Lithium batteries and Inverter

Quote "Can the KZ inverter cope with them?"
I did this about a year ago, see my post in upgrades and Modifications from June 2021, I think you really mean KZ converter, not inverter, the converter DOES care what kind of batteries it is charging, turning 120V into 12V, the inverter doesn't care what kind of battery it is pulling 12V from to invert into 120 V. Lithium (I assume you mean lifepo4) batteries really want a converter designed for them. hope this helps. Ted

Don't know if you looked at my post from back in June, but to give you an update, I swapped out 4 group 29 SLA batteries for 4 Renogy Lifepo4 batteries. boondocked with them a few times, very happy with their performance, lasted much longer running DW's O2 concentrator, charged up much faster, 1 hour of generator time instead of 8, i did replace the OEM WFCO converter with a PD (don't remember the number) specifically made for the Lifepo batteries. Also the 4 SLA weighed in at 280 lbs, the 4 lifepos's just under a hundred, if that is a concern

Dan,

The answer to your question is yes . . . and no.

Assuming that the existing batteries and the replacement LiFePo4 ("Lithium") batteries have the same cable attachment provisions (same terminal ends and fastening methodology), then yes, you can just swap the old lead-acid batteries for LiFePo4 batteries if they fit in your battery space.  HOWEVER, you need to make sure that the converter/charger that your trailer is equipped with has a setting for charging them properly.  Most newer units have a switch or setting for the converter/charger that can be selected to go from lead/acid to LiFePo4/Lithium.  They have different charging characteristics that require higher bulk charge voltage/amps, and a three-step process from bulk to float charging.

ALSO, LiFePo4 batteries cannot be charged below 40ºF.  They can be used to run things down to much lower temps, but the batteries must warm up to 40ºF before charging them.  Most have low-temp cutoff circuitry in the BMS (battery management system) within the battery.   Cheap Chinese batteries may have no BMS at all and require external units to manage them.  This may or may not affect your installation/usage/storage plans depending on your climate.

Hi, after a discussion with the dealer, an email to KZ and etrailer, the following seems mostly true. The converter, if it has no lithium switch...most KZs will not have, then tbe KZ converter will charge to 80 per cent, but slowly. Therefore highly recommended that a new lithium battery converter be used to get a faster and a 100 p. Cent charge. Besides that you are good, no other adjustments needed. If you cold weather camp, then there is the below freezing charge problem. Lithium batteries cannot be charged at below freezing temperatures.