Replacing leisure batteries with Lithium batteries

[wildslammer22]

Thank you, is the original split charge relay located under the seat. ?

It is indeed.

 

[wildslammer22]

Split charge relay is under the passenger seat.
Another option is to fit the new battery underneath the drivers seat. A Fogstar 230amp seat base battery fits no problem. Use the space where the original leisure battery is for the dc-dc converter. With that size battery there isn’t really a need for any battery under the wardrobe.
I installed a dc-dc converter, solar controller and an ablemail in the space underneath the passenger seat.
I never changed the mains charger, with solar there really hasn’t been a need to use the mains charger.

View attachment 143026

View attachment 143027

View attachment 143028

View attachment 143029

Ideally you want the cable from the DC/DC charger to the starter battery be as short as possible so running it to the rear wardrobe isn’t ideal.

Can I ask how you routed the cable from your solar to the MPPT under the front seat? Mine is connected to the rear battery via the tailgate. This works fine but it makes using a SmartShunt impossible as the MPPT and DC/DC are connected to two separate batteries.

 

[yanathem]

Ideally you want the cable from the DC/DC charger to the starter battery be as short as possible so running it to the rear wardrobe isn’t ideal.

Can I ask how you routed the cable from your solar to the MPPT under the front seat? Mine is connected to the rear battery via the tailgate. This works fine but it makes using a SmartShunt impossible as the MPPT and DC/DC are connected to two separate batteries.

I just extended the cable that came into the rear tailgate from the panels. Ran the new cable through into the rear wardrobe along inside the plastic housing that the kitchen lights are fitted to. When I got to the B pillar ran the cable inside that to the floor. Under the carpet to the passenger seat. I haven’t got the original battery under the wardrobe anymore. All new cable, connections etc… are under the front seats.

 

[yanathem]

I found the Fogstar sits very close to the seat sliding mechanism. I shortened the earth stud and removed a bit of the carpet foam above it to allow for more room. I would suggest you add a strap front to back to prevent the battery from moving forward.

Yeah I had to shorten the earth stud.
I raised the height of the seat base at the front with a 6mm heavy duty washer. That has given more clearance without noticing any difference in the seat position. I have added a strap from front to back. Photo was taken while I was still working on swapping over the batteries. I had made a frame at first which I thought was even better than a strap then found I couldn’t get the rear plastic cover on.

 

[Kayleigh]

Yeah I had to shorten the earth stud.
I raised the height of the seat base at the front with a 6mm heavy duty washer. That has given more clearance without noticing any difference in the seat position. I have added a strap from front to back. Photo was taken while I was still working on swapping over the batteries. I had made a frame at first which I thought was even better than a strap then found I couldn’t get the rear plastic cover on.

Sounds like you are sorted! I added a third strap around the sides. You can route it through the seat base frame to secure it. Not convinced it was necessary, but the battery does not move at all. I also squeezed in a Victron mains charger down the side. If you haven’t covered the cables, it’s worth wrapping some foam around them to protect from any abrasion.

I would recommended the seat base battery to anyone wanting more power, it’s such a good use of the available space under the drivers seat.