Fun to watch different approaches to installing inverters and batteries to the Z 3100. I just sealed the bottom vent on the battery box and left it in. Then I built a platform on top to secure 4 Battleborn 100 ah batteries. I also like how when measuring you are thinking in Spanish and converting to English, I'm a little jealous cause I don't speak a second language. Enjoy the Brinkley, we sure do. Burlington Bill busking on the road and here on You Tube.
Hello Javier: Just a note to thank you for the guidance to get my Z3100 AutoDetect converter to identify my new SOK lithium batteries. The WFCO company took care of the issue of the converter not identifying my lithium batteries by giving me a new converter that was hard wired to lithium mode. I’m now able to charge my batteries to ~14.2V and I’m sure they will charge up to 14.6 V once I start using shore power and additional solar panels. Of course the most important aspect of having the converter identify the lithium batteries is so that the charging profiles match the needs of these batteries to increase their life span. Thanks again & you are great resource for all things RV. Enjoy your new Brinkley Z3100. Joe
Great, you are welcome. If I were WFCO, I would put a 3 way switch to go from auto to lithium or acid battery. their auto detect is not as fast as people would expect or need it.
Thank you so much for the clarification Javier. You are an amazing resource on many topics. Yes I already contacted WFCO on the converter installed in the Brinkley Z3100 and they were questioning the cable connect sizing used by Brinkley (or Lippert) and the distance that the converter is from the Lithium batteries as the most probable cause on why their WFCO WF-9855-AD Auto-Detect Power Converter, 55A Output converter was not identifying my SOK lithium batteries. I will bring this issue up with Brinkley (or Lippert) so that they can consider mounting the WFCO converter in the battery bay area on future Brinkley models or just use thicker AWG cabling to rectify this issue. Take care.
The cable size is 6awg which is appropriate for 55amps and the distance is no more than 10 ft so that is not the issue. I believe that the WFCO Auto detection does not meet the users' expectations. I would have installed a switch to switch from auto detect, lithium or acid battery and led the user to decide.
Javier I just realized that I will also need to incorporate the ability for my parallel dual generator set up to accept a 50 amp receptacle that we have on our Z3100 Brinkleys. So now instead of just the junction cables to connect the two generators together I will need an electrical box with 50 amp receptacle (+ circuit breaker) to achieve what you have already built in with your GENMAX GM9000iE. Hopefully all the internal cabling on the GENMAX GM6000iED generators that I was thinking of buying will have wiring to handle the 50 amp load. Let’s see what GenMax support has to say and I’ll let you know. If not I guess I’ll just get a gym membership and get those biceps and lats in shape and go for your GENMAX GM9000iE. 👍👍
Thank you for showing the install in the Brinkley. Could you demonstrate the inverter in actual use inside the rig and also how it ties into the breaker panel. I need to do the same install thanks again.
Hello again Javier: I noticed you purchased the 233.7 lb GENMAX GM9000iE 50 Amp 7600W/9000W Remote Start Gas Inverter Generator with CO Detector. Awesome generator to say the least. How on earth do you lift that beast into the front storage area on your beautiful new Brinkley Z3100? I’m contemplating just purchasing two GENMAX GM6000iED 6000 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator with CO Detector (weight: 117.9lbs) and connecting them with a parallel cable kit. Just another way to get us plenty of watts to run those AC’s and the entire rig !! Yeah it’s $~$500 more for this dual generator set up but hey it’s only money right? Save the back I say. Ouch!! Take care and we are almost ready to head out on our first test run in our Z3100. What a ship.
I didn’t bought the GM9000iED for the RV. Is for my house. Check my other videos. For the RV I bought a Genmax GM3500iAED. Well 2. I bought 2 3500 to use it in parallel but then I realized that only one with 30 amps will be enough. Is not hard wired.
Very clean and professional install Javier. We just received our 2024 Z3100 last week. What a fine 5th wheel. The dealer only installed 2 Marine standard batteries which I will return for full credit once I install your recommended SOX 12.8V 206 AH 2636 WH Group 27 batteries. Question? Why 4 batteries and not just 2? What are your calculated number of boondocking days with these 4 SOX batteries assuming you do not run the AC? Thanks; Joe (Portland, OR)
Hello. My plan is to be able to run the main air conditioner overnight ar some overnight stop. That is why I didn’t add any additional solar panels; at night there is no sun. I will recharge at the next campground using the shore power. I used 4 based on 45min of AC per every 100ah. 4 batteries at 206 each equals 824ah. Total 6hrs. If I get 4-5hrs at least of AC overnight I am good with that.
