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Old 05-17-2021, 01:40 PM   #1
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Lithium Upgrade

Just converted my '17 4x4 Sprinter to Lithium battery system. Saved 300+ lbs, increased my 12 volt capacity by over 50%, and shorted charging times. All Victron components except for Blue Sea custom AC/DC panel. Batteries moved from under van to in rear. Photos before, after and with storage system installed.
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Old 05-17-2021, 02:02 PM   #2
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Very nicely organized and laid out, and I love that AC/DC panel (well, maybe not the LED display, that looks kinda 1990's). Are those water lines running right next to your electronics though? That makes me a little uneasy.



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Old 05-17-2021, 02:23 PM   #3
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This is nice and clean. As mentioned we assume that any water leaks can not get into the 120VAC service.

I see the one vent fan; Assume that is for cooling the closed in compartment?
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Old 05-17-2021, 02:36 PM   #4
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Great questions. Yes it is water pipe. It is PEX, below any electrical and there are no fittings in the area. Since PEX has a burst strength of 800 psi (and working strength of over 450psi) and can withstand 200 degree F temperatures, I thought it safe to assume that a pipe would not blow. With no fittings near the electrical there is also no possibility of leaks. Always difficult to run pipe through a van and proximity to wiring is always a challenge. I'm comfortable with the risks. I have fuses and circuit breakers on both the charge and load sides of the system so there is protection.
Re: the digital readout in the panel it is Blue Sea and reads the start battery voltage and amps. Appearance is a subjective thing, but Blue Sea quality and reliability is unequaled.
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Old 05-17-2021, 02:38 PM   #5
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Yes. Good call. The fan is one of three for cooling and warming. Two others bring heat/ cool air from the interior of the van. A larger forth fan brings hot air from the diesel heat exchanger when the furnace is running. Temperature is one of many of the things that need to be addressed with lithium.
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Old 05-27-2021, 10:02 AM   #6
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very well thought out
i agree the water lines should not be an issue
love the 90s digital read out and who can argue with Blue Sea components.
Those Victron batteries arent cheap either...
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Old 05-27-2021, 12:51 PM   #7
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Nicely done, what did you use for dc-dc converter, or alternator voltage conditioning?
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Old 05-27-2021, 02:44 PM   #8
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Very cool! I've been looking at something like this for a year, but haven't pulled the trigger. Any details on ballpark cost? Size looks like 2x160ah? Assume you had the standard 210ah AGM battery before?

Would be very interested in a long term report on how it goes for you.
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Old 05-27-2021, 04:58 PM   #9
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Nice work, clean install. I don't think I would worry much about water lines either.

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Old 05-28-2021, 07:02 AM   #10
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That is really impressive. I’d love to know more of the specs on what size batteries and information on components. This is my dream to have something this well thought out and set up in our van build.
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