Should I upgrade/replace my electrics? - Complete Newbie to T6

[NSQ]

Hi all, complete newbie to campers and just purchase my first van (T30 2013).
The van was professionally converted in 2021 but I'm considering updating & adding to the electrics as there seems to be a few things missing and I'm not sure of the quality/reliability of the existing components.

So, the current setup is as follows,

• 130Ah Lead Acid Battery (1 month old) - under drivers seat
• Durite 140amp VSR (0-727-33) - In engine bay
• Sargent PF200 EHU Charger - With consumer unit in rear
• Photonic Universe PU1024B Solar Charger - behind driver seat
• Roof Mounted Flex Solar Panel - altho not sure of wattage.

Van also has CRX50 Fridge & Chinese Diesel Heater, plus the usual assortment of 12v sockets, spots, under unit lighting and water pump.

Things I have noticed missing and would like to add... a main battery cut-off/ isolator switch (as there isn't one!), A 1000w inverter and some form of battery monitor preferably with screen rather than BT.

Any suggestions, thoughts or recommendations of possible changes would be much appreciated. I should add that realistically I'm looking to spend hundreds rather than thousands so please ease me in gently.

For reference most of my stops will be in camp sites, with the odd day or two off grid whilst traveling around Scotland & Wales.

Thanks

 

[Dellmassive]

2013, so a T5.1, with a Eu5 engine.

That means no smart alternator.

That makes things slightly less complicated.

Id say swap the LB out for a lithium battery, and swap the scr for a dc-dc charger

 

[Skyliner33]

2013, so a T5.1, with a Eu5 engine.

That means no smart alternator.

That makes things slightly less complicated.

Id say swap the LB out for a lithium battery, and swap the scr for a dc-dc charger

Wouldnt it be advisable to swap the solar charger for an MPPT of he goes lithium?

 

[Dellmassive]

That would help.

I didn't check the PU once to see what model it was.

 

[NSQ]

Thanks for the replies guys... is buying a lithium battery the priority or can I get more bang for my bucks, upgrading the other items 1st (do I actually need to?)

Apologies if I sound confused, coz I am lol. Complete newbie, but a quick study. I got an isolator switch, cabling, and a Renogy 1k inverter this morning, was going to get a Victron or Renogy shunt too, but still undecided as I prefer a screen to using my phone, but I appreciate the Victron provides more detailed info.

I was also considering the Renogy 50A DC-DC Charger with MPPT solar controller? is this any good and compatible with my existing equipment?

 

[Bigsidavies]

As your LB is new I’d do the dc-dc and the isolator and use your current battery. I’m pretty sure that it will be able to deliver enough current for the 1000w inverter (@Dellmassive ?) and you are then futureproofed for LiFePo when the lead acid dies.

 

[Dellmassive]

Have a link over here..

Thread 'Dellmassive’s "How I Done It" blogs.'

30 Aug 2018

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• Replies: 36
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[Dellmassive]

As your LB is new I’d do the dc-dc and the isolator and use your current battery. I’m pretty sure that it will be able to deliver enough current for the 1000w inverter (@Dellmassive ?) and you are then futureproofed for LiFePo when the lead acid dies.

Renogy recommend a 100 amp hour lithium battery per 1000 watt of inverter.

Saying that, the SLA battery he has should be able to run it providing the battery cables are very short, as sli batterys suffer with bad volt drop.

As an example a 1000 watt inverter with a 1,000 watt load will pull 80 to 100 amps from the battery.. sealed lead acid batteries will struggle big time delivering that power..... Obviously half the load will be half the power so a 500 watt load would pull 30 to 50 amps from the battery.

And if you have any issues running it then you can run the engine while using heavy loads on the inverter that will help the battery as you all get some power from the alternator...... Or if by then you have your dcdc charger fitted then you will still get alternator power via that.

 

[NSQ]

Thanks for the updates, I appreciate it. I have decided to keep the battery for next few month and spend on other things on my ever growing list (I'm sure you guys know what that's like!) Anyway I do have a question regarding the DC-DC charger... my friend has a Renogy 50A DC-DC Charger with MPPT solar controller I can buy for £100, good? or should I get the Victron Orion 12|12 - 30 combined with a SmartSolar MPPT 100/20.

 

[roadtripper]

If you're going Victron the newer Orion XS is a much better unit - as you plan to move to LiFePo and using a 1kw inverter you'll want something a lot faster than 12A to charge.

Remember when planning inverter use consider how you are going to put the massive amount of energy they drain back and how long it will take