I have really enjoyed this video. I think I may want this camper next year and it’s nice to see a to the point system. One that I can afford to upgrade at the beginning and eventually maybe add more to it later.
You most certainly can build it out over time. And systems don't have to be as extravagant as ours. Lithium can be dropped into any existing RV setup, but if you relocate, upgrade wiring and components there is a cost. Glad you got something out of the video !!!
Great work on the upgrade and the switch to lithium batteries is so worth it! You are so lucky to be such a handy guy and can do the work yourself and can offer help to others! Thanks- Joel, Deb &🐕Maya
Thank you for seeing the process. It did take some time to plan it out and am privileges to work fairly heavily with 12 volt over the past 30 years in different auto applications, so this stuff comes more natural. We love showcasing what can be done by a DIY operation , hopefully it meets our power needs for the long term !
These are “MEGA” fuses that the lynx uses. We size them up just like 10-15% above what amperage is being pushed /pulled though that run or fuse. As for the main fuse next to the batteries it’s a ANL fuse with the same respect for sizing . You need to look at your components /batteries and see what size fuses you will need. Every system is a bit different.
I’ve been doing a lot of these projects in my camper. It all started because my batteries aren’t staying charged in winter with the solar. So I added a 3rd battery and I added the WFCO 9865 AD 65 amp converter. I actually just added it as a separate charger in the front just to use with the generator as needed because my regular lithium converter only pushes about 20 amps and I don’t want to run another cable across the camper. I hadn’t even tried it yet. I’m still wiring and waiting on Amazon to deliver some cutoff switches. I’m adding 2 as well, one for the whole system and one that still allows the loads I want in storage but cuts everything off.
The AD converter panels after we bought our Rockwood are now coming standard . I have heard nothing but good things and we will be switching over later this winter. I think you should be above to do better with the secondary kill for inside the 5th wheel. Since we have installed this I get home , unload the trailer and switch off the house power still letting my batteries charge back up before the next time we go out . Has been a game changer. We really like the lynx distribution system as it makes everything so clean, but it was pretty spendy.
Thank you for the video. Question: the original red line that was on that little DC side panel in your Converter/Charger unit that you replaced, did that line go direct to the battery or did it tangle into a J BOX under the camper passenger side? Besides the red line that you upgraded, did you also upgrade the negative line that normally goes to a little ground bar behind the WFCO on the floor?
I have the 2018 2109s I put 2 lithium batteries and a new Converter in it for boondocking without changing anything thing else and it has worked great for us for running the pump and fans for 3 to 4 days I was looking to upgrade the system like you did with an inverter for 120V but for what I need it for I think I am going to take a short cut and get the Bluette AC200max for 120V shore power I am not using it for A/C just a little TV and the microwave BTW very nice job on the electrical.
Appreciate the great comment and am glad that your lithium setup is working well. I think having a power station could be a work around to needing the inverter. We were lucky that our 2022 model has one standard, but we still from time to time use our Jackary 290 for some smaller items and when we are away from plug in distance from the trailer !!
In the video we tried to explain this as it get a bit complicated. We reused the old inverter wires that were going from the battery into the inverter to re hook the whole front end of the trailer back inside the pass thru. So we took the positive inverter wire from the batteries got relocated to the cut of switch (which we are using as a mini distribution block/switch) . The other end of the positive inverter wire that is in the pass thru hooked up to the inverter we get relocated into the lynx distributor to supply power to the front end of the trailer (brakes/ solar). We also used the inverters factory 2 gauge ground to be the terminal ground for the entire system. Disconnect ground from the inverter and hook it into the lynx ground port. Then take the side they was on the batteries and ground that to the frame. Easy way to get the wiring ram with use the factory components. Then just run new 2 gauge wires from the inverter to the lynx. Hope this helps and doesn’t cause more confusion
we used the skirting that covers up the hot water tank if that is what you are referring to. It was a soft panel and we just reinforced it so that it still looks like a factory piece.
