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Old 11-15-2019, 11:36 AM   #1
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Enclosing and insulating battery bay

I'm going to replace my AGM house batteries with Lithium and I'm looking for some advice and recommendations on how best to enclose and insulate a battery bay. I will have to remove the battery tray to fit the two 600AH Lithionics batteries I'm looking at. The batteries have internal heaters, so I'm not worried about cold, but I'm trying to keep dirt and dust out of the bay and hoping to keep as much heat out as well during the summer.


Anyone have ideas on the best materials and techniques to use?
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Old 11-15-2019, 11:46 AM   #2
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Just a question, don't those batteries get warm when charging? If so, it may not be wise to enclose them in an insulated compartment.
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Old 11-15-2019, 01:55 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LJowdy View Post
Just a question, don't those batteries get warm when charging? If so, it may not be wise to enclose them in an insulated compartment.

Yes - they probably do, so venting to the basement area might be a good idea. have to think about that. Thx
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Old 11-15-2019, 02:57 PM   #4
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What is it that you are trying to gain by doing this?
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Old 11-15-2019, 04:56 PM   #5
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Battery compartment

I just added 2 -400 ah Lithionics. I took out the drawer and lined the compartment with 3/4" plywood on btm and 2 sides but the top of the compartment is almost impossible. I am going to enclose just the 2 batteries with 1/4" plywood with solid blue foam board. Our 2018 MADP has Silverleaf control system that has been a bit of a problem. I sent the 2 VMS365 monitors and the TM102 controller back to Silverleaf for software updates but there was a glitch in the updates so I can't charge from the alternator currently. We are going to stop at Silverleaf in Oregon on our way from Vancouver BC to Indio and Art is going to do the programming updates to correct the problem. Good luck on your project, the 800ah batteries are doing a great job for us so far so your system should be extra great for dry camping.
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Old 11-15-2019, 05:39 PM   #6
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Quote:
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What is it that you are trying to gain by doing this?

Trying to eliminate unnecessary dirt and not be as exposed to the external temperature.
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Old 11-15-2019, 05:43 PM   #7
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I just added 2 -400 ah Lithionics. I took out the drawer and lined the compartment with 3/4" plywood on btm and 2 sides but the top of the compartment is almost impossible. I am going to enclose just the 2 batteries with 1/4" plywood with solid blue foam board. Our 2018 MADP has Silverleaf control system that has been a bit of a problem. I sent the 2 VMS365 monitors and the TM102 controller back to Silverleaf for software updates but there was a glitch in the updates so I can't charge from the alternator currently. We are going to stop at Silverleaf in Oregon on our way from Vancouver BC to Indio and Art is going to do the programming updates to correct the problem. Good luck on your project, the 800ah batteries are doing a great job for us so far so your system should be extra great for dry camping.
Jim

I called Lithionics today but didn't get to talk to Art yet. I did learn today that the SilverLeaf Bridge is supposed to be capable of charging the chassis battery from Solar which my setup is currently not doing. I'm not sure that's what I want either... but that's part of what I want to talk to Art about.


Thanks for the ideas on the bay.
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Old 11-15-2019, 06:37 PM   #8
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Foretravel Member Information

A Foretravel Member has done this See enclosed for information.
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Old 11-15-2019, 06:58 PM   #9
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Here the link to how an Newmar Essex owner enclosed his battery Bay.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/lithionics-battery-install-in-essex-448508.html

We are replacing our interstates with 2 550AH lithionics and installing a solar system right after Thanksgiving.

Plan on using same painted 3/4 inch marine plywood approach to enclose the battery bay. Can install a secondary enclosure arournd the batteries and other equipment in the battery bay if needed.
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Old 11-17-2019, 12:01 AM   #10
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I put two layers of 1" foil lined foam underneath the battery bay and covered the bottom with sheet metal. Put 2 3/8" thick foam (concrete insulation) inside on the bottom. 1" foam behind the metal at the back and forward side, covered both with 3/16" plexiglass. Then 2 3/8" foam on top ,back and sides. Cut and fit 2 pieces to help seal off the door. H.D has the concrete insulation 2' X 4' X 2 3/8" , 5 pieces $48 delivered. I also ran a 2" spa hose from the battery bay to the half bath to help with heat and cooling. Two cheap computer fans on a thermostat pump whatever temp I'm at to the battery bay. Haven't been in cold weather yet but works great in hot.
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Old 11-18-2019, 08:21 PM   #11
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From personal experience working with lithium batteries, if they aren't vented they are as good as matches for starting fires, and consider this water just makes them burn baby burn more and more.
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