Using the Re(Li)able Lithium Battery System in a Thor Sanctuary 19PT
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- Опубліковано 14 кві 2023
- Overview of the lithium battery system in a Thor Sanctuary 19PT. Turning the system on and off and a small explanation of AC vs DC power. #campervan #thormotorcoach #vanlife #rvlife #rvlifestyle #rv #fordtransitcamper
Note: The yellow battery switch in the back is also a safety relay. The center will pop out if a problem exists and will need to be turned off and then reset. Similar to a household outlet that gets tripped and needs to be reset.
WoW! Thank You! First person to clearly and concisely explain the system! So helpful!
It’s a lot to try and figure out when you first get the van. Thanks for watching.
Very helpful for new owner. Thank you big time!!!
Congrats! The electrical stuff definitely seems overwhelming once you get home and start using it. Thanks for watching.
Great vid I just bought a sanctuary 4x4 19L thanks for info
Congrats! See you out there
I just bought a used 2022 MB Sanctuary 4x4. The lithium battery was basically dead as the first owners never drove the van. I mean, never, as in 2 years. It had 580 miles on it when I purchased it last week 9/4/23. So, I had to call Master Volt to remotely (via my laptop hooked to a USB under the passenger seat) slowly bring it back to life with a slow controlled charge. Hopefully the BMS kept it safe at around 10%, we'll see. I was able to charge it to 100% but it still has a red-light code on that I need to get cleared if possible. Getting Master Volt on the phone is a challenge and required being on hold for 5 hours. The prior owners weren't able to tell me anything about how to use the system or the vehicle. So, this helps a lot. Thanks.
Wow. That’s insane. It’s like brand new as far as mileage goes. Hopefully batteries are good. Thors website has an owner section and they put all your manuals in one place once you register. Might be helpful but it’s a little overwhelming to read. Have fun with the van!
@@jtbrv23 Thanks. Yeah, I feel pretty good about the purchase. I love driving it. I know I will get all the bugs worked out once I get it home. Your post was a great help and makes me more confident about the purchase. I bought it from an older couple, and I think the technology was just overwhelming. Hell, it's a little overwhelming for me, and I'm a spry 65. lol Given what I saved on the purchase price, I knew I could put a new battery in. I noticed that the new ones they put in the 2024 (460 ah) $6.5k. It's also a lot lighter. I noticed you also carry the Eco Flow. I have a 3k WH Bluetti to supplement if necessary.
Thank you for the very informative videos on the 2023 Thor Sanctuary. I have been watching all of them and you do a great job with it. Now for my question which is regarding
your 190 watt solar panel on the roof. I did not see where the solar controller is in your van
and was wondering what turns off the solar panel from over charging the lithium batteries?
Any information you can share on how the solar panel works and how effective it is will be
greatly appreciated.
At 1:32 in the video I am showing the battery safety switch in the back and slightly up and to the right you can see two tiny green lights. That’s where the solar controller system is located. So far it seems that the solar controller and master volt system automatically manage the power flow. Less than 100% battery and you will see positive charge like what is shown in this video. When it gets to 100%, the input amps will drop to 0 or be slightly negative until it drops and then it will bump it up again. Switching the yellow safety switch to off will basically stop this cycle. This is how I choose to “store” the van if not planning on anything big for a week or two. Solar panels don’t get close to actually giving you 190 watts. I’m more in the 120 range so far. I’m pretty far north in the US, so you might expect more further south. If not running your a/c or microwave, you will probably be net positive on charge during day. You will probably not replenish your nighttime use entirely on solar alone. It won’t keep up with heavy AC use, just slow it a little. Hope this helps and thanks for watching.
Great video!
Thanks for watching!
