Aftermarket Additions

[John-in-NE-Texas]

We ordered our E-19 with the 13.5 Houghton AC (ETI did not stock the 9.5 Houghton), solar ready and the lead-acid battery, planning to upgrade locally in Texas. I worked with Todd at Big Beard Batteries in Athens, TX to add two 200W solar panels, a 600AHr lithium batteries and a full set of Victron components (including the DC-DC converter which I'll complete the connection on my pickup).
So far I'm very happy with the results, feeling that I got a more complete system at a better price than offered by ETI.
John-in-NE-Texas@proton.me

 

[jjdeluca]

John,
Congratulations on your E19 order!
I agree, that adding the solar/lithium afterwards can save quite a bit of $ over ordering it all through ETI.
Just curious, with all of that battery capacity, are you planning to use it to run your AC?
Happy camping!

 

[John-in-NE-Texas]

Hi Jim,
We're a week away from the maiden voyage. We'll see what we get. Next will be to connect the truck to the DC-DC Converter.
John

 

[RambleOn]

We took a similar approach adding 920ah of batteries (to keep our old dog cool and his old owners caffeinated) but given an unexpectedly high tongue weight upon deliver we had to mount the heavier components in the back. We reused the solar controller, breaker boxes, DC/DC, solar panels, shunt etc that came installed, but replaced the inverter, and LA battery and added a 75a charger, a 120 outlet and appropriate wiring, fuses and switches. The cost was significantly lower and so far we are happy, but like you haven't given it the full test run yet.... Summer is coming!

Attached is a diagram and a pic if anyone is interested in the details.