As I mentioned here, LiFePO4 batteries have a different charging profile than lead-acid batteries. For one thing, they can take a much faster charge. However, they also don’t like to be constantly trickle-charged. Thus for an installation that replaces an AGM auxiliary and starting battery system, as I’m doing with our Troop Carrier, I also needed to replace the existing charge controller.
The choice was pretty easy. The Australian company Redarc, while fairly new to the U.S., actually has a 40-year history in its home country, and thus extensive experience building vehicle electronic systems capable of surviving hostile Outback conditions. I know a half-dozen people personally who rely on Redarc charging systems in their vehicles, from a Hilux to a Mitsubishi camper, and none has had a failure.
After a consultation, the company sent me one of their BCDC1240D controllers, an RK1260 relay, and all the necessary connectors and fuses.
This system will be able to integrate the input from the Land Cruiser’s alternator along with that from its two 100-watt Renogy PV panels, to keep both of the Antigravity batteries properly maintained.
I’m very close to tackling the installation; just waiting on a couple of custom cables and an aluminum heat shield.
