Main Battery Upgrade to Lithium

[George Perry - MB]

I got a different form factor to work in my 2012 LR4.
But charging profiles with OEM alternator is problematic.
Need technical advice, please.
Local mechanics not helpful. ChatGPT offers a 250A high-output Alternator from Nations - but waiting on feedback from bolting and fitting. Wakespeed WS500 Pro Alternator Regulator?
Went from a 94R/H7 to GRP 24 DL+12V-135Ah DP.

 

[djkaosone]

The charging profiles are completely different. Long story short, you can't do that.

However, you can add a lithium battery as a secondary battery with a dc-dc charger. Lithium batteries are sensitive to temperature as well, so be aware. Heat and freezing temps **** lithiums. Most people have their lithium batteries somewhere in the cab, doesn't matter what kind of car, truck, suv, etc.

 

[CRYA]

The charging profiles are completely different. Long story short, you can't do that.

However, you can add a lithium battery as a secondary battery with a dc-dc charger. Lithium batteries are sensitive to temperature as well, so be aware. Heat and freezing temps **** lithiums. Most people have their lithium batteries somewhere in the cab, doesn't matter what kind of car, truck, suv, etc.

Agreed. There's a reason pretty much nobody use Lifepo4 as a starter. Just get an H8 AGM from Costco and move on to better stuff! and yeah, add a dc/dc and put a 100ah lithium in the truck.

 

[George Perry - MB]

Thanks for the inputs. I re-evaluated the options and went with everyone's suggestions about dual battery set-up, realizing the 2012 is too early a model to support Lithium directly.
Ideas about best path for inside cab wiring? This would be 4 gauge power wires. I don't think I have enough space inside the engine bay for a 2nd battery. The accessory tray is filled with my lights control module. I'm thinking mounting the battery under sleeping platform ramp I built in the mid-row seating area, but where to go through the firewall?
The driver's side wiring hole used for the light control module was a challenge and there isn't any more space left.
I noticed a similar junction on the passengers side behind the battery well and ECM - so maybe?
Then thinking going under the center console.

 

[djkaosone]

Here's a pretty good post to look into. There's links on it that has a TON of details.

 

[CRYA]

But is Traxide still the most elegant, modern solution? I'd think going with a Victron dc/dc for an onboard lithium battery would be great, but haven't actually done this myself, that Traxide kit just looks messy.

 

[djkaosone]

People still swear by Traxide and they do a great job. My issue is the "Smart Alternator" doesn't provide constant +13V to sense charging to both batteries, for Traxide or any cheap dual battery modules.

I've been running a RedArc dc-dc with solar and haven't looked back since. If I were to to it again, I'd get the 40A or 50A over my 25A because I upgraded to a H.O. alternator.

 

[George Perry - MB]

Thank you CRYA and djkaosone. The additional posts and your considerations are just what I needed to break through my stubborn persistence that was going to get me nowhere in this case. Now I have a new plan to go after and am recharged in my motivation. Originally my 5-day weekend was going to go South to some trails in San Bernadino as a first run .. now I need to work these tasks - but maybe I'll still get a 2-day trip at the tail end of this long weekend!

 

[djkaosone]

I'm thinking about rerouting ALL my wires too and upgrading from AGM (aux) to 2x 100Ah mini lifepo4 batteries with a 3rd 100Ah mini in a pelican case (for portability) that'll simply plugin to create a 300Ah system. Also thinking about chopping up the rear end to accommodate all this.