Upgrading my Winnebago RV to Lithium - Navion / View Upgrade Process

[@toddkolberg8051]

Thank you very much for this video. Because of it, I decided to upgrade my 2011 Winnebago View. Like you, I replaced the two existing batteries with one Epoch 12.8V 300Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery. In my case, the two batteries popped right out and the new battery slid in with no modification required. My cables were all long enough, so I didn't need the bus bar or any extra cables. My existing converter configuration was different from yours. My 2011 View had a Parallax 7345 Power Center, which I upgraded from 45 to 55 amps by replacing the converter (per the manufacturer's recommendation) with the Parallax 55RU three-stage converter replacement and the Parallax 4400LBU lithium battery charging module. The cost of the replacement converter and lithium charging module was about $330. The entire upgrade took less than 2 hours. I'll be testing it out over the next holiday. Next year, I plan to install a 3000W inverter and (possibly) a couple of 100W solar panels. As a new, first-time RV owner, I appreciate that your videos are easy to understand and so informative. Thanks again.

[@ttl_channel]

Glad you found it useful and congrats on your successful upgrade!

[@duluthwaves]

Great video, exactly what i needed. I have a Winnebago View 2022D. Now that you have run the single battery for a while, would you still recommend it? I have an existing Victron smart shunt, and I am wondering if I should keep using it with the new epoch or use its built-in system. Any thoughts? I see there is now a V2 but looks like it may not fit, have you looked into V2 yet?

[@1BABartz1]

Excellent video. I think I may save a $1k+ and do it myself now.

[@ttl_channel]

Glad you found it helpful. Go for it!

[@fredzuccarelli]

nice job....early in my decision process between winn/airstream/leisure models. like your clear, concise approach. any need/ desire to upgrade to a larger inverter?

[@ttl_channel]

Thanks for the kind words. I did consider upgrading - I watched some videos where people upgraded in order to run the AC, but just figured this would drain my batteries way too much. Not worth it IMHO.

[@bobf.7238]

A DC to DC lithium charger can charge lithium coach batteries more efficiently and possibly prolong their life as a result. I installed the Victron 12/12-30A which is a few Dollars less expensive than the the MasterVolt 90 which is not a charger but rather just a disconnect switch. Also, Voltage regulation probably depends on the Sprinter's system which was designed to charge lead acid batteries. A good BMS in your lithium battery should moderate the differences. There is also the possibility that the MasterVolt will not completely charge the Lithium batteries if the alternator's output is below 14.6 Volts. The Victron can boost the charging Voltage when at idle giving a faster charge. I am replacing the 12/12-30A this week week with the new Victron 50 Amp Orion XS charger. It is 98%+ efficient compared to the 12/12-30A which is in the high 80% area. The XS was just introduced a few months ago and are currently hard to find, but is worth it. Best regards!

[@ttl_channel]

Thanks for the great input!

[@victorlopez2143]

Wish my RV which is a 2019 Jayco Redhawk SE 22C was that easy to adjust for lithium batteries..

[@ttl_channel]

Hope you are able to figure it out. Thanks for watching.

[@harryhughes7326]

Nice video. Question: I understand that lithium batteries are adversely affected by cold. It seems that the battery location in your Navion is sort of hanging under the RV, and it also looked like the compartment was actually quite open to the air. Thoughts?

[@ttl_channel]

Good timing! We are actually getting some record low temps here in the PNW and I am currently running some tests on this. I plan to post a video with my findings. I will get back to you.

[@makan44]

Awesome video. I might try to follow suit. 2 questions… Does coach battery on / off switch still work / function the same as before the upgrade? Is there any concern of sun giving solar power in middle off winter and trying to start charging the battery and cause damage cause its too cold? I saw a video talking about a lithionics battery where it had an on off switch on the battery to prevent this. Had me wondering if that is a concern. Appreciate the info!

[@ttl_channel]

Q1: Yes, the coach battery on/off switch works the same as usual. Q2: There should not be any concern - the built-in heater will enable charging to -20ºC, and below that the BMS is designed to prevent charging altogether. Thanks for watching.

[@toddkolberg8051]

Do you think there would be enough room to install 2 batteries in parallel in the stair unit?

