Important UPDATE and PROBLEMS with My Vatrer Lithium RV Battery!

[@enochhutchcraft8304]

I have no doubt that when the AZ Expert installed that battery cable the first time it was tight. I suggest adding a "R" clamp a couple inches back from the re-tightened cable connection. That way, the R clamp takes the mechanical rotational load rather than the big cable attaching stud/nut as the slide tray is cycled. That said, this fellow is a wealth of knowledge and presents it so very well with very little BS and a lot of humility.

[@russellpeveto-yk7ds]

Remind me of my dad. Nothing he couldnt do or figure out. Taught me alot. Miss him

[@AMPSolarRV-vc6ri]

Great info James! Just as an FYI from a Victron installer :) The settings via Bluetooth will override any of the dial settings. And all settings are available via the Bluetooth. I never mess with the dial, just program via the Bluetooth according to the system requirements and the battery mfg recommended parameters

[@vincetoscano7018]

Working in the electrical field, one of the items we would do was an infrared survey. What this showed was loose connection. We can apply this to the RV's. One suggestion is to check all electrical connection in your RV or have someone qualified check. You'll be surprise at what you find. It may Keep you and your loved ones safe.

[@jr.6199]

Hmmm, So it will find higher heat loss at loose wire connections, anything else?

[@Gadget0343]

What about putting an Adel clamp on that cable to support it and prevent it from trying to turn against the terminal lug?

[@garyelsner5062]

“Strain relief”.

[@glennandpamlang190]

Your title scared me until I watched the video. I am in the middle of my Vatrer installation. I can live with the Blue tooth limitations. I am currently struggling with connecting my Victron Dc to Dc charger. I think I am going to connect it to the chassis battery cable where it terminates right next to the house battery cable on the back of a breaker box within the battery compartment. On the other side of the wall are a chassis battery shut off ,an inverter shut off and a breaker panel. I just got this 2019 Tiffin Phaeton 37 BH. Batteries were 2018 dates so decided to go with the Vatrer after watching your upgrade. Keep up the great videos!

[@rodnabors7364]

Not a direct piece of advice for your DC to DC charger, but I finished a lithium conversion in my MH and the major issue I ran into was OEM wire sizing. The OEM 12v gauge size was too small to carry the current for a lithium charger, and probably was too small for lead acid. I ended up moving the battery, converter, and inverter all closer together and closer to the main loads on the coach all with larger gauge wire. Charging amps measured at the battery almost doubled.

[@glennandpamlang190]

@@rodnabors7364 I have 3/0 cable in my battery bay so I am good. I have 6 AWG fused with 60 Amp fuses coming off the chassis battery 3/0 and close to the Vatrer 460 batt. The lead acids had a 600 Amp battery terminal fuse so I had to order a 600 amp ANL fuse and fuse block. I also have to get a 2 foot piece of 3/0 cable and lugs to complete the fused Vatrer to inverter run. I also have to order a magnum remote panel as my 2019 Tiffin does not have one. (Shows a picture of one in the owner’s manual but not present in this coach.). I need it to adjust the charging parameters for the lithium. Just have to figure out which panel to order. James is amazing and I always look forward to seeing his projects.

[@clarencewiles963]

Thumbs up 👍 to the viewer that spoke out. 😊

[@AIRDOODOO]

Strain relief that cable sir.

[@boondock6055]

Look forward to every video,makes my workday go a little quicker watching your videos in my crane.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jime9305]

You remind me so much of my electronics instructor I had the pleasure of having in tech school in the 70's. We were in upstate SC and he was the best. He was retired Navy. You resemble him so much you could very well be his son or at very least a close relation. Just like yourself he had a natural way of instructing and I was fortunate to be influenced by him...thanks for what you do

[@brianpetersen3262]

James, Thanks! I have spent the last few days pulling my hair out within the victron settings menus! Couple clicks of the screwdriver and now she is humming! Appreciate all the tips!

[@AZExpert]

Glad it helped

[@jttribe7683]

I did not know that the victron cc had to be set to 7. I think that has been my issue all along! Thank you! I only had it set the setting in the app

[@FreeRV]

Hi! I’m new here and love the practical information on batteries! Cool motor home and shop setup!

[@DaveDrawing]

As always, a great, informative video! I was about to buy my Vatrer 460 from Amazon, but your video showed me their website, and I ended up saving a hundred bucks! Thanks, James, you da man!! Now I gotta go watch your install video again.... 😁

[@tnmtnpicks6006]

I use that same lifpo BIM on my Transit based B+ with about 70 charge cycles in 25,000mi of driving with no problems. It's been a great solution for me. Thanks for your videos they helped me inspect my RV and maintain it. Thanks again!

