Easy Lithium upgrade to help others, then upgrade two.

G-A-R-Y

G-A-R-Y

Messages
195
Location
Bristol S/W
Vehicle
Grand California 680
To help others searching,
I've been testing (18 months) the lithium (Roamer 160) fitted under the bonnet initially along with Orion XS B2B instead of the dumb relay, along with any possible issues with VW control panel.

All works well, the hottest the battery got to was 42c (France heat wave 35c) the control panel is always 100%. I also disconnected shunt under bonnet with no issues.

A few weeks ago I had an upgrade, we fitted a dummy battery under the bonnet (the battery connections act as a bus bar for the Orion and make it look original, we fitted a 300Ah (Fogstar) in rear cupboard along with a Victron Multiplus 2000 inverter. This charges the battery at 80 amps.

I also had a second MPPT fitted so I can plug external solar panels in at the rear doors.
The folding solar panels make a lot more that the roof mounted. I have a simple "charge, off, Inverter" control panel, pointless adding Cerbo.
I'll add loads of pictures, work was done by Brento Campers in Plymouth.

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solar mppt.jpg
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solar 202.jpg
 
I went with car Electric (Hamburg, Germany). Their system is not cheap but it does work flawlessly. We have done many extended trips (4 to 5 weeks) and never had to use the EHU. Why VW don’t offer lithium as an option is crazy.
 
I went with car Electric (Hamburg, Germany). Their system is not cheap but it does work flawlessly. We have done many extended trips (4 to 5 weeks) and never had to use the EHU. Why VW don’t offer lithium as an option is crazy.
Probably because the majority of their target market don't want it, have no need of it and aren't willing to pay the extra. It would also make the production line more complicated if it was an Option.
Those who do want it will go down the DIY pathway or give their business to a 3rd Party.
 
It’s amazing what people see as an easy upgrade! I am awaiting my new Grand Cali order, my easy upgrade will be to plug a 2kwh battery pack into the external socket. This probably says more about my electrical capability TBH…..
I am usually on hookup, just want to make sure I have enough electric to last the odd night of grid.
 
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