Congrats on your new baby.

I don’t always take the easy road. Just adding lithium to the original battery bay would be a lot easier. I’m not a mechanic but worked as a mechanical engineer for 40 years. I just like trying new things.

I was kind of set to order a 400AH sealed lithium. After watching this I just kind of got deflated and said its not a DIY for me. I’ll rewatch this a few times to make sure a drop in is not more simple. Good video though, Ron.

I suspect also. Just don’t know how much yet.

Yes forgot that. Will put in next video

Thanks for your comments. I did try the AC but wouldn’t start. Will probably get a soft start in the future. I kept the 6v batteries for now. They are only 9 months old. When we get back frim iur trip, i can finish up.

Keep in mind that the crimped lugs are almost as good as professionally crimped ones, but there's a big advantage in only having two of them to worry about instead of the eight you'd need for four batteries. I was thinking about combining two sets of batteries with a rotary switch but was worried about outsmarting myself. Connecting dissimilar batteries presents different concerns and, personally, I'd either want two completely separate systems or I wouldn't do it. But, that's just me, an absolute amateur. Since solar powered camping is a game of redundancy, we have 840 watts of solar panels on our 2021 Navion and, to optimize efficiency, I installed brand-new wiring runs to three new Victron solar charge controllers. It's fun to see how different people solve the puzzle and to note how well it works for them. In general, I'd say 400 watts (about 100 amp-hours of recharging per day) would be the minimum I'd want with our compressor refrigerator. A propane-powered refrigerator is a completely different story. There's a million ways to skin a cat!

The original solar controller didn’t have a lithium setting. I replaced it when my solar died a year ago. Turns out, the controller was ok but the combiner box on the roof corrroded. Zamp sent me a new box but i already bought the new controller. It has a lithium setting.

No problems with unit. It is an enclosed cabinet out of rain etc. build quality is good so don’t expect any problems.

Not yet. I actually hardly ever camp in freezing weather. Battery will heat itself when using it. I actually have more of a problem keeping it cool. My inverter is in the same compartment and it gives off a lot of warm air when running.

Yes the 6v are only charged with engine. Altho i can conbine both sets for a while and the lithium will slowly charge the 6 volt batteries.

6 volt weigh 58# each, so the lithium are 19# lighter with around 6X the capacity.

Mainly as i already gave a 12 volt inverter.

We've considered going 24 volt but decided against it. There are advantages to a 24 or 48V system (mostly in that it lowers the cost of the inverter/charger and solar charge controller) but the alternator, shore power, and solar charging systems have to be up to the task. It makes a lot more sense in a vehicle that has a 56 volt auxiliary alternator, and a vehicle that can be run at idle for hours with no concerns.

In has been very secure. The plywood is tight on 3 sides and 2 small bolts that go through the floor. No issues.

@@ontheroadwithron2432 Only reason I ask is that EG4 will void the warranty if there is a fire and the plywood was the source of the ignition. No flammables are to be in contact with the battery. I'm getting ready to install one in our 5th wheel and double checked with Signature Solar where I purchased.

It looked very well made. Everything screws down. PCB conformaly coated etc. got a 5000 trip coming up so we’ll see.

@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thanks! I've seen tear down videos of those units and like you said, they look well built. As well if not better than standard lithium batteries.

I suppose it depends on the manufacturer. The EG4 is designed for home solar use but is very rugged. I’ve driven over many mikes od washed out dirt roads without any problems. My battery doesn’t have bluetooth but my battery monitor does so i can see the actual charge and discharge current.

@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thank you for your reply. It looks like a fine install. Drive safely and enjoy... pat

Different gauge sizes. Wire nut is taped so should be good.

@@ontheroadwithron2432 There are step down butt connectors. I'm not arguing, I only ask because I was taught not to use wire nuts in vibrating environments.

@@mitchsmolow6268 I would agree in general, but it saved me another special order. I got a kit of 6 ga butt connectors, but only used 1 piece.

I've been recently using Wago connectors for small gauge wire (10 AWG maximum). They are a joy to work with! (And I like the advice of the guy from The Explorist Life to, except for very-high-current applications, to use 10 AWG wire for everything. I keep a supply of duplex shielded 10 AWG stranded marine-rated cable on hand and use it for just about everything except for the battery - inverter/charger and alternator-battery connections.