We used that as a cutoff / junction from the tongue electrical components (brakes / Solar/ power jack) and the other side connecting with the 2 gauge wire that was used for the positive inverter to the battery now hooks up to the lynx. Old positive 2 gauge inverter wire goes to the lynx The other side of the 2 gauge (that was attached to the factory battery) goes to the other side of the switch. Then you also have a terminal disconnect of the solar and tongue jack from the batteries. Hopefully that made sense.
@@UniqueAdventurez I appreciate your patience and prompt replies. I'm still a little confused on the rewiring of the positive connections. My understanding is to remove the positive battery cable from the 100 amp fuse and then use the old negative battery cable to connect the 100 amp fuse to the tongue battery disconnect. Is that correct?
That would be a great setup to run 400ah. For someone who isnt full timing it would give a lot of power opportunities. Thanks for the comment and checking out the video
I want to switch to lithium however I found (accidentally) that my 2022 trailer has a switch to go from my current single lead acid battery to lithium. Sounds simple (usually Not)..But we shall see. My wiring routing looks a lot simplier - sure hope so.
If you have the auto detect conveyer then you will be in good shape. We felt the need to upgrade our power wire due to our power needs. It’s great to see that then we’re trailers are being better setup to do these conversations. Good luck when you get to start your conversation.
We found after we got done with this install that Rockwood has put the WFCO auto detect panels in them that automatically detect what battery you have setup. If you don’t have one fo these new panels then you will need to change out the charge controller for a lithium one. The one we referenced in the video the WFCO MBA-LIS is not worth the price as it charges at a really low rate. You should also install a shunt to accurately measure the power going in and out of batteries. Hopefully this helps. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.
@@shireguy876 We have been doing some research and are getting ready to make the jump. Will do another video detailing our process and what ends up happening. I have heard that you need a pretty deep discharge on the battery bank to get it to activate, but we will see and let you know !!
Hate to tell you: your control panel is a auto detect for Li batteries. I sure would have just ran the wires under your underbelly.....much easier by a LONG shot plus no worry about damaging interior trim etc etc.
I know in 2022 they started putting the auto detect panels in the Rockwood trailers as we know someone who has the auto detect with a build very close to ours. But for some reason out trailer didn’t come with it as we checked the model number on the panel before starting. But we will be upgrading into it.
Ive got a 2021 rockwood 2104s…its got std solar factory setup with external panel plug…so i added a roof 100watt and use a 100watt folder for the external port…puts me at 390 watts…but reality maybe 250-300 in a real canp…imnow adding 2 @100ah lifepo to replace agm dinks…do you know if my factory charger can do it or??…and surely replace plastic box with a metal larger to lock it downand have room for maybe a third battery in future or other accs…so main question is my charger as its a recent 2021 issue hope its got a lifepo switch or IS compatible…appreciate since alot of peeps seem to be doing more for more power im only interested in longer run time with existing setup UNLESS i gotta do more to ise the lifepos!….thnx for any help
I think I said what we had, but it’s all good. We have 2-100ah SOK Lithium batteries. We are currently using the WFCO 8955LIS -MBA charge converter. Which we don’t care for as it has a really low charge rate , but it does fill the batteries up, just a lot slower
We love this system so far. Drop us some comments on if you have lithium or are thinking of changing to lithium?
I have really enjoyed this video. I think I may want this camper next year and it’s nice to see a to the point system. One that I can afford to upgrade at the beginning and eventually maybe add more to it later.
You most certainly can build it out over time. And systems don't have to be as extravagant as ours. Lithium can be dropped into any existing RV setup, but if you relocate, upgrade wiring and components there is a cost. Glad you got something out of the video !!!