How many days of boondocking I don’t know. I don’t bookdock yet. But I am sure that without AC will be 5-7 days. Remember I did not add solar panels. You want to double your batteries ahead of time in solar panels watts. For example in my case with 824ah I should have at least 1,700w of solar panels to keep the batteries recharged. Hey if you decide to order the batteries please consider using the link in my video description that helps me to keep affording RVing.
Thanks for posting. I had a few questions and this answered them for me. My issue is 007 was only wired for a 2000 watt inverter and I cannot find one with an automatic transfer switch. So right now I can either buy an automatic transfer switch (which I do not know how to wire) or pay someone to install it which I am not willing to do. Looks like I am going to have to learn how to do it.
Isn't that complicated to add a transfer switch is more work. I would e-mail Brinkley and ask for instructions so you have a guide. Also post on FB; who, where, and how someone with a 2000w inverter prep kit installed a transfer switch. you can check PowerMax PMX 2000W-PSPT and KISAE SWXFR1220
That is correct but also the converter. In my case, I just need those batteries for an occasional overnight stop and at night there is no sun so I will not need more solar panels. I will be charging the batteries the next morning with the solar panel and once I get to the next campsite I will be connecting the RV to shore power to also use the 55 amp converter to charge the batteries. So converter and 1 panel.
Ok Javier. My WFCO converter light is still not changing from green to blue (lithium recognition color) so I will send it to WFCO to have it “hard wired” to lithium as you did. I am suspecting that Lippert-Brinkley & WFCO did not install the converter in a location that is allowing the so called “Auto-Detect” components of the converter to switch to lithium after a standard “draw down” test which I have performed several times in my 2024 Z-3100 Brinkley. On another subject: Do you plan on connecting your generator to the Brinkley’s quick disconnect LP outlet when boon-docking or do you have a separate LP tank (with short hose) that connects to your generator? As always thanks for helping me get this new 5th wheel ready to roll 👍👍
@@joemarin7918 only a few have been lucky enough to get it to switch to lithium mode. Even that my generator is dual fuel I have been using gas. If I start to use LP I will get an additional tank.
Good day Javier. I was just wondering if you just went ahead and removed the WFCO converter yourself and then sent it into the manufacturer to have it hardwired for Lithium or if you received Brinkley approval prior to sending it to WFCO for the modification. Take care. Joe
Good day Javier. I just installed 2 SOK 208ah batteries and they work fine. Question. Did your Brinkley Z3100 Converter light change from green to blue (after your draw down procedure) so that it can charge your SOK batteries to the max ~14.6 volts? Thanks.
Hello. No. That being said. It could take a few discharge - Recharge. The converter auto detects but is not instantaneously. I had to contact WFCO and they sent me one that was hardwired to lithium with a new firmware for 824ah. If you try a couple times and don’t work then contact WFCO.
Hello again Javier: Did you change your Brinkley Z3100 factory installed: •WFCO WF-9855-AD (Auto-Detect) Power Converter with 55A Output for a: •WFCO WF-68100AD Series Deck-Mount Converter Charger -100 Amp unit which is also incorporated in the “G” model Brinkley? Or did you use a different lithium dedicated converter from WFCO? If so can you share the specific WFCO converter model number? I only went with a 2 each SOK 206AH batteries initially but will convert to a full boondocking solar set up in October when we land in North Florida. Thanks Joe (2024 Brinkley Z3100)
I am using the original 9855-AD converter. You can’t use a 68100AD Without first changing the wires. The z3100 comes with a 6awg wire that is only good for up to 60amps not 100amps.
Hello Javier: I just removed the WFCO AUTO-DETECTING converter from my Z3100 RV. As you recall the converter was NOT Auto-detecting my lithium batteries and switching over to lithium charging profile which is very important for lithium battery charging. Question? How fast was your turn around time with WFCO once they received your converter in order for them to permanently set the converter to lithium mode? Thanks Joe (Oregon)
Did you have to run a ground wire from the chassis to the ground connection on the inverter? Or does the ground wires from both the red and black legs do the trick?
Hi Javier, appreciate your videos. We installed the PowerMax 3000 in our Z3100 as well. The only problem I am having is after the install, my 15A shore power GFCI trips. If I take the inverter back out of the loop, the GFCI does not trip. Have you connected your rig to a 15A shore plug after you installed the inverter? I tried to plug into a non-GFCI 15A plug, but it tripped the breaker instead.
