Battery Charging System

[Kimballs.Net]

I have a 2019 Thor ACE that seems to "forget" how to cycle from Shore Power, Engine Alternator, and/or Generator. While driving, the alternator sufficiently charges the batteries, and I can observe the ~~15 minute BIM cycle between the alternator and generator. But when I park and connect shore power, it will charge properly for a "few hours". Shore Power timing/cycling stops happenning therefore seems to be a weak link. If I unplug the Shore power, wait a minute or two, plug back in and cycle the "Store/Disconnect", It will resume charging.

"My" thought is that it might need a new Store/Disconnect relay, and I doubt it is the actual transfer switch.

HELP .... anyone with any ideas? I'd be delighted to provide any more info you want.

I have two 125A Lithiums, a new LiFe BIM, and a new charger. All 1 month old in an attempt to figure out what is the problem.

[d23haynes57]

What did you have before? You have a 2019 and it did not have an inverter/charger?
After a few hours the Lithium batteries should be charged and when they are fully charged the internal BMS should disable further charging. A smart charger should detect that then go down to a float voltage. Is the charger you added designed for RV use and to also be a power supply? The LIBim may also be confusing things as it is bi-directional to also charge the chassis batteries. What you may be seeing after the charger power reset is the chassis batteries being charged some more, actually being over charged.

[PS89]

Shore Power timing/cycling stops happenning therefore seems to be a weak link.

There should be zero timing or cycling of the charging of the coach batteries when on shore power except as the converter progresses through whatever stages if uses. The LiBim *may* engage to charge the chassis battery but only if specific conditions exist..

[Kimballs.Net]

Originally Posted by d23haynes57

What did you have before? (WFCO 55A) You have a 2019 and it did not have an inverter/charger?

After a few hours the Lithium batteries should be charged (they both charge to 100%) and when they are fully charged the internal BMS should disable further charging (it does). A smart charger should detect that then go down to a float voltage (it does). Is the charger you added designed for RV use and to also be a power supply(yes, yes)? The LIBim may also be confusing things as it is bi-directional to also charge the chassis batteries(maybe, but I replaced the LA BIM with a Lithium BIM as part of my troubleshooting... I doubt the coincidence of the old one and the brand new one exhibiting the exact same problem) . What you may be seeing after the charger power reset is the chassis batteries being charged some more, actually being over charged.

I also use a Victron BMV-712 Smart for monitoring... see the attached ~Trend Lines.


FYI,
SGO LiFe Batteries replaced ~March 15
PowerMax Converter replaced ~March 30
Battlebourne BIM replaced ~March 15

Last evening, I disconnected (then reconnected) Shore power, cycled the Store Switch Disconnect. After ~ 5 hours, it seems perfect. Soon & unpredictably, it will stop charging... I'll post that chart when it happens. Stand-By -

[davismills]

I had that same converter and I installed it thinking I'd be upgrading to lithium in the future. When I would plug into shore power it wouldn't "wake-up" until I recycled the breaker a few times.

The company replaced it with one that doesn't work with lithium batteries, and I've had no problems since then.

I realize this doesn't solve your particular problem, but my advice is to reach out to the manufacturer. They sent me another one and told me to just keep the other one to use if/when I upgraded to lithium later on. Great customer service.

I've yet to go the lithium route.