Charge controllers

[KennyM]

Greetings,

I have a 2014 Heartland Road Warrior 305, does anyone know if the factory charge/controller will charge a lithium battery? I have not found where the charger is (is it behind the fuse/breaker panel?) I want to get Lithium batteries as all I do in dry camp. I am thinking of 2 100 amp batteries.

thanks,

Kenny

 

[rhodies1]

I doubt your controller will charge Lithium Batteries. Your unit is old and the manufacturer has only been installing the new version on the past couple of years. And they don't install them on all models/ units coming of the line. Mostly on the higher end. units.

 

[KennyM]

I doubt your controller will charge Lithium Batteries. Your unit is old and the manufacturer has only been installing the new version on the past couple of years. And they don't install them on all models/ units coming of the line. Mostly on the higher end. units.

Thank you!
I figured as much. I may change out my converter as they are too much money, but the lithium batteries are.

 

[taskswap]

I'm not specifically recommending this product but I've had pretty good luck with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8MC45E so far. The only thing with it is you need a multimeter to configure it properly because it uses a dial to set its voltage rather than switches or buttons. I have Renogy batteries and they recommend 14.2-14.6V so I set it to 14.4. You only have to do it once. Note that this is only appropriate in coaches where the charger/converter is a separate unit from the breaker panel. (There are other products for panels with integrated converters.)

If you are DIY'ing the replacement be very careful handling the wiring. I recommend disconnecting the batteries first. This voltage is unlikely to electrocute you but there's usually no fuse/breaker on this line, so if you short the wires you're making a DIY welder and things can get exciting fast.

You can go with a smaller rating on the unit just bear in mind it'll take that much longer to charge from empty when you get on shore or generator power.

 

[KennyM]

Thank you for the information, I will research that unit more. Right now I have two new 365 amp deep cell 6 volt batteries. I like the idea of the lithium though for many reasons. Now my new project is hooking up a Starlink Gen3 system. Seems like I am always doing something new..lol

 

[Garlicfarmer]

I have 2017 Heartland Prowler Toy Hauler.
I changed to Eco-Worthy lifepo4 12 volt 100 amp batteries. 2 of them. Love them. Very inexpensive. I use a Renogy 200 watt Suitcase solar panel to keep them charged.
I contacted the maker of my converter and they sold me a very simple slide out then slide in replacement unit that will charge the lithium batteries. Plus with the Eco-worthy batteries I went from 125 pounds of 6 volt lead batteries down to about 40 pounds of Eco-worthy batteries. Contact your Converter maker. They will help you out.
Ken in Oregon

 

[KennyM]

I have 2017 Heartland Prowler Toy Hauler.
I changed to Eco-Worthy lifepo4 12 volt 100 amp batteries. 2 of them. Love them. Very inexpensive. I use a Renogy 200 watt Suitcase solar panel to keep them charged.
I contacted the maker of my converter and they sold me a very simple slide out then slide in replacement unit that will charge the lithium batteries. Plus with the Eco-worthy batteries I went from 125 pounds of 6 volt lead batteries down to about 40 pounds of Eco-worthy batteries. Contact your Converter maker. They will help you out.
Ken in Oregon

Thanks Garlic guy,

Are you in Hollister, CA? the garlic capital of the US. I am thinking of returning the new 6 volt batteries and getting two lithium batteries for the same reason you mentioned. I have a new charger for my RV on my Amazon wishlist that will charge the lithium batteries. The nice thing with the toy hauler is if there is any issue I will start up the generator. I generally start up the generator about an hour before bedtime so I can cool down the bedroom so I can get to sleep.

Thanks,

Kenny

 

[Garlicfarmer]

Sorry, not in CA. I am in Oregon.
If you have same converter as mine it's not very expensive to just switch out part of the insides. Contact the manufacturer direct. Seems what I remember it was only couple hundred dollars to do it. Took about half hour. It just slides out and in. I would never go back to the 6 volt battery thing. You'll be amazed at the Eco-worthy batteries. Better yet, they now have a 280 AH battery for about $ 450.00. Bet you paid that for the 2 6 voters. It only weighs 61 pounds. Or the 2 100 AH ones for 219.00 each. 21 pounds. You won't regret it. I promise.

 

[KennyM]

Sorry, not in CA. I am in Oregon.
If you have same converter as mine it's not very expensive to just switch out part of the insides. Contact the manufacturer direct. Seems what I remember it was only couple hundred dollars to do it. Took about half hour. It just slides out and in. I would never go back to the 6 volt battery thing. You'll be amazed at the Eco-worthy batteries. Better yet, they now have a 280 AH battery for about $ 450.00. Bet you paid that for the 2 6 voters. It only weighs 61 pounds. Or the 2 100 AH ones for 219.00 each. 21 pounds. You won't regret it. I promise.

I paid $150 each for the 6 volt batteries, and I can barely lift them..lol..I am looking at two different chargers, attached photos of them, tell you your thoughts about them as this is fairly new to me. Having the Starlink system for the internet and watching TV is something I haven't ever done in the past dry camping but I am getting old now and I want a few more luxuries.

 

[KennyM]

Not sure if the photos came through so I will try it here.

 

[Garlicfarmer]

I'm 73 and love to watch TV late at night after a day playing.
If you decide on Lititum you could sell your 6 volt batteires on Craigs List.
I still think its best to just contact Converter company. just email them. They will help you out.
If you decide to buy from Amazon or ?? and do a complete replacement you will need to deal with all the wiring.

