Best RV Lithium Batteries: 6 Steps to Build the Perfect Battery Bank for Solar Powered Off-Grid ‘Glamping’
They say life's more fun when you are glamping. While some people can travel off-grid and camp with the barest essentials, others need enough power to be able to live life comfortably and truly put the “glam” in RV camping. To do this, you need to put together the right battery pack to support an off-grid electrical system powered by solar energy. Here are six steps you need to take to ensure you are building the perfect battery pack to power all your needs.
Why are RV Lithium Batteries the Best for ‘Glamping’?
Before we jump into the six steps, let’s first consider why RV lithium batteries are the best option for creating your off grid “glamping” battery pack.
- Power - RV lithium batteries by Enduro Power contain significantly more power than traditional lead-acid batteries.
- Size / Weight - Enduro Power RV lithium batteries are smaller in dimension and are lighter in weight. This will enable more options as you build custom battery packs.
- Durability - Unlike lead-acid batteries, RV lithium batteries won’t leak, require no maintenance (or water) and are therefore more durable.
- Life - Enduro Power RV batteries will last for 10 years or longer, and because they don’t leak a corrosive material, you will always have a perfect connection with 100% of the charge feeding your components.
When you go to buy RV lithium batteries for ‘glamping’ battery packs, Enduro Power is your best choice because, while a big name brand, our prices are much more affordable than other leading brands, and the quality and additional benefits simply make our lithium batteries superior in every way. What this all translates to is that you will be able to have full control and power for your glamping experience as you create your ideal utopia in the wilderness, while your RV batteries function as your little sidekicks that help keep the dream rolling.
1. Determine How Much Power You Need from RV Lithium Batteries
When it comes to how much RV battery power you need for your off-road battery bank, there are two main considerations: solar or non-solar. If you want to build a battery bank that’s strong enough to power the RV and its accessories without the use of solar panels, then a general rule of thumb is that you will probably need two 12v lithium batteries to power their DC accessories and appliances. Typically, this provides between 200-to-240-amp hours of power, which should be enough to run everything within a 24-hour period (your air conditioning type may remove AC from this factor). To really ensure you have enough power you can run two 12v lithium batteries with a six-volt battery wired for added power. So long as you have enough room, wiring two six-volt lithium batteries to the set of 12v will have you in the best possible situation. If you have the right solar panels in place, then you should be able to run everything with a set of 12v. However, it’s always good to have more power necessary than less, as heavy cloud banks that roll in can interrupt the panel’s absorption of solar energy.
2. Calculate How Many RV Batteries You Will Need
As previously mentioned, you will need to calculate the number of batteries required to fill your bank, and because Enduro Power RV batteries are lighter in weight, and smaller in dimension, you have more options for building a custom bank to meet your needs.
3. Calculate the Number of Solar Panels Required Due to Needs and Time of Year
According to ‘The Boondocker’s Bible’, you will need between two and four 200-watt monocrystalline solar panels to offset energy consumption. If you are going to be in an area with full exposure in the summertime, you can likely get by with two panels. However, if you are going to be glamping in the winter time four panels are ideal.
4. Choose a Solar Charge Controller
Also known as a charge regulator, a solar charge controller is a current and/or voltage regulator that keeps RV batteries from overcharging, and it regulates the current and voltage coming from the solar panels as it goes to the battery.
5. Choose an Inverter to Work with Your RV Batteries and Solar Panels
An inverter is a very important piece of equipment for those glamping in an RV off the grid. The inverter converts direct current (DC) electricity (something that’s generated by solar panels) to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what the electrical grid runs off.
6. Plan on How to Balance Your RV Battery System
When it comes to RVs, balance is critical. First, let’s examine this from the standpoint of safety using the metaphor of storing cargo. For example, you wouldn't want to store scuba tanks on the same side of the RV as the generator. That said, have you ever given any thought to how balance, such as this, plays into your battery bank? Also, while it is important to understand how batteries may overload the axle weight rating on the side of an RV, it’s also critical to know the ramifications of electrical balance in banks of two or more RV lithium batteries.
Call Enduro Power for Help in Building Your Custom Battery Bank
From balancing your power, to battery selection and beyond, the experts at Enduro Power are here not just to hook you up with the best RV lithium batteries, but we are here to be your compass for creating the ultimate glamping experience. Call today, tell us about your ideal off-grid adventure, and we will help you get set up with the perfect battery bank and equipment to ensure you have the perfect glamping excursions for a decade of travel and beyond!