Great video. Thanks for all the details mentioned. Have a couple of questions. Are the solar panels you're referring to built-in to the top of the van or portable? Is the specific version of Thor class b van you bought The reason the batteries are on the inside? My wife and I looked at several different models and brands of class b RVs a year ago and all of the batteries were located outside and underneath the rear end of the van completely exposed to elements. As I did not believe this setup was viable in cold weather, or wet conditions we decided not to purchase. It was nearly impossible to find a van with the house batteries located inside. Also, in doing research on Thor vans, I have found many owners complaining of numerous quality control problems on their brand new RV. Have you experienced this, and if so what were the problems you had with your brand new vehicle and how hard was it to get them taken care of? Thanks
It has one 190 watt solar panel built on the top and that is what was charging during the video, but I purchased 200 more watts of solar with the portable system from EcoFlow that are portable. Lithium ion batteries probably should be on the inside of van in cold climates, they can’t be charged below 32 degrees without damaging them. These batteries have a heat blanket for warming them in winter. I think the classic AGM batteries for most brands of RV do sit on trays under the van or in side bins and get exposed somewhat to the elements. I have no RV experience with that, but I did drive a vehicle for fed ex that had the AGM batteries sitting in a small compartment under driver side entry and it was also exposed somewhat to elements from underneath vehicle. I made a video about the intial issues but I think you already watched it. Able to self resolve all of them. RV’s are put through a lot with driving and just yesterday I dewinterized the van and went through and double checked stuff. I had one water leak near pump but able to just quarter turn the connection to snug it up. Had about eight loose screws, two were in the awning arms that I tightened before I put it out and tested it. I think the amount of Thor products out there increases the amount of possible problems due to sample size. They also have a very wide range of price points. I imagine every new RV has some bugs to work out. It was built in a stationary environment and then has to live its life absorbing potholes.
The small toggle switch at back of van has option for on/charge only. When I discovered mine for the first time it was toggled to charge only. Everything worked in my vans electrical until recently and now I can't get charged while driving and unfortunately only have standard outlets at home. What are your thoughts on my toggle switch? not charging while driving or in sunlight? And plugging into stand wall outlet at home for charging? Thanks
You can use your outlets at home to charge your van. You will just need an adapter that is a standard male plug to a female 30 amp. Make sure you change your van input to 15 amps as well to avoid tripping your breakers. If the battery has depleted you can also try using the “emergency power” button on your dash. According to Thor, if the lithium batteries get too low they sort of go to sleep. Holding that button for 10 seconds with the van running should “wake the batteries” so they can charge again. Plugging the van in should accomplish this same thing though. I don’t know about your switch. My switch is unlabeled. I assume we are talking about the yellow switch and if I turn it counterclockwise it acts like it’s off. It doesn’t charge from solar or driving in that position
Thank you for a quick response. I will give it a shot.
Dude is the Thor master volt battery any good? Why did you choose Thor over revel or sto van? I’m looking to buy an adventure van right now with a big energy system. Also have you run roof ac with lithium batteries, how long run time? Thanks dude.
The master volt system seems to perform ok. It’s consumption seems to match the appliance that it’s running. The roof AC runs fine on battery. The AC is a battery hog though. If you live somewhere hot and it runs continuous, it will be spent in about 3 hours. You will likely need a generator if you truly want it to be cool all the time while off grid.
Revel was the first van I looked at and while it looked good, it’s layout was funky. I also didn’t fit it in any way. Too tall to stand or sleep, and I would be surprised if bench seat fits any adult human. Storyteller was too expensive for first van. Thor checked more boxes and price point was better. I’m going to look at a Thor Palladium in the next couple of weeks. So even though Thor quality isn’t greatest, I would still consider them for next van. If I was going to build a van, the 1910 would be close to what I would do so I want to see how they put it together.
Thank YOU
Sure thing! Thanks for watching
Hey man I have a rv just like it with them he battery pachage can you trust the Honda generator with the plug for the neutral sensor? Will I ruin my machine if I used that floating ground plug?
I’m not claiming to be an expert in this area as all this is new to me as go along and try to work through it. It seems like there are a lot of forums and info out there on needing this plug to work with a RV. I’m not as worried about the plug as much as the quality of the generator. In addition to the plug you also need a true sine wave inverter generator. My generac 3600 is not marketed as a true sine wave. It does 60hz but I think it’s more of square pattern wave and could damage sensitive electronics. I think best bet would be to check with your generator manufacturer to be sure.
