Lithium conversion in 2018 Escape 19

[CarlNH]

I am converting to Lithium batteries in my 2018 E19 (2 SOK 100AH) and am looking for some input from other 19 owners who have done the same. I will be leaving the batteries in the front storage box. Will be replacing the WFCO 8955 converter with their new "auto detect" converter board that has the Lithium charge algorithm. Also adding a Victron DC-DC charger and replacing the existing terminal-mounted fuse for my 2000 watt inverter feed with a T-spec fuse. So,couple of questions... where have folks mounted the DC-DC charger? The T fuse? Hoping to put both in the storage box to avoid too much new wiring into the trailer body. Any and all tips appreciated!

[MVA]

We added solar and converted to LiFePO4 battery. See:
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post426495

We also wanted to minimize wire lengths and loss of storage. Under the driver side bench is a DC-DC converter, solar controller, 100 A-hr battery. shut-off switches for battery and solar panel feed, and all fuses. We did not have the need for an inverter.

2 cents

[CarlNH]

Thanks! I want to leave the batteries in the storage box as I already have 4/0 cable from there into the trailer for my inverter. Really don't want to mess with that wiring again.

Originally Posted by MVA

We added solar and converted to LiFePO4 battery. See:
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post426495

We also wanted to minimize wire lengths and loss of storage. Under the driver side bench is a DC-DC converter, solar controller, 100 A-hr battery. shut-off switches for battery and solar panel feed, and all fuses. We did not have the need for an inverter.

2 cents

[alanerickson]

When it comes from the factory here's where it's located, at least in my 2021 E19. Mine originally came with a Victron, but the current was more than my truck wiring was rated for and so I swapped it out for the Renogy. It would have been nice if I could have reduced the Victron current draw, but alas the Smart charger wasn't that smart.

[MVA]

Originally Posted by alanerickson

When it comes from the factory here's where it's located, at least in my 2021 E19. Mine originally came with a Victron, but the current was more than my truck wiring was rated for and so I swapped it out for the Renogy. It would have been nice if I could have reduced the Victron current draw, but alas the Smart charger wasn't that smart.

On the advice of another forum member, I installed a simple Victron DC-DC converter and a 9 amp max output, hence, the converter limits the current draw from the truck to a "reasonable" level.

[CarlNH]

Thanks for that! Looks like the factory setup pretty much fills that under-bench space. I'm going to try to put my dc-dc in the front storage box. Hoping the 18 amp Victron doesn't overstress my alternator!

Originally Posted by alanerickson

When it comes from the factory here's where it's located, at least in my 2021 E19. Mine originally came with a Victron, but the current was more than my truck wiring was rated for and so I swapped it out for the Renogy. It would have been nice if I could have reduced the Victron current draw, but alas the Smart charger wasn't that smart.