Power Upgrades
Do We Have The Right Batteries
One of the first issues we had with our previous RV was our batteries. We started with two Interstate SRM-24 Deep cycle batteries. The dealership decided to isolate one of those batteries to power up our Owen 5500 generator. The other was to power up the handful of USBs, various pumps, 12v lighting, and a residential refrigerator while we were on the road. Frankly, that failed miserably.
We Are Not Going Through That Again
The batteries were the first order of business after we had decided on the Solitude 310GK-R. After researching battery types, solar compatibility, and recommendation from other RVers we landed on Battle Born Ion Lithium. Battle Born batteries can provide you with two to three times more amp hours than a lead-acid battery which allows you to stay off the grid longer without having to hassle with a noisy generator. Battle Born Batteries are also capable of being charged up to five times faster than a standard lead-acid battery. Now we can put our battery anxieties to rest and finally focus on our next RV adventure.
Our plans down the road involved a Victron Multi-Plus II and a solar upgrade. The converter/charger specs from Victron for this unit called for a battery bank of 400 amp-hours. We waited for a sale and picked up 4 100AH batteries. I took out the OEM battery boxes and fabricated a containment area with aluminum L brackets and nylon straps for the 4 batteries. Stopped by my Electrical shop for some Type 4 AWG and a handful of crimp connectors to make the battery cables. As a side note, if you are new at this I would pick up a copy of “Mobile Solar Power” by William Errol Prowse IV. It will give you a complete rundown of proper cable sizes etc.
Was The Converter Adequate
I did check with Grand Design to be sure the stock converter was capable of charging Ion Lithium batteries, they insisted it was. The converter was in fact capable of charging the batteries. The drawback was the time it took to bring them back to full charge. These batteries are capable of fully discharging to as low as 10%, unlike lead acid which will only discharge to 50%. We needed a new converter.
YouTube To The Rescue
I happened across a video for a Battle Born battery install in 2021 Solitude and it could not have come at a better time. The installer mentioned that even though the Grand Design Stock converter was adequate, it needed to be replaced. He explained it would take days for the lithium batteries to be fully charged if they ever became fully discharged. He recommended the Progressive Dynamics Lithium-Ion converter/charger. The order was placed and I had the new converter installed in a matter of an hour. Below you will find the details of that converter.
Progressive Dynamics Lithium Converter
PD9100L Series 12V Lithium-Ion Battery Converter/Chargers provide a Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC/CV) charge profile as recommended by lithium battery manufacturers. PD9100L 
Series units can be connected both in parallel and in series. Reverse battery protection prevents charger damage if the battery connections are accidentally reversed. Filtered DC power ensures proper lithium Battery Management System (BMS) operation. Electronic Current Limiting automatically reduced output voltage to prevent overheating and possible damage.
High and Low Voltage Protection prevents charger damage from AC input voltage fluctuations. Automatic Thermal Protection reduces charger output to safe levels if the unit temperature exceeds safe levels pre-set limits and protects against charger damage due to excessive heat. An intelligent cooling fan operates only under high load conditions. Input Voltage: 105-130 VAC 50/60 Hz 1025 Watts. Output Voltage: 14. 6 VDC 60 Amps.
We Need A Great Battery Monitor
The final piece of the battery install was the Victron BMV-712. Here is a rundown of the features:
- The Victron Energy BMV-712 is a high-precision smart battery monitor; the essential function of the monitor is to calculate ampere-hours
consumed and the state of charge of a battery - Built-in Bluetooth Communication – Monitor your batteries on Apple or Android smartphones, tablets, MacBooks, and other devices
- Next to the basic display options, such as voltage, current, and ampere-hours consumed, the BMV-700 series also displays the state of charge, time to go, and power consumption in watts
- Easy to Program – A quick install menu and a detailed setup menu with scrolling texts assist the user when going through the various settings.
The installation of the shunt and the monitor was pretty straightforward. I snaked the transmission wire up into the cabin and mounted the unit above the inverter button. The battery connections were explained in the box instructions. After struggling a bit with them I headed back to youtube and found an install similar. A few missteps, blown fuse 🙂 or two and finally got the system programmed and up and running.
We Now Had The Right Battery System
We now had plenty of battery reserve to get us through the long daytime hauls from point A to B. Frankly it was overkill but our goal was to be able to boondock overnight as well. The 310GK-R came with a residential refrigerator. We needed to have enough battery reserve to get us through the night after a long haul. Yes, we had a generator, but many of the Harvest Host locations we choose had limited run hours. Solar was next up on the upgrade list.
Our goals were not to boondock for days or to run our entire rig on battery reserve at this time. Getting a good 12-15 hours on battery reserve to run bare essentials, fans, lights, water heaters, furnace, and the residential refrigerator would do. I felt we could accomplish that with 400 watts of solar for starters.
Bring On Sun Power
The Grand Design 310GK-R came pre-wired for a solar install including a roof-mounted Jagboni Solar Port. They had at the factory run the wires from the roof to the battery compartment as well. I felt the installation after reading Will’s book would be relatively easy. With the new confidence I gained from my week at NRVTA I decided to take on the build. 
Solar Charge Controller
Upon reading a variety of blogs regarding solar I continued my use of Victron components. I choose the MPPT 100 I 50 Charge Controller with Bluetooth. This would allow me to monitor the solar charge via my Victron phone app.
Solar Panels, Mounts, etc.
I am using Hightec 200watt panels and Heavy Duty Z mount brackets purchased from Continous Resources out of Utah. I have been very pleased with their performance.
I will not get into the weeds regarding a wiring diagram and various other components you will need to make this type of installation. Again with Will’s book in hand, and numerous Youtube videos from installers, and such this is something you can tackle.
My install has been working flawlessly for the last year. The panels provide a solid charge to our battery bank while traveling. We can count on being fully charged upon arrival at our destination. We have no problem boondocking overnight. I am looking forward to taking this to the next level. That will include four more 200w panels and the Multi-Plus II.
