New Record? 120 usable Amp Hours under Driver's seat

[grambo]

rontv, that is a clean looking install! I'm also looking at the Renogy 100ah battery for under the drivers seat, as a (mostly) plug and play power solution in the house battery box. I'm not sure if you have a swivel seat (doesn't look like it from your picture?), but can you or someone else with the same battery chime in to confirm if the swivel will still function even with the slightly protruding top of the Renogy 100ah battery in that location? Thanks!

[rontv]

Hi Grambo

sorry for the late reply
i do have a swivel at the driver seat
for me its no pint as i actually never use it due to kitchen cupboard behind but witht the battery installed its not possible at the corners of the top plate hit the battery
maybe if you grind of the corners

ill check for you and submit the results

Ron

[blackglasspirate]

I'm thinking about going this route and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a good BMS and DC-DC converter?

I'm considering buying the 120ah package here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000316031708.html

I want to fit it in the stock location under the driver's seat without having to mod much (or anything).

Currently I have an aging AGM battery under there, connected with a Blue Seas ACR to the starter battery for alternator charge. I also have a 100w renogy panel on the roof with a Victron 75/15 bluetooth charge controller.

I'm guessing all I need to get to accompany the battery pack is a basic BMS and a DC-DC converter if I want alternator charge. And I'm also assuming getting a DC-DC converter will eliminate the need for the ACR?

Thanks for any help - I'm very unfamiliar with what all is needed for LifePo4. Our current battery is to the point where it can barely survive the night on a full charge if we have the heater on for a few hours ( along fridge and LED lights). Since we live in the van and winter is coming (or here already where we are), we need some more juice.
_________________
'87 Vanagon GL Westfalia
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[dobryan]

Victron makes DC-DC chargers now.... pretty blue color too.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
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Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
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The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[blackglasspirate]

[vwhammer]

For anyone that cares, it seems that aliexpress has a sale going on for the next 12 hours.

Found 176ah batteries for $535 shipped from the US.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000774477755.html...web201603_

Also found some 280ah for $386 shipped from china.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001566815335.h...web201603_

Surely there are other deals on other sizes if one wanted to look for a bit.

[blackglasspirate]

[bobbyblack]

[kguarnotta]

thanks for the tip on the discount - I keep checking the sizes - as there is some variability - I've seen some 150 ah the same size as the 120 (ie they will fit under front seat) and I've seen some 150 ah that look like you would need to modify the front seat area...
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-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[DeLvxe]

[1988M5]

Has anyone considered using both driver and passenger boxes (underseat compartments too) to house a giant LiFePo4 battery set up and doing away with the "starter" lead acid one? The Amp hours one could fit would easily start the engine within their ratings (2C on a 280AHr is nearly 600 amps) and keep a mini jump pack on board if things go wrong to stay mobile. Voltage would need to be managed out of the alternator not to exceed max 3.65V x 4 but outside of that you could save big money on not having dc-dc converters. Charge current wouldn't be an issue either with such a big lithium battery.
BK
_________________
1991 tin top GL
2002 Winnebago Vista. VW VR6 24V Eurovan front clip powered class C 21' RV.
Some BMWs.

[kguarnotta]

Wow - that is a great idea - but I literally just went for the 120 Ah battery...I have no idea on the logisitics of such a set up, but it sounds like a great idea. I'm sure some one smarter than me will have a real opinion on that...
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-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[baltik]

[inorganic]

Has anybody ordered batteries lately? Most of the links in this thread are no longer, when you search for LIPO batteries the results are endless and I am just not that educated about what to look out for when choosing (out side of the measurements to fit in the driver seat, non-swivel).

If you have a fresh link - please share!
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'86 SYNCRO Weekender

[inorganic]

Thank you for sharing this, your work has really opened the door to getting >100 Ah within the driver seat. A few questions,

1. Do you mind sharing the info of the solar set you have.

2. Does the ElectroDacus also charge the Starter Lead Acid battery with Solar too or does the solar strictly charge the LiPO4 battery.

3. Did you put an MPPT in aswell? Where would that go on your wiring diagram?

4. Now that you've had the set up in the van for >1 year - have you had any issues? what would you change?

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[sdenis]