Community Forums

MojaveJeeper · 02-06-2023, 12:23 AM

just acquired this rig and I’m planning on upgrading to Lithium Batteries for the cabin. Is the converter charger configurable for lithium batteries or do I need to replace it.

MrMark52 · 02-06-2023, 07:27 AM

Probably best to look on the convertor for manufacturer model and find the manual for it (you need to have it anyway).

You never know what a PO may have replaced the OEM convertor with.

creativepart · 02-06-2023, 07:52 AM

The converter in the Minnie Winnie (not minni winni) is not Lithium charging compatible. Some models have converters that can be upgraded for LFP batteries but I doubt the 2018 model did. Check the converter model number on the inside of the door of the power center and then look at the converter manufacturer’s website to see if the upgrade is available. I believe it’s a plug in remote that lets you change the charge profile - IF your model is compatible.

J_Lambert · 02-06-2023, 03:48 PM

If it is a progressive dynamics converter 9245 you can get a "remote" (tethered by a wire) which will boost the output to 14.4 volts which is good enough for lithium batteries. The remote is $15 on amazon.. Eventually you can change the charger or get an inverter/charger.

Bill Gail · 03-06-2023, 10:04 AM

It's not just the converter/charger that needs to be addressed when converting to Li-ion batteries .

The engine alternator can overheat from the additional load of the Li-ion .

There are several solutions , with the apparent most popular being the installation of a DC to DC charger .

Thi Li-ion battery upgrade is one improvement that requires some in depth research .

creativepart · 03-06-2023, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Gail

It's not just the converter/charger that needs to be addressed when converting to Li-ion batteries .

The engine alternator can overheat from the additional load of the Li-ion .

There are several solutions , with the apparent most popular being the installation of a DC to DC charger .

Thi Li-ion battery upgrade is one improvement that requires some in depth research .

Yes, in a motorhome for sure. But not so much in a Travel Trailer like the OP's Minnie Winnie. The wiring between the tow vehicle's alternator and the 7-pin plug is so long and the gauge so small that very little of the alternator's output makes it to the battery(ies).

In this case, not to protect the alternator, but to improve charging while driving, a DC2DC charger may be beneficial, but if the TT has solar panels then the AUX charger may not play that large a part.

Spidergawd · 03-07-2023, 07:53 AM

Your Minnie Winnie is a motorhome, yes? I have a 2017 26A, and have looked into this for when I eventually go lithium.

Our charger converter is the WFCO WF-8955PEC, a very common one, and very possibly what you have. It is not compatible with lithium charge profiles. However, replacement lower units are available for a couple hundred bucks that are. I think Best Converters has one, and am pretty sure WFCO's WF-8955REP does, but I'd want to be certain.

Bottom line is this is something that can be pretty easily upgraded. Lower unit just slides in.

creativepart · 03-07-2023, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spidergawd

Your Minnie Winnie is a motorhome, yes?

My bad... in my post above I said the Minnie Winnie was a travel trailer. For some reason I saw "Minnie Winnie" and thought "Micro Minnie". Please excuse my very wrong information in the post above.