Georgetown GT7 Lithium Battery Conversion: Complete RV Installation Guide

The Quick Answer

Converting your 2023 Georgetown GT7 to a lithium house battery system involves more than just swapping batteries. You'll need to upgrade your converter/charger to a lithium-compatible model (like a Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV or WFCO WF-8955-PEC), install a Battery Management System (BMS) if not built into your chosen batteries, upgrade your battery monitor to one that reads lithium accurately, and potentially modify your solar charge controller settings. The existing 12V DC wiring and inverter should work fine, but you'll want to verify amperage ratings match your new lithium bank's capabilities.

What's Causing This

Your current lead-acid charging system isn't compatible with lithium batteries because of different voltage requirements and charging profiles. Lead-acid batteries need a multi-stage charging process with bulk, absorption, and float phases, while lithium batteries require a constant current/constant voltage approach without a float stage. Your existing converter likely puts out 13.6V float voltage continuously, which can damage lithium cells over time.

The Georgetown GT7 typically comes with a basic converter that's designed for flooded or AGM batteries. Lithium batteries also have different voltage curves - they maintain higher voltage longer during discharge and have a much flatter discharge curve. This means your current battery monitor will show inaccurate state-of-charge readings, potentially leaving you thinking you have more power than you actually do.

Additionally, lithium batteries can accept much higher charging currents than lead-acid, so your current charging system may be undersized to take advantage of lithium's fast-charging capabilities. Most lithium batteries can handle 0.5C to 1C charging rates, meaning a 200Ah battery could safely accept 100-200 amps of charge current. You should also verify your alternator's compatibility with lithium charging, as some alternators may require external regulation to prevent overheating when charging lithium batteries.

Tools You'll Need

• Digital multimeter for voltage testing and wire sizing verification
• Wire strippers and crimpers for any new connections
• Heat shrink tubing and electrical tape for secure connections
• Torque wrench for proper battery terminal connections (see manufacturer specs - typically 4-8 ft-lbs for lithium batteries)
• Socket set for removing old converter and installing new components
• Terminal blocks or DC-rated connectors for DC connections
• Label maker for identifying new wiring
• Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches)

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Choose Your Lithium Batteries - Select batteries with built-in BMS like Battle Born, Renogy, or similar. For a Georgetown GT7, 400-600Ah capacity (2-3 batteries) is typically ideal. Verify the BMS can handle your expected load and charging current.

Step 2: Upgrade the Converter/Charger - Replace your existing converter with a lithium-compatible unit. The Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV (60-amp) or PD9280CV (80-amp) are popular choices. These units have lithium charging profiles and can be set for your specific battery chemistry. Installation typically involves disconnecting shore power, removing the old unit, and wiring the new one using the same AC and DC connections.

Step 3: Install Battery Monitor - Install a lithium-compatible battery monitor like the Victron BMV-712 or Renogy BT-2. These monitors understand lithium voltage curves and provide accurate state-of-charge readings. Mount the display unit in your control panel and install the shunt on the negative cable between batteries and DC panel.

Step 4: Configure Solar Charge Controller - If you have solar panels, reprogram your charge controller for lithium batteries. Most modern controllers like Renogy Rover or Victron units have lithium presets. Set bulk/absorption voltage to 14.2-14.4V and disable float charging (lithium batteries don't require float charging).

Step 5: Update Inverter Settings - Check your inverter's low voltage disconnect settings. Lithium batteries maintain higher voltage during discharge, so you may want to lower the LVD from 11.5V to 10.5-11.0V to use more of the battery's capacity safely.

Step 6: Install and Wire Batteries - Remove old batteries and install lithium units in the same location. Use the existing battery cables if they're adequate for the current rating (size according to your system's amperage requirements - consult manufacturer specifications). Ensure all connections are tight and properly torqued.

When to Call a Pro

Call a professional if you're uncomfortable working with 120V AC wiring when installing the new converter/charger, as this involves potentially dangerous electrical work. The converter installation requires disconnecting shore power and working inside the power distribution panel where both AC and DC voltages are present.

You should also consider professional installation if your Georgetown GT7 has a complex electrical system with multiple charging sources, an inverter/charger combo unit, or if you're planning a large lithium bank that requires custom battery monitoring or thermal management. Professional installation typically costs $500-$1200 in labor, but ensures proper integration with your RV's existing systems.

Additionally, if your RV is still under warranty, have the work done by a certified RV technician to avoid voiding coverage. Some manufacturers have specific requirements for electrical modifications, and documentation from a certified installer can protect your warranty coverage on other systems.