Does this van come with a second alternator for use with the lithium system? Or does it use the same alternator as the chassis/motor?
The transit does have a second from the factory. I would hope the MB chassis would also have two but I’m not for sure.
@@jtbrv23 Yeah, I think that is a requirement when the Re(L)iable Lithium package option is put in. I honestly think you could get a channel going just talking about your rig. There seems to be a lot of interest in these.
Can you run the ac on this system? Thinking of this for a commuter van and would need to camp in the parking lot for 2-3 days at a time in a warm climate. Great explanations thanks!
Yes. This van is only battery power with no generator. The AC for this van does require use of the inverter. A DC option might be better.
@@jtbrv23 Thanks for the video! I thought I’d researched everything, watched more videos than I can remember, went to see a 2020 Thor Sequence with a generator that was a private sale, saw a 2021 for the exact same price but only 3,000 miles versus 34,000. On the walkthrough I asked for the guy to turn on the generator. There wasn’t one😳 Huh??? I did remember seeing in one of the Thor videos the lithium batteries was an upgrade over a generator so I said OK. NO idea this has the smallest battery pack 200Ah and I allowed myself to be hoodwinked.
Afraid to ask but how much AC time do you get from a full charge? This one doesn’t even have the auto start when the batteries get below 30%. I’m still not sure whether to be made or not and whether it’s really an upgrade. By chance do you know if I can add batteries up to your level from 200Ah? Thanks…
We might have different AC units but mine draws around 60 amps- 70 amps. This system is 400ah so I would have 5 hours of continuous use. It doesn’t run continuous though, more like run for 2-3 min and off for 8-10. I do not know if you can add an additional batteries to the existing lithium system. You could have a second stand alone system. I carry an additional kilowatt battery made by EcoFlow, but they make larger systems too.
@@jtbrv23 Thanks again for the info as to what to look at. I checked and best I can tell on the Sequence it’s 25 amp to start and then 10-15 amps for normals ops. A bit surprised your draws that much. I’d REALLY like to get your 400ah setup….add 2 more 100Ah batteries. My inverter is only 3000 so it would have to be swapped out, I believe.
Yeah, the unit seems overpowered for the van when using. Thor probably could have used a smaller more streamlined unit even it had less output.
Great video, thanks. My Mastervolt control panel will not turn on. I heard a "click" behind it like a circuit breaker tripped when I was scrolling through the menu and it now has no power. I've tried holding the power button up to 60 seconds. I reset the systems in the back and turned the main power switch off/on and tried again. My microwave light is not on either. No shore power right now. Any suggestions on how to restart the Mastervolt screen?
The master volt screen can be removed. The top and bottom have a trapezoid shaped plastic piece that slides out to reveal screws. So top slides up and bottom will slide down. There’s going to be a couple wires plugged into the back. They can be unplugged and plugged back in. My screen froze and I did this to power off the screen. Also I would quickly check your ac outlets that are circuit protected and just reset them in case one got tripped. I think one is near the master volt screen too. There is also a fuse panel under side seat near stove. Panel is in the aisle on the floor. Pull it off and should be labeled. Beyond that you may need a service scheduled. Be careful if you find bare wires though as they can be electrified if connected to battery. Mine was plugs in the back so not to scary.
Thanks so much. Unplugging/replugging master volt screen didn't work, I was able to start van (2023 PT like yours), plug into shore power while running (a forum recommended this), and MV started up and showed 2 error codes. We just got the van last month, it's Thor's demo van that they used in their videos and for trailer shows so there may be a few issues. I don't believe the solar is charging the battery as the voltage always reads slightly negative (ie. -0.72), even in full sun with Combimaster/inverter off, house power switch off, and yellow master switch in back is on and depressed. Looks like I'll have to make some calls this week unless you have any suggestions. I've really appreciated your videos, keep them coming!. @@jtbrv23
Sounds like something is loose somewhere and not charging. Hopefully it’s an easy fix. Probably best to get eyes on it, so they can find the problem.
