When it comes to powering your campervan, the battery bank is your fuel tank. Just as you wouldn’t set off on a road trip without enough fuel, you need to ensure your campervan’s battery setup can meet your energy demands. But with so many types of batteries and configurations available, how do you make the right choice?
What Type of Battery Do I Need?
The type of battery you choose will depend on your needs and budget. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, like those from Victron and BSLBATT, are top-of-the-line. They offer long lifespans, high efficiency, and deep discharge capabilities, making them perfect for full-time van lifers or those who want a low-maintenance system. These batteries can be discharged up to 90% without damaging the cells, meaning you get more usable power compared to other types.
On the other hand, Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, such as the Victron AGM and Victron AGM Super Cycle, are a more budget-friendly option. AGM batteries are robust, require no maintenance, and can be installed in various positions. However, they can only be discharged to about 50% of their capacity to maintain a long lifespan, which means you might need a larger battery bank compared to lithium.
Is Lithium Worth the Money?
The initial cost of lithium batteries is significantly higher than AGM batteries - often two to three times higher. However, when you consider the long-term benefits, lithium batteries are often more cost-effective. They last up to ten times longer than AGM batteries, are much lighter and take up less space because you need fewer batteries to achieve the same power output. Lithium batteries are also more efficient, charging faster and discharging deeper, which means you get more usable energy out of them.
For those who spend a lot of time away from the grid, lithium batteries are usually worth the investment. They are particularly beneficial in situations where weight and space are at a premium, and for those who need a reliable, maintenance-free power source.
How Many Amp-Hours (Ah) of Battery Bank Do I Need?
To determine the size of your battery bank, you first need to calculate your daily power consumption. This includes everything from lights and fans to appliances like refrigerators and laptops. As a rough guide, a basic campervan setup might consume between 50Ah to 100Ah per day.
If you opt for AGM batteries and you need 100Ah of usable power, you’d need a 200Ah AGM battery bank because these batteries should not be discharged below 50% of their capacity. With lithium, however, you could get by with a 100Ah battery, as you can safely use nearly all of its capacity.
What Loads Can I Supply from a Single 110Ah Battery? And for How Long?
Let’s see what a 110Ah battery can really do. Imagine you’re powering a 10W LED light, which draws about 0.83 amps. In theory, this light could run for an impressive 132 hours on a full 110Ah battery. However, if you’re powering something more substantial, like a 40W fan that draws about 3.33 amps, your usage time drops to around 33 hours.
But here’s the catch—these numbers assume you’re using 100% of the battery’s capacity, which isn’t ideal, especially for AGM batteries. AGM batteries, such as those from Victron, should typically only be discharged to 50% of their capacity to maintain their longevity. This means that instead of 132 hours for your LED light, you’d be looking at roughly 66 hours, and instead of 33 hours for your fan, you’d get about 16.5 hours of usage.
Lithium batteries, like Victron’s LiFePO4, change the game entirely. These batteries allow you to safely use up to 90% of their capacity, so you’re getting much closer to those initial numbers without worrying about damaging your battery. That means your 10W LED light could realistically run for nearly 119 hours, and your 40W fan for just under 30 hours on a single charge.
The type and size of the battery bank you choose isn’t just a technical decision—it’s about aligning your energy needs, your budget, and how you intend to use your campervan. High-end lithium batteries offer unparalleled efficiency and longevity, making them ideal for those who are serious about off-grid living. On the other hand, AGM batteries provide a more budget-friendly option, offering durability and performance at a lower cost. Either way, knowing your power requirements ensures your campervan is always adventure-ready.
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