Hello. No I have not connected to a 15a. But I have to a 30a and 50a. Is the PowerMax grounded on the front and the backside in and out wires are also both connected to the inverter ground? Trips instantly or after a while? When you are connected to shore power the inverter doesn’t work instead send forward the power using the internal transfer switch and powering the whole breaker panel so make sure there is no Air Conditioner running or anything else that requires more than 15amp. Try to connect it to a non GFCI those are very sensitive with anything that fluctuates in amps.
@@JavierRivera Yes, the inverter is grounded on both the front and the back and for both the input and the output. If the inverter is powered off, it trips the GFCI instantly when plugging in to 15A shore power. If I turn the inverter on, it takes about 5 seconds to trip the GFCI. If I connect it to a non-GFCI, it trips the breaker. Nothing is running on 120. Only the fridge on 12v.
Is that battery bank going to be charged with the supplied 370 watt solar panel and AC (shore power) only? If doubling or tripling the solar array won't you need a larger MPPT charger? (Furrion manual says 50amp charger is only good to 600W of panels)
That is correct. It will be recharged with 1 Furrion 370w panel and the converter when connected to shore power. In my case; my plan is to be able to run the main AC for 4-5 hrs at night at some overnight stop. At night there is no sun so I don’t need more panels. I am 99% of the time connected to shore power. Even with 1 panel I can still boondock but no AC for sure, how many days I could boondock with 824ah and 1 panel? I will find out when the weather change to cold again.
I heard that from some people. But compared to a 270Ah Battleborn $2,499.00 the SOK 206Ah is $649. In the worst-case scenario, I can buy a new SOK 206Ah, and still cheaper than a Battleborn.
Fun to watch different approaches to installing inverters and batteries to the Z 3100. I just sealed the bottom vent on the battery box and left it in. Then I built a platform on top to secure 4 Battleborn 100 ah batteries. I also like how when measuring you are thinking in Spanish and converting to English, I'm a little jealous cause I don't speak a second language. Enjoy the Brinkley, we sure do. Burlington Bill busking on the road and here on You Tube.
Hello Javier: Just a note to thank you for the guidance to get my Z3100 AutoDetect converter to identify my new SOK lithium batteries. The WFCO company took care of the issue of the converter not identifying my lithium batteries by giving me a new converter that was hard wired to lithium mode. I’m now able to charge my batteries to ~14.2V and I’m sure they will charge up to 14.6 V once I start using shore power and additional solar panels. Of course the most important aspect of having the converter identify the lithium batteries is so that the charging profiles match the needs of these batteries to increase their life span. Thanks again & you are great resource for all things RV. Enjoy your new Brinkley Z3100.
Joe
Great, you are welcome. If I were WFCO, I would put a 3 way switch to go from auto to lithium or acid battery. their auto detect is not as fast as people would expect or need it.
Thank you so much for the clarification Javier. You are an amazing resource on many topics.
Yes I already contacted WFCO on the converter installed in the Brinkley Z3100 and they were questioning the cable connect sizing used by Brinkley (or Lippert) and the distance that the converter is from the Lithium batteries as the most probable cause on why their WFCO WF-9855-AD
Auto-Detect Power
Converter, 55A Output converter was not identifying my SOK lithium batteries. I will bring this issue up with Brinkley (or Lippert) so that they can consider mounting the WFCO converter in the battery bay area on future Brinkley models or just use thicker AWG cabling to rectify this issue. Take care.
The cable size is 6awg which is appropriate for 55amps and the distance is no more than 10 ft so that is not the issue. I believe that the WFCO Auto detection does not meet the users' expectations. I would have installed a switch to switch from auto detect, lithium or acid battery and led the user to decide.
Great installation video!! Thank so much for doing this. I now have a road map to follow when I do this!!!
Great. I am glad it helps
Javier I just realized that I will also need to incorporate the ability for my parallel dual generator set up to accept a 50 amp receptacle that we have on our Z3100 Brinkleys.
So now instead of just the junction cables to connect the two generators together I will need an electrical box with 50 amp receptacle (+ circuit breaker) to achieve what you have already built in with your GENMAX GM9000iE.
Hopefully all the internal cabling on the GENMAX GM6000iED generators that I was thinking of buying will have wiring to handle the 50 amp load. Let’s see what GenMax support has to say and I’ll let you know.
If not I guess I’ll just get a gym membership and get those biceps and lats in shape and go for your GENMAX GM9000iE. 👍👍
Get this one amzn.to/3QH3hV7
If you get 2 use this to connect them in parallel amzn.to/3USMzEC
Thank you for showing the install in the Brinkley. Could you demonstrate the inverter in actual use inside the rig and also how it ties into the breaker panel. I need to do the same install thanks again.