Can you run the 12 volt frig without inverter ?
Thanks
Yep. You only need inverter for air conditioner, microwave, Truma water heater/furnace, and household outlets. My fridge basically stays on the entire time unless the van is going to sit for a week or two before getting used. Thanks for watching!
Do you need your inverter on to run your refrigerator?
Nope. The microwave, air conditioning and water heater/furnace need the inverter.
@@jtbrv23 Thank you ✌️
So, I live in Michigan where it is usually colder than 32F for 3 months. Does that mean that I have to have it plugged into shore power all winter to keep the batteries warm?
No. The batteries can be stored at 100% and get cold. I think Thor recommends checking it every month or two if you store it and recharge it to 100%. They output energy just fine below 32F, they just won’t charge until they are warmed above 32F. I’m in northern Wisconsin so probably similar conditions. My routine last winter was charge to 100%. Use it until it got down to about 70%. Heat the van back up with it’s furnace and recharge to 100%. I would use the van 3 times a week locally to ski and maybe 3 times a month to ski the UP. Parking with windshield facing south on sunny days would usually maintain interior temps nearly 40, so that helps. During the most frigid part of winter, like -30s, I would use shore power and put a radiator space heater in the van. That’s was more to protect pipes because the pink antifreeze does freeze when that cold. I’m winterizing with air this year.
@@jtbrv23 Thanks for the reply. I appreciate how to do it in winter conditions like we have. You said you would winterized using air this year. Does that mean to just blow out all the water pipes and let drain through the low drain plug?
Yeah. I will make a video when I do it. But basically I will use a hose adapter on my air compressor and blow the system out. Really the same thing they do to yard sprinkler systems in our area. Probably will use a lower overall PSI, but I need to research that further. Might need a little antifreeze for water pump but we will see. My entire system did survive winter so I’m not knocking the antifreeze. It’s just messy and even though it froze, it made like a firm slush rather than a solid ice cube. That’s probably by design.
Did you turn the inverter on before you turned the batteries on?
I usually don’t touch the physical switch on the inverter and I leave it in the on position. I use the touch panel up front to turn it off and on. The inverter does seem to turn on when I power up the van but sometimes I get a “device offline” message on the inverter screen. In that case I will toggle the physical switch to off and back to on and it usually corrects.
@@jtbrv23 thank you. That’s very helpful.
Sure thing. Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!
Another question. What all needs to be on or off while attempting to charge up at home or on road?
if using shore power to charge I just need to have my yellow switch in the back turned on, or all the way to the right. If I’m driving and charging I have the yellow switch on but also I have the house battery switch on as well. That may just be because of the circumstances because if I’m driving far enough to warrant charging, I have the back turned on anyway. For sure, for me, the yellow switch has to be turned on to charge. Inverter does not not have to be enabled to charge btw. If using an outlet to charge, a converter will automatically enable.
Hi I have the same van. If I turn on the roof AC unit my batteries go low even while driving several hours. Do yours?
I will still be positive on the charge while AC is running. Make sure in your master volt screen that the alternator is switched to enabled. You should see positive amps even at idle but while driving you will see 80-100amps. It will fluctuate a little as you drive.
@@jtbrv23 HI I am looking at the correct place "House Batt" At idle I see -1.46A current ?
@@texanusa111 with AC running at idle you are -1 ish amps? You might try turning AC off and see how many amps you make. You might have other things drawing on power to make it just negative.
@@jtbrv23 I had nothing on. Same results. I checked alternator cables on tight.
Something is up with that then. Going to probably need service dept to fix. Hopefully it’s easy and quick. I use mine nearly the entire time on a big trip. Just last night went to a new campground and they had a bad shore power connection. Had to run the van a little before sleeping to top off batteries.