Lithium Battery Issues

[Drifter]

We have a 2022 Roadtrek Zion. Our KS2 batteries stopped functioning. I’ve read that other owners have had problems with these batteries. The dealer installed a new Epoch battery system. While driving home from the dealer, right after picking it up, I noticed a burning smell. When I pulled into my driveway, I saw that the secondary alternator was on fire! The dealer said they never went near this alternator and couldn’t give me a reason why it would catch fire. Since this is a major issue I was wondering if anyone has had similar experience

 

[BGMAC]

I’m no expert, but from what I have read if a lithium battery is very low it could draw a lot of amperage for charging. If they just installed the batteries without checking the charge and topping them off could have caused an issue. There are devises you can install that can regulate the charging to prevent damage to the alternator. Someone on here with more knowledge on these systems I’m sure will chime in.

 

[Wemustrv]

Welcome to RVforums. I'm sure you will find someone here to help you.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

When the lithium batteries were installed, what was their charge level?
Lithium batteries can accept high amperage levels. If the batteries were low enough that they needed to be charged for a long time, and if the installation didn't include any alteration to inhibit charging from the alternator, the alternator may have been running at full load for too long.
There are 2 typical approaches to protecting the alternator:
1) Use a Lithium BIM (Battery Isolation Manager) - a BIM made for lithium systems will typically connect the charging circuit on and off every 15 minutes, allowing the alternator time to cool off.
2) Instead of allowing the alternator to directly charge the battery through a lithium BIM, some will install a DC to DC charger - this allows constant charging from the alternator BUT it limits the amperage draw, protecting the alternator from running at full load.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Unfortunately, manufacturers in their hurry to provide some "new" technologies, fail to consider properly trained service personnel.

Even Newmar has had problems rushing this tech to market with equipment not designed for use for lithium batteries.

I predict many more such cases presenting before a properly trained work force will find the front line.

You can consider yourself lucky, and count your blessings! Although you didn't have a lithium fire, you had a lithium related fire and your rig lives to tell about it. Congratulations!!!