Great work on the upgrade and the switch to lithium batteries is so worth it! You are so lucky to be such a handy guy and can do the work yourself and can offer help to others! Thanks- Joel, Deb &🐕Maya
Thank you for seeing the process. It did take some time to plan it out and am privileges to work fairly heavily with 12 volt over the past 30 years in different auto applications, so this stuff comes more natural. We love showcasing what can be done by a DIY operation , hopefully it meets our power needs for the long term !
Nice 👍 that’s going to give you more power 😎
What size fuses did you use in the Victron Lynx distributor and inline fuses did you use?
These are “MEGA” fuses that the lynx uses. We size them up just like 10-15% above what amperage is being pushed /pulled though that run or fuse.
As for the main fuse next to the batteries it’s a ANL fuse with the same respect for sizing . You need to look at your components /batteries and see what size fuses you will need. Every system is a bit different.
Nice Job Very clean, you rock!!!! happy camping!
Thanks for the encouragement. We feel really good on how it turned out and how its performing.
I’ve been doing a lot of these projects in my camper. It all started because my batteries aren’t staying charged in winter with the solar. So I added a 3rd battery and I added the WFCO 9865 AD 65 amp converter. I actually just added it as a separate charger in the front just to use with the generator as needed because my regular lithium converter only pushes about 20 amps and I don’t want to run another cable across the camper. I hadn’t even tried it yet. I’m still wiring and waiting on Amazon to deliver some cutoff switches. I’m adding 2 as well, one for the whole system and one that still allows the loads I want in storage but cuts everything off.
The AD converter panels after we bought our Rockwood are now coming standard . I have heard nothing but good things and we will be switching over later this winter. I think you should be above to do better with the secondary kill for inside the 5th wheel. Since we have installed this I get home , unload the trailer and switch off the house power still letting my batteries charge back up before the next time we go out . Has been a game changer. We really like the lynx distribution system as it makes everything so clean, but it was pretty spendy.
Thank you for the video. Question: the original red line that was on that little DC side panel in your Converter/Charger unit that you replaced, did that line go direct to the battery or did it tangle into a J BOX under the camper passenger side? Besides the red line that you upgraded, did you also upgrade the negative line that normally goes to a little ground bar behind the WFCO on the floor?
Good lookin set up!
Thank you for the support. We really like how it turned out !
I have the 2018 2109s I put 2 lithium batteries and a new Converter in it for boondocking without changing anything thing else and it has worked great for us for running the pump and fans for 3 to 4 days I was looking to upgrade the system like you did with an inverter for 120V but for what I need it for I think I am going to take a short cut and get the Bluette AC200max for 120V shore power I am not using it for A/C just a little TV and the microwave BTW very nice job on the electrical.
Appreciate the great comment and am glad that your lithium setup is working well. I think having a power station could be a work around to needing the inverter. We were lucky that our 2022 model has one standard, but we still from time to time use our Jackary 290 for some smaller items and when we are away from plug in distance from the trailer !!
โอ้ สุดยอด ฝีมือดีมากเพื่อน thanks for sharing
Thanks for checking out the video !
Where did you connect your trailer break away safety switch and solar connection? Thank you in advance!
In the video we tried to explain this as it get a bit complicated. We reused the old inverter wires that were going from the battery into the inverter to re hook the whole front end of the trailer back inside the pass thru.
So we took the positive inverter wire from the batteries got relocated to the cut of switch (which we are using as a mini distribution block/switch) . The other end of the positive inverter wire that is in the pass thru hooked up to the inverter we get relocated into the lynx distributor to supply power to the front end of the trailer (brakes/ solar).
We also used the inverters factory 2 gauge ground to be the terminal ground for the entire system. Disconnect ground from the inverter and hook it into the lynx ground port. Then take the side they was on the batteries and ground that to the frame. Easy way to get the wiring ram with use the factory components.
Then just run new 2 gauge wires from the inverter to the lynx. Hope this helps and doesn’t cause more confusion
Did you repurpose the wire cover panel for your mock setup?
we used the skirting that covers up the hot water tank if that is what you are referring to. It was a soft panel and we just reinforced it so that it still looks like a factory piece.
