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Georgetown GT7 Lithium Battery Conversion: Complete RV Installation Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours 561 👍

Georgetown GT7 Lithium Battery Conversion: Complete RV Installation Guide

Turned the keys on my 2023 Georgetown GT7 and discovered the previous owner left the electrical system in complete shambles, now facing this intimidating lithium conversion nightmare. I know I need LiFePO4 batteries, but every forum post I read mentions different components and I'm getting conflicting information.

I really want to make this upgrade work - the lead acid batteries are killing me with their weight and charging limitations. What specific components do I need beyond the actual lithium batteries? I'm especially confused about whether my converter will work and if I need additional charging equipment for the alternator. Please tell me my 2023 model year gives me some advantage here! …more
RC7-GS Inverter AGM Battery Settings: Complete Setup Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 298 👍

RC7-GS Inverter AGM Battery Settings: Complete Setup Guide

Replaced my 105Ah AGM battery and now my RC7-GS inverter charger is completely rejecting it like this capacity doesn't exist in its programming.

The charging settings only go from 125Ah up to 1000Ah, with an 'auto' option that supposedly 'learns' my battery but resets every time the low voltage cutoff trips (which feels like cheating, honestly). I'm worried about undercharging or cooking my expensive new AGMs if I pick the wrong setting.

Oh, and while we're talking about things that don't work as advertised - the generator auto-start feature might as well be a myth. Can't even manually start the generator from the RC7 panel. At this point I'm wondering if I should have just stuck with my old setup that actually worked! Anyone know what I'm doing wrong here? …more
How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes
General Medium 4-8 hours 254 👍

How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes

Despite having a 2021 Coachmen Mirada, looking at my sound meter right now and there's 69 decibels of highway noise blasting through the cabin. My target is to achieve approximately 65 decibels for better communication with passengers.

I need a systematic approach to interior noise reduction. What are the most effective sound dampening materials and techniques for motorhomes? Specifically, I'm looking for solutions that address engine noise transmission, road noise, and any rattling components that contribute to the overall sound level.

What realistic noise reduction can I expect from proper sound deadening implementation, and what are the key areas to focus on for maximum impact? …more
How to Upgrade Progressive Dynamics Converter for Lithium RV Batteries Safely
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 201 👍

How to Upgrade Progressive Dynamics Converter for Lithium RV Batteries Safely

Got a 15-year-old Progressive Dynamics converter that's starting to throw fault codes with my new lithium setup — worth upgrading or try making it work? I have a 2006 Lance 915 cabover that I recently upgraded with 2-200 watt Bouge solar panels and 2-100ah SOK lithium batteries.

The problem is I'm still running the original Progressive Dynamics converter charger that came with the RV, and I've learned it's not designed for lithium batteries. I'm worried about damaging my new battery investment.

What are my options for upgrading? I'm not sure if I need to replace the whole converter unit or if there's some kind of upgrade kit available. Any advice would be really appreciated since I don't want to mess this up! …more
How to Upgrade Your RV Converter Charger for Lithium Batteries with Gentle Care
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 190 👍

How to Upgrade Your RV Converter Charger for Lithium Batteries with Gentle Care

Halfway through planning our three-week cross-country trip next month, I realized my PD4560 60-amp converter/charger won't properly handle the lithium batteries I'm installing. My existing Progressive Dynamics unit obviously isn't designed for LiFePO4 batteries - I can use boost mode to charge them up, but I know that's not ideal for battery longevity.

I just purchased a 30 amp generator and I'm wondering if it will have enough capacity to handle not just my current charger, but potentially a larger lithium-compatible unit. I'm considering upgrading to a 75 or even 90 amp charger to reduce charging times, but I need to make sure my generator can handle the load. I'm trying to figure out the actual AC amp draw of these higher-capacity chargers and whether my 30 amp generator will be sufficient.

