Lithionics Lithium Battery Drop In & Upgrade To Full Coach Operation!

SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
After detailing, all the things you need to know and consider in creating your plan for adding Lithium batteries and increasing your inverter capability, in this thread, Where Do You Start for a Lithium Battery and Coach Electrical Upgrade?

https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/93361/

I've decided to replace my 2--AGM batteries (replaced my original Flooded wet cell batteries) located in the standard step located battery boxes found in Leisure Travel Vans. My top criteria for selecting a Lithium battery was to get the most power capacity per cubic inch of my step located battery box. I wanted a smart battery, that could protect itself if I did something wrong in using or maintaining it. I wanted a battery that had a heater or an easy way to put it in storage mode for the below freezing days we experience here in South Carolina. Most of all I wanted a battery that I don't have to worry about, as I do now!

I chose the Lithionics 315ah Battery (GTX12V315A-E2107-CS200) for my step batteries replacement. The Lithonics 12v315GTX is a single large 315ah battery that certainly maximizes the amp hour per cubic inch capacity of a Leisure step box (see picture of one in a 2020 Leisure Unity step box). It nearly fills the step box space, giving me the ability to safely use 90% of the 315ah, that's about 285ah of usable power. This nearly triples the amount of battery power I have now!

Couple this with the fact that the Lithonics battery has up to 250a continous charge/discharge current and a higher discharge surge rate, meaning it can handle heavy load surges like when the air conditioner compressor turns on. It can supply the entire coach operations once I add a 3000w Inverter and a Micro-Air EasyStart to the air conditioner (which I have already done, post #14, https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/73240/#po). Remarkable, just what I was looking for!

The Lithionics battery also has an Advanced Smart Internal Battery Monitoring System, with Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth® App Support) that provides a NeverDie Power Reserve, High and Low Voltage Cutoff, High and Low Temperature Cutoff, and Short Circuit Protection. So this Lithionics battery can take care of itself, certainly adding to the overall life of the battery. The Lithionics warranty says, "The battery will be free from manufacturing defects for a period of 5 years. Also, when used correctly, Lithionics Battery warrants the battery to deliver a minimum of 2,000 cycles at full depth-of-discharge or up to 6,000 cycles." Do the math, that’s over 16 years if you use your Lithionics battery everyday of the year, which I don't! Certainly, this Lithionics battery will be the last house battery I buy for my Leisure ownership and very probably the last for the Life of my Unity!

Lastly, the Lithionics battery can take care of itself in freezing temperatures! It has an Internal Battery Heater that uses 1a/hour to maintain the Battery temperature between 35-40° F, so it can continue to safely charge. I like this because when I park my Leisure for the winter I rely on my solar system to maintain my batteries and we do have periods of temperatures below freezing where I live in South Carolina. So the Lithionics internal heater is something my solar system can easily support and still keep my batteries fully charged. With the Lithionics Battery switch on the battery itself, I also have the option to simply turn it on or off. This certainly gives me a second storage option as well as the switch makes it very easy to work on my Leisure. Sometimes I need to have the 12vdc power to be completely off, which in the past required me to disconnect the batteries. Now I can just press the on/off switch on the battery itself to shut off the house battery power! LOVE IT!

Another step box batteries replacement option is the newly released Lithionics 125ah (12V125A-G31-5CND) direct replacement battery for your Flooded Wet Cell or AGM deep cycle batteries. It is 25% smaller, only weighs 33lbs, and is priced competitively with manufacturers of small 100ah Lithium batteries. This new Lithionics 125ah Group 31 sized Lithium battery is an excellent, extra capacity battery choice replacing your current dual 6v batteries, given all the features as follows:

-250 amp hours (225 ah usable power) in the same space as your old step located batteries, which allows for 90% usage (10%SOC),
so more amp hours available to support the entire coach.
-25% smaller than a Flooded Wet Cell or AGM deep cycle battery, and only weighs 33lbs each.
-Fits perfectly in your step located battery box with no modifications required (see the picture where a Leisure Wonder owner installed them).
-Convenient On-off LED control switch right on the top face of the Battery.
-Remote control switch port
-Bluetooth APP and Diagnostics
-Excellent Bluetooth Connectivity Internal Battery Monitor, so no need for extra external battery monitors.
-Engine cranking capabilities....works with a battery boost switch.
-The NeverDie Power Reserve, High and Low Voltage Cutoff, High and Low Temperature Cutoff, Short Circuit Protection,
Bluetooth® App Support
-Marine Grade Plastic Case

Lithionics is working on adding an optional Heater kit and a new remote hard-wired state of charger meter/display. So this new Lithionics 12V125A-G31-5CND has nearly all the features of the more expensive 315ah battery, but at a third of the price. Contact Lithionics for more information or to ask about the Special Pricing for Leisure owners. If your top criteria of a battery is to get the most power capacity per cubic inch of your step located battery box, then look to Lithionics Lithium batteries to deliver!