[@michaelprue9024]

James, I have no doubt about your honesty and integrity. There are so many examples of the lengths you go to - to make things right for your clients. I just wish you, or I, were closer in proximity than Arizona - Nebraska lol. That being said, I have watched a great deal of your content here on KZbin and can say without a doubt how much I appreciate it. Your content has helped me in so many ways with my own projects on my own camper. A lot of content creators wouldn’t necessarily be as up front open and honest about mistakes they may have made, or subjects they weren’t as knowledgeable on AND the things they have learned along the way to success. You literally tell us everything you go through to make that success happen, even if it’s simply a suggestion a commenter makes and you decide to utilize that suggestion. I honestly believe if I needed the advice I would be able to find it in your list of videos somewhere lol. Between your channel and the RV Works channel, I believe you 2 are THE BEST rv techs in the country. Thank you so much for the support, advice, information, struggles and honesty and integrity. You have been a great help indeed !

[@jr.6199]

Agreed, luv ti's channel. I'd also like to call out the channel RV Street for his commitment to a job well done, rest his soul.

[@danielcurtis1454]

As a 35+ year Auto mechanic and business owner I love and appreciate your videos. I think we would all like you opinion on SOLAR GENERATORS. Like you I do things fast and easy but safe. LOL!! I use an Anker f2600 with one Aux battery for a total of 5200+watts of power. I also have a VATRER 300ah battery as my 12v system. I have my Converter breaker off. This makes a split system. My shore power is connected to the Anker for 110v. 400w solar on roof charges the Vatrer. Also I have it wired so I can slow or fast(600w)charge my Anker from the Vatrer with a 12v to 48v UPCONVERTER. Works awesome. Basically it's a total of 8200w of power and 600w solar with my Anker 200w panel. That set up was less than $3500 and I can run 1 AC at a time for hours. Yet Facebook groups like to poo poo my system. What do you think? It would cost about $10+k in Victron system for what I get.

[@jimcalver-oj4xf]

Renogy is for the most part, not something I would put into anywhere we sleep. You were talking about yours. I installed a huge Victron system on our boat. Very nice kit, and we sleep well at night.

[@FredAbels]

It would be awesome if you did an upgrade to Lithium batteries on a really popular motorhome like the one I own… 2017 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 31MA…I’m starting to learn the basics of a DC to DC charger and replace the inverter/charger but seeing it done is priceless because there is nothing even close to seeing it done on KZbin

[@SS454PU]

Just a thought.On your positive cable that was loose, why not install a adel clamp ahead of the terminal a few inches to relive the pressure and movement of that cable at the stud. May be over kill, but very cheap and simple thing to do and eliminate one more thing that could cause problems down the road. I REALLY like your channael by the way..

[@gtfg3800]

As a mechanic. I agree 100%, especially considering the vibration this rig will experience going down the road I think that connection's bound to loosen creating heat & maybe even arcing. A fire in the basement could certainly be catastrophic.

[@TexasSteele67]

As always the best RV content on the web J'

[@mattkaminski6618]

Another great video! Thanks for the update.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinbohn2024]

My Rover went came bad also. They just sent me a new one at no charge.

[@AndrewJohnson149]

Great informaton! Enjoyed the video. We just got our 2019 Tffin 45 OPP and I am researching and planning my solar setup. Thank you!

[@NoelBarlau]

I just ordered 2x 24v DIY Lifepo4 battery cases for my 306aH EVE cells, and I'm going to set up a weatherproof 15kWh "solar generator" on a trailer hitch mounted carrier. This way it can be moved from my travel trailer to the Monaco and then to the Navion depending on the needs of the mission.

[@chad..8189]

Shouldn't the vents be open to vent heat?

[@advridertim]

Hoped you checked the other nut on the fuse, also that cable needs a clamp, or it will come loose again in time....

[@junkerzn7312]

The voltage was 14.2V at 17:50 so the battery is basically full. That SOC reading on the shunt should reset to 100% once the amps drop off.

[@glennandpamlang190]

Completed my vatrer 460 and dc to dc charger today. I would post a photo but I cannot figure out how to do that. Thank you for the inspiration, James.

[@AZExpert]

Glad I could help. I hope you enjoy it, it's been very nice for me

[@cullenmiller8170]

I guess the dirt road to the hot springs is taking its toll on the RV. 🤣🤣

[@bertpegel9152]

Victron is good stuff, I think the best. And just like me made in the Netherlands.😊😊

[@jamieodom7081]

Nice update and keep the videos coming James

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍

[@mikehallgrimson340]

Are you sure there is not a cigar humidor built into that battery? That is the same temp / humidity Guage that would be on one!

[@63mrl]

I, too, went to a Victron 100/30. I'm going to a 12V air conditioner for my Arctic Fox in bed camper. It's only 8000 BTU's, but be fine.

