10 Essentials for Campervan Batteries & Comparison (Part 2)

Part 2 of the Top 10 Things to Know About Campervan Batteries & 2025 Comparison:

(See Part 1)

7. How Much Does a Van Life Battery Cost? 💸
8. Comparison of the 6 Best Van Life Batteries
9. Portable Battery for Van Life ⚡🚐
10. Vanlife Battery Calculator: How to Assess Your Energy Needs? ⚡
    BONUS: 11. Tips to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Campervan Batteries 🔋
    Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Setups for Campervans (FAQ) ❓🚐

Conclusion: The Perfect Choice for Your Van's Electrical System

7. How Much Does a Van Life Battery Cost? 💸

The price of van life batteries varies depending on the type and capacity. Here is an estimate of the average prices for a 100 Ah (amp-hour) battery:

• AGM Batteries: A 100 Ah battery costs between $300 and $400 CAD.
• Gel Batteries: Slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from $400 to $500 CAD for 100 Ah.
• Lithium Batteries: The most expensive option, costing between $600 and $1,200 CAD for 100 Ah. However, they are lightweight, durable, and offer better long-term performance, justifying their higher cost.

🧮 Long-Term Battery Cost: Cost Per Cycle Comparison

While the initial price is an important factor, considering the cost per cycle (one charge and discharge cycle) is essential to estimate the real long-term cost. This helps you better understand the economic impact of your choice.

• AGM Batteries: Average lifespan of 500 to 700 cycles.

  • Example: A $350 CAD battery with 600 cycles would cost $0.60 CAD per cycle.

• Gel Batteries: Typically last between 1,000 and 1,500 cycles.

  • Example: A $450 CAD battery with a lifespan of 1,250 cycles would cost $0.36 CAD per cycle.

• Lithium Batteries: Lifespan of 3,500 to 5,000 cycles.

  • Example: A $850 CAD lithium battery lasting 4,500 cycles would cost $0.19 CAD per cycle💸, making it the best long-term option.

Conclusion: Which Battery Is Best for Energy Autonomy?

Although lithium solar batteries have a high upfront cost, their long-term profitability makes them a smart investment for extended van life adventures or frequent travel.

However, if you're on a tight budget or only take occasional trips, AGM or Gel batteries offer a good initial cost compromise. 🌞

Some new battery technologies now reach impressive lifespans of up to 6,000 cycles ⚡.

8. Comparison of the 6 Best Van Life Batteries

Choosing the best auxiliary battery for your camper van can transform your vanlife experience. That’s why, to help you decide, we have thoroughly compared the 6 most popular models.

❓ Which Battery Should You Choose for Your Van?

With various models tailored to different needs, here’s a guide to help you choose from the 6 battery models available for your camper van 🚐:

1. For Short Getaways 🚐

Van AGM Battery 100Ah
✅ Pros: Affordable price 💰, ideal for short trips.
❌ Cons: Heavy ⚖️, limited lifespan.

If you're heading out for short weekend trips on a budget, this battery offers a simple and effective solution.

2. For Longer Adventures 🏞️

12 Volt AGM RV Battery 200Ah
✅ Pros: High capacity ⚡, good value for money.
❌ Cons: Very heavy ⚖️, limited to 50% discharge.

A great choice if you need more autonomy for extended stays without investing in lithium.

3. For Optimized Autonomy with Reduced Weight ⚖️

Self-Heating + Bluetooth Lithium Camper Battery 100Ah
✅ Pros: Lightweight ⚖️, mobile app management 📱, self-heating ❄️.
❌ Cons: Higher price 💸.
🔧 Warranty: 7 years.

Unlike AGM, this van life battery is perfect for regular trips, especially if you want a connected and reliable battery in winter, thanks to its built-in temperature control system.

4. For Frequent Users Looking for Capacity and Lightness 🚐⚡

Lithium Battery Campervan 200Ah
✅ Pros: High capacity ⚡, reduced weight ⚖️.
❌ Cons: High price 💰.
🔧 Warranty: 5 years.

Like the previous battery, this one is well-balanced for frequent travelers who want to maximize capacity while keeping weight low.

