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Replacing the 2019 Lead Acid batteries in my T@B 400 with new Li batteries

LeatonLeaton Member Posts: 13
in Battery/Electrical & Solar
The lead acid batteries weigh about 65 pounds, any tricks or advice on lifting those beasts out of the battery box.  I was thinking two of us and a strong pole threaded through the battery handles might work.  I will definitely remove the battery cables and the L-bracket side clam at the base of the battery box before trying to lift.  I know the T@B 400 conductor module will work to recharge the Li batteries, per NuCamp.  Thanks. Larry
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  • LeatonLeaton Member Posts: 13
    Actually, that was converter not conductor.  Sorry.  LE
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  • pthomas745pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,331
    You might want to check the converter yourself, since the new versions of "lithium compatible" converters I think came online a bit after the 2019 model year.  Look for the model number of the converter: if the model number of the converter ends in "LiS", that means it has a "lithium switch" that simply needs to be in the right position to "properly" charge a lithium battery.  If it ends in "AD", that means the converter has an "Auto Detect" circuit that will charge a lithium battery "properly".  (There are many complaints about how the WFCO's don't work well in some cases).  The "stock" converter will charge a lithium battery, but "only" to about 85 percent.
    Depending on your solar setup, the solar controller will have to be set to charge a lithium battery.

    To get the batteries out:  The pole will be helpful.  Maybe a couple of cargo straps of some sort worked under the battery to help with the lift out?
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • LeatonLeaton Member Posts: 13
    Thank you. I will check the converter module which from what I learned is in the fuse bank under the bench, and that I would need to unscrew the front plate and the control module should be obvious.   NuCamp said I could install a new WFCO module for Li, but its $400.  They said the current module would charge to about 90-95%.  How do I evaluate the solar controller and where is that located?  Should I call NuCamp?  Regards, Larry
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  • qhumberdqhumberd Administrator, Moderator Posts: 676
    edited October 16
    I have a 2019 400 and recently replaced my AGM 6 V Harris batteries. If yours is like mine the batteries are near the cargo door.

    Access by removing the bed panel under the TV is crucial. This panel is hinged and has 4 small square head screws. With this panel out and the middle panel lifted or out reaching the batteries is much easier and a lift of one at a time was not as difficult as I had thought.

    I picked a 230 amp hour LiTime and it fit great with some room on the end to accommodate a small LiTime charger.

    Depending on your frig option you might have an AC 20 amp plug right nearby, with is for the microwave and frig on shore power. I use this for my lithium charger with battery off and didn’t fool with my WFCO at all. I also have portable solar with a lithium setting that can fully charge the battery.

    It was such an easy switch, not sure why I delayed so long except the lithium batteries are very affordable now.

    See some pics in this thread

    2019  T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"

    2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Crew Cab
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  • pthomas745pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,331
    The little converter door is a "press to open".  Give it a quick press there in the top middle, and the door will pop open.  
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • RCBRCB Member Posts: 226
    Went thru the Li change in July in my 2019 - 400. 
    1. Turned batt switch OFF then disconnected the two 6v AGM. slide them one at a time, so centred on the middle hinged panel.
    2. Set the Solar Controller to Maintenance Off BEFORE disconnecting the batteries and back on AFTER connecting the new. Adjust bulk and float voltages etc or switch to Lithium Battery default.
    2. Lifted them up and onto the floor opposite the fridge one at a time.  First a small test lift and found the weight manageable. With the built in handles on the AGMs you use both hands. You are on your knees so less stress on your back. (Mine is 81 yrs old)
    3. The hardest part was getting the vinyl battery cover unscrewed and out of the way. I reused it to cover the two new Li batteries. Stuffed a plastic bag up the vent tube and left it and outside vent cover in place.
    4. Reused the original charging system and top up to 100% with the solar panels. It works well.
    5. The bluetooth BMS is great. You can check the charge status, charge rate, outgoing watts, voltage of the battery or cell by cell etc.
    6. All in all an easier change over than expected.
    400 - 2019
    St Catharines, ON
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