What are the best lithium-compatible converter/charger options that would work with my generator setup, and how do I properly size the charger capacity to match my lithium battery bank? …more
Lead Acid vs Lithium RV Batteries: Complete Upgrade Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 4-8 hours 176 👍

Lead Acid vs Lithium RV Batteries: Complete Upgrade Guide

Pulled into my favorite boondocking spot with batteries that used to last three days, but now these lead acid units are completely dead after just one night! I've been running two 12V lead acid batteries in my travel trailer and I'm SO tired of dealing with their limitations - slow charging, constant maintenance, and they seem to die at the worst possible times.

I found these Dyness 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 lithium batteries and I'm really hoping they might be the solution I've been looking for. But I'm completely lost when it comes to lithium technology. Will my current converter/charger work with lithium batteries, or am I looking at more upgrades? I keep seeing mentions of something called a BMS - what exactly does that do and why is it important?

I just want a system that actually works reliably and charges properly both when plugged into shore power and while driving. Can someone please tell me if making the switch to these Dyness LiFePO4 batteries is worth it, and what I need to know about compatibility with my existing charging system? …more

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LiFePO4 Battery Not Charging in RV: Complete Diagnosis Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 2-3 hours 170 👍

LiFePO4 Battery Not Charging in RV: Complete Diagnosis Guide

Planning my next boondocking trip when this faint electrical burning smell started coming from my battery compartment, and my 950W flat mounted plus 1200W ground solar setup isn't charging my LiFePO4 batteries at all. My LiFePO4 batteries used to charge up beautifully, hitting 100% by late afternoon like clockwork.

Now? Total drama queens. This morning we woke up at 18% charge, and after a full day of glorious sunshine, we're sitting pretty at a whopping 63%. With 2150W of solar, I should be swimming in electrons! But instead my batteries are acting like teenagers - moody and refusing to cooperate.

I'm starting to suspect something's gone wrong, but honestly, I have no clue how to properly check LiFePO4 batteries. Are they actually broken, or am I just doing something monumentally stupid? What voltage readings should I be looking for, and what else should I check before I start panic-buying new batteries? …more
Complete RV Solar System Guide 2024: Sizing, Installation & Wiring
Solar Batteries Medium 4-8 hours 165 👍

Complete RV Solar System Guide 2024: Sizing, Installation & Wiring

Turned to YouTube for RV solar advice and now I'm more confused than ever - probably a dumb question, but how do I actually size this thing? Could fellow RV owners share details about their current solar setups?

Please provide insights on:
- Total system watts
- Fixed or portable panels
- Rigid or flexible panel types
- Series or parallel wiring configuration
- Total system amps
- System voltage
- Wire gauge used
- Controller type
- Personal pros and cons of your current setup
- What you might change in a future installation

These details will help establish baseline specifications for a fleet installation project. …more
How to Use DC/DC Charger for RV Chassis Battery Winter Storage Maintenance Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 161 👍

How to Use DC/DC Charger for RV Chassis Battery Winter Storage Maintenance Guide

Leaving the RV in storage for five months over winter and worried about the chassis battery dying again. Last year I came back to a completely dead battery and had to get a jump. Looking into DC/DC chargers connected to a trickle charger setup but not sure about the wiring. …more
Magnum MS2012 Inverter Not Charging Battery: Complete Fix Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 2-3 hours 153 👍

Magnum MS2012 Inverter Not Charging Battery: Complete Fix Guide

Finally got a second opinion after my RV tech insisted I need an $800 replacement for my entire Magnum MS2012 inverter just because it won't charge my 2011 Fleetwood Providence's battery. I've got dual Magnum MS2012 inverter chargers that seem to charge the batteries fine through all the stages, but once they reach float mode, the voltage just keeps dropping and the chargers won't kick back in to maintain them.

I've already replaced all the batteries (both coach and chassis), cleaned and tested every solenoid I can find, and I'm still having the same issue. The coach is plugged into shore power, so that's not the problem. I've been digging through the control panel menus looking for float settings but I'm not finding what I need.