5. For Advanced Management and Smart Features 📲

Self-Heating + Bluetooth Lithium Camper Battery 200Ah
✅ Pros: Self-heating ❄️, Bluetooth 📲, reliable 🛡️.
❌ Cons: High investment 💵.
🔧 Warranty: 7 years.

Similar to the 100Ah Smart Pro battery, it’s ideal for those who want a high-end battery with higher capacity, mobile app control, and year-round reliability, especially in winter with its built-in heating system.

6. For Maximum Autonomy on Long Journeys 🌍

Lithium RV Battery 300Ah
✅ Pros: Maximum capacity 🌟, perfect for long trips.
❌ Cons: High cost 💸.
🔧 Warranty: 5 years.

For long-distance travelers who don’t want to worry about running out of power, this 300Ah lithium battery will meet the energy needs of most camper vans.

9. Portable Battery for Campers⚡🚐

Portable power stations are an ideal option for those looking for a practical and flexible battery solution for van life. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast in a camper van or a van life traveler, these portable batteries can complement or even replace a larger installation. They offer several advantages, including:

Advantages of Portable Power Stations 💡

• Ease of Use: These batteries are ready to use and can be easily connected to your devices, allowing for immediate operation.
• Fast Charging: Some portable batteries, like those offered by Exode Explore, recharge in just a few hours, making them ideal for quick stops during your travels.
• Versatility: These solutions are adaptable to various devices, including refrigerators, LED lights, and other electronic equipment used during your adventures.

Use Cases 🌄

Portable batteries are perfect for various specific situations, including:

• Temporary Solution: If you're heading out for a weekend or a short getaway, these batteries can meet your energy needs without requiring a complete power system.
• Minimalist Setup: For those prioritizing a lightweight and compact setup in their van, portable batteries are an excellent alternative. They are ideal for a minimalist lifestyle without compromising comfort.

➡️ Similarly, the 1000Wh Lithium Portable Power Pack provides a compact solution with an LCD screen to monitor energy consumption and efficiently manage the electrical needs of your camper van.

Finally, for those looking to extend their autonomy, adding a portable solar panel with a battery is an excellent option. These solar panels can recharge your portable batteries while on the road, giving you a constant power supply during your adventures. 🌞🔋 

10. Campervan Battery Calculator: How to Assess Your Energy Needs? ⚡

Evaluating your energy needs for van life is essential to determine the ideal auxiliary battery capacity for your camper van. A proper calculation will help you choose a battery that suits your habits and equipment.

Battery Capacity Calculation Method for a Camper 🔋

1. Add Up the Power Consumption (in Watts) of Each Device:
   Start by identifying the power consumption of all your devices. For example, a refrigerator, an LED light, or a phone charger all have power ratings indicated in watts.
   Add up this consumption to get the total in watts. Then, divide this number by the voltage (V) of your battery system, which is usually 12V, to obtain the number of Amperes (A).

   Example: 100W / 12V = 8.3A

2. Estimate the Daily Usage Time:
   Next, assess how many hours each device is used per day. The refrigerator likely runs for several hours, while lighting or a phone charger is used intermittently. This calculation is crucial to estimate the Ah load your van battery will need to support.
   Multiply the amperes (A) by the number of usage hours.

   Example: 8.3A for 5 hours = 41.5Ah

Concrete Example of a Calculation for a Standard Campervan:

Imagine you have the following equipment, and your system operates on 12V:

• Refrigerator: 60W / 12V = 5A, used 8 hours per day → 40Ah
• LED Lighting: 10W / 12V = 0.83A, used 4 hours → 3.3Ah
• Phone Charger: 20W / 12V = 1.6A, used 2 hours → 3.3Ah
• Total: 76.3Ah per day

With this example, your daily consumption would be 76.3Ah. If you want two days of autonomy, you would need a van battery with a capacity of 152.6Ah.

If you opt for a lithium battery with a maximum discharge of around 80%, your minimum required battery capacity should be 190Ah for lithium or 300Ah for AGM.

BONUS : 11 - Tips to Maximize the Lifespan of Camper Van Batteries 🔋

To ensure your van battery lasts as long as possible and operates at peak performance, it’s crucial to follow a few best practices. By adopting these simple habits, you can optimize the lifespan of your lithium van battery and other auxiliary batteries.

