Lithium Aux Battery Upgrade, chasing advice Victron vs Redarc

[TheDocAUS]

He also has a fused hub that looks absolutely amazing for simplifying 12v system installation: https://www.egon.com.au/dc-hub/

Broadly speaking, it is a simplified version of the various Redarc Prime and Rogue TVMS offerings.

 

[mcdoogs]

Broadly speaking , it is a simplified version of the various Redarc Prime and Rogue TVMS offerings.

And a lot less expensive than the prime. The rogue doesnt handle input/output to/from both batteries, dcdc charger, mppt, solar, etc either from the looks of it.

I like how simple it makes a simple diy like what I want. Pick a dcdc charger, mppt, and house battery and then it all gets wired along with the starter to this hub along with up to ~150 amps of accessories to be powered (fused) off the house battery.

 

[TheDocAUS]

And a lot less expensive than the prime. The rogue doesnt handle input/output to/from both batteries, dcdc charger, mppt, solar, etc either from the looks of it.

The Rogue is really an extension of the basic Project Manager 30 and TVMS Prime, to give them more power and flexibility. Rogue can be daisy chained for more options. I think the Rogue can be used on its own, but it is not very often. The new ALPHA black range offers even more flexibility with Readrac's TVMS system, many of the Redarc products can work together.

This video gives a little insight into what it can do. Make sure you look at the Paltium Package (second link)

View: https://youtu.be/v2wQw8oanHE

View: https://youtu.be/v2wQw8oanHE?t=185

 

[mcdoogs]

That represents way more expense and complexity than I want to take on for this project, but i do like redarcs stuff in general.

 

[anand]

He also has a fused hub that looks absolutely amazing for simplifying 12v system installation: https://www.egon.com.au/dc-hub/

For what it's worth, my go-to shop just did an install with one of those EGON boards on a Troopy and were far from impressed with it

 

[TheDocAUS]

That represents way more expense and complexity than I want to take on for this project, but i do like redarcs stuff in general.

I should have been clearer, the Redarc can go from simple to complex like that bells and whistles Platinum project. Get whatever best suits the project. I did not mean to suggest it would work for you.

I have been looking at the Redarc TVMS lately and was blown away by how flexible it was. My hybrid caravan comes with the Project Manager 30, TVMS Prime and the Rogue.

 

[Rok_Dr]

Just ordered it then, as when you check out there is an extra discount which I think is just for January, got it for $764

Update. Finally I got my battery today. The battery looks fine and tests ok. But they failed in communication about the delays. Only 1 reply to 3 emails sent asking for an update and no phone calls returned. Fingers crossed I don’t have any warranty issues.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Darby]

Update. Finally I got my battery today. The battery looks fine and tests ok. But they failed in communication about the delays. Only 1 reply to 3 emails sent asking for an update and no phone calls returned. Fingers crossed I don’t have any warranty issues.

Cheers
Steve

Still waiting on mine, they have been replying relative quick to me via Facebook, on Tuesday stating held up in customs, and today stating they came in yesterday.

Have booked my car in with the auto electrician for mid-April.

My plan currently is:

• Redarc tow brake controller with anderson power output for trailer and input for solar.
• Switch aux battery to a lithium, install dcdc + solar charger and smart shunt.
• Rewire the existing outlet roof circuit (EXT3) to the aux battery instead of the main battery.
• Install new outlets in boot area from aux battery. (Including 100W usb-c's, powerful enough to charge my laptop and run starlink mini etc.)

Hardware getting installed:

• Redarc Tow-Pro Elite V3
• ATG 150AH 12V LiFePO4 Battery
• Victron Orion XS 12/12-50
• Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20
• Victron SmartShunt 500A/50mV
• Teralume Industries 100W USB-C x2 + 50A Anderson Socket

 

[Adam-Oz]

Still waiting on mine, they have been replying relative quick to me via Facebook, on Tuesday stating held up in customs, and today stating they came in yesterday.

Have booked my car in with the auto electrician for mid-April.

My plan currently is:

• Redarc tow brake controller with anderson power output for trailer and input for solar.
• Switch aux battery to a lithium, install dcdc + solar charger and smart shunt.
• Rewire the existing outlet roof circuit (EXT3) to the aux battery instead of the main battery.
• Install new outlets in boot area from aux battery. (Including 100W usb-c's, powerful enough to charge my laptop and run starlink mini etc.)

Hardware getting installed:

• Redarc Tow-Pro Elite V3
• ATG 150AH 12V LiFePO4 Battery
• Victron Orion XS 12/12-50
• Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20
• Victron SmartShunt 500A/50mV
• Teralume Industries 100W USB-C x2 + 50A Anderson Socket

How easy is it to rewire the EXT3 circuit?

I am also looking to install some similar items and booked in for the end of April for the install. I am travelling down to Sydney to have the electrical work done at the same time as the GVM upgrade.

My system is largely based on the Agile Offroad setup (I believe the owner John’s own wagon) and i liked the integration they achieved with the Switch Pro system and the Victron touch screen display. I wish Agile offered the battery and other kit mounting/fixing plates for sale but I was told they only offered them to their network of approved installers. It would be great if someone in Australia was a local dealer/installer for them as they have some great upgrades for the Grenadier.

