Upgrade your RV to Lithium Batteries: Shown in TAB 400
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- Опубліковано 21 тра 2022
- Upgrading to lithium batteries is a project we've talked about for years, but never got around to because it seemed too complicated. Finally, after meeting the folks from Lion Energy and learning that just maybe it wouldn't be that difficult after all - we took the plunge!
*Disclaimer: This is the process that we went through changing out our AGM batteries in our nuCamp TAB 400 to Lithium. The general idea of the upgrade will translate to other RV models and brands, but we do not accept any responsibility for damages or spilled beer.
See Full Blog at: www.mandyleaphoto.com/post/up...
ITEMS YOU'LL NEED (affiliate links):
• Two 12V Lithium Batteries: lionenergy.com/discount/littl...
• Two 12" battery connect cables: amzn.to/39K1ZG5
• Square bit screwdriver: amzn.to/39M2akc
• Socket set: amzn.to/3wDhjNK
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Love & Light! Cheers!!
Mandy Lea
As one who works with DC power systems, I'll drop a serious safety hint. Either use insulated sockets and wrenches (yes, they can cost, but they're MUCH safer), or use a set of Battery Pliers (a specific tool, NOT regular pliers!) rather than an un-insulated box wrench. Even with the battery connection turned of and the fuse removed, there's always a risk of that wrench causing a short and becoming an arc welder. The insulated tools are self explanatory, the battery pliers will by design release the terminal that is being undone if they short and will break the connection. While it's only six or twelve volts, there's still enough current (amps) to cause serious injury. Always error on the side of safety!
Thanks so much Pat! We don't have very many tools, or even know what is out there. That is a great tip :)
@@MandyLea : Guys, I understand the limited expertise. I had 24 years in motor vehicle maintenance, including a lot of work on electric lift trucks, before I went to work for AT&T some 26 years ago. In the past 26 years, I have installed digital fiber systems that mostly ran on 48 volt DC service, which had me installing the DC power systems, so I know the damage they can cause (on both people and equipment) when mistakes are made -- which they sometimes are -- and I just don't want anyone to get hurt by a goof. But no problems, you didn't blow up your T@B, so things worked out well. Since I am retired as of December 16th, I'll be seeing you folks down at Tabazona next month. Till then, take care.
To this hopefully soon-to-be RV owner, many of the comments on various forums make upgrading to lithium sound like rocket science.
Thank you for presenting this in a way that makes it seem less overwhelming.
Cheers!
I was scared too! But it was fairly simple once we got the basics down. Not to say it can't be messed up... but it isn't rocket science!
I don’t have the same camper but love your videos especially because you always get right to the point. Most you tubers take a long time to get to the subject. Happy travels.
Thanks! I definitely try to edit all the boring stuff out... its hard!
This video is absolutely fantastic!
Many thanks!
Hi Mandy an Kendrick! You will always be an inspiration… Enjoy camping season 2022
God bless you both. ~ Maria
Aw thank you so much Maria!
Did a lithium upgrade to our t@b 400 BDL (2019) about six months ago. Went with Battlborn and couldn't be happier. Of course, the battery compartment on the 2019 is no where near as accessible as it is on the 2020 but that's another story. We however, did have an issue when we switched from towing with our 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee to a 2020 Ford F-150. With the jeep, power through the seven pin trailer connector provided enough power for the trailer lights, etc but also to charge our batteries. Not the case with the Ford F-150. For some strange reason, the seven pin on the Ford provides just enough power for the trailer lights but not recharge the batteries or run our three way fridge. Lots of forum discussions but in the end we installed a Renogy DC to DC charger and our problems so far have been solved. At the same time we installed a soft start on the Cool Cat a/c as we plan to boon dock with a small Honda generator with propane conversion.
It’s great to see you two again, even if it’s a battery video! Happy trails.
LOL! I know we have been a bit absent lately. Last week I did a video about our engagement... that one is more exciting if you're not into batteries ;)
@@MandyLea I enjoyed your engagement video very much. I remember your solo days as you grew into yourself. Clearly time well spent. Wishing you both happiness and adventure.
I found it easy to do. Great job!
Awesome! Thank you!
Great Video Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I like seeing both of you.
