Battery (s) setup recommendation

[Picaroto]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and looking to the experts for recommendations.
I have made a deposit on a 2023 Reflection 150 260RD and don't have an expected delivery date yet. I'm not new to RV life as I've been a travel trailer owner for the past 19 years, but all this new tech has my head spinning

My main concern right now is with regards to the 12V 16cuft fridge power consumption and having enough power to support it when dry camping and while towing.
The 260RD will come with 370W Solar. I also have a Honda 3000 EU generator.
I like the idea of using LifePO4 batteries (what size and how many?) (Cost conscious). Does the 260RD come with the appropriate charger (auto detect) for lithium?

The 260RD also comes prep'd for Inverter which I'd love to setup so that we can charge devices, run the coffee maker in the morning, watch TV, etc. I'm having a hard time figuring out this setup based on forum search. I'm thinking a 2000W Pure Sine wave inverter. I believe I would need a Transfer switch so that that it will automatically sense shore power when plugged in (recommendations please).

I would greatly appreciate feedback on what you would recommend for a setup that is cost conscious and at the same time keep me from having to wake up due to alarms going off

Note that I have searched this forum and read many posts but I'm still not clear on my specific setup.

[howson]

The 260RD will come with 370W Solar. I also have a Honda 3000 EU generator. I like the idea of using LifePO4 batteries (what size and how many?) (Cost conscious).

As many as your budget can stand--three 100aH is the minimum (based on your desire to have an inverter).

Does the 260RD come with the appropriate charger (auto detect) for lithium?

Maybe (most likely "yes")--but if you're getting an 2000W inverter get a combined inverter/charger to take full advantage of the charging ability of a lithium battery. See TucsonJim 's and other inputs on this very topic in a recent thread here: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/solar/9...tery#post95638

The 260RD also comes prep'd for Inverter which I'd love to setup so that we can charge devices, run the coffee maker in the morning, watch TV, etc. I'm having a hard time figuring out this setup based on forum search. I'm thinking a 2000W Pure Sine wave inverter. I believe I would need a Transfer switch so that that it will automatically sense shore power when plugged in (recommendations please).

As I've often recommended, spend $5 and get Will Prowse' Mobile Power Made Easy book at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Solar-.../dp/1546567119

Read and read it again until it all makes sense. All of info in the book is on the internet, but having it in one concise bound book is the way to go (IMHO).

For recommendations on specific components, I'll always point to Victron (but it's not for the cost conscious). Will has hardware recommendations here: https://www.mobile-solarpower.com/

Howard

[howson]

Picaroto -- also see this very recent thread (just started reading it after responding to your query): https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...sion#post95639

[Country Campers]

I would recommend 2 SOK 206 ah batteries, or the Lion Energy UT1300, a Victron Multilplus 2, this does everything all by itself. Getting a stand alone inverter, transfer switch and all of the wiring the Multiplus is just easier, a little pricey but worth it when if performs when asked, it also has a built in charger/converter that is lithium compatible. I have just recently completed this setup with the Lion batteries and it is great to not have to think about anything. Add a DC-DC charger as well.

Brian

[acoleman43]

Picaroto I was going to give some recommendations until I read this:

I would greatly appreciate feedback on what you would recommend for a setup that is cost conscious and at the same time keep me from having to wake up due to alarms going off

cost conscious?? I have nothing to offer

[Jlawles2]

By the time you add in all of the components, wiring, and time, the Multiplus is probably closer than you think in price. And the "MY TIME IS FREE" is smoke and mirrors. There are other things to be doing besides crawled up in a shoebox making all the wiring up.

[Yoda]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and looking to the experts for recommendations.
I have made a deposit on a 2023 Reflection 150 260RD and don't have an expected delivery date yet. I'm not new to RV life as I've been a travel trailer owner for the past 19 years, but all this new tech has my head spinning

My main concern right now is with regards to the 12V 16cuft fridge power consumption and having enough power to support it when dry camping and while towing.
The 260RD will come with 370W Solar. I also have a Honda 3000 EU generator.
I like the idea of using LifePO4 batteries (what size and how many?) (Cost conscious). Does the 260RD come with the appropriate charger (auto detect) for lithium?

The 260RD also comes prep'd for Inverter which I'd love to setup so that we can charge devices, run the coffee maker in the morning, watch TV, etc. I'm having a hard time figuring out this setup based on forum search. I'm thinking a 2000W Pure Sine wave inverter. I believe I would need a Transfer switch so that that it will automatically sense shore power when plugged in (recommendations please).

I would greatly appreciate feedback on what you would recommend for a setup that is cost conscious and at the same time keep me from having to wake up due to alarms going off

Note that I have searched this forum and read many posts but I'm still not clear on my specific setup.

Do yourself a huge favor and get the Victron Munliplus II for you 50A service as Brian Country Campers recommends, including the 2 - 206AH SOK batterys https://www.victronenergy.com/invert...lus-ii-2x-120v
It simplifies the wiring. Take shore power to it, and RV power from it to the distribution center and wire in the batterys and your done. I am currently running 4-6V Crown 260AH batterys, but will be going to the 206AH or better SOK when they wear out Prices keep doping.

I had tried to part it together, but learned the hard way the Victron is the only way to go.

I have the Cerbo GX and touch 50 screen to monitor and partially program program it along with the BMV 712 battery monitor, but I believe a smart shunt will work and you use the touch 50 screen to monitor then,
https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-...oring/cerbo-gx
https://www.victronenergy.com/access...-50-wall-mount
https://www.victronenergy.com/access...erface-mk3-usb You need this to fully program the multiples using a laptop
https://www.victronenergy.com/batter...-battery-shunt You need this for for battery monitoring

There may be better ways, different equipment and packages to do this - the experts will be along shortly

If you add solar consider a properly sized Victorn MPPT unit https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-charge-controllers Which unit you need will depend pon the solar panels you get.

Also with Black Friday cumming up there will be very good sales 15% to 25% off so shop around. Many of the venders also do package dealsAlso most all of the Victron equipment can be coupled together (Cerbo GX and it will communicate with a smart phone. The accessories page now shows some new communication equipment https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories

Also a DC-DC charger for travel days is also a good investment. I would recommend that be your first addition after the SOK batterys

Good luck on your decision
Keith

On edit welcome to the Forum

[acoleman43]

In support of the multiplus and Victron from many posts above...I am also a Victron fan. They are not cheap but are very good quality, work exactly as they should, and are very flexible. If you get any of the Victron "smart" equipment they are Bluetooth enabled and can be seen and controlled via the Victron Connect cell phone app.

I also agree with Howson and recommend Will Prowse' Mobile Power Made Easy book. Well worth the few money. In fact, I would get the book and read through it before you invest in anything else. It may help you decide which way to go and save you a lot of money, time and frustration.