I have the same camper and trying to duplicate your upgrade. What did you do with your old battery disconnect on the tongue?
We used that as a cutoff / junction from the tongue electrical components (brakes / Solar/ power jack) and the other side connecting with the 2 gauge wire that was used for the positive inverter to the battery now hooks up to the lynx.
Old positive 2 gauge inverter wire goes to the lynx
The other side of the 2 gauge (that was attached to the factory battery) goes to the other side of the switch.
Then you also have a terminal disconnect of the solar and tongue jack from the batteries. Hopefully that made sense.
@@UniqueAdventurez I appreciate your patience and prompt replies. I'm still a little confused on the rewiring of the positive connections. My understanding is to remove the positive battery cable from the 100 amp fuse and then use the old negative battery cable to connect the 100 amp fuse to the tongue battery disconnect. Is that correct?
We have a 2022 Rockwood 2205S and I definitely want to upgrade to Lithium batteries, but I want to run 2 200AH lithium batteries
That would be a great setup to run 400ah. For someone who isnt full timing it would give a lot of power opportunities. Thanks for the comment and checking out the video
I want to switch to lithium however I found (accidentally) that my 2022 trailer has a switch to go from my current single lead acid battery to lithium. Sounds simple (usually Not)..But we shall see. My wiring routing looks a lot simplier - sure hope so.
If you have the auto detect conveyer then you will be in good shape. We felt the need to upgrade our power wire due to our power needs. It’s great to see that then we’re trailers are being better setup to do these conversations. Good luck when you get to start your conversation.
What would you need to do to add lithium to a new Rockwood with new charge controller
We found after we got done with this install that Rockwood has put the WFCO auto detect panels in them that automatically detect what battery you have setup. If you don’t have one fo these new panels then you will need to change out the charge controller for a lithium one. The one we referenced in the video the WFCO MBA-LIS is not worth the price as it charges at a really low rate.
You should also install a shunt to accurately measure the power going in and out of batteries. Hopefully this helps. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.
@@UniqueAdventurez thanks for the information, I appreciate it
@@UniqueAdventurez there are a few reviews of the WFCO auto detect unit showing that it fails to detect a lithium battery.
@@shireguy876 We have been doing some research and are getting ready to make the jump. Will do another video detailing our process and what ends up happening. I have heard that you need a pretty deep discharge on the battery bank to get it to activate, but we will see and let you know !!
Hate to tell you: your control panel is a auto detect for Li batteries. I sure would have just ran the wires under your underbelly.....much easier by a LONG shot plus no worry about damaging interior trim etc etc.
I know in 2022 they started putting the auto detect panels in the Rockwood trailers as we know someone who has the auto detect with a build very close to ours. But for some reason out trailer didn’t come with it as we checked the model number on the panel before starting. But we will be upgrading into it.
Ive got a 2021 rockwood 2104s…its got std solar factory setup with external panel plug…so i added a roof 100watt and use a 100watt folder for the external port…puts me at 390 watts…but reality maybe 250-300 in a real canp…imnow adding 2 @100ah lifepo to replace agm dinks…do you know if my factory charger can do it or??…and surely replace plastic box with a metal larger to lock it downand have room for maybe a third battery in future or other accs…so main question is my charger as its a recent 2021 issue hope its got a lifepo switch or IS compatible…appreciate since alot of peeps seem to be doing more for more power im only interested in longer run time with existing setup UNLESS i gotta do more to ise the lifepos!….thnx for any help
Why not tell us the capacity of your batteries & new charge converter? Maybe I missed it, but most would like to know. Thanks.
I think I said what we had, but it’s all good. We have 2-100ah SOK Lithium batteries. We are currently using the WFCO 8955LIS -MBA charge converter. Which we don’t care for as it has a really low charge rate , but it does fill the batteries up, just a lot slower