New power management system for LiFePh battery upgrade

[Dave8850]

I’m considering upgrading to a LiFeP battery and need to change the powering management system , replacing Parallax system. Specifically I need a unit that converts 120v ac to 12v dc, charges the LiFeP battery, and distributes dc to about 11 circuits in the camper. One other requirement I have is that it has been tested by UL, ETL, CSA or other reputable testing organization. Parallax is a quality system and their support is outstanding. They seem to be an expensive. Are there other brands that I should consider?

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Dave8850

I’m considering upgrading to a LiFeP battery and need to change the powering management system , replacing Parallax system. Specifically I need a unit that converts 120v ac to 12v dc, charges the LiFeP battery, and distributes dc to about 11 circuits in the camper. One other requirement I have is that it has been tested by UL, ETL, CSA or other reputable testing organization. Parallax is a quality system and their support is outstanding. They seem to be an expensive. Are there other brands that I should consider?

most Parallax power centers, you can swap in a PD46xxL (where XX is 35, 45, 55) and charge lithium batteries. PD is Progressive Dynamics. It will hook up to the same fuse panel for DC distribution, and the same AC breakers... I think its just 5 wires. https://www.progressivedyn.com/intel...r-4600-series/

[oldwave]

I second Progressive Dynamics gear . Well made in Michigan and decent support.

[CharlesinGA]

I've installed two Progressive units in Parallax panels, one in my Winnebago motorhome, and later in my Bigfoot trailer. I installed the new 12v fuse panel that comes with it also, as it has blown fuse indications, and a LED indicator and selector button for the charge wizard function of the converter (not used for Li batteries)

Charles

[John in Santa Cruz]

I've actually done 3 PD46xx installs, first was in my Casita as the Parallax converter died, 2nd was in a fellow camper's big class A, his WFCO died in a major heatwave (and he was camping at the Elks in Chico as his house was in an evacuation zone for a major wildfire), and without DC his thermostat wasn't turning on his air conditioner... third pass was in my Escape when I upgraded to lithium. The first one, I swapped to the supplied fuse panel, the other two I didn't bother.

[Sunnyfalls]

+ 1 on Progressive Dynamics Converter/Charger for LiFePO4 batteries.

We dumped the WFCO Converter/Charger that came with our 2023 Casita trailer because it couldn't properly and reliably charge our LiFePO4 battery upgrade using its silly auto detect method.

And when we upgraded the battery and Converter/Charger, we also upgraded from the lame 30A 120VAC WFCO power center to a Progressive Dynamics 50A 120/240VAC distribution and DC distribution panel as the additional cost was insignificant given that we did all the work. And we then used this 120/240VAC 12,000 Watt shore power capability for our 240VAC 3500 Watt induction cooktop and our 240VAC 6500 Watt electric/propane tankless water heater.

Gayle & Bob
"Los Gatos Casita"

[dylanear]

I'm in a similar situation in that I want to add a lithium battery to my Scamp. With the additional factor is I'm pretty sure my WFCO converter is dead.

So, I'm trying to decide about entirely replacing the WFCO with an entirely new power center, or possibly using a Progressive Dynamics PD4635V/PD4655V/PD4655V to replace the presumably dead, definitely NOT made for lithium WFCO converter section and keep using the WFCO panel, fuses, breakers.

OR..... trying to wire in an entirely separate inverter/charger, currently thinking a Victron Multiplus 1200amp/50amp (1200 inverter amps, 50 battery charging amps) into the WFCO panel, fuses, tossing it's converter section in the trash/electronics recycling.

https://bluemarine.com/products/vict...49095158923560

I just cant recall or find record of which WFCO I got way back then and I won't be able to look at it until I'm 3000miles from my current location and over the border in BC, Canada. Which is unfortunate because with potential tariffs, the usual disadvantages of ordering things in Canada, I'd rather have whatever solution in hand when I return to BC to get my Scamp out of storage. I vaguely feel like it was a 35amp model????

If anyone wants to chat about my specific situation especially if doing that here would be hijacking the OPs intentions and interest here, see my post on the topic.

https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...er-103377.html