[@ttl_channel]

That’s exactly what I was hoping to do, but unfortunately there is no way to fit 2 of these in the compartment (without some kind of modification).

[@MONTYPYLE]

I have a 2022 View and just installed two of the Epochs. You have to cut off the two side handles which Epoch confirmed in writing would not void the warranty. It is snug, measure everything 3 times but two do fit

[@marknguyen1353]

Hello @@MONTYPYLE , do you have to replace or upgrade anything else beside the batteries? I want to do the same as your with my View 22D.

[@JohnIsaksen]

​@@MONTYPYLE - I'm looking to put 2 Epochs in my 2023 Navion. Would it be possible to share some pics of your install?

[@StaceyGutierez]

Thak you for your video. I have a View 24d so i expect the same demensions in the battery box under the step. However when i measured the width of the box it was 8 inches wide. When i looked at the demensions of the battery on the Epoch web site it indicated 8.5 inches wide. Were you able to just drop the battery in or did you need to modify anything? I saw where you had to remove the cable mounts then remount them, but I'm refering to the ledges that the step rest on.

[@ttl_channel]

I had to double-check, but yes, we have the same battery box. The opening on mine is also just 8" deep (the compartment is almost 9" deep but as you said, there is a lip). The Epoch 300Ah battery (bit.ly/3FrO3xn ) is only 7.5" deep, so it fits just fine. You will just need to remove the 2 fuse holders from the rear wall (2 screws on each) and replace after putting in the battery. The only "modification" needed is the battery clamp that holds the battery in place - I used a heavy duty ratchet strap, but I also saw a good solution using heavy duty zip-ties. Hope that helps.

[@StaceyGutierez]

@@ttl_channel Than you for the info. I will continue to view you site.

[@davidhyman2640]

Hello, I’m about to install a couple 100AH lithium batteries in my 2022 View. I just want to be clear on what to shut down (disconnect) before starting. It looks like from the video, you unplugged the shore power, turned off the Coach Batt switch and turned off the inverter switch. With the two latter switches located to the left of the top step as you enter the coach. Is that correct?

[@ttl_channel]

That is correct.

[@robertdaymouse3784]

Would you still buy the Xantrex XC 2000 and the Mastervolt charger if you were starting from scratch and installing a new Lithium based system? And what generator would you buy for occasional use? (I bought a new van that I am starting a conversion on, at this point the only decision I have made is to get 2 of the Epoch 300Ah LiFeP batteries)

[@ttl_channel]

I don't have experience of other inverters (my last coach did not have one), but I have no issues with the Xantrex. I might switch out my remote control panel for the bluetooth version at some point. Also, no issues with the Mastervolt - I love the fact that I did not need to change anything for Lithium and I'm pretty impressed with the 35-40A output. Generator? Mine is built in (Onan LP) but if starting over, not even sure I would buy one - probably get a larger solar generator instead. P.S. If you're buying the Epochs, would appreciate you using my link!

[@holtcam]

Great videos! I have been researching & looked through my wiring diagram, but I can’t find out if my 2015 View 24M has a chargemate pro or even where the charger is located to figure out if I can install the Epoch 300 without any changes for alternator charging. I also have a xantrex pro xm1000 inverter. It seems like this is compatible with lithium batteries (so no change needed on this) but I am wondering what charges the house batteries when plugged into shore or generator if the inverter is also not a charger?

[@ttl_channel]

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the 2015 model. I think the chargemate (or whatever you have) is under one of the front seats. The harder question is shore-power charging - the charging voltage will need to be changed for lithium.

[@holtcam]

Thanks for the reply. I found the converter under my fridge & I will need to update it to be compatible with lithium. Shouldn’t be too hard. I looked under the seats & I don’t believe I have a charger or I can’t find it anywhere, just a solenoid which powers the batteries. I may need to add the dc dc charger somewhere in order to power the lithium off of the alternator.

[@davidmoore5339]

In the video discription you link to the victron smart shunt. Did you use it and why?

[@ttl_channel]

before installing the Lithium battery, I used it to monitor my lead-acid batteries and measure my daily power usage.

[@Wheelcool]

Great video! How did you end up securing the bus bar?