Could this be a settings issue with the Magnum units, or am I dealing with some kind of power drain that's too much for the float charge to handle? I've been chasing this problem for months and I'm really hoping someone has run into this before and can help me figure out what I'm missing! …more
Honda EU2200i Generator: Can It Charge a 330Ah RV Battery Bank?
Engine Easy Informational 152 👍

Honda EU2200i Generator: Can It Charge a 330Ah RV Battery Bank?

Camping off-grid next week with a 330Ah lithium battery bank and wondering if my Honda EU2200i can keep up. Last trip the generator ran for six hours and the batteries still weren't fully charged. Need to know if this little generator can realistically maintain a bank that size. …more
RV Battery Boiling and Sulfur Smell: Emergency Fix Guide
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours for diagnosis 146 👍

RV Battery Boiling and Sulfur Smell: Emergency Fix Guide

The storm that rolled through our campground this weekend left my RV house batteries boiling and releasing that terrifying sulfur smell. After a long road trip, I discovered one of my deep cycle batteries was actually boiling and giving off a strong sulfur smell. This isn't the first time - I've had two different house batteries do this exact same thing over the past year, including one that was less than a year old and another that was about two years old. Both times when I found the boiling battery, my RV wasn't connected to shore power, so I don't think it's related to being plugged in. The sulfur smell was really strong and concerning - is this dangerous? What actually causes a battery to start boiling like this, and what should I do when I find a battery in this condition? I'm worried about safety and also want to prevent this from happening again with my next battery replacement. …more
How to Convert RV from Lead Acid to Lithium Batteries - Step-by-Step Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 140 👍

How to Convert RV from Lead Acid to Lithium Batteries - Step-by-Step Guide

Despite having perfectly fine lead acid batteries yesterday, it's 11 PM and my RV's two 6v deep cycle batteries just died completely — need to swap them for LiFePO4 lithium before we head out tomorrow morning. Since they're similarly priced, I'm looking to upgrade, but need guidance on system modifications.

Specifically need info on: converter voltage requirements, solar controller settings, inverter cutoff adjustments, and whether I need additional battery management components.

What are the key steps to convert successfully? …more

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RV Battery Water Loss: Why Some Batteries Boil More Than Others
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 138 👍

RV Battery Water Loss: Why Some Batteries Boil More Than Others

Walked out to check my four 6-volt Interstate golf cart batteries in my 2015 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 32SA and there's dramatically different water loss happening across them after just 6 months. Visual inspection reveals continuous bubbling activity in three of the four cells in these problematic batteries, while the fourth cell and all cells in the other two batteries appear normal.

The RV remains connected to shore power continuously, maintaining constant charging conditions. Battery testing indicates all batteries are within acceptable parameters and would not qualify for warranty replacement. What diagnostic steps should I perform to identify whether this is a connection issue, internal battery failure, or charging system problem? Specifically, what voltage and specific gravity measurements would indicate internal resistance problems that could cause this differential water consumption pattern? …more
BT Cruiser Battery Upgrade for Boondocking - Space Limited
Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 133 👍

BT Cruiser Battery Upgrade for Boondocking - Space Limited

Called my buddy who had the same battery woes on his Class C — second deep cycle fixed him right up, but this BT Cruiser's tiny compartment has me completely stumped. Currently running one Interstate 27M deep cycle battery (88AH) but need more capacity so I don't have to fire up the generator constantly. Problem is my battery compartment is tiny - only fits 12"x15" tray with 11" height clearance. Looking at either two 6V Duracell GC2s, or single Redodo LiFePO4 batteries (140AH or 165AH in group 31 size). My converter is WFCO WF-8955PEC with 14.4V bulk, 13.6V absorption, 13.2V float charging. Will this converter work properly with these battery options, and which would you recommend for under $700? …more
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