2019 RS Adventurous -- Eco Trek Help

[DGMCalgary]

Hi. I'm a definite newbie in need of a clear explanation regarding the two Eco Trek lithium batteries in the unit and how they fit into the general charging system. I've read every manual I can get my hands on in addition to visiting several RV forums and this seems to be the best one. I am OK with how to charge them. When we purchased it (from the original private owner) we were told to always keep the first Eco Trek bank on. Yet the manuals tell me to treat the Eco Trek batteries like an appliance - turn it on when you need them and off when you don't. Does the first bank always need to be on? Can the second bank be on instead? Why or why not? Don't want to waste anyone's time. If there is another group I should be visiting I would be much obliged if you could direct me. Many thanks.

 

[mumkin]

There has been varied advice over the years about how to handle the overly complicated Roadtrek lithium system... which is why I stuck with AGMs... lol. If you are able to tolerate the obnoxious nature of Facebook, there are various Roadtrek groups with lots of experience with the system. I am in the group for the Promasters, and there is another group that is dedicated just to these systems. May very well be an Adventurous group. From what I have heard over the years, the advice you were given does not sound like the standard, but the system has been tweaked through the years.

 

[otr]

Since we updated (not upgraded) from a 2000 RT 190V to a 2019 Simplicity I have found this facebook very helpful, especially with elect info. Log into Facebook

 

[D&C ERV2]

Take a look at KS2 Li -ion batteries and alternatives thread

 

[Van Vagabond]

Hi. I'm a definite newbie in need of a clear explanation regarding the two Eco Trek lithium batteries in the unit and how they fit into the general charging system. I've read every manual I can get my hands on in addition to visiting several RV forums and this seems to be the best one. I am OK with how to charge them. When we purchased it (from the original private owner) we were told to always keep the first Eco Trek bank on. Yet the manuals tell me to treat the Eco Trek batteries like an appliance - turn it on when you need them and off when you don't. Does the first bank always need to be on? Can the second bank be on instead? Why or why not? Don't want to waste anyone's time. If there is another group I should be visiting I would be much obliged if you could direct me. Many thanks.

Hi,

There is a replacement kit from Edge Vanworks being used by various repair shops. It’s also been used in a DIY fashion with a lot of success.

It’s a much more cost effective solution easy to do in a half day with a transmission jack.

It also upgraded the original KS2 Ecotrek batteries from 400ah to 600ah and now shows what percentage the batteries are at.

Here’s a link to one of the videos.

 

[D&C ERV2]

I will be researching more on the kit, but first blush concerns are 1) Blue tooth thru the metal box didn't work so well with the kit I used so I rewired the dongle to be inside the van, and it works great now. 2) It appears they are still using the latch relay and using the KS2 switches inside the van to control off and on. I use my app to set charge and discharge not using that relay any longer because they fail and your system won't work if they do. 3) I no longer have cables to charge and discharge at the battery because discharge is not needed and your positive cables need to be the same length and go to a bus bar.

 

[Van Vagabond]

Hey! those are good points. my bluetooth works great because they cut a whole in the box at bluetooth location and sealed it with a clear window (I believe its polycarbonate). I chose to go with their relays because magnetic latching relays don't fail very often and they offer a good warranty, but yes you are right. I didnt want to rely too heavily on the battery's on off because of redundancy purposes and a few other reasons that may not matter much to others. But in theory I could use a non "smart" battery in the future and still have disconnects. My understanding is their system doesn't discriminate between charge and discharge side either.

However, I think your reasons are valid too!

I may also have just been a bit lazy and didn't want to think about wiring

What battery did you use instead?

 

[D&C ERV2]

I purchased cells for one of my batteries from SFK and used the cells from the KS2 batteries that were still in good shape along with BMS from SFK to build my own batteries. I tried the poly lid, but signal would still not reach front dash were my phone is mounted for monitoring. I spent about $2000.00 for both including tools and very happy with them. note that if those lids are on top from a vertical install like mine are the lid can leak if not sealed properly (they don't have a drain hole) and cold weather travel will need heaters. I installed Temp sensors on the under-hood AGM and Under the van between the batteries. I find that with the van running the underneath sensor shows about 12 degrees above ambient, this helps to know when to turn the heaters on. I am monitoring the AGM not only for its temp but also to better understand how hot it is getting under the hood so that I may one day add a lithium to replace the AGM. Appreciate all posts and conversation on this for further research and knowledge that may help improve our systems in the future. If you happen upon this thread because you're having problems, I recommend reading it from the beginning and then please post your results after you have made your decision and improved your system.