Embarking on a van life adventure offers the freedom to explore and the joy of living on the road.

However, to ensure a smooth journey, it's crucial to have a reliable power source. That’s where motorhome and camper van batteries come in.

Here at UK Truck and Plant in Bedford we are a Fiat Professional authorised workshop, and we service approximately 6500 vehicles per year!

We often get customers bringing in their motorhome or camper van with problem and once we have a look and run diagnostics it turns out to be as simple as poor battery maintenance or the incorrect type for the usage.

Luckily, we’ve taken the time to come up with some top tips and a guide on the types of batteries, common issues and maintenance.

Choosing the right battery for your motorhome or camper van, there are several options available:

AGM Batteries

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a popular choice for their maintenance-free nature and good performance in various temperatures.

Pros:

• Maintenance-Free: AGM batteries are sealed, which means they don’t require water top ups or regular maintenance.
• Durability: They are more resistant to vibration and shock, making them suitable for the moving environment of a motorhome or camper van.
• Safety: AGM batteries are less likely to leak or spill acid, which is particularly important in a living space.
• Deep Discharge Recovery: They can recover better from deep discharges compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
• Low Self-Discharge: AGM batteries have a lower self-discharge rate, so they hold their charge longer when not in use.
• Fast Charging: They can accept a higher charge current, allowing for faster recharging times.

Cons:

• Cost: AGM batteries are generally more expensive upfront than traditional flooded lead-acid batteries.
• Sensitivity to Overcharging: While they charge faster, they are also more sensitive to overcharging, which can reduce their lifespan.
• Weight: AGM batteries tend to be heavier, which might be a consideration depending on the weight capacity of your motorhome or camper van.
• Temperature Sensitivity: They may not perform as well in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
• Capacity: For the same physical size, AGM batteries might have a lower capacity than other types of batteries like the lithium-ion.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are gaining popularity due to their long lifespan, lightweight, and efficiency.

Pros:

• Longer Lifespan: LiFePO4 batteries typically have a much longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries, often lasting 10+ times longer.
• Deep Discharge: They can be discharged by up to 90% without significant degradation, which is much deeper than lead-acid batteries.
• Weight saving: These batteries are significantly lighter, which can save on fuel costs and make it easier to stay within vehicle weight limits.
• No Peukert’s Law: LiFePO4 batteries are not subject to Peukert’s law, meaning their capacity is less affected by the rate of discharge.
• Fast Charging: LiFePO4 batteries can charge and discharge very rapidly, ideal for heavy loads.

Cons:

• Cost: While prices are dropping, LiFePO4 batteries are still more expensive than traditional lead-acid batteries.
• Temperature Sensitivity: They may require heating elements to perform well in cold temperatures.
• Voltage Compatibility: Some motorhome and camper van systems may need to be adjusted or modified to be compatible with the voltage profile of LiFePO4 batteries.

Lead-Acid Batteries

Traditional lead-acid batteries are cost affective but require regular maintenance and have a shorter lifespan.

Pros:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Lead-acid batteries are generally less expensive to purchase compared to other types.
• High Power Capacity: They can deliver high surge currents, suitable for starting engines and other high load applications.
• Reliability: With proper maintenance, lead-acid batteries can have a long service life.
• Recyclability: They are widely recycled, which reduces their environmental impact.

Cons:

• Weight: Lead-acid batteries are relatively heavy, which can be a drawback in a motorhome where weight is a concern.
• Maintenance requirements: They require maintenance, such as added distilled water to the cells.
• Shorter Lifespan: Compared to other batteries, lead-acid batteries typically have a shorter lifespan.
• Environmental Impact: If not properly maintained or disposed of, they can have a negative environmental impact due to the lead and acid they contain.

When considering changing the battery, weigh up these pros and cons against your specific needs, such as how you’ll be using the battery, the electrical demands of your motorhome or camper van, and your budget. It’s also important to ensure that your charging system is compatible with your chosen battery to avoid issues.

Common battery problems in motorhomes and camper vans can range from simple issues that are easy to fix to more complex ones that might require professional attention. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues:

1. Overcharging: This can lead to overheating and damage the internal components of the battery.

2. Sulfation: When a battery is not fully charged, lead sulphate crystals can build up, reducing the battery’s capacity and lifespan.

3. Parasitic Loads: Devices that continue to draw power even when turned off can drain the battery.

4. Self-Discharging: Batteries naturally loose charge over time, even when not in use.

5. Lack of Maintenance: For batteries that require maintenance, neglecting this can lead to a variety of issues.

6. Electrical Shorts: These can occur within the battery or in the motorhome or camper van’s system, causing rapid battery drain.

7. Natural Ageing: Over time, batteries lose their ability to hold a charge as effectively as when they were new.

To prevent these problems, it’s important to follow proper maintenance procedures and use the battery as recommended by the manufacturer. Regular checks and balances can help identify issues early and extend the life of your battery.

Extending the lifespan of your motorhome or camper van battery involves a combination of proper care, regular maintenance, and smart usage. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your battery and save a trip to your mechanic:

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your motorhome or camper van battery will have a long and healthy life, powering your adventures for years to come.