My new Lithionics 315ah (GTX12V315A-E2107-CS200) battery is being delivered tomorrow so it's time for me to get on with my own installation of a Lithionics Premium Lithium Battery, Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 3000w Inverter with Bluetooth Remote Control Panel, Sterling 30a DC-DC charger, and adding 2-100w solar panels to my current 200w solar power system.
 

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SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
I've broken my project into 3 distinct parts, the solar expansion, the Sterling 30a DC-DC charger (given to me or I probably would have selected something different), and the Xantrex Freedom 3000 Inverter/full coach powered operations. But I can certainly envision the Xantrex Freedom 3000 Inverter/full coach powered operations element to be broken into 2 more pieces, with individual focus on the 12vdc and the 120vac installation particulars. The installation of the Xantrex inverter and connection to the Lithionics battery, and then the new 120vac wiring required to connect the Xantrex into the house for full coach operation, including the air conditioner.

I selected the Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 12v 3000w inverter/charger with the optional Bluetooth Remote Panel, because the Xantrex 3000w is the smallest advanced pass-through inverter/charger on the market. It is just 16"L x 5"h x 12"w and particularly important is that it's only 5" thick, pretty slim! I didn't want to loose a lot of precious storage space to a new inverter, since it needs to be less than 5 feet from the Lithionics battery. The Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 3000 is simpler to program, a smaller foot print, and a highly capable pass-through Inverter/Charger. I really like that Lithionics and Xantrex have partnered together and as such Xantrex uploaded the Lithionics Lithium battery charge profile into the Xantrex, so its super easy to program the Xantrex for a Lithionics battery (the Xantrex LFP Setting). I like the very simple on/off button and availability of the most used settings. That makes it very easy to select inverting the battery to 120vac and/or using the battery charging feature when on Shore/Generator power.


I also like the simple Xantrex Remote Bluetooth Display/Control panel that you can add and install anywhere convenient. The Xantrex Bluetooth App offers lots of advanced features to monitor your power and battery. So whether I want the extensive displays and information the Xantrex Bluetooth App offers or just the simplicity of an actual display with ease of accessing the most used features, the Xantrex Freedom XC Pro gives me both. Since the Lithionics battery has such an advanced internal battery monitoring system with bluetooth connectivity, I realized pairing it with a smaller sized, more intuitive/simplistic inverter made the most sense. They will complement each other nicely, and I will install the Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 12v 3000w Inverter similar to the way Leisure mounts the Xantrex Freedom 12v 2000w inverter in the newer models. I like that I won't loose that much space from my outside compartment next to the door.

 
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lvuman

Active member
As a huge fan of Lithionics batteries, I think one of the neat things about the Xantrex is that their Lithium setting is preprogrammed to the suggested settings and health of a Lithioninics battery. Programming would have been easy-peasy for my installation had a Xantrex Freedom CX Pro 3000w been available when I started my lithium upgrade. They were totally sold out at the time and the wait would have been at least 30 days.
 

SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
Lithionics gave me an installation guide they created for a Lithionics single battery, Xantrex 2000w inverter (they didn't have a guide that covered the Xantrex 3000w) and Sterling DC-DC charger, just to understand how everything interconnected. I studied the Xantrex 3000w User manual and identified its installation requirements. I then compared the information from the Lithionics guide and Xantrex 3000w User Manual to create my wiring diagrams to meet the various installation requirements.

Here are my preliminary wiring diagrams, which I will keep updated throughout the installation and pretty up in my final presentation. Also, I've added my parts list of all the stuff I ordered. I'm only listing the stuff I've ordered, not all the supplies I already have on hand in my garage from previous projects or any supplies I may purchase locally throughout the project. I will try to identify those items as I perform the installations. I've ordered more things than I need, particularly from Amazon, because returns are easy for anything I don't end up using. I usually keep most things because I'll probably use it on other projects. I hate to get into a job and then not have the right stuff on hand. I'll try to identify the items I use so an actual parts list is better defined by the end.

