Thread: switching to Lithium

Originally Posted by Tombie

It’s an interesting thread.

I currently have 115w panel on my camper (the high end semi flex 4x100w all crapped themselves a while back) and 2x105ah AGMs....

I’m seeing those charging figures as above with this set up.
Once my second 115w panel goes up I’ll never have an issue.

Hope it’s interesting to someone....just documenting my experience.

I wasn’t keen on giving up space for a second AGM let alone the weight. I did give up a bit of space with the 200ah lithium which utilized some dead space where as a second AGM would have taken valuable space.

It’ll be interesting if the 2 x 120w semi flex panels make the start of the trip..if they continue to perform for the next 18 months than I’ll more than likely fit two mew panels just before we head off. Fall back option is a single ~300w glass panel, although trying to avoid the weight.

When stationary/camped our panels sit at 30+ degree angle, panels sitting flat/horizontal on top of a van would harvest more than what I can.

I have also ditched gas....for induction.

Originally Posted by Vern

Its sparked a bit of interest for me too. I've been watching the guys on the patrol pages with lithiums and victron argofet setups, getting over 100amps at idle. Who needs a solar panel at that rate, battery charged in an hour

What size alternators are they running?
And what are they using their setups for?

Originally Posted by Vern

I've been watching the guys on the patrol pages with lithiums and victron argofet setups

BTW Vern, are you aware that these are not suitable for most Euro6 vehicles, like all new Land Rovers, because they can interfere with the vehicle's BMS.

You can use them in new Toyotas, because they are not Euro6 and they can be used in Ford Rangers, because you can turn the Smart alternator function off.

Also note, while these are relatively new to Victron, Sterling Power Products ( UK ) have had similar for quite a few years now, and they go up to 400 amps. But same think, not suitable for most Euro6 Vehicles.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

What size alternators are they running?
And what are they using their setups for?

I think the stock alt is 150amps. You can also just unplug the shunt on the new patrols to disconnect the smart alternator function.
Just using as a dual battery system type set up for camping etc..

Thanks Vern, unfortunately no one seems to have come up with a way to get around the Euro6 programming “YET”.

So at this stage, no way to turn off the smart alternator function in any of the European makes at this time.

Originally Posted by Vern

Its sparked a bit of interest for me too. I've been watching the guys on the patrol pages with lithiums and victron argofet setups, getting over 100amps at idle. Who needs a solar panel at that rate, battery charged in an hour

There are heaps doing it with under bonnet lithiums.Mainly Jap/Thialand vehicles, although a pic surfaced the other day of a D4 with two lithium 100A under bonnet.

Some use a VSR,that allows both batteries to be used until the main battery voltage drops, similar to the TRAXIDE SC-80 or DT-90 set up.

I have been looking through it for the new car and settled for TRAXIDE set up with DT-90,couldnt justify the extra $1K for Lithium set up.Sure it saves a bit of weight, but in the whole scheme of things its not much at all.

The DT-90 will suit our needs, as the SC-80 did in the D4.

And using lithium under bonnet has not yet been proven.I could have put one in the rear, but wanted it under bonnet.

It is interesting.
Can I ask how you find the cooktop vs other options? I've looked at them, but don't know the best way to compare them for pros and cons.

This is only for reference / comparison.

System currently:
115w Victron panel
75/15 Victron Mppt
2x 105ah AGM