How To Upgrade Coachmen Freelander To Lithium?

Upgrading a Coachmen Freelander to lithium batteries involves replacing lead-acid batteries with lithium-ion (typically LiFePO4) units, modifying charging systems, and ensuring compatibility with existing appliances. Key steps include assessing energy needs, installing a compatible BMS, upgrading converters/chargers, and recalibrating voltage thresholds. LiFePO4 batteries offer 3–5x longer cycle life, 50% weight reduction, and stable 12.8V output, but require precise charge profiles (14.4–14.6V absorption).

What Is the Best Lithium Battery for RV Use?

Why choose lithium over lead-acid for a Freelander?

Lithium batteries provide higher energy density, faster recharge rates, and consistent voltage output compared to lead-acid. They maintain 90% capacity after 2,000 cycles versus 300–500 cycles for AGM. Weight savings (e.g., 30 lbs vs. 60 lbs per 100Ah) improve fuel efficiency and payload capacity.

Beyond basic specs, lithium’s deep discharge capability (100% DoD vs. 50% for lead-acid) doubles usable energy. A 200Ah LiFePO4 effectively delivers 200Ah, while AGM provides only 100Ah. Pro Tip: Use lithium’s weight savings to add solar panels or additional battery capacity without exceeding GVWR. For example, replacing two 100Ah AGMs (120 lbs total) with two 100Ah LiFePO4s (60 lbs) frees up 60 lbs—enough for a 300W solar setup. However, lithium requires precise temperature management; sub-zero charging demands built-in heaters.

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How to assess your Freelander’s electrical readiness?

Evaluate the existing inverter, converter-charger, and wiring gauge. Most pre-2020 Coachmen models use lead-acid-optimized converters with fixed 13.6V float voltages, insufficient for lithium’s 14.6V absorption needs.

Start by checking converter specifications—if it lacks a lithium mode or adjustable voltage, upgrade to a multi-stage charger like Progressive Dynamics PD9145ALV. Next, verify inverter compatibility: lithium’s low internal resistance can cause overload faults in older inverters not rated for sudden current spikes. Practically speaking, a 2,000W inverter drawing 166A at 12V requires 4/0 AWG wiring; undersized cables risk overheating. Pro Tip: Use a clamp meter to measure peak current during AC appliance startup—if surges exceed 150% of inverter rating, add a soft-start module. For example, a residential fridge might spike to 3,000W momentarily, tripping a 2,000W inverter without buffering.

Which lithium batteries fit the Freelander’s battery bay?

Select group size-compatible LiFePO4 units with built-in BMS and low-temp charging protection. Most Coachmen battery trays accommodate Group 24/27 sizes (10–14”L x 6–8”W).

Battle Born 100Ah GC2 (12.75” x 6.8”) and Renogy 100Ah (12.9” x 6.8”) are direct AGM replacements. For higher capacity, consider SOK 206Ah (12.9” x 8.9”)—it adds 2” in width but doubles storage. Pro Tip: Measure clearance around existing batteries—lithium’s terminal positions might require bus bar adjustments. Always confirm terminal types (M8 vs. 5/16” studs) to match existing cables. A real-world example: A 2021 Freelander 21QB with dual Group 27 AGMs (230Ah total) upgraded to two Redodo 120Ah LiFePO4s (240Ah) gained 10Ah while cutting weight by 54 lbs.

What charging system upgrades are essential?

Install a lithium-compatible converter and programmable solar charge controller. Standard converters maintain 13.6V float, but lithium requires 14.6V absorption and 13.6V float.

Upgrade to a converter like WFCO 8955-Li (14.6V absorption, 13.6V float) or IOTA DLS-55 with IQ-Li module. For solar, Victron SmartSolar 100/30 allows custom charge profiles via Bluetooth. But what if your existing MPPT lacks lithium settings? Some controllers let you manually set absorption/float voltages—enter 14.6V and 13.6V respectively. Pro Tip: Pair converters with a battery monitor (e.g., Victron BMV-712) to track state of charge—lithium’s flat voltage curve makes voltage-based SOC estimation unreliable.

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How to integrate lithium with existing 12V systems?

Add a shunt-based monitor, update fuse ratings, and confirm appliance voltage ranges. Lithium’s stable 12.8V–13.3V range won’t harm 12V devices, but verify compatibility for sensitive electronics like inverter/chargers.

Install a 300A shunt (e.g., Renogy 500A) between battery negative and chassis ground for accurate SOC tracking. Replace lead-acid’s 100A ANL fuses with 200A Class T fuses—lithium’s lower resistance allows higher current flow. For example, a 2,000W inverter draws ~166A at 12V; a 200A fuse prevents nuisance blows. Transitionally, check propane detectors and CO monitors—some legacy models shut off at 14V+ during charging. Pro Tip: Use a voltage step-down converter (14.4V→13.4V) for devices intolerant to charging-phase voltages.

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