![]() ![]() LiFePO4 batteries can be charged in ambient temperatures as low as -18º C. See also ( Charge Batteries Faster and Deeper). See also Lithium-ion Batteries in Travel Trailers and Motorhomes. Lithium batteries are very different from lead-acid batteries. It is available in 25 amp and 40 amp versions. Specialised DC-DC LiFePO4 alternator chargers are now available. LiFEPO4s charge well from alternators of 13.8-14.2 volts. Their usable output is thus greater than of lead-acid batteries similarly charged. LiFePO4s can be routinely discharged to 20% or less. Given that management system, it’s feasible to charge (to about 98% full) from a converter. They also require a specific charging regime. It is built into some such batteries, but nevertheless, not all. LiFePO4 batteries require a management system. Too light interconnecting cable, however, still introduces undesirable voltage drop but this is less of an issue with their virtually constant voltage. All can be used in deep-cycle applications. They can also be safely discharged – to 20% remaining. The (LiFePO4) versions used in RVs supply a constant 13.1-13.0 volts from 90% to 20% charge. The voltage drop problem is partially overcome by using lithium batteries. Electrical converter problems in travel trailers – a new approach (Voltage drop is rarely an issue with LEDs.)Īs explained below, however, there is now a new approach that partially assists. But necessary also is upgrading charging, water pumping and fridge cabling. Replacing that converter assists converter problems. And to 11.8 volts or so when still 50% charged. Thin cable thus drops this to 12.3-12.4 volts whilst battery fed. It is not, however, when powered by conventional batteries as these fall from 12.7 to about 11.8 volts as they discharge. That one-volt drop is acceptable when running from 13.6-13.65 volts. The 13.6-13.65 volts converter output is a volt higher than needed by lights and appliances. If frequently driving, it’s worth adding a dc-dc alternator charger. The only solution is to replace it with a multi-stage battery charger. They may not, however, reveal this usually precludes extended free-camping.Ĭonverters cannot be modified. Vendors may explain how to use these systems. Another advises that ‘ charging requires 70 hours’. And a further ten hours to fully charge’. One maker reveals that a deeply discharged 120 amp-hour battery is likely ‘to take 10 hours to attain 80% charge. This is often made clear in the technical specifications, but not in the promotional literature. This is too low to speedily charge the batteries typically used. In particular, most converters produce about 13.65 volts. Electrical converter problems in travel trailers – too low voltageĪpart from typically-limited capacity, there are two further electrical converter problems (when free camping). In the USA a converter is often called an ’emergency’ supply. One maker states that they ‘ provide a 230-volt run 12-volt system, with optional battery backup’. ![]() Few such converters can supply 12-volt power for more than one night away from 230 volts. They do have a battery back-up but that battery’s capacity is only nominal. These converters run 12-volt appliances directly from 230-volt power. Electrical converter problems in travel trailers – nominal battery capacity ![]() They are not suitable for RV free camping. These converters are fitted to almost all travel trailers and motorhomes worldwide. Electrical converter problems can result in flat batteries when away for more than a few hours from 230 volts. ![]()
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