 

[KennyM]

I'm 73 and love to watch TV late at night after a day playing.
If you decide on Lititum you could sell your 6 volt batteires on Craigs List.
I still think its best to just contact Converter company. just email them. They will help you out.
If you decide to buy from Amazon or ?? and do a complete replacement you will need to deal with all the wiring.

I contacted Heartland for their suggestions, great suggestion from you. I know what you mean, I am 76 and getting more kickbacked. I have been boon docking riding ATV/UTV for about 20 years. I love exploring and not being around a lot of people.

My batteries are new and the place I purchased them I am sure will take them back, I have known them for 50 years so I get a little better service than most. If not I will just sell them and move forward.

Where in Oregon are you?

Kenny

 

[Garlicfarmer]

First off.
My name is
Ken..
I am in Stayton.
I love ATV, UTV riding. I have a farm here and ride almost daily in the summer. Not to much in the winter.
I am a loner. I have spent weeks in the forest camping alone. Love it.
I am planing a Quartzsite AZ winter of 25/26... God willing. Plan on leaving here around Mid October I hope.
Beat the snowy weather on the way.. Hope to boondock there till March 2026. Also spend time in Lake Havasu and Parker Camping, Fishing UTVing.
I bought a New 2023 Honda Pioneer 500 UTV May 2023. Love it. All set up with everything. Fits perfect in my Toy Hauler.
Anyway. I think you were smart contacted Heartland. I just contacted the Maker of my Converter. You should do that also.
Deal Direct with the Maker of the converter. No middle man. Mine was a WFCO converter. I think yours is a Progressive Dynamics brand.
When switching to Lithium I believe you need a " Smart Converter " ??? whatever that means. I know you need 14.??? something volts to charge the Lithium batteries. The old converters stop at less than that from what they tell me. I alos installed Renogy 2000 watt inverter direct to the batteries. That way I can plug my TV into it and run it without the generator. Plus still have all the 12 volt lights and whatever from the stock converter.

 

[Garlicfarmer]

Eco-Worthy has an after Christmas Sale going on right now.
2 -- 12.v volt 100 AH batteries. $ 409.99 for both...A little over $ 200.00 each.
I think free shipping.
PLUS if you sign up with an email I think they give more discounts.
or for a little more you can get ... 1 ... 280 AH battery. They did not have them when I bought mine or
I would have went for the single battery.
Check them out.

 

[KennyM]

Good info Ken,
I love dry camping also, I generally go alone and in some places I go there isn't anyone around. I keep a DeLorme InReach with me at all times for safety. This unit has texting and tracking. Before I leave for my ride I start the tracking and she gets an email to open a webpage and every 10 minutes it puts a tag on the map so she sees where I am, this gives her some comfort.
I have a 2017 RZR trail model all decked out, the best add on was the S&B particulate filter, no more dust in the air filter, works exceptionally well. I had this on my RZR rock crawler also and loved it. I have an Anker 1000 to power the TV and charge my electronics, this thing is great from 0 power to full charge in less than an hour. I am looking at installing a cigarette light with 2 USB ports and a gauge telling me the charge status of the batteries. I am also installing a Victron shunt to monitor the batteries on Bluetooth.
likely I won't be able to get out camping in the desert until mid April if I am lucky, darn it is a long wait...lol...Then I camp for several weeks in the spring, summer and fall.
Perhaps one day we can meet up camping and riding.

 

[Garlicfarmer]

I think if I click on your name under your picture we can talk private. I am going to try it

 

[taskswap]

Just don't forget the hidden downside to LiFePO4's. They can't be charged below freezing. They all have BMS's now and unless they're insanely badly made, they will protect themselves and refuse to charge in freezing conditions. But you can lose several hours of solar input while they warm up if you had a cold snap overnight.

If your batteries are in a protected/warm environment this may be a non-issue for you, especially if you aren't in freezing weather very much. Ours are in our front storage compartment, which is unheated, and we're regularly in freezing weather. Despite the extra cost, we went with the Renogy Smart Batteries which have built-in heaters. These kick on below 32F and they're smart enough to only do it when the battery "could" charge (not at 3am).

Since these batteries are so light and generally maintenance-free, if you're a well-equipped DIYer one upgrade is to move them into the basement closer to the furnace, where residual heat in that bay keeps the batteries warm all the time. Since the main charger / fuse panel is (usually) there anyway, this usually doesn't take much more than a short pair of cables from the batteries to that, and some type of tray/bracket to hold them securely...

 

[KennyM]

I just took my trailer in to get some things done and decided to go with 800 Watts of solar and two lithium batteries. He is going to install a heating mat that sits under the batteries and comes on automatically. Normally not an issue but I have been out camping when the temperature drops below 32º. I also going to have all outlets at 110v, this will make it a lot easier and more convenient. When I am done camping at the end of the season I bring all my batteries into the garage on battery tenders. We can get below 0º sometimes in the winter, I saw it once at -35º.

Now I will be all setup just the way I want it and ready to CAMP!

 

[taskswap]

Sounds like a great setup! Good luck!

 

[KennyM]

Sounds like a great setup! Good luck!

Thanks for your input. I appreciate everyone who shares their suggestions and ideas. This is a great forum I am glad to be a part of it.