Yes I will, I was waiting to test it and have a little more understanding of the Sub Panel because is tricky.
Hello again Javier: I noticed you purchased the 233.7 lb GENMAX GM9000iE 50 Amp 7600W/9000W Remote Start Gas Inverter Generator with CO Detector. Awesome generator to say the least.
How on earth do you lift that beast into the front storage area on your beautiful new Brinkley Z3100?
I’m contemplating just purchasing two GENMAX GM6000iED 6000 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator with CO Detector (weight: 117.9lbs) and connecting them with a parallel cable kit.
Just another way to get us plenty of watts to run those AC’s and the entire rig !!
Yeah it’s $~$500 more for this dual generator set up but hey it’s only money right? Save the back I say. Ouch!!
Take care and we are almost ready to head out on our first test run in our Z3100. What a ship.
I didn’t bought the GM9000iED for the RV. Is for my house. Check my other videos. For the RV I bought a Genmax GM3500iAED. Well 2. I bought 2 3500 to use it in parallel but then I realized that only one with 30 amps will be enough. Is not hard wired.
Black eternaBond tape should seal the bottom nicely.
great job buddy!
Thank you
Nice job!
Thanks!
Very clean and professional install Javier. We just received our 2024 Z3100 last week. What a fine 5th wheel. The dealer only installed 2 Marine standard batteries which I will return for full credit once I install your recommended SOX 12.8V 206 AH 2636 WH Group 27 batteries. Question? Why 4 batteries and not just 2? What are your calculated number of boondocking days with these 4 SOX batteries assuming you do not run the AC? Thanks; Joe (Portland, OR)
Hello. My plan is to be able to run the main air conditioner overnight ar some overnight stop. That is why I didn’t add any additional solar panels; at night there is no sun. I will recharge at the next campground using the shore power. I used 4 based on 45min of AC per every 100ah. 4 batteries at 206 each equals 824ah. Total 6hrs. If I get 4-5hrs at least of AC overnight I am good with that.
How many days of boondocking I don’t know. I don’t bookdock yet. But I am sure that without AC will be 5-7 days. Remember I did not add solar panels. You want to double your batteries ahead of time in solar panels watts. For example in my case with 824ah I should have at least 1,700w of solar panels to keep the batteries recharged.
Hey if you decide to order the batteries please consider using the link in my video description that helps me to keep affording RVing.
Thanks for posting. I had a few questions and this answered them for me. My issue is 007 was only wired for a 2000 watt inverter and I cannot find one with an automatic transfer switch. So right now I can either buy an automatic transfer switch (which I do not know how to wire) or pay someone to install it which I am not willing to do. Looks like I am going to have to learn how to do it.
Isn't that complicated to add a transfer switch is more work. I would e-mail Brinkley and ask for instructions so you have a guide. Also post on FB; who, where, and how someone with a 2000w inverter prep kit installed a transfer switch. you can check PowerMax PMX 2000W-PSPT and KISAE SWXFR1220
Awesome job Sir. So are you using the one factory solar panel to charge all 4 batteries?
That is correct but also the converter. In my case, I just need those batteries for an occasional overnight stop and at night there is no sun so I will not need more solar panels. I will be charging the batteries the next morning with the solar panel and once I get to the next campsite I will be connecting the RV to shore power to also use the 55 amp converter to charge the batteries. So converter and 1 panel.
Ok Javier. My WFCO converter light is still not changing from green to blue (lithium recognition color) so I will send it to WFCO to have it “hard wired” to lithium as you did. I am suspecting that Lippert-Brinkley & WFCO did not install the converter in a location that is allowing the so called “Auto-Detect” components of the converter to switch to lithium after a standard “draw down” test which I have performed several times in my 2024 Z-3100 Brinkley.
On another subject: Do you plan on connecting your generator to the Brinkley’s quick disconnect LP outlet when boon-docking or do you have a separate LP tank (with short hose) that connects to your generator?
As always thanks for helping me get this new 5th wheel ready to roll 👍👍
@@joemarin7918 only a few have been lucky enough to get it to switch to lithium mode. Even that my generator is dual fuel I have been using gas. If I start to use LP I will get an additional tank.
Good day Javier.
I was just wondering if you just went ahead and removed the WFCO converter yourself and then sent it into the manufacturer to have it hardwired for Lithium or if you received Brinkley approval prior to sending it to WFCO for the modification. Take care.
Joe
@@joemarin7918 you have to contact WFCO directly first. In my case WFCO sent me a new one and I replaced it.
