Best battery upgrade

ozzyhufc

ozzyhufc

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BaileyAutograph 74-4
Hi only me again , I also want to upgrade my battery to a lithium one something which will last long on wild camping and a straight swap