RV Renovation Rescue: Caravan Batteries

RV Renovation Rescue

Many caravanners are replacing their old AGM battery with a lithium battery! Let’s find out why:

AGM vs Lithium Review:

Cost:

While lithium batteries are more expensive than AGM, you get more bang for buck with efficiency. They have higher performance, better longevity, and require almost no maintenance.

Capacities:

Lithium batteries provide more energy in a smaller capacity compared to AGM batteries. You need a lot more Amp hours in an AGM battery to get the same amount of Amp hours in a Lithium battery:

  • 100Ah Lithium = 160Ah AGM
  • 125Ah Lithium = 200Ah AGM
  • 200Ah Lithium = 360Ah AGM

Depth of Discharge:

Lithium batteries have a higher depth of discharge compared to an AGM battery.

  • 100Ah of lithium will give you 80Ah
  • 100Ah of AGM will give you 50Ah

Therefore, in the battle of AGM vs Lithium, you are looking at 50% vs 80%.

Life Cycle:

A lithium battery will almost double the life cycle of an AGM battery. Meaning, although AGM batteries are cheaper, you will need to replace an AGM battery much sooner than a lithium.

Size & Weight:

Lithium batteries can save up to 70% of the weight and volume of an AGM battery of similar capacity. This is because AGM batteries contain more lead than a lithium battery, making them substantially heavier.

Applications:

AGM batteries can be used for cranking and deep cycle applications. Unfortunately, most lithium batteries cannot be used for cranking applications and should never be mounted under the hood of a motor vehicle.

Caravan Battery Review: AGM vs Lithium

Our Caravan Battery Recommendations:

AGM:

 

Lithium:

 

Caravan Battery Accessories:

DC to DC Chargers:

A DC to DC Charger is a vital part of your caravan power management system. While your engine is running, a DC charger will pull power from your alternator via your starter battery and safely charge your auxiliary battery. This charger also acts as an isolator, protecting your starter battery from going flat whilst you are stopped at camp.

Our recommended DC to DC Chargers include:

 

Need help choosing a DC to DC charger? Check out our blog:

choosing a DC to DC charger

AC to DC Chargers:

AC to DC Chargers allow you to charge your caravan battery from a generator or mains power. Instead of using a generators 12V supply, source a regulated charger and plug it into the AC source on the generator. This will charge your battery faster and reduce fuel wastage.

Our recommended AC to DC Chargers include:

 

Need more information on AC or DC Chargers? Check out our buyers guide:

choosing a AC to DC charger

Inverters:

If you want to run AC and 240V appliances in your caravan (such as a coffee machine or laptop), you will need to add an inverter to your battery system.

Our recommended inverters include:

 

Please note, it is important you choose an appropriate size inverter for your set-up. For help choosing the right size inverter, check out our blog:

choosing the right size inverter

Battery Monitors:

A battery monitor will allow you to track the health of your battery including voltage, temperature, power consumption, current, connectivity etc.

Our recommended inverters include:

 

Solar Panels:

Solar panels can allow you to travel off grid indefinitely! As long as you have sunshine, you will have power!

Our recommended solar panels include:

 

For more advice on powering your trip with solar panels, check out our blog:

powering your trip with solar panels

Pro Tip:

If you are looking to purchase one of these accessories with a battery, we recommend checking out our battery bundles. These bundles pair appropriately sized chargers and inverters with the right size battery. They will also save you money as they are cheaper than purchasing each product individually.

Our Caravan Battery Bundle Recommendations:

 

Battery & power bundles

 

Need any more advice on Upright Caravan Fridges? Give us a call on 1300 400 122