16' Series Lithium Upgrade 2013 Expanda Outback

[Expanda Jase]

Hey everyone.
I am new to the expanda outback world and have newly purchased a 2013 expanda outback. The current setup has 2 solar panels on the roof and looks all stock with AGM batteries installed. I am keen to upgrade this system to lithium with the potential later to adding an AC inverter for the one off case of needing the microwave for the little one.
Anyone interested in providing the do’s and don’ts on what upgrades to do etc.
is it still under regs to keep the new lotus under the couch seat etc??
Any advice will be great! Just wanting some expert knowledge from fellow expanda legends.
Cheers

 

[Boots in Action]

Hey everyone.
I am new to the expanda outback world and have newly purchased a 2013 expanda outback. The current setup has 2 solar panels on the roof and looks all stock with AGM batteries installed. I am keen to upgrade this system to lithium with the potential later to adding an AC inverter for the one off case of needing the microwave for the little one.
Anyone interested in providing the do’s and don’ts on what upgrades to do etc.
is it still under regs to keep the new lotus under the couch seat etc??
Any advice will be great! Just wanting some expert knowledge from fellow expanda legends.
Cheers

Hi @Expanda Jase, when changing from an AGM battery system to a lithium setup, the following needs to be considered;

1. Your existing 240 volt charger will need to be replaced/converted to a charger suitable to charge Lithium batteries. The existing 240 volt charger does not have the proper settings to suit lithium batteries which have a completely different BMS (battery charging system/settings). if you intend to be able to charge from vehicle alternator when on the move..
2. A similar arrangement applies to your solar controller. If you have an PWM controller, that is unsuitable. You will need to have a MPPT controller with enough variable settings to suit lithium battery charging. Most of the good ones have this facility. I have my doubts about those that say they are 'lithium compatible'.
3. As at the 1st November, 2024, regs state that lithium batteries must be stored/kept in a sealed area if within the van with ventilation to the outside. Otherwise, they are supposed to be placed outside of the internal area of living area in van. As for 3, any change outside this reg is basically at your own risk should a fire or insurance claim be made, but I doubt anyone will check your setup otherwise..
4 . When purchasing your lithium batteries, make sure they are capable of providing sufficient amperage to meet the demands of your intended inverter. Not all lithium batteries can meet the electrical demands . For example, a 2000 watt microwave needs at least 200amps of continuous 12 volt DC current, a 1800 watt kettle needs 180 AMPs of DC current at 12 volts.
I hope this helps.

 

[Drover]

Let us know what the current BMS system is, solar regulator model ,as well as how much solar on the roof in Watts ......................

Boots has covered the basics that will set you on a good research path.

If you DiY it would probably cost you just around the $2K mark if shopped wisely. but you could easily throw $4K if sucked in by the fancy sales pitch.................. There are lots of big name brands out there that charge a name tax so do plenty of research and try not to go for the all in one units........................

My set up has been running for many years with no charging from tug or mains, at first it was till I got around to doing the job, then I found I didn't need it so never set up, just solar and it has never been an issue and while I had a mains charger when I had Gel's it was never used, now with lithium I haven't replaced it....

You need to do an audit on what power you need, Im assuming you want to off grid, so knowing your power needs on a daily basis is the first thing, then you won't build something thats not enough or throw money away on too much............... I work on a max daily of 30% of capacity then you should have a few days if the sun goes on holidays, my average is aboout 20% .......

If your current AGM does the job, I would do an upgrade in bits, starting with a good MPPT controller then onto the panels, remember the rated output of the panels will in real world be about 30% less than on the label ..............
The invertor must be fitted close to the batteries, wired up correctly, long cables from batteries to Invertor is not a good idea so you would need an extenstion lead to plug in the microwave as its not the done thing to connect the invertor into the vans 240v system, if thats what you want it needs to be done by a sparky as isolators need to be in place so both shore power and van invertor power are able to operate at same time......

 

[DRW]

May I ad choose your batteries wisely, research them carefully look at the type and quality of the battery management system (BMS) and cell configuration. Some hi priced and well advertised batteries are not what they seem some examples of good brands are Renogy, Invicta and Victron but Victron have external BMS. Victron also make very good battery chargers and MPPT solar regulators which in the grand scheme of things aren’t really the expensive. It would also pay to fit a decent dc-dc charger. There goes your holiday money !!

 

[Drover]

I thought I had bookmarked this page so here is the main points of battery installation, complying for all types, should also note that lithiums must comply with AS IEC 62619, and that will put a spanner in the works I think, last time I heard it would draw a blank stare............ there are quite a few places desrcibing the new regs but this seems to be the most informative and not a sales pitch.

Battery Installation - RV Electrical Ready

The installation requirements for batteries are found in AS/NZS 3001.2 Section 5.4. Please study this section in your copy of the standard. Information about

rvelectricalready.com.au

 

[jazzeddie1234]

I have a few thoughts but it would be useful to know what level of electrical know-how you have and if you will be doing most of the work yourself.