Lithium Converter Upgrade for an Older BT Cruiser

[BPeschka]

We have a 2004 BT 5211. Went from stock house battery to a couple of AGMs a few years ago. Now, we swapped the AGM for LifePO lithiums in preparation for adding solar. I realized, somehow, that the existing converter isn’t totally compatible with lithium. The existing converter converts shore/generator power to 12vDC with max output 13.4v while lithium can take up to 14.6v. In searching for a new converter, I found a cheaper device to allow my existing converter to play nice with the lithium. The converter, which I assume is 2004 original, is an IOTA DLS55 (55 amp). Photo attached. If there is an input jack, next to the cooling fan, you can plug in the ‘smart charge controller’ that will cause the converter to deal with lithium. The plug-in controller is an IOTA IQ LifePO. I installed last week, was only getting 13.4 previously. Went on a multi-day trip and had 14+ all the way. They do caution that the batteries must have Battery Management Systems (BMS).

Installation is simple. If you have the jack, reach in and plug it in. If no jack, don’t order..

Why did I do this? $28 +$10 shipping vs $250ish for a new converter. The distributor I purchased from is NAZ Solar Electric in Flagstaff. 800.383.0195 www.solar-electric.com. There are other distributors, I’m sure, but these guys were great to deal with. I talked to a technical guy before dealing with customer svc to place order. I’m attaching photo of my converter and the doc that came with the new thing. The new controller is already installed in the photo so just follow the gray wire to see where it plugs in.

 

[Just two]

I converted to lithium several years ago. Bought a lithium converter for $139 on Amazon. Your option sounds like a cheaper option. I had to remove the original battery charger system from the alternator. I installed a Renogy B2B that supports lithium. It had a bonus it had a solar MPPT charger built in. I use that with a solar suitcase.
I recently added back the solenoid to enable the house batteries to assist starting the engine if needed.

 

[BPeschka]

I converted to lithium several years ago. Bought a lithium converter for $139 on Amazon. Your option sounds like a cheaper option. I had to remove the original battery charger system from the alternator. I installed a Renogy B2B that supports lithium. It had a bonus it had a solar MPPT charger built in. I use that with a solar suitcase.
I recently added back the solenoid to enable the house batteries to assist starting the engine if needed.

I’ve not addressed the charging of lithium from the alternator. I wonder if there’s something that can be placed inline where the power comes in from the alternator and before it joins the bus.

 

[unom]

I’ve not addressed the charging of lithium from the alternator. I wonder if there’s something that can be placed inline where the power comes in from the alternator and before it joins the bus.

Renogy, victron, and others make dc-dc converters that go between alternator and batteries. LifePO batteries can take all the amps your alternator will supply which can lead to your working much harder than it was intended to, burning it out. The dc-dc limits the amps to a reasonable 30-60 amps depending on the unit you purchase.

 

[BPeschka]

Thanks … I’ll have a look

 

[Just two]

I’ve not addressed the charging of lithium from the alternator. I wonder if there’s something that can be placed inline where the power comes in from the alternator and before it joins the bus.

A B2B (battery to battery) charger does go between the alternator and the new lithium battery. You should remove the B.I.R.D. That is a good location to add the B2B. I was able to install the Renogy just above the battery. I removed the BIRD (isolation delay relay) and the solenoid. I added the solenoid back to enable the house battery to assist the starter battery when needed.