[@magician2020]

I know that I've used battery impact tools before and relied on them to torque the nuts down. I've found out the hard way, that is not a reliable method as a weak battery will sound like it did the job. It is always better to check with a torque wrench for critical connections.

[@jr.6199]

Yes, once an unfit roadside service guy used his portable hammer drill to replce my rear dually wheel that had blown out. After he used it on all lugs I was holding my lug wrench in my hand to give it to him, and he said "finished", so i reached down checking and one turned by hand!

[@waynenocton]

Strain relieve and hose connections that get pushed and pulled when the slider is moved!

[@jonathanrose829]

Glad you got your battery connection fixed. How do you remove mositure from in between a window. I have mositure in between the panes of my front driver window.

[@AZExpert]

needs to be removed and de-fogged professionallly

[@TimothyMichaels]

Been 6 months already? Time flies

[@1hasbeen531]

I think I'd add a P-clamp on that positive cable so the cable flex would not apply torque on the terminal.

[@2manytoyz123]

I was going to suggest the same thing. Take the stress off the terminal.

[@2hotscottpro]

Yup! Problem solved.

[@lanejohnson1245]

What he said, definitely and absolutely must do.

[@debohannan4315]

Always wondered just how far the Bluetooth could go with the antenna stuck incident a metal case.. To bad you can't slip into the bms and solder a small coax to internal antenna then run it out of the box to an outboard antenna , that could help a lot

[@MonacoMike]

For a follow up it will be great to add a cable clamp on that cable to take any pressure off of the nut and connection.

[@DubuqueDude]

I wonder if the BT range is decreased by the metal case of the Vatrer. I have a heated 300ah Vatrer battery in my pull behind rv under the bed but it's in a plastic case. I can get it on my BT from inside my house 200 feet away.

[@johnpicone3050]

Question, why did you get the sgx if your only using the one mppt, & not a larger victron system? The smat mppt has Bluetooth so you can connect directly to your phone without the need for the sgx, right? Im asking because im trying to pull together components for a limited victron build.

[@jamesmason7124]

I would definitely install some buss bars sir

[@tomfisher8201]

I had a 1996 34' Safari, almost identical inside. That battery cable that was loose will become loose again if you do not attach a strain relief to the wall so there is not rotational pressure on the cable when the battery tray is moved. Cheers.

[@tedadams1546]

The battery is a giant heat sink so would a very long time to warm up. Also the moisture meter might be right, condensation with it closed up tight...

[@71stMastiff]

Wouldn’t it be easier to take that backboard? The TV is plugged into or connected to mounted on I mean and put a hinge and a hinge lock type swing arm on your backer board there so that way you can open and close not only the TV but you can open and close the board. That’s the TV connected on.

[@user-roadwander]

Appreciate your videos. I Look forward for your content. I also appreciate backseat drivers.LOL

[@rss608]

Question: I've installed a microair thermostat as well. when I turn it to the power off setting the case heats up about 9* warmer than the ambient. only does this when everything is off. have you noticed this at all?

[@MrSpliffy3]

Awesome

[@karlarafanan1545]

Hi this is Jared in Bullhead City AZ. I'm originally from Utah. Since we've been in AZ, the heat has been really hard on my 2 engine batteries. Yesterday I replaced them with 2 brand new duracell 65 batteries same make and model as what was in there when I bought it. I labeled connections and reconnected them as they were but it keeps arching and sparking when I try to reconnect the cables. Is there something I need to switch off or is there a sequence while hooking up the new batteries? It's literally melting my post on the new batteries. Please help!

[@junkerzn7312]

Awesome catch by the viewer! Did it break-loose even with a washer + lock washer? Or was it missing the lock washer?

[@Sylvan_dB]

It broke loose because the cable pulling out and in with the battery tray rotates the nut. Even with a lock washer that will happen - a lock washer doesn't prevent rotation, it only can prevent rotation of the components relative to each other but in this case the lug, washer(s) and nut all rotate together until they get loose.

[@junkerzn7312]

@@Sylvan_dB Makes sense. Definitely something I will keep in mind if I hit a similar situation with a drawer pull-out.

[@Tom-fu6sf]

Ditto re Bluetooth range being an issue. My Victron Smart Shunt, in my battery compartment, has a range not quite sufficient to get to my seat at the dining table. I have to stand in the hallway leaning on the bathroom door are yields and just lay over the foot of the bed while I read it.

[@AskRemy]

I thought you were aware of that connection and this was a work in progress

[@toddincabo]

👍

[@jamesbutler5518]

James I have a question for you I have a 1999 Georgia boy Landis. It has a Q55 generac generator I need a choke switch it has 3 wires go to the switch and can't find a switch to replace it what else can I use will a 3 way switch work and I also need the left and right windshield wipers for it and the rear ladder seems lose what can I do to tighten it up

[@cypherian9821]

Consider an insulated clamp just before the fuse holder and a slip on abrasion cover on the wire where it is against the wall. Lots of truck and bus fires from cables rubbing and shorting. Just a thought, appreciate your work your just across the country from me to be able to use you for repairs :{

[@richardskarie802]

I have the same Renogy charge controller that wouldn't work your LiFePO4 battery. It has been charging my 300 amp hour system flawlessly for 2 years. Maybe you just got a bad one.