Thanks Gary!
A well done and informative video. one day we will also make the jump to lithium.
It was scary at first, but then so easy. Glad we did it!
Great video. I'm now thinking of swapping out my batteries. Didn't realize how much the existing batteries in my 2020 400 weigh. Will certainly take the neighborhood weight lifter to get them out if I decided to make the change.
Absolutely! Call in the troops!
Thanks for the video!!! Great info!!!
When we see you both at TABORADO, we will bring that Washington State bottle of whiskey so you can “mispronounce” our last name!!! Lol!!!
Thanks for all you two do for our Nucamp community!! We love your videos!!
That sounds awesome! My Grandma's maiden name is "Schmidt" - so that should be fun!
Good video! I replaced the batteries in my 2020 T@B 400 with a single 12v 200ah battery I found that fits in the old space perfectly, and it made a world of difference! Did nuCamp install your front panel, and how do I get one?
I am so glad you guys made this video. Do you have 2 solar panels up on the roof?
Yes we do. The video didn't make that too clear, sorry!
I love the little chandelier❤ where did you find?
Paula said you were coming out with a Lithium upgrade video - glad to see it. We're looking at lithium too, before we head out for the summer. My main concern is the WFCO converter being optimal for the new batteries (ourTab 400 is a 2019 - it looks like a very different set up)
Yours will be just like ours. Apparently it won't charge quite up to 100% but we have already had MUCH better performance and haven't even gotten close to low on the batteries yet.
@@MandyLea I'm wondering if the solar will top the batteries up, after the WFCO converter does its thing?
I am thinking about the Tab 400, it has more options. I thought you battery installation was very good!
Thank you! The new batteries have made a WORLD of difference!
Great video as usual. Isn’t there some switch/jumper changes in the fuse/circuit breaker box near the floor under the sink/stove area that you have to make to the box so it will work with AC & lithium batteries?
I'm not sure about the switch. We sent all of our system information to the Lion Energy engineers and they said we'd be fine just doing a swap out. I think the only negatives were that the batteries would not charge as fast or to 100%. We recently changed out our converter for one with an auto-detect that determines what kind of battery is connected on its own.
Great high level video! I was curious what kind of fuel economy you are seeing pulling the 400 with the Tacoma?
It's not great... while towing we're about 12mpg
Great Job! Did you every install a battery monitor, such as the Victron Smart Shunt?
We have not yet but really would like to add that one...
Great job! We have a 2020 400 as well, but it has the black cargo doors and the heatpump is up under the dinette seat. They must have had a split model year. Looks like there might be enough room for three of those little batteries?
I want to do this to ours too.
Yes, I think they did change mid year and we had the earliest model - so they may have moved the alde up front. Whatever you can fit in will work!
I also have a Tab400 and upgraded to LiFE (Battleborn) batteries. You might want to change out a board in your converter for a full charge via AC. If I remember correctly the charging voltage is a little higher for LiFE batteries than AGM. It might be specific to the battery - this was recommended by Battleborn.
Yes, that is the suggestion we got as well. They told us the batteries will work with our current set up, but as you said they don't charge as fast or to 100%. Sounds like our next upgrade!
Okay so can you explain this to me like I'm 5? I bought a pair of LiON batteries for my Tab 400. What else do I need to buy to get the most out of them?
@@spoonbl Depends on the model year of your TAB 400; 2021 just follow the video and confirm your settings on the solar charger that you are using. 2022 may have two different power distribution systems that are both Lithium compatible. The WFCO Model Number WF-8955LiS has a small micro switch left from the 7.5 amp fuses. Locate the switch and switch it from LA to LI. If the model number is WF-8955AD, there is nothing you need to do there since this model number is "Auto Detect". You will need to confirm with Nucamp about the location of the battery fuse that needs to be removed for safety. You should reach out to Lion to confirm the settings on the Victron solar charger. Follow their video to cable up the batteries and you should be good. I'm planning on upgrading to these batteries when my current AGM batteries need to be replaced on my 2022 Tab 400. For 2019 and older Tab 400's go here to the Nucamp Tab forum for guidance tabforum.nucamprv.com/#/categories/electrical-lighting Cheers
About how long are you able to boondock before you need to plug in and charge? Or does the solar charging keep up well enough that it's never an issue? We would like to boondock for up to 2-3 days at a time but are a little worried about power.
