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The Challenger 348 XLB is a popular A-class on the Fiat Ducato chassis. Like most motorhomes, the factory 2× 110Ah AGM setup is heavy, limited to 50% discharge, and shows its age after 3-4 years. Swapping to a single 200Ah LiFePO4 gives you more usable capacity in half the weight.
The factory battery compartment on the 348 XLB is in the rear garage area. The two AGM batteries (total 62kg) sit on a metal tray. A single 200Ah LiFePO4 (25kg) fits with room to spare. The factory wiring is 25mm² from battery to the Schaudt EBL 269 control board — adequate for lithium.
⚡ Expert tip
When removing the two AGM batteries, mark which cable goes to which terminal with colored tape. The Challenger uses a specific wiring order on the EBL board — reversing the battery sense wire and the main positive causes the monitoring display to read incorrect voltage.
Example calculation for your setup
Results based on a typical use case
| Appliance | Power | Usage/day | Wh/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression fridge | 45W | 24h | 1080 |
| LED lighting | 20W | 4h | 80 |
| Water pump | 30W | 0.5h | 15 |
| Phone charging | 15W | 2h | 30 |
| Laptop | 65W | 3h | 195 |
| Diesel heater | 15W | 8h | 120 |
| Daily consumption | 1520 Wh | ||
Recommended LiFePO4 battery
159 Ah
(80% depth of discharge)
Recommended AGM battery
254 Ah
(50% depth of discharge)
Adjust these values with the calculator below
VANPOWERCALC PROYOUR ENERGY PROFILE
YOUR ENERGY PROFILE.
This document contains the sizing of your future electrical installation, calculated based on your appliances.
Minimum Daily Consumption
0 WH / DAY
Inventory:
SYSTEM SIZINGPage 2
Battery
To guarantee 0WH without damaging your bank (80% max discharge):
0 AH
LiFePO4 12V
Solar
Minimum power required to recharge your consumption:
0 W
via MPPT
220V AC
Maximum power (with 25% safety margin).
0 W
No Need
Safety & CablingPage 3
12V Cable Sizing Guide
Use this professional reference table to select the correct gauge (mm²) for your cables. For 12V in a van, the maximum tolerated voltage drop is 3%. Always use multi-stranded flexible automotive wire.
| Current (A) | Round trip < 2m | Round trip 4m | Round trip 6m |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5A (LEDs, USB) | 1.5 mm² | 2.5 mm² | 4 mm² |
| 10A (Fridge, Pump) | 2.5 mm² | 4 mm² | 6 mm² |
| 20A (Heater) | 4 mm² | 10 mm² | 10 mm² |
| 50A (DC/DC Booster) | 10 mm² | 16 mm² | 25 mm² |
| 100A (Inverter) | 25 mm² | 35 mm² | 50 mm² |
Fuse Sizing
The fuse protects the wire, not the appliance. Always place it as close to the power source as possible (battery or busbar).
- Wire 1.5 mm² → Max fuse 10A
- Wire 2.5 mm² → Max fuse 20A
- Wire 4 mm² → Max fuse 30A
- Wire 6 mm² → Max fuse 40A
- Wire 10 mm² → Max fuse 60A
SCHÉMA ÉLECTRIQUE
PANNEAUX SOLAIRES
0W
REGULATEUR MPPT
BATTERIE AUXILIAIRE
0 Ah
Lithium LiFePO4
FUSIBLE
FUSIBLE
BOÎTE À FUSIBLES 12V
Pompe, Leds, Frigo...
CONVERTISSEUR 220V
NON REQUI
PRO GEARPage 4
SHOPPING LIST
Where to find this equipment? Here is the community-approved selection.
12V 6-way Fuse Box
Mandatory protection
Digital Multimeter
Test your connections
Heavy Duty Crimping Tool
For perfect lugs
Heat Shrink Tubing
Insulation and safety
GENERATED BY VANPOWERCALC PRO - UNLIMITED.
About this tool
The Schaudt EBL 269 on this model has configurable battery profiles accessible via the control panel or a dealer-level diagnostic tool. Set it to LiFePO4/lithium mode for correct charge voltage (14.6V). If your EBL doesn't have a lithium profile (older firmware), you'll need either a firmware update from a Challenger dealer or a standalone charger bypass. The Challenger has a factory solar prep on most models — a cable routed from the roof to the EBL, ready for a panel. Adding 200W solar is straightforward: panel on roof, MC4 through the existing cable entry, connect to the EBL solar input or a standalone MPPT. I recommend a standalone MPPT (Victron 20A) connected directly to the battery bus bar rather than through the EBL — it gives you Bluetooth monitoring and more efficient charging.
Frequently asked questions
What LiFePO4 size for a Challenger 348?▼
200Ah single battery replaces the factory dual 110Ah AGM setup. You get 160Ah usable (at 80% DoD) vs 110Ah usable from the two AGMs (at 50% DoD) — 45% more usable capacity at less than half the weight.
Does the Schaudt EBL 269 support LiFePO4?▼
Newer firmware versions have a lithium profile. Older units need a firmware update or a standalone charger bypass. Contact your Challenger dealer to check your firmware version.
Can I keep using the factory solar prep?▼
Yes — the pre-routed cable from roof to EBL works for solar panels up to 200W. Connect a panel to this cable and wire it to the EBL solar input or a standalone MPPT near the battery.
Do I need to upgrade the Ducato DC-DC charging?▼
If your 348 XLB is 2016+ (Euro 6 Ducato): yes, add a DC-DC charger. The factory relay doesn't charge LiFePO4 properly from the smart alternator. A Victron Orion-Tr 30A solves this.
Will the Challenger warranty cover a lithium swap?▼
The base vehicle (Fiat Ducato) warranty is unaffected. The Challenger habitation warranty may not cover electrical issues if they determine the lithium install caused the problem. Keep the original AGMs stored safely for warranty situations.