Coachmen Galleria – 12V Lithium Battery Bank & Solar Upgrade

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Complete repair guide for the Coachmen Galleria – 12V Lithium Battery Bank & Solar Upgrade. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue yourself.

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

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Step-by-Step Repair Guide

Step 1: Disconnect and Assess Current System

Begin by disconnecting the negative terminal of your existing 12V battery and inspecting your current electrical setup, including the stock alternator output and any existing charge controllers. Document all existing wiring connections, amperage ratings, and load requirements to ensure your new lithium system will meet your power demands and charging capabilities.

Step 2: Install ANL Fuse Holder Assembly

Mount the ANL fuse holder with the 200A fuse between your battery bank and the main positive bus bar, positioning it within 18 inches of the battery terminals to provide proper overcurrent protection. Ensure the fuse holder is easily accessible for future maintenance and oriented so the fuse can be safely removed without risk of arc flash.

Step 3: Run 4/0 AWG Battery Interconnect Cable

Route the 4/0 AWG welding cable from your LiFePO4 battery’s positive terminal through the ANL fuse holder to your main power distribution bus bar, keeping the cable away from heat sources and sharp edges. Run a separate 4/0 AWG negative cable directly from the battery’s negative terminal to your distribution bus bar or chassis ground point, ensuring both cables are secured with cable management clips every 12-18 inches.

Step 4: Connect Battery Monitor and Shunt

Install the Victron BMV-712 battery monitor by connecting its shunt in series with your negative battery cable, allowing real-time monitoring of voltage, amperage, and state of charge. Follow Victron’s wiring diagram to connect the monitor’s sense wires to the appropriate battery terminals, ensuring all connections are tight and corrosion-free.

Step 5: Mount Solar Panel and MPPT Controller

Secure your 200W flexible solar panel to your van’s roof using adhesive-backed mounting strips or mechanical fasteners, orienting it toward maximum sun exposure while ensuring proper drainage around the installation. Mount your Victron SmartSolar MPPT controller in a protected interior location near your battery bank, allowing adequate ventilation for heat dissipation and easy access to the display screen.

Step 6: Install DC-DC Battery Charger Integration

Connect your 40A DC-DC battery-to-battery charger between your vehicle’s alternator circuit and your lithium battery bank, using appropriately sized fusing and relays to isolate the charger when the engine is off. Program the charger according to Victron specifications for LiFePO4 chemistry, setting appropriate absorption and float voltages to prevent overcharging your lithium battery.

Step 7: Test System Performance and Safety

Power up your complete system with all loads disconnected and verify voltage readings on your BMV-712 monitor match your battery’s rated voltage, typically 12.8V for a fully charged LiFePO4 bank. Test each component independently—solar charging, DC-DC charging from the alternator, and load drawing—while monitoring amperage and temperature, then conduct a full 24-hour monitoring cycle under normal usage conditions to confirm all systems are functioning correctly.

Recommended Parts

PartLink
100Ah LiFePO4 drop-in lithium batteryView on Amazon
Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controllerView on Amazon
Victron BMV-712 battery monitorView on Amazon
40A DC-DC battery-to-battery chargerView on Amazon
200W flexible solar panelView on Amazon
ANL fuse holder + 200A fuseView on Amazon
4/0 AWG welding cable (battery interconnect)View on Amazon
Bus bar / power distribution terminal blockView on Amazon