My goal is to not only complete my upgrade projects, but to create a guide so others can replicate my success! In my way of thinking the two hardest elements of any project is identifying the best components and then deciding if you can Do It Yourself! Of course seeing what others choose and how they perform their own work certainly helps build one's confidence and shortens the learning curve!

Parts list:
  1. Lithionics GTX12V315A-E2107-CS200 Battery
  2. Xantrex Freedom XC PPro 12v-3000w Inverter/Charger with Bluetooth Remote Display/Controller
  3. Blue Sea 30a AC Main #8077, https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=1324806
  4. ¼" x 20 Stainless Steel Machine Screws, https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-20-x-1...&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&redirect=mobile
  5. ¼" x 20 Stainless Steel Hex Nuts https://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-...&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&redirect=mobile
  6. ¼" Stainless Steel Split Lock Washers, https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-Stainl...&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&redirect=mobile
  7. 5952 VHB Tape 2"×15ft roll, https://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-2-x-15-...&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&redirect=mobile
  8. Dicor - 551LSW-12 White Non-Sag Roof Lap Sealant https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YJLIW8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  9. TEMCo Wire and Cable Cutter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJWTBYS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  10. TEMCo TH0020 Lug Crimper Tool, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJYY5GA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  11. Jokari 10270 Secura Cable Stripping Knife, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BMUDIGA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  12. ABS Plastic Sheet 12 X 12 X 1/8-Inch, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007WTF02/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  13. Copper Flat Bar 1/4" x 1" x 12", https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LDH6HJG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  14. Renogy Solar Panel 2pcs 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline, Compact Design, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JXYTFF7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  15. BougeRV 12 PCS Solar Panel Cable Connectors- 6 Pairs Male/Female, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073TX1N5Q/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  16. Renogy 2 Sets Solar Panel Mounting Z Brackets, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W49ZPPK/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  17. Lawrence Marine Duplex Tinned Marine Wire (25 Foot, 8/2 AWG Red/Black) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MI5NOCG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  18. 4awg Red + Black Copper Cables, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F32MS22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  19. 2- T Tocas 50 A Circuit Breaker amp breakers/Switch (¼" studs, 12v-72vDC), https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F76VJKQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  20. 2- T Tocas Hi-Amp Waterproof 50A Circuit Breaker, 12V- 48VDC, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075K7BMLH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  21. T Tocas 30 A Surface-Mount Circuit Breaker, 3/8" stud, 12V- 72VDC, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08214H96B/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  22. SELTERM UL Listed Heavy Duty Wire Lug 4awg ¼ eyelet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073Y7R8LL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  23. SELTERM UL Listed Heavy Duty Wire Lugs, 8awg x ⅜" eyelet, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073Y9NMK7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  24. SELTERM UL Listed Heavy Duty Wire Lugs, 8awg x 1/4" eyelet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073Y7R8LL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  25. SELTERM UL Listed Marine Grade Wire Lug 2/0 and 1/4 eyelet, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085CC3Q5X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  26. SELTERM UL Listed Marine Grade Wire Lug 2/0 and ⅜ eyelet, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073FDZZLC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  27. SELTERM UL Listed Marine Grade Wire Lug 2/0 and 5/16 eyelet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073FDSD64/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  28. SELTERM UL Listed Marine Grade Wire Lug 4/0 and 5/16 eyelet, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073FD8ZDR/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  29. SELTERM UL Listed Marine Grade Wire Lug 4/0 and 3/8 eyelet, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073FD7LPB/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  30. SELTERM UL Listed Marine Grade Wire Lug 4/0 and 1/4 eyelet, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085CBS4GD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  31. UL Listed Copper Wire Lugs,Battery Cable Terminal connectors , https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MJB21XR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  32. 2- BEP 777-BB4S-500 Marinco Power Products 500A 4 Stud Buss Bar, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GLL3TT6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  33. Blue Sea Systems Class T Fuse Block, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VJ03LA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  34. Blue Sea Systems Class T Fuse 350a, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F32MS22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  35. Blue Sea Systems 350 amp E- Series Battery Switch , https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F32MS22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  36. Solarson 20 Pack 3/4 Inch Stainless Steel Cable Clamp,3/4 rubber clamp, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VTPNX3Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  37. 2 Pack 1 inch Heat Shrink Tubing, 3:1 Adhesive-Lined Large Heat Wire, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PP64LQ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  38. WNI 2/0 Gauge 5 Feet Black 2/0 AWG Ultra Flexible Welding Copper Cable, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F32MS22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  39. WNI 2/0 Gauge 10 Feet Black 2/0 AWG Ultra Flexible Welding Copper Cable, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KBD88R4/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  40. TEMCo WC0340-20' (10' Blk, 10' Red) 4/0 Gauge AWG, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIB5Y4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 

