TECH HELP EDITOR
Base vehicle expert
Q Do I need to buy a new charger for lithium batteries?
I have just purchased a new Benimar Tessoro 486 and I was hoping to have lithium batteries fitted. The company I bought the motorhome from tried fitting one after changing the DC to DC charger, but had troubles with it overheating and, in the end, I picked up the 'Van with just lead acid batteries while it tried to figure out what was wrong.
I have taken photos of the charging units and emailed them to KS Energy, which said its batteries will fit straight in and the charging units only need to be adjusted. I also contacted RoadPro and it told me if the Benimar is a 2021/2022 model, the charging units are fine and just need to be adjusted.
The company that sold me the motorhome contacted the powers that be at Benimar and it was suggested that all the charging units are changed.
Who am I to believe?
At the moment I have asked for my money back on the battery and charging unit that was put in and then removed, which it has agreed to do. Also, the battery that comes with the motorhome is a lead acid one, is that correct?
Mike Jose
A In the last few years many companies have sprung up offering lithium batteries and many offer them as drop-in replacements. There is little doubt that they will work as a drop-in replacement, but unless the charging characteristics are correct, the lifespan of the lithium battery can be significantly shortened. It is best to have it correct.
I do not know what the electrical system is in the Benimar, so am not able to comment on the adjustability of the battery-to-battery charger, mains charger or the solar regulator, all of which need to be correctly configured for lithium. I also ask if you have considered the minimum size of the battery management system your chosen battery needs to have, if you anticipate running a large inverter to power a microwave oven or hair dryer.
You mentioned RoadPro and I have known this company and its lead technician for many years and have confidence in it, but (and this is a big but) the last thing you want to do is compromise the warranty provided by either Benimar or the dealer who sold you the motorhome.
My suggestion is that you get your chosen lithium installer to email you what it would fit and what it would adjust. Then forward this to your dealer and get the joint approval for the work to be carried out and your ongoing warranty confirmed. You are not in a rush as you have lead acid batteries fitted while you get this agreed first.
Clive Mott
Q Can I keep my Van plugged in this winter?
Am 1 doing any harm in leaving my motorhome, a 2014 Hymer B578, on electric hook-up over winter when not in use? The main controller is off, but obviously my tracker and security systems are taking a feed from the battery.
Andy Greaves
A Your Hymer is most likely to be fitted with a Schaudt Elektroblock and this includes within it the mains charger. This is a three-step phase charger and will charge your battery up to 14.3 volts and then revert to a lower maintaining voltage of 13.8 volts. This means that it is designed to be left in operation for