Best Practices to Extend the Life of Your Van Battery 🌞

• Avoid Deep Discharges:
  Deep-cycle batteries, like lithium batteries, must be used carefully. Excessive discharge (beyond 20-30% remaining capacity) can cause irreversible damage.
  For this reason, it’s recommended to recharge your battery regularly when it reaches about 50-60% capacity. This habit will help maintain long-term performance.

• Use a High-Quality Solar Charge Controller:
  If you recharge your battery via solar panels, a high-quality MPPT charge controller ensures stable charging while protecting your battery from overvoltage. This is particularly important to maintain system balance and prevent overheating risks.

Battery-Specific Maintenance 🛠️

Taking care of your auxiliary battery depends on its type:

• Lithium Batteries: Require minimal maintenance, but it’s essential to avoid excessive fast charging, which could lead to overheating. Additionally, lithium batteries last longer in cool environments, so ensure proper storage when not in use.

• AGM and Gel Batteries: Require more attention. These batteries must be recharged before they are fully discharged to prevent capacity loss. Additionally, proper ventilation is crucial to avoid overheating, especially during charging.

By following these maintenance tips, you’ll maximize the lifespan of your van batteries, ensuring a smooth and worry-free van life experience. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Installations in a Converted Truck (FAQ) ❓

Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about van life batteries. Whether you're a van enthusiast or a dedicated vanlifer, this information will help you better understand and manage your electrical system.

Can You Mix Different Types of Batteries? 🔋

In general, mixing different types of batteries in your van's electrical system is not recommended. Lithium batteries, for example, have different charging and discharging characteristics compared to AGM or Gel batteries.

This can lead to charge imbalances and affect the overall performance of the system. To ensure optimal charging, it is essential to use a consistent battery type.

How Long Does a Battery Last in Winter? ❄️

The lifespan of a van battery in winter depends on several factors, including battery capacity and outside temperatures.

In colder months, lithium batteries typically perform better than AGM or Gel batteries, which can lose up to 20% of their capacity due to cold weather. To prevent this, it is highly recommended to keep your auxiliary battery at moderate temperatures, ideally between 0°C and 25°C.

Using a battery heater or cold weather protection can also help extend its lifespan, especially during long trips in a converted van.

How to Charge a Battery While Driving? 🚗

Charging your auxiliary battery while driving is entirely possible with a vehicle battery charger or a DC-DC system. These devices use energy from the vehicle’s engine to recharge the battery during travel.

This is particularly useful for van life adventures where power outlets may be hard to find. A reliable charging system ensures your van battery is always ready for use when needed. It’s an ideal way to maintain power autonomy on the road.

🚐 Conclusion: Choosing the Perfect Electrical Setup for Your Van

In conclusion, selecting the right camper battery is crucial for an enjoyable and worry-free travel experience. Depending on your needs and travel style, various options are available, from deep-cycle batteries to lithium batteries for campers.

Each battery type offers distinct advantages, and understanding their characteristics will help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways for Van Life:

• Deep-Cycle Batteries ⚡: Ideal for extended use with energy-hungry appliances. Perfect for van trips where you stay off-grid for several days.
• Lithium Batteries 🔋: Lighter, longer lifespan, and more efficient charging. Recommended for long-term adventures or those needing fast and regular recharging.
• Charging While Driving 🚗💨: A great way to keep auxiliary batteries charged on the road, especially for travelers who are constantly moving and don’t want to rely solely on solar panels.

Recommendations Based on Traveler Type:

• Weekend Traveler 🏕️: If you take short trips, a moderate-capacity van battery with a solar charging system may be sufficient for your daily needs.
• Long-Term Traveler 🛣️: For extended journeys, opt for lithium batteries with higher capacity and longer lifespan. Ensure you have a charging system in place to maximize autonomy.
• Long-Distance Traveler 🚙: If you explore remote areas, a deep-cycle battery is a solid choice, combined with a DC-DC charger to recharge the battery while driving, especially on long trips.

Final Thoughts

The best camper van battery depends on your usage, trip duration, and budget. Both lithium and deep-cycle batteries are popular solutions, but make sure to choose the option that best fits your specific needs.