How long do they take to charge ? How many days can you stay off grid ? Could you watch TV 3 or 4 hours a day on rainy days ?is that the boondock model or did I see 2 solar panels on top ?
This is a great video. We have a 2020 T@b 400 also. After watching it we are thinking of swapping out. Was the weight 68 pounds each for the old AGM batteries? It does not appear you used the victron controller to monitor your batteries charge, is that correct?
Yes, the old batteries were 68 lbs each! I couldn't believe it. And yes, we used the Victron controller app.
You say in the video that "you have two fuse boxes" to the charge controllers that need their fuses removed, yet there is only one and you remove only one. Is the other one on the wire coming out of the solar controller? Thanks!
Nice video as always. I have a 2022 T@B400 and i have a question? You made setting adjustment to your solar controller but did you do anything with the WFCO converter?because i have a WFCO model 8900 and in their manual , they mention to move a micro switch from the Lead Acid (LA) position to the Lithium Ion (LI) position, this switch is located right in the middle of the panel to the left of the 7.5 and 15 amp fuses. According to the manual, repositioning the switch will change the converter to go from a 3 stage to a 2 stage charging operation. Anyway i just wondered if you made that change too? Again, nice video😎
We had one of the first 2020 400's to come off the line. I think the converters were different back then. The Lion Energy engineers told us we could do a swap out without having to do anything else. The only downside was that the batteries would not charge as fast or to 100%. We recently changed out the converter for a newer one that auto-detects the type of battery it is connected to and changes the charging profile automatically. So, I think we're all good now.
I'm confused about your reference to a Battery Charger. I have a T@b 320. Do I have a factory installed battery charger? Not sure. Hm?
You really should set absorption voltage to 14.5 and float to 13.6. The internal BMS should see top voltage once in a while to balance the cells completely.
I always say there's a reason I studied chemical engineering and not electrical :) I set the values to what the engineers from Lion Energy told us to set them. I don't know the reasons, but I'm sure they have their reasons for the values they determined.
I would love to do this to my 2023, 320 S, but I do know that my batteries are outside in the front compartment. And I know if I have to put them inside in the inside compartment, it’s going to be robbing. What little Storage I have in my 320 S.
I completely understand being hesitant to loose storage... it would open up some outdoor storage though and totally change your camping experience with power!
Don't you also need to upgrade your converter to 55amp?
The weight alone is worth the swap!
No kidding! Now that we've had them for a few months, its magical.
Yeah, thought I was going to have a hernia lifting the old batteries out!
Do you have an inverter? Where did you get that cute chandelier?
Yes! The TAB 400 comes with a built-in 1200W inverter. Also, so glad someone noticed my adorable chandelier! Here is the link to it: amzn.to/3LI2ez2. You have to provide your own light and I used a little battery powered tea light.
Will it run your AC off your new batteries?
Not off of the two, but the newer 2023 models come with 4 batteries that will run it!
Hi you two, I have a question on the charge controller. We have in our 2021 TaB 400 BD a WFCO WF-8955 which is a 55 watt charger. NuCamp said an updated version would be the WFCO WF-8955AD which would swap out as the only difference it is auto detect, Did you guys change your charge controller? Also, do you have any experience with charger inverters? Battle Born is recommending an upgrade to a MultiPlus C 12/2000/80-50 120V (UL 458) any comments? See you all soon.
just saw your comment here Joseph! Glad we were able to catch up on email :)
I have a 2021 TAB 400 BD and am in the midst of doing a lithium upgrade. It seems the Lion UT 1300 is the only 12v 100amp that will fit ( I originally ordered 2 of the Li Time and had to return them as they were too big and I didn't want to retrofit the space). I just ordered 2 of these Lion UT1300 and also replaced the convertor (charger controller) to a Lithium compatible convertor. The WFCO that came with it is not and will not take full advantage of the lithium capabilities. The convertor I bought is swappable in the same space as the WFCO (you can do this yourself, just make sure all power including solar is shut off). Progressive Dynamics PD4655V is lithium compatible and you just need to move the shunt over to Li setting on the board.