Do you really need Lithium Batteries in your Camper Trailer

Do you really need Lithium Batteries in a Camper Trailer? What is the point of spending extra money on lithium if AGM batteries are less expensive? That’s a good question… Here’s why.https://youtu.be/1glnEVQ3aGU Initial Outlay Yes, the cost of a lithium battery is probably over twice as high as that of an AGM battery for the same energy capacity. While this is a pretty large expense, your intended use will determine whether a lithium battery is more economical for you than an AGM. AGM batteries are probably a better choice if your battery is only used a few times per year. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, maybe the best option for anyone who regularly camps and discharges their batteries on a regular basis. When discharging an AGM battery to about 50% of its rated capacity at a time, it will likely last approximately 600 cycles before it needs replacing. While the same sort of usage will see lithium batteries last around 5000 cycles. This is where lithium is truly cost-effective. Weight, Size and Energy Ratios Everything you add to your camper trailer will take away from the payload you can take with you, and AGM batteries are heavy right? If you have ever changed one you know what I am talking about. A typical 110Amp Hour AGM Battery can weigh up to 35KG or more. In comparison, the Baintech Lithium Batteries Platinum campers recommend weighing in at only 13kg. When talking about a dual battery setup – this could be a saving of more than 44kg! Which is a lot of clothing and food, or even an extra jerry can of fuel or water! That could make a big difference on an outback adventure!  AGM batteries really shouldn’t be discharged below 50%, as this can start to damage the battery and reduce the number of cycles you will get out of it – reducing its overall lifespan – sometimes dramatically. (We’ve all experienced a flat battery, that no matter what you do will not recharge.) At only 50% discharge from your battery – the real usable energy from a 110amp hour battery is going to be closer to 55 amp-hours.  Compare this to lithium batteries. Lithium batteries can be safely discharged to as low as 10% without having a detrimental effect on the battery’s health. Meaning a 110 amp-hour lithium has over 40 more amp hours when compared to AGM batteries. Charging Simply – it is the quicker the better while out camping. As batteries discharge in regular use, you want to be able to charge it up quickly.  Lithium batteries are very quick at this, they are able to take a much higher charge-level right up the full 100%. AGM batteries start to slow right down when they hit 80% full. This means you need more sun time on your solar panels, and/ or more time on the generator.  Plus another thing to consider is that times have changed. I remember when I was a kid, the only battery we had out camping was to start the car and a couple for torches and walkie-talkies. Things were kept cool in esky’s, and cooking was done by gas or over the fire.  Today – things are a little different, Fridge/Freezers are common, all the kids now want to keep their phones charged to take photos (not play games of course), maybe you have brought a TV to watch some Netflix at night, and while music used to be the guitar – these days it’s probably Spotify! So these days – you need a large battery to keep everyone juiced up.    Main Reasons to Upgrade to Lithium Batteries, and do you need one? This all depends on what you need to charge, how often you need to recharge, and how long you will be away from mains power. While there are a number of reasons to take the plunge into Lithium – Here are the main points to consider:  1) Up to a third of the weight – 13kg Vs. 35kg2) More power – Lithium batteries hold their voltage over the cycle, unlike lead acid where the voltage drops off almost immediately. 3) More capacity – A lithium battery can discharge up to 90% where as a lead acid is only 50% – 1.8X storage capacity. 4) Greater lifespan – Get over 10 years life from lithium 2000-5000 cycles. 5) Faster to charge – Lithium batteries can accept a great charge more efficiently. 6) Cost comparable over the life cycle – you might go through 3-4 lead-acid batteries at the same time as a single lithium battery.  Why Bainbridge Technologies? More than 30 Years of DC and AC power systems expertise Stock on Hand Batteries are manufactured from their Brisbane factory and they carry stock of the most popular range ready for immediate road transport. And being local to the Platinum Factory – we can collect within hours.  Proudly AustralianAll their batteries are CAD Designed, engineered, built, and supported from the Brisbane premises.  Verified Designs They have partnered with leading engineers to design a 12v battery range to provide solutions in the outdoor leisure and recreation space. Including RV, 4×4, marine, and camper trailers.  5 Year WarrantyAfter-sales support and warranty for 5 years on all Lithium Batteries sold by Bainbridge Technologies.  Questions? Still have questions? Shoot us a message or give us a call and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you have regarding Lithium Batteries, DC to DC Chargers, Power Management Systems and Platinum Campers.  Drive Safe & Happy Camping!  

Understanding DC to DC Chargers for Camper Trailers

DC to DC Chargers for Camper Trailers.How they work You have probably encountered DC-DC Chargers when researching Dual Battery Systems or Camper Trailer Power Systems. With so many different options available, you might wonder “What exactly do they do?” and “Why do I need a DC-DC Charger?” https://youtu.be/VhEiCtlkITU How do camper trailer batteries charge? When traveling, your camper trailer can be charged by your car’s battery. This can be accomplished by installing a 50 Amp Anderson Plug near the tow bar and wiring it to the car’s battery. Platinum Camper Trailer’s batteries are connected to a 50 amp Anderson plug that is mounted at the front of the trailer.  As soon as the Camper Trailer is connected to the car via the Anderson plug, a link is formed between the car’s battery and the Camper Trailer’s batteries. As soon as you start your car, the alternator will kick in and charge the car battery, which in turn charges the Camper Trailer battery Do I need a DC to DC Charger? And What do they do? Well, it depends – mainly on how you use your camper trailer.  Modern cars have systems such as ‘Smart Charge’ where they reduce the voltage output of the alternator when the car warms up or it detects that the car’s main battery is at a certain voltage. Or if you have upgraded to lithium batteries – they are required, as the car’s alternator cannot put out the required charging profile.  Alternators aren’t designed to charge multiple batteries at once. Basically, they are there to recharge the starter battery so that the next time you turn on the car, there will be enough battery charge for the start. Even though the Camper Trailer battery will receive a charge, it won’t be able to charge it back to 100%. If you normally camp at powered campsites, where you have 240v and a charger, this might not be too much of an issue – as the power provided by the car will be enough to keep the fridge running while in transit.  On the other hand – if you usually camp off-grid, or a little bit of both, relying on batteries and solar power – then a DC to DC Charger would be a great investment for your future adventures.  How do they work? DC to DC Chargers are designed to isolate your camper trailer battery management system from the vehicle’s alternator. The DC to DC Charger picks up the car’s charge, regardless of the voltage output, using a charging system to boost and maximise the charging capacity. With this setup, the vehicle will be able to charge your batteries to the full 100%.  A lot of DC to DC Chargers, including the Thunder DC to DC Charger, one of the options we install into Platinum Campers will also include an inbuilt solar regulator. This will allow you to attach unregulated solar panels to your camper – and the charger will continue to charge and manage the input to the camper’s batteries.  If you leave your camper plugged into the tow vehicle battery and a solar panel – the Thunder DC to DC Charger can automatically select engine or solar charging to find the most efficient charging source for the Camper. So – How does it all improve your camping experience? A good quality DC to DC Charger has a huge number of benefits: longer off-grid camping, safer charging source, and a regulated input – which will extend the life of your camper trailer battery.  Questions? Still have questions? Shoot us a message or give us a call and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you have regarding DC to DC Chargers, Power Management Systems and Platinum Campers.  Drive Safe & Happy Camping!