Good day Javier. I just installed 2 SOK 208ah batteries and they work fine. Question. Did your Brinkley Z3100 Converter light change from green to blue (after your draw down procedure) so that it can charge your SOK batteries to the max ~14.6 volts?
Thanks.
Hello. No. That being said. It could take a few discharge - Recharge. The converter auto detects but is not instantaneously. I had to contact WFCO and they sent me one that was hardwired to lithium with a new firmware for 824ah. If you try a couple times and don’t work then contact WFCO.
Hello again Javier:
Did you change your Brinkley Z3100 factory installed:
•WFCO WF-9855-AD (Auto-Detect) Power Converter with 55A Output for a:
•WFCO WF-68100AD Series Deck-Mount Converter Charger -100 Amp unit which is also incorporated in the “G” model Brinkley?
Or did you use a different lithium dedicated converter from WFCO?
If so can you share the specific WFCO converter model number?
I only went with a 2 each SOK 206AH batteries initially but will convert to a full boondocking solar set up in October when we land in North Florida.
Thanks
Joe (2024 Brinkley Z3100)
I am using the original 9855-AD converter. You can’t use a 68100AD Without first changing the wires. The z3100 comes with a 6awg wire that is only good for up to 60amps not 100amps.
Hello Javier:
I just removed the WFCO AUTO-DETECTING converter from my Z3100 RV. As you recall the converter was NOT Auto-detecting my lithium batteries and switching over to lithium charging profile which is very important for lithium battery charging. Question?
How fast was your turn around time with WFCO once they received your converter in order for them to permanently set the converter to lithium mode?
Thanks
Joe (Oregon)
In my case they sent me a new one already in lithium mode. I heard from others that was no more than a week to receive it back after they received it.
Did you have to run a ground wire from the chassis to the ground connection on the inverter? Or does the ground wires from both the red and black legs do the trick?
22:44 if you go to that time on the video you will see behind my head that I added a wire from the ground screw to the RV chassis.
Hi Javier, appreciate your videos. We installed the PowerMax 3000 in our Z3100 as well. The only problem I am having is after the install, my 15A shore power GFCI trips. If I take the inverter back out of the loop, the GFCI does not trip. Have you connected your rig to a 15A shore plug after you installed the inverter? I tried to plug into a non-GFCI 15A plug, but it tripped the breaker instead.
Hello. No I have not connected to a 15a. But I have to a 30a and 50a. Is the PowerMax grounded on the front and the backside in and out wires are also both connected to the inverter ground?
Trips instantly or after a while?
When you are connected to shore power the inverter doesn’t work instead send forward the power using the internal transfer switch and powering the whole breaker panel so make sure there is no Air Conditioner running or anything else that requires more than 15amp. Try to connect it to a non GFCI those are very sensitive with anything that fluctuates in amps.
@@JavierRivera Yes, the inverter is grounded on both the front and the back and for both the input and the output. If the inverter is powered off, it trips the GFCI instantly when plugging in to 15A shore power. If I turn the inverter on, it takes about 5 seconds to trip the GFCI. If I connect it to a non-GFCI, it trips the breaker. Nothing is running on 120. Only the fridge on 12v.
I should add that I also tested it after shutting off all of the breakers in the panel and subpanel. It still tripped the GFCI.
@@trentlogdid you ever find a solution to this?
Is that battery bank going to be charged with the supplied 370 watt solar panel and AC (shore power) only? If doubling or tripling the solar array won't you need a larger MPPT charger? (Furrion manual says 50amp charger is only good to 600W of panels)
That is correct. It will be recharged with 1 Furrion 370w panel and the converter when connected to shore power. In my case; my plan is to be able to run the main AC for 4-5 hrs at night at some overnight stop. At night there is no sun so I don’t need more panels. I am 99% of the time connected to shore power. Even with 1 panel I can still boondock but no AC for sure, how many days I could boondock with 824ah and 1 panel? I will find out when the weather change to cold again.
I forgot something else, soon I will be installing a dc to dc charger, hopefully 50AMPS.
What are the dimensions of your plywood? I don’t have my Z3100 but I’d like to build the battery base.
I mentioned in the video. th-cam.com/video/iFNSkejixgo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hMIYv-YHVR2KIbtK&t=1804
Thanks! Finally found it at the 30 min mark.
@@ophirpass Double check the measurements before you cut.
Unfortunately their quality and service doesn’t appear to be on par with their price
I heard that from some people. But compared to a 270Ah Battleborn $2,499.00 the SOK 206Ah is $649. In the worst-case scenario, I can buy a new SOK 206Ah, and still cheaper than a Battleborn.