Battery upgrade to a ORV 19MKS

[rarebear.nm]

We are looking hard at getting a ORV 19MKS.


I would like to upgrade to 3-4 lithium batteries, likely Battle Born heated, and items like a Victron smart shunt and possible a Victron solar controller.



I was wondering where people located lithium batteries, issues with moving the cabling, etc. How easy/hard to install a Smart shunt and where was the monitor mounted? If outside how was security provided?



How good are the solar controllers that the factory uses? IS the upgrade to a Victron worth the cost and effort?

[waynerth]

The RV Geeks bought one and had big solar system istalled by MYT Solar. Search youtube for both of their videos that show in detail what was done.

Search for "rv geeks 19mks solar"

wayne

[Stormpeakco]

A terrific and detailed video and there is follow up of another full Victron install (except for the panels) video by Tom/MYT Solar in a 19MKS coupled w/ a Ford F150 hybrid power boost w/ 7.2Kw inverter.

The folks at Thompson RV mentioned they can't keep the 19MKS t.s. in stock.

[rarebear.nm]

Thanks for those responses. I had already found those videos and watched them multiple times. I was mostly looking for other solutions folks have used. Not taking anything thing away from great installers, just that I feel there are alternative solutions to most any issue. And I like to review as many options as possible.

[Stormpeakco]

Should you travel down the 'DIY' Li/Solar pathway (above my own comfort level) the below video, @ the 3 minute mark, aptly points out the dramatic fall in prices for Victron components, in just two years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_5qE3C003I

[JDYM]

This is our second ORV; our first was a 21 RWS, and we have a 29 TRX now. For both ORV's we located the batteries under the bed. On the 21 RWS, we had two Weize 100 a/h batteries and were able to keep both of the drawers under the bed; the second one, we have 4 of the Weize "mini" 100 a/h batteries under the bed and lost one of the drawers.

On our inaugural run with our new rig,

1000 watts solar
400 a/h of life
Victron BMV - 712
2000-watt Pure sine inverter hard-wired in the kitchen/cargo wall area.

The solar panels and the controllers are factory and have worked for us without any issues.....as have the Weize batteries. They are not "Battleborns" but they have worked for us very well.

This set up has no problem running our electrical needs, which are the 12v fridge, coffee, Starlink, and the regular miscellaneous during the day without the need for the generator for the most part, except for a couple of cloudy days in western Washington.

The one thing I would / will get in the future is a DC to DC charger and an Anderson connector set up for when I hook up the tow vehicle due to electrical backfeed to the truck when it is turned off.

Since we winter boondock camp as much or more than summer camping, the batteries on the tongue were not something we considered much.

[Stormpeakco]

Nice set up and feedback for the, at large group.

[wtrussell]

Brand spanking new 19mks, just took delivery.

What we did, is opted to have the dealer install a 3rd solar panel, for a total of 600w power, as well as 3 BB 100A/h batteries and a Victron Shunt for monitoring the battery performance.

The 3 batteries, were nicely installed in the passthrough compartment on the cabin side of the compartment, flush against the wall in a carpeted compartment just past my toolbox in the image. I just grabbed a quick photo so you can see the placement of the batteries and shunt (disregard all my camping stuff).

They additionally put a power switch for the heaters in the compartment wall so I can toggle it on/off depending on the temperature and needs.

All in all, I'm very happy with the installation, it is super (beyond my packing). Broadmore RV did the install for me, and they were exceptional to work with all around.

Next year, after I use the trailer a bit, I will probably add a 4th BB battery an inverter and a 4th panel.

[Dave Pelletier]

Originally Posted by wtrussell

Brand spanking new 19mks, just took delivery.

What we did, is opted to have the dealer install a 3rd solar panel, for a total of 600w power, as well as 3 BB 100A/h batteries and a Victron Shunt for monitoring the battery performance.

The 3 batteries, were nicely installed in the passthrough compartment on the cabin side of the compartment, flush against the wall in a carpeted compartment just past my toolbox in the image. I just grabbed a quick photo so you can see the placement of the batteries and shunt (disregard all my camping stuff).

They additionally put a power switch for the heaters in the compartment wall so I can toggle it on/off depending on the temperature and needs.

All in all, I'm very happy with the installation, it is super (beyond my packing). Broadmore RV did the install for me, and they were exceptional to work with all around.

Next year, after I use the trailer a bit, I will probably add a 4th BB battery an inverter and a 4th panel.

Nice.

Dave

[Stormpeakco]

Sweet!
Seems most dealers are now adding a 3rd 200W to the rooftop and at least suggesting additional Ah capacity for the 19MKS and 21MKS (since gensets aren't available except, via a portable option or the tow vehicle).

[JDYM]

That looks excellent.

I think 300ah is a good amount of battery. Since we have just had the trail series with the gensets already in them I have gotten used to using them off and on, the more battery and an inverter become very useful boondocking.

I believe those units have side solar ports. FWIW, when you can aim the solar panels to the sun, as you can with the fold-up ones plugged into the side of the trailer and about 30' of cord, it gives you way more bang for your buck.

We get about 50% of maximum wattage in full sun in the winter, or less, with roof-mounted units, whereas the portable ones you can aim can get closer to the maximum and more bang for the buck.

[Stormpeakco]

Speaking of portables/foldables...anyone w/ experience/recs on (Renogy v. others)?

[JDYM]

I have a renogy 200 watt panel with charge controller that has been good for me. Just be careful on getting the polarity right when wiring the SAE connector to plug into your trailer.

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-200-Watt-Monocrystalline-Controller/dp/B07RFQVB9M?ref_=ast_sto_dp


The plug ins are styled after the zamp connectors which has reverse polarity of some other brands with same style connectors, I am sure others on here will have the nomenclature and what each brand uses down better than I.

[Stormpeakco]

Thanks. Amazing how much more durable, rigid-stable to resist wind gusts and "tiltable" portables have become.
Secondary to intense competition, the prices and weight have dropped (like they were receiving the big 'O', Ozempic).
An adjunctive pair of 200W'rs may work well when trying to camp part of the day in the shade.