How easy is a upgrade to Lithium PO?

MattShaw27

New Member
Is my van setup compatible with a fogstar lithiumPo battery? I have a 2018 t6 with Sergent ec155 set up for lead acid. Can anyone tell me if I was to upgrade to a fogstar and pull the charging fuse from the sergent it would be a compatible system? Would the van charge the battery ok when in motion, and assume a suitable charger plugged into the 3 pin socket in the van would charge the battery when on hook up? All advice gratefully received, thanks!!
 
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OK from what I gather I would need a dc/dc charger. Anyone any idea how this would be wired into my setup? thanks
 
3 wires.
1. From SB to DC (POS)
2. From DC to LB (POS)
3. From DC to Ground on van. (NEG)
 
OK from what I gather I would need a dc/dc charger. Anyone any idea how this would be wired into my setup? thanks
There’s lots of threads on upgrading from lead to lithium.
I put up a thread when I did it and I still use the Sargent EC155
Use the search button on here.
It will answer all your questions
Here’s my thread
 
After a brief read I'm now thinking lithium may be overkill for my needs due to the expense. Do you have any idea what I would need to integrate a solar panel onto my van to top up a lead acid battery, rough ballpark cost? I'm thinking to upgrade to lithium is going to be at least a 1K investment?
 
After a brief read I'm now thinking lithium may be overkill for my needs due to the expense. Do you have any idea what I would need to integrate a solar panel onto my van to top up a lead acid battery, rough ballpark cost? I'm thinking to upgrade to lithium is going to be at least a 1K investment?
Depends on which battery.
I went for the Roamer which is brilliant but expensive.
A 100A fogstar is much more affordable.
You would need to upgrade your charger to DC-DC and fit a lithium compatible charger for EHU. Which isn’t that expensive.
Solar depends on panel. The flexi’s are prone to falling so I fitted a rigid panel and you can get a decent rigid panel for £100-£200.
You would need to fit a MPPT solar charger to run this.
You could probably buy the battery 2 chargers and solar panel and MPPT for under a grand and fit it yourself with all our help.
I must point out my knowledge is limited on this and I relied on the far more knowledgeable guys on heres expertise on how to fit it.
 
Remember a 80ah lithium can be run down to below 10% giving 70ah usable. You would need a 140ah lead for the equivalant power (based on 50% discharge max) and a lithium should last 3-5 times as long as a lead. You need to factor this in when working out cost over the term.
But 1st you need to work out how much power you need per day before anything
Fridge, kettle, charging, TV etc. 12v x W = ah.
Then how many days you need off grid power for.
Then when will you use the van most? Spring/Summer only would only need a smaller solar panel than if you wanted all year round use.
Me? I have an 80ah lithium that powers a fridge, lights, kettle, diesel heater and charging which see's me right for 2 days with no solar. I also have 100w suitcasae solar that can add 30ah back during the summer. Very rare I stay any one place more than 2 days so a couple of hours driving can put back another 60ah.
So you see. It all depends on your usage and habits before you can even consider what you'll actaully need to spend.
 
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Also think about re-sale value, if you make any modifications that are too restrictive then it may suit you but will limit the potential buyers in the future.
Example; the difference in cost between different size solar panels is not great, the same amount of labour to install, cheaper to do it once than re-work later
 
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