B straight away. I was just using the factory setup, which was effectively a straight feed from the alternator like a split charge relay. It was supplying up to 20a, but only at a lower voltage (so it wouldn't fully charge the battery) and it was shared the 3-way fridge. So I was only getting a few amps until the fridge was cold. So I upgraded to a 30a B2B that was lithium friendly. Because it's still a fairly small B2B, I could fit in inline with the existing wiring. All it needed was an extra ground to the hab battery. And it boosts the voltage up a little so I get full charge to the battery whenever it needs it.

 

[MisterB]

We have a 304Ah Fogstar lithium and a 3000w Renogy inverter. From practical and real life experience, we can run the kettle and microwave at the same time, with a bit to spare..... Had it in for about 18 months now, with no issues or faults reported on the battery BMS ...

I would fit the biggest lithium you can afford in the space available.....

A benefit of the Renogy inverter is the automatic pass through facility. Check you tube for what that means/offers.

 

[Bessy765]

Our Victron 12/2000/80 also allows automatic pass through and control of the EHU amp supply.