Switching to Lithium Batteries? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your RV’s Converter

Welcome to another edition of Todd’s 2-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by Big Beard Battery! If you’re considering upgrading to lithium batteries in your RV, one of the most critical components to address is your converter. Let’s break down what you need to know to make a smooth transition.

What Does an RV Converter Do?

Your RV’s converter takes 120V AC power and converts it into 12V DC power to charge your battery and run low-voltage appliances. Most RVs come equipped with converters designed for lead-acid batteries, which charge at a lower voltage than lithium batteries. This is where the issue begins when switching to lithium.

Lead-Acid vs. Lithium Charging Needs

Lead-acid batteries are fully charged at 12.7V and require a charge voltage of around 13.2V – 13.6V to overcome internal resistance.
Lithium batteries, such as those from Big Beard Battery, reach full charge at 14.6V, though we recommend charging at 14.4V to maximize longevity.

If your existing converter is only pushing 13.2V – 13.6V, it won’t be able to fully charge a lithium battery, meaning you won’t get the full performance benefits of your upgrade. Instead, your lithium battery will push back harder than your converter can handle, creating an inefficient charging process.

Do You Need a New Converter for Lithium Batteries?

The short answer: Yes! If your existing converter isn’t designed for lithium batteries, you should upgrade to one that is.

Options for Charging Lithium Batteries

1. Inverter/Charger Combination

An inverter/charger is a dual-purpose device that:

Converts DC power to AC when off-grid.
Charges your lithium batteries with the correct voltage.
Allows you to program the charge settings to ensure optimal performance.

2. Standalone Lithium-Compatible Converter

A standalone lithium battery charger like the Victron IP22 Smart Charger is another great option. This unit is:

Plug-and-play: Simply swap out your old converter and replace it with this one.
Configurable for lithium batteries: You can program the voltage settings to match the needs of your new battery.
Easy to install: It features standard power connections and battery terminals, making the upgrade process straightforward.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Charger for Your Lithium Batteries

Switching to lithium batteries offers significant performance benefits, but you need the right charging equipment to make the most of your upgrade. If you’re looking for a simple solution, consider a lithium-compatible standalone charger. For a more robust option, an inverter/charger combo can handle both power conversion and charging needs.

Have questions about your RV battery setup? Check out Big Beard Battery for high-quality lithium solutions and expert advice!

Stay powered up, and see you next Tuesday for another tech tip!