[@ttl_channel]

Thank you - I currently have it secured to a piece of wood, which is strapped down.

[@manaoakes3062]

Did you find that the dimensions of the battery to be accurate from what is listed on the website ?

[@ttl_channel]

Not 100%. The quoted length of 13.6" does not include the small handles, which add another 1/2-3/4" to each end (but I was kind of expecting that).

[@vincecarluccio5018]

You did not mention any changes to alternator charging. Did you use a Lithium BIM or a DC-to-DC charger so as to not burn out your alternator?

[@ttl_channel]

According to what I researched, the Chargemate Pro is “Lithium ready” as standard. My battery charges consistently at around 37-38A when running and I just completed a ~3500 mile trip with no issues. I also consulted with Epoch batteries and they didn’t recommend any additional equipment. Do you have other information?

[@vincecarluccio5018]

@@ttl_channel Thanks for the reply. Im currently looking at a couple of used rigs and most don’t have lithium batteries, so was researching the amount of effort to install them on the View/Navion. I didn’t realize that in fact they come with the Chargemate DC-to-DC charger. Looks like you should be good! Excellent, video.

[@profserve9]

i too just bought a 24d will not look to stay in "parking lots' called rv resorts , planning on 1 or 2 epoch ,question(s) am i correct it'd take maybe 6? 3ooah of even more to run ac , that's what i find reading , and /or would your solar 'generator do the trick, and mine came with 2 100 watt solar , i need , what, another 400 to do a decent job of charging in a reasonable time

[@ttl_channel]

Apologies, I thought I had answered this, but must have neglected to post...so anyway: In order to run your AC off your battery (batteries!!), first you will probably need to upgrade your inverter to handle the 2-3KW startup surge when the AC starts (even with a "softstart" installed). Also, you will need at least 2 Epoch's in parallel to increase the max discharge rate to handle the AC. Keep in mind also that the AC will eat up your available power very quickly, e.g. assuming the running AC draws at least 1KW, you would fully deplete 2 Epoch 300's in about 7 hours (of run-time). Hope that helps.

[@profserve9]

i read the xantrex 2000 will 'handle 2 seconds at twice the 2000 watt rating , with a soft start and that in mind coleman ac surge 3500, your thoughts on ,need to spend another $1500 , on xantrex 3000,,,starting to ring true , "just a boat, that wont float "

[@ttl_channel]

I am guessing that the XC2000 would not be able to handle the AC, but that’s just my humble opinion and I don’t claim to be an expert.

[@glennsymon3899]

Could 2-Epoch 300 fit in that location?

[@ttl_channel]

Unfortunately, no.

[@robarmbruster459]

I love your videos! I just bought a 2024 Navion and want to convert to this battery. When I called Winnebago, they asked if I had 4 loose wires in the right side of the battery compartment, which I have. What are these? I wonder why you did not have these? I am going to have a professional install it. Did you sell your lead acid batteries?

[@ttl_channel]

I did not have any extra wires, so no idea what those might be. Did not sell my old batteries yet but plan to. Thanks for watching.

[@rickc9873]

Nice video Did you add any more solar panels ?

[@ttl_channel]

Not yet, but my plan is to replace the 2 100W flex panels with 2 200W rigid panels and upgrade the solar controller. will post a video when I do.

[@hermes6587]

What did you do for the converter, since the standard converter typically does not charge lithium batteries sufficiently?

[@ttl_channel]

Not sure what you mean with "converter". Both the inverter/charger and the solar charge controller have specific Li battery settings. The Chargemate Pro has no setting but is compatible. All 3 charge the Li battery fully.

[@daveb5066]

I'm surprised that the Epoch battery fit in there. The dimensions indicate that the battery is 9.7 inches in height. When I measured the depth of my 2018 View I arrived at 8 inches. Apparently I need to measure twice and order once!

[@ttl_channel]

Cannot say for the 2018, but the 2020 has about 13 inches of available height. Remember to factor in a couple of inches for terminals and clearance.

[@michaelyox9216]

Is there a video on how you secured the battery or the bus bar? If not, could you provide any more detail?

[@ttl_channel]

Sorry, I do not have a video, but both were secured with heavy duty ratchet straps.