[@tomwilliam5118]

You might want to put a class one fuse I believe that’s what they call it on the positive side of your battery just in case something short out the fuse will go and not your battery or electronics

[@talk2hubba]

Blue tooth booster?

[@kevinmartin8074]

Yes bluetooth is weak about 12’ in my fifth wheel.

[@tradermomo6355]

Hey James, long time no chat! Hey just an idea if you wanted to add more Vatrer to your battery compartment. Perhaps you could build a second deck/level on your sliding pull out battery tray. This way you could put more Vatrers on the bottom and move the Rig batteries onto the second deck you will build? What do you think? I know the rig batteries are way smaller than the Vatrers so that may be an idea how you could add more Vatrers without moving the operation to another compartment! Anyway just a thought while I was watching this latest vid! Cheers! Michael

[@kcgunesq]

I don't know if they work, but apparently there are bluetooth repeaters for sale.

[@RonnFolk]

So, you really don't have issues with the Vatrer LifePo4 battery other than the short range of the BT.

[@AZExpert]

so far no real performance issues, I'm not bold enough to think that these are not just clones of other manufacturers that used AI to generate a name for the company, but the quality seems there.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Have you called Renogy? I hear good things about their customer support. (But I do like the Victron gear!)

[@peterjaniceforan3080]

⚡️👍

[@RVingwithG]

Whoa whoa whoa 😮😮 4:30 you are professional installer and you should know better to have more than three wires on that ground. You need a bus bar and ideally you would have a shunt in between that negative background and your needed busbar for all your grounds.😮😮😢

[@AZExpert]

I think I said that in the video, but also shunts are not necessary and a bus bar is even more points of contact. As the professional installer, I did the installation that made the most sense and is safe. Does it really make you sad?

[@pmcallister]

@@AZExpert Makes me sad to see people like you giving terrible advice to people looking for information. Sloppy work and standards ignored.

[@AZExpert]

@@pmcallister Save your tears for the camera, it's more dramatic than text

[@jr.6199]

​@pmcallister since this is a channel for the detailed oriented DIY, please quote references on the standards? Why is 3 a magic number, of what gauge and contact type?

[@alanb.4660]

might want to put a clamp on that cable, to relive the potential movement.

[@mooreadventures]

In the opening scene... Isn't the slide going to take that smoke detector down? Based on the camera angle, it looks like it will.

[@AZExpert]

no, it's okay

[@patrickdk77]

That red + cable needs to be mounted down, the weight of the wire wiggling is loosening up that nut over time.

[@Michael.of.Barrett]

Take the tape off the vents of your batteries and I bet the moisture content goes down - lol.

[@CharlesinGA]

That fuse should be a class T fuse, I cannot tell what it is, but other classes of fuses are not a high enough rating. lower rating fuses will actually liquify the metal in the fuse and arc across the metal vapor.

[@mraymorris]

Maybe if the BMS wasn’t inside a metal battery case the Bluetooth range would be better 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TomSpurlock]

Yeah, my Bluetooth won't reach more than 5'. It's pretty bad, and I've let Vatrer know about it.

[@bullbutter9699]

My 460 Vatrer House battery charges fine with my 20amp Renogy. hmm?

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks for sharing. Like 818

[@johnmaclellan6057]

Maybe tell people you put the terminals on the inside because it would be harder to steal.

[@ericschwarz9718]

Put a cabil strap on the cable and it will stop moving on you

[@hatenlebron]

I have all Victron components in my set-up and the Bluetooth stinks. Works haphazardly in and out and is super frustrating. Only my MPPT solar charger will work from the drivers seat.

[@sNEAKYnIGHTmUPPET]

Considering that bluetooth has a max theoretical range of 10m, 33feet, then I'd say you are getting a fantastic result. All the metal in between will hinder performance

[@ArthriticAngler]

Torque wrench, fuses and strain relief……

[@AZExpert]

I thought about it, but the holder is mounted to a plastic tub basically.

[@dwightsmith5174]

Had the older Renogy 30 amp controller. Not pleased. Bluetooth never worked correctly but lived with that as it wasn't a big deal. Final blow - controller died after 18 months! Of course out of warranty. Contacted Renogy, no assistance as they won't repair them!! He suggested I try an electronics repair shop. Threw it in the trash and bought a cheaper unit that is still working years later.

[@srt5321]

👍🏻

[@OFFGRID_Trucker]

Good eye mister.. I'd say he owes you a beer.