TheSamba.com :: View topic - Charging a LiFePo4 Lithium Battery House Battery 95 EVC

Sat Nov 20, 2021 9:05 pm

I understand that the stock charger in my 95 EVC charger doesn't have the proper charging profile for a lithium house battery.

To overcome this problem, while connected to shore power, could one use a lithium trickle charger to top it off? Is there a problem plugging in the van via shore power and also connecting and using a lithium trickle charger at the same time?

I am thinking of permanently hard wiring the lithium trickle charger to the house battery. Then plugging in the lithium trickle charger into the 110 outlet located in the rear. In that way, the lithium trickle charger is only activated when the shore power is used.

I am considering the CTEK:

https://www.amazon.ca/CTEK-56-926-LITHIUM-Automati...amp;sr=8-4

Mon Nov 22, 2021 8:38 am

For about the same money, why not replace the existing power converter entirely with this unit?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TRRCZ75

That's what I did, it works great, and can be set to a lithium charge profile.

Mon Nov 22, 2021 8:53 pm

So you pulled and replaced the Magnetek?

Tue Nov 23, 2021 11:56 am

For a few dollars more, I opted for a 30 amp converter from Progressive Dynamics:

https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/progressive-dynamics-12v-30-amp-lifepo4-battery-charger/

Most of the work involved is the time it takes to remove/reinstall all of the panels to access the charge controller. It was not hard and I had everything done in one day.

Tue Nov 23, 2021 12:25 pm

1961tbird wrote: So you pulled and replaced the Magnetek?

Correct.

Tue Nov 23, 2021 12:26 pm

TFB777 wrote: For a few dollars more, I opted for a 30 amp converter from Progressive Dynamics:

https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/progressive-dynamics-12v-30-amp-lifepo4-battery-charger/

Most of the work involved is the time it takes to remove/reinstall all of the panels to access the charge controller. It was not hard and I had everything done in one day.

This is also a great option. I liked the Victron as it offers bluetooth, and works with their MPTT charger controllers, DC-DC converters and whatnot.

Tue Nov 23, 2021 1:06 pm

TheOneTrueQuux,

Your first posted link to Amazon references the Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 12-Volt 20 amp 120V, Single Output Battery Charger NEMA 5-15, Bluetooth.

Excuse my lack of knowledge but does this Victron product replace the Magnetek? It appears to be just a battery charger or am I missing something?

Tue Nov 23, 2021 4:27 pm

1961tbird wrote: TheOneTrueQuux,

Your first posted link to Amazon references the Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 12-Volt 20 amp 120V, Single Output Battery Charger NEMA 5-15, Bluetooth.

Excuse my lack of knowledge but does this Victron product replace the Magnetek? It appears to be just a battery charger or am I missing something?

It replaces the Magnetek unit. It's smart enough to charge the battery while power is being drawn, hence it can be both a converter and a power supply. If you read their documentation they talk about this. You do have to combine two wires that go to the original magnetek and connect them both to the positive connection on the Victron, but this is NBD. David at 1705.net did something similar. He used a progressive dynamics unit, but those are similar in operation to the victron.
See this link:
https://1705.net/converter-upgrade/

You could use the same unit he did, or use the Victron like I did. Both will work fine. I like the victron for the bluetooth, and configurability.

Wed Nov 24, 2021 1:29 pm

Many thanks. I did not realize the Victron could act as a power source and a battery charger. I'll certainly research further. Again, thanks for the tip.

BTW, what size did you opt for?

Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:52 pm

Lastly, does the Victron will automatically work as a power supply while charging? I thought those functions were separate.

Tue Nov 30, 2021 10:05 am

1961tbird wrote: Lastly, does the Victron will automatically work as a power supply while charging? I thought those functions were separate.

You can set it to a pure power supply mode, but it should supply power just fine when in charging mode and a load is applied.

Tue Jun 03, 2025 9:46 pm

TheOneTrueQuux wrote: 1961tbird wrote: Lastly, does the Victron will automatically work as a power supply while charging? I thought those functions were separate.

You can set it to a pure power supply mode, but it should supply power just fine when in charging mode and a load is applied.

Thanks for all the info. I’m in the process of replacing the Magnetek in my EVC 95 with the Victron as you recommended, but worried about the existing wire gauge (excuse my lack of knowledge). Since my Magnetek is a 20A charger and the Victron is rated at 30A, would this require upgrading the existing #10 wire for the filtered output to a #8 wire per TFB777‘s post?

Thanks

Wed Jun 04, 2025 5:38 am

Good question. I believe you would be okay but to be safe perhaps contact Victron.

BTW, I ended up acquiring the 20 amp convertor from Victron. I made the decision to stay with 20 amps as I did not anticipate any future power needs. I am very happy with the purchase. Works perfectly