Aluminum Camper Forum

Also to respond to one of David's first questions, GoPower has a tutorial on YouTube for setting custom charging settings for Lithium batteries.  I followed this guide and the battery is now at full charge.  You were correct with the assumption that the charge settings were not adequate for lithium batteries.

Thanks Merlin for the questions.  I have installed a DC 400A fuse on the supply line from the battery as specified by GoPower.  I have also installed a 30A inline circuit breaker between the solar controller and the battery.  As far as the AC input goes,  the AC in is wired directly into the inverter which is equipped with a 50A breaker.  The output AC power is limited to the power of the inverter when on battery and just a pass through when shore power is connected. The AC out is wired directly into the breaker panel 30A supply main breaker.  I followed the wiring diagrams provided by GoPower.  Any suggestions to improve my configuration I am open ears.  As always I appreciate everyone's input,  this forum is a great tool for exchanging of ideas and learning new things about our trailers.

Thanks David for the response.  I will certainly look into information provided regarding the tongue/frame issues.   

Thanks David,

The inverter has many charging settings,  I will make the adjustments tonight based on battery recommendations.  As far as the tongue weight goes,  my model is a 2015.  I will check on reinforcing the tongue but I thought it was the later models?  I didn't add the generator stand, it was installed by the previous owner by a local dealer.

Neal

I just completed the installation of a 3000 watt inverter/charger in my camplite and I figured I would show everyone how I did it in case anyone were thinking of adding an inverter/charger to their trailer.  Maybe you can get some inspiration from my project.

First I started with the addition of a lithium battery.  I chose a 200AH battery off amazon for about $1000.  I went this route for weight reasons as it was about as heavy as my previous deep cycle battery.  As you can see in the photo I had to move the propane bottles up 3".  I haven't checked my turning radius but  it doesn't look like it will be affected. I also have a generator in case I need to run the AC or charge the batteries.

Next I went with a 3000watt IC series inverter/charger from etrailer.  This was a hefty $1600 if I remember correctly.  I chose the 3000 just in case I needed to run the microwave or keurig for a short period I had the setup that could handle it.  It even runs the AC but not for long,  that's what the generator is for.  I decided to install it as close to the battery as I could but still in a location where I can easily control it,  I chose to put it below the bed as the wiring was easy to run the 2/0 gauge wires that short route below the trailer to the tongue.  To keep the inverter cool,  I added a thermostat fan system from AC Infinity which I bought from Amazon.  This system is designed for entertainment systems but allows you to set the temperature when the fan cycles.  The fan is whisper quiet as well.  I added a thin wood veneer board to isolate the front and rear of the inverter.  I did this so the aftermarket fan would force air through the unit and not just around it. I'll evaluate this modification and may remove the isolation board at a later time.
I ran some 10/2 romex inside of a flexible conduit to and from the breaker panel below the fridge.  Now the shore power is diverted from below the fridge to the inverter under the queen bed,  the return feed from the inverter reconnects to the breaker panel.  I disconnected the shore power battery charger because the inverter also charges the battery.  The 12V feed to the fuse panel was diverted from the tongue to the 12V bus in the inverter area.  I did this so I can disconnect all of the power to the trailer with a single switch.
While wiring up the unit,  I decided to add a solar controller.  I also got this unit from etrailer.  I will add solar panels at a later time and I wanted the unit to be prewired.  I wanted to be able to charge the battery even when the disconnect switch was off so I wired the solar controller upstream the disconnect switch with a 30A inline breaker.  I can open the breaker to prevent the battery from being drained by the controller if I chose.
I will be testing it out within the next month on a weekend trip, any updates to the configuration I'll keep you all updated.

I have the tongue ready and mounting plate in place.  Once the battery box arrives I'll take more photos.  I'm going with solar as well,  planning on spending some time off the grid.  I  moved the propane tanks forward and had to add a 6" nipple below the selector switch because the hose wasn't long enough.  I had to rearrange the front leg to the generator stand, and install a plate with the dimensions of the battery box.  I also checked the height to make sure I have enough room to remove the lid when needed.

NOCO HM408 Group 4D Commercial-Grade Battery Box, Black, Size: Pack of 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WCUR0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_Pym8FbBNKH2D3

12V 200Ah Lithium Battery Deep Cycle Battery LiFePO4 12 Volt 2560 Watts Hours Lithium Battery Pack Rechargeable Li-ion Battery 200Ah Deep Cycle | 10 Years Lifetime 7000 Cycles with BMS Protection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JSMCTL1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_Hzm8FbDXB5C1D

Go on amazon or etrailer and look up Noco or Camco battery boxes.  They have all sizes.  I am preparing my tongue to mount a 4d sized 200ah lithium battery today.  Bought a small sheet of aluminum from Lowe's to build a mounting plate. Moved up the propane tanks 3 inches to allow for the box.  I can share pics once I am complete.  The single 200ah lithium is actually lighter than my current deep cycle battery but it is very costly.

The price seems high.  I cannot imagine paying over 30K,  what do you think that one is worth?

Neal

Hi,

I am looking to buy a CampLite 21bhs.  I have wanted to buy one for quite a while and now I have the cash there are none to be found.  My email is below if anyone has one for sale.

Neal
Nealcrichard@gmail.com

Hi,

I am looking to buy a Livinlite CampLite 21bhs.  I have wanted to buy one for quite a while and now I have the cash there are none to be found.  My email is below if anyone has one for sale.

Neal
Nealcrichard@gmail.com