Chinook RV

Hello everyone. Im currently figuring out how im going to upgrade the electrical system in my chinook. I have read through these forums for hours and the information is great so far. Im not an electrical expert by any means but have built sprinter van conversions and made some very robust electrical systems myself. Im kind of questioning a lot of things though since of course this electrical system is already in place and i have to figure out how im going to upgrade it. So lets get to it...

Id like to go with lithium batteries, most likely moved inside the coach. Ill add solar, probably 300-400watts.
The generator is staying for Air conditioning etc.
My main question and concern is, can i just replace the charger converter with a whole house 3000w inverter/charger? Id put the dc system on a new fuse block and setup a separate ac distribution panel.

I guess i should add that cost is no issue for me as well, I just want to have a very reliable and modern system like my previous van build.

I don't see why not. You basically need to pull out the existing charger/converter, the LVD, the solenoid that connects the coach and chassis batteries, and the solar charger. Some of the buttons on top of the driver seat will not work any more, unless you do a bit more work to find components that can be work with them.

You do not need to redo the AC panel if it work fine for you. It is possible to put a ATS (auto transfer switch) so that when the inverter is on, it will switch power to it. Typically the genset is the highest priority, so that when the generator is on, the appliances will be pulling power from it, even though there are power from the inverter or you are on shore power.

One good thing about an integrated inverter/charger is that you have one less issue compare to the case when they are separate units. I need to figure out a way to shut off the converter/charger when my inverter is on, for example.

The Chinook Glacier has an inverter/charger. And, it has the LVD, coach/chassis solenoid, and the solar controller.

Good point about the Glacier. However, the components are 20 yrs old, and there are more advanced tech available, and it maybe worthwhile to investigate other non-Chinook options.

There are more advanced controllers for the solar system. But with a 50 Watt Solar panel, any upgrade is a waste of money. A low voltage disconnect is a low voltage disconnect. A solenoid cut out is a solenoid cut out. There are no more modern items for those items. The Inverter/Charger that came in the Glacier is a very advanced sophisticated Inverter/charger, still in production today, and there is no better Inverter/Charger on the market today. Unless someone thinks that a remote electrical panel is better than dip switches to set up the Inverter. Once setup, there is hardly ever a reason to change the setup parameters. In summary, the electrical system in a Glacier is very sophisticated, up to date, and not dated in any sense.

I do not have Glacier, so some of my comment maybe a bit ignorant.

However, Chinookingthere is thinking about adding solar and lithium, and I want to let him/her to keep more options open since the OEM Glacier setup may not work with large amount of solar and lithium.