Lithium Caravan Batteries

Peter Nigel
Peter Nigel Forum Participant Posts: 7
edited August 2016 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Intriqued by the weight saving I asked the club if they could review this kit.  Their response was less than enthusiastic!  Because of the cost the club thought the membership would not be interested.  They did think it suitable to feature folding watering
cans this month though - folding watering cans!!!!!!

The advantage for me at 68 is the fact that lithium batteries are a fraction of the weight of lead acid.  Yes they are pricey but surely this will come down as per the cost of all new technology, but, even at a high price the weight saving in the van is
considerable and certainly for me having to lift the battery out for lay-up charging.

Any views on lithium for the caravan?  Any experience out there?

Comments

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,311 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2016 #2

    I also change batteries over as our van is in storage and we have a tracker. However, when I am no longer able to lift them, given the cost of lithium at present, I think I would look at fitting a solar panel first.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2016 #3

    A link to the kit would help, PN. Can you supply one?

    Actually folding w/cans may be of interest to some MHers.

  • bboo
    bboo Forum Participant Posts: 10
    edited August 2016 #4

    Patience! There are a new type of battery that are in development at the moment; though you won't see them for a couple of years I would say, they are coming. Use 5 times longer, 15 minute charge time. Keep your ear to the ground, used in smaller units,
    vehicle ones are coming and it will hange cars forever as it will make electric vehicles viable. Again, 15 mins charge, imagine 500 miles in a charge? Its a valid car eh?

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
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    edited August 2016 #5

    "RoadPro",  the  fount  of  much  wisdom  with  respect  to  items  electrical  only  have  1  reference  --  Relion  Lithium  batteries  to  special  order  at  a  price  fit  to  wipe  out  my  monthly  company  pension !

    So,  as  folks  say  ==  don't  hold  your  breath  waiting  !!

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #6

    Unfortunately Lithium batteries need a different charger so would require modification to the electrical system which would be quite expensive. OK if fitted as part of the build but they would not be interchangeable with lead acid.

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #7

    I am sure battery technology will improve as it has to to deliver the dreamt of replacement of IC engines for cars.

    However re Lithium if my experiences with laptops are anything to go by then I shall not be jumping to replace my van's GEL, eight year old  lead acid battery with one too readily.

    Weight has little impact on me, the van builder fitted it 8 years ago and there it has stayed.

    When the technology, price and practicality combined make new battery types a viable alternative then I expect to adopt it, not seeing that being here yet for our application in caravans.

  • QFour
    QFour Forum Participant Posts: 442
    edited August 2016 #8

    LifeP04 batteries are better as they have roughly double the charge cycles of normal litium batteries. All you would have to do is change the battery charger so not a great expence you certainly would not have to change the wiring. You also only need 1/2
    the capacity as unlike Lead Acid you can fully discharge LifeP04 batteries. I use them in our electric bikes. You can buy individual cells 3.2v 15amp. So 4 cells in series would give you 12.8v at 15amps. You can then add as many in parrallel as you need. 2
    x 4 would give you 12.8v at 30amps. 4 x 4 would give you 12.8v 60amps. Cells are about £21 each so £336 for a 60amp battery. Think the Lead Acid wins by a mile you can get a 100amp one for £90

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