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SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
The Sterling DC-DC charger instructions require at least a 50a circuit breaker/fuse on both sides of it's installation. I am using 50a circuit breakers. The diagram for replacement of the Isolator Solenoid and Isolator Relay Delay (under the passenger seat) with a Sterling (BB1230) 30a DC-DC charger was created with the feedback from others on the conflict issues between the Sterling and Trik-L-Start in mind. For me it is a must to have chassis battery trickle charging from the house battery charging sources. I have to store my Unity away from my house and I don't have access to power at this location. I don't want to frequently use the chassis battery disconnect at the accelerator pedal because it's not convenient and I don't think it's healthy on the Mercedes system to use that as a routine battery disconnect option. So I plan on following the Sterling (V69 Software) instructions to try and put it in Pure ignition mode. This is important because what appears to be the source of the conflict issue is that the Sterling's default settings keep the Sterling just asleep versus actually off when the ignition is off. Consequently, it is looking for a Battery In (chassis battery cable) voltage to wake it up, even when the ignition is off and you have it wired for Mode 2. So what happens after you switch the Mercedes off and walk away, later the Trik-L-Start senses the chassis battery needs charged and it sends 13.2-13.5v from the house battery charging source to the Battery In - chassis battery cable to charge the chassis battery, which makes the Sterling come on because it can't tell the difference between and ignition voltage signal or a just topping off the chassis battery voltage and tries to start charging the house batteries from the chassis battery. This do loop behavior is problematic because it may drain the chassis battery or house battery or both while stored. Putting the Sterling in Pure Ignition Mode should resolve the conflict. But, I'm adding a switch to both the Trik-L-Start blue (chassis) and yellow (house) connection wires to be able to completely isolate it if needed.

Sometime ago, I replaced my Isolator Solenoid and Isolator Relay Delay (under the passenger seat) with a BlueSea ML-ACR. The BlueSea ML-ACR is an automatic relay that joins the house and Chassis batteries, which worked well to allow my AGM house batteries to join my AGM chassis battery and charge both batteries from any source charging the house batteries. But joining mixed chemistry batteries isn't good because AGM batteries are very sensitive to overcharging, which is exactly what will happen to the AGM chassis battery if it is joined with a Lithium battery while it's being charged. The BlueSea ML-ACR also has a remote switch, which can be used to manually join the house batteries with the chassis battery for an emergency, if the chassis battery is found drained. So I am installing the BlueSea ML-ACR so I can manually join the Lithionics Lithium 315ah house battery to the chassis battery, so I can use the more powerful Xantrex charger to recharge the chassis battery if I find it depleted for some reason. I would use the 50a circuit breakers and Trik-L-Start switches to completely isolate the Sterling and Trik-L-Start, and then use the BlueSea ML-ACR Remote switch to join the batteries for emergency charging of the chassis battery. I like options to address unforeseen events and I just hated the idea of shelving my BlueSeaML-ACR!
 

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SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
I'm going to be following my original 200w Renogy Solar panel installation method to add 2 more Renogy Compact 100w solar panels. I still have enough 4" x 6" x 1/4" aluminum plates from my first solar installation to make more mounting plates for the new panels. I don't plan on covering these with Eternabond tape as I did my first install, rather I just plan on sealing the aluminum plate/tape edge with Dicor non-sag sealant. I will wire 2 panels in 2 pairs in series, and then those 2 pairs in parallel. This 4 -100w panel configuration output will be around 34v and 12a to my Victron 100/30 Smart Solar Controller.
 