System components:

​

Victron | Cerbo GX MK2 | (GX BPP900451100) × 1 Victron Lithium LiFePO4 Battery | 12.8V 200Ah | Smart (BAT512120610) × 1 VICTRON Orion XS 12/12-50A DC-DC battery charger | (ORI121217040) × 1 Victron SmartShunt IP65 × 1 500A/50mV - SHU065150050 Victron | VE.Bus BMS V2 × 1 Victron GX Touch 50 Display BPP900455050 × 1 Victron VE.Direct Cable × 3 1.8m Victron RJ45 UTP Cable × 2 1.8m Custom Inverter/Charger Programming & Software Upgrade × 1 Victron SmartSolar MPPT (All Models) × 1 100/30 - SCC110030210 Victron Multiplus Inverter/Charger 230V VE.Bus (500VA - 2000VA) × 1

 

[Darby]

@Adam-Oz
Regarding the rewiring of EXT3 circuit, not sure how difficult it is yet, I know previous members have done it. Hoping to trace back from fuse / move it from appropriate busbar.

Will update post my work being done.

 

[weeman]

EXT3 circuit is very easy to rewire. I cut the input power wire to the relay and spliced in my Lithium battery. This way the roof outlets are still controlled by the overhead switch, but powered from the lithium battery.

 

[Tr182md]

I am really excited about these projects because I have been reluctant to start on my Defender but the Trialmaster I am considering has the second battery. Agile Overland has a good setup they talk about in one of the videos. I know how I would set it up if I did what you are doing with a Redarc.

What does the OEM second battery do? Is it isolated from the start battery? What is wrong with it that you need to replace it? I know it seems very simple. The dealer did not really understand when I was trying to ask if the aux switches come off the second battery and is there an isolator.

 

[Darby]

EXT3 circuit is very easy to rewire. I cut the input power wire to the relay and spliced in my Lithium battery. This way the roof outlets are still controlled by the overhead switch, but powered from the lithium battery.

Thanks for that information, I'm keen for the work to be done!

I last minute got a little 1000W inverter also, it may not fit under the seats and if not, I'll mount it on the side of my new internal molle in the boot space.

 

[Darby]

I am really excited about these projects because I have been reluctant to start on my Defender but the Trialmaster I am considering has the second battery. Agile Overland has a good setup they talk about in one of the videos. I know how I would set it up if I did what you are doing with a Redarc.

What does the OEM second battery do? Is it isolated from the start battery? What is wrong with it that you need to replace it? I know it seems very simple. The dealer did not really understand when I was trying to ask if the aux switches come off the second battery and is there an isolator.

Everything is wired off the start battery including aux switches, OEM second battery just jump starts the start battery if it goes flat. Nothing wrong with the battery itself either, you just get more power out of a lithium battery and they're lighter.

 

[minidok]

How easy is it to rewire the EXT3 circuit?

I am also looking to install some similar items and booked in for the end of April for the install. I am travelling down to Sydney to have the electrical work done at the same time as the GVM upgrade.

View attachment 7891778

My system is largely based on the Agile Offroad setup (I believe the owner John’s own wagon) and i liked the integration they achieved with the Switch Pro system and the Victron touch screen display. I wish Agile offered the battery and other kit mounting/fixing plates for sale but I was told they only offered them to their network of approved installers. It would be great if someone in Australia was a local dealer/installer for them as they have some great upgrades for the Grenadier.

System components:

​

Victron | Cerbo GX MK2 | (GX BPP900451100) × 1 Victron Lithium LiFePO4 Battery | 12.8V 200Ah | Smart (BAT512120610) × 1 VICTRON Orion XS 12/12-50A DC-DC battery charger | (ORI121217040) × 1 Victron SmartShunt IP65 × 1 500A/50mV - SHU065150050 Victron | VE.Bus BMS V2 × 1 Victron GX Touch 50 Display BPP900455050 × 1 Victron VE.Direct Cable × 3 1.8m Victron RJ45 UTP Cable × 2 1.8m Custom Inverter/Charger Programming & Software Upgrade × 1 Victron SmartSolar MPPT (All Models) × 1 100/30 - SCC110030210 Victron Multiplus Inverter/Charger 230V VE.Bus (500VA - 2000VA) × 1

Hi Adam, did you make any progress on this path? I do currently add Victron Orion XS as first modification stage, to start my leisure battery box from the generator.

 

[Adam-Oz]

I am just about to take my wagon into to the auto electrician to wire up my system next week. I will post final installation results when complete.

 

[Adam-Oz]

Thanks for that information, I'm keen for the work to be done!

I last minute got a little 1000W inverter also, it may not fit under the seats and if not, I'll mount it on the side of my new internal molle in the boot space.

The location of the inverter is the last piece of my puzzle too and am also considering the same options for the location. Agile off-road never showed the location of the inverter in their setup but I am unsure if it will fit under the rear seats so the MOLLE panel was my best runner option. At least then the RCD and RVD switches and 240v connections can be installed close by on the rear door surround for ease of access. Where did you locate all this gear?

 

[Darby]

@Adam-Oz

Here's some pictures of the final setup, a lot going on. Only got one last thing that I'll get the auto electrician to tweak is that my DCDC charger and OEM EXT ports are bypassing the shunt for measurement but otherwise the system works perfectly. I just directly connect to the battery via bluetooth to check it's state of charge for now.

Battery was a very tight squeeze but worked.