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SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
I got my beautiful new Lithionics 315ah battery (GTX12V315A-E2107-CS200) yesterday! You really have to see it to realize what high quality it is. It's definitely packaged well. I also got my Xantrex XC Pro 3000w Inverter and Remote Display/Controller. I'll be getting on with my installation next week, it's supposed to warm up more and no rain!
 

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SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
I've already added the Micro-Air Easy-Start (https://www.microair.net/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners) to my Dometic Penguin ll air conditioner/heat pump and here is the guide I created to make it easy for others to complete. The installation is the same whether you have a 13,500 btu or 15,000 btu Dometic Penguin ll AC/heat pump unit. You need to add the Easy-Start because it dampens the compressor amp spike when the compressor kicks on, so the EasyStart will make it much easier for a 3000w Inverter to run the AC while you are using the other items in the coach at the same time.
 

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Danarbor

2017/2018 Unity Twin Bed
I've already added the Micro-Air Easy-Start (https://www.microair.net/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners) to my Dometic Penguin ll air conditioner/heat pump and here is the guide I created to make it easy for others to complete. The installation is the same whether you have a 13,500 btu or 15,000 btu Dometic Penguin ll AC/heat pump unit. You need to add the Easy-Start because it dampens the compressor amp spike when the compressor kicks on, so the EasyStart will make it much easier for a 3000w Inverter to run the AC while you are using the other items in the coach at the same time.
Thank you for posting your excellent tutorial on installing the Micro-Air Easy-Start, SSTraveler. The only thing that would make it easier for someone installing the Micro-Air Easy-Start is if you did it for them! :cool:
 

SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
Here are some great resources to help you get ready for the real work on this project. Nate from Explorist Life Video Series--How To Training for RV Solar & Electrical, https://youtube.com/c/EXPLORISTlife

"Solar Panel Wiring vs Volts and Amps"

Ray with Love Your RV, "Building Custom RV Battery/Inverter Cables - Tips & Advice"

RV with Tito, "How to Assemble MC4 Solar PV Cables"

"Will Prowse's Favorite Electrical Tools! For DIY Solar Projects"

"Electricity Explained: Volts, Amps, Watts, Fuse Sizing, Wire Gauge, AC/DC, Solar Power"
 

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SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
Here are tools I bought previously for my RV Projects:

IWISS AP-50BI Cable Crimper for Copper Cable Lugs from 8-2AWG

BougeRV Solar Connectors Crimper Tool Kit for 10/11/12/13 AWG Solar Panel Wire 6 Pairs Solar Panels Connector Male Female and 1 Pair Solar Connector Spanner Assembly Tools

CO-Z 5pcs Hss Cobalt Multiple Hole 50 Sizes Step Drill Bit Set with Aluminum Case

IRWIN Drill Bit Set, Cobalt, 15-Piece (316015)

Tooluxe 10055L Titanium Coated Hex Shank Drill Bit Set, 30 Piece | Quick Change Design | 1/16" - 1/2"

Bosch CST1 1/2 In. Titanium-Coated Countersink

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper, Self-Adjusting, 8-Inch (2078300)

Hole Saw Kit, Tacklife 16 Pieces 3/4’’-5’’ Full Set in Case with Mandrels, Hex Key and Install Plate for Soft Wood, PVC Board and Plastic Plate Drilling, Hardened High Carbon Steel - PHS01C

Capri Tools 20011 Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter

5952 VHB Adhesive Sheets (8"×12")

Flat US Plug AC 80-300V LCD Digital Voltmeter Voltage Measuring Monitor, AC 110V 220V Voltage Panel
 
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Danarbor

2017/2018 Unity Twin Bed
"How To Crimp Wire Lugs & Ring Terminals on 4/0 - 22 AWG Wire"

"How to Crimp Various Electrical Wires: Beginner and Expert Tutorial"
SSTraveler, it's really great that you seek out these YouTube video clips to share with the forum as well as sharing your various tutorials on everything from solar installation to Micro-Air Easy-Start installation etc, etc, etc. However, wouldn't it be easier for you to just start your own YouTube channel. I for one would not hesitate to click on that "subscribe button"! :cool:
 

TwoClinks

2016 Unity TB
I notice that no one ever shares how much they spend on these "over the top" power modifications. It seems like a status symbol as to how much power you can create, store, and use to boondock. Each out doing another. The complexity, weight, and expense goes up...up...up. To camp in the trees? I still have my 2016 OEM Interstate wet batteries that allow me to dry camp with practiced conservation. I was interested in an upgrade until I learned that a Lithionics GTX battery is priced at $4500.00. Since I don't full time RV, it seems foolish.
 

TwoClinks

2016 Unity TB
Thanks blue. I missed that mod which gave me some additional sticker shock. Perhaps someday I'll splurge and purchase a couple of BB heated Lithium batteries and a appropriate charger.
 

treemaze

2020 Unity MB
I agree with TwoClinks that added complexity isn't good. When I'm camping I don't want to be fiddling with electronics. After my battery upgrade I don't think about managing energy use nearly as much as I did with the factory AGMs, so it seems simpler than before. My installation and cost were similar to lvuman's, and sometimes I rationalize the cost by figuring that it wasn't any more than LTV's upgrades for diesel generator, 400W solar, and lithium batteries (none of which I ordered). Some of that gets a solar tax credit too.
 
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SSTraveler

2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
The decision process people use to decide on how to spend their hard earned money widely varies, but it boils down to wants or needs. Certainly, when I decided to buy a Leisure Travel Van it was a want that I wanted to fulfill. Were their less expensive RV options most certainly, but I felt the Leisure Unity was the best and it best fulfilled my want list. I never start problem solving or desired outcome considerations with cost, because I don't want to start out with a limitation that may block finding the best solution/outcome. Of course we don't need most of the stuff we have added or modified our Unity's with, but still we come to this Forum to read about what others are doing or post our own experiences in our quest to try and make our Unity's the most comfortable and easy to use. Certainly, these Threads/Posts are based on each individuals perspective. Some perspectives resonate with a few members and some with many, even thousands!

If you sort this Unity Section of the Forum by Views then you see the topics that resonate with the Most People. Interestingly enough the Thread titled "Convenience Modifications to Unity" is the number one most viewed topic with over 121,000 views! Next are the Thread titles for the ensuing Most Viewed Threads; "Replacing OEM batteries with LiFePO4's" (81,000 views), Suspension upgrades to improve handling in gusty winds (73,000 views), WiFi & Cell Phone Boosters (65,000 views), Trickle Charger for Sprinter Batteries (47,000 views), Biodiesel (34,000 views), Best Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (30,000 views), Dometic Fridge Poll (29,000 views), Unity Electrical Upgrade (27,000 views), Unity After Market Must Haves (25,000 views), Possible replacements for Dometic RML 8555 fridge (23,000 views), I Got Leveled By Equalizer Systems! (23,000 Views), "Normal" temp for Fridge? (22,000 views), and the list goes on in descending order. Whether Unity owners are happy using their Unity exactly as Leisure configured it or they are happy continuing to invest in modifications to their Unity makes no difference. The Key Word is HAPPY. I definitely did not need to upgrade to Lithium batteries, but I am happy in doing it and it makes me happier when I use it!

The Lithionics GTX12V315A-E2107-CS200 Battery retails for about $4500, the Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 3000w Inverter with Bluetooth panel retails for about $1500, but I contacted Lithionics directly and asked for the Leisure Travel Van Owner Special Pricing and got a very nice savings ordering directly from Lithionics. I've spent about $1500 on the rest of the items I need to complete my project as referenced above. So you can estimate at the very most that the project I'm detailing in this Thread can cost as much as $7500.

I agree with Treemaze, "I rationalize the cost by figuring that it wasn't any more than LTV's upgrades" The following are the Leisure options and cost if you built out a Unity today, Aluminum Wheels $2815, 200w Solar $1476, 400w Solar $2951, Dragonfly Lithium Batteries $3770, Diesel Generator $8034, LP Generator $4420, 4 point Leveling $2678, Leisure Lounge + $2678, Macerator $832, Safe $403 and the list goes on. I know I am getting overall, much better upgrades doing them myself on my 2014 Unity!
 
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DiverBob

2018 Unity TB
I would add on that for some of us the upgrades are a form of entertainment, we enjoy making modifications to all our ‘toys’. It’s a challenge and a project that when completed makes traveling more fun. Its not about the amount of money it costs or potential return on our investment, I don’t have any plans on selling our LTV before it has lots of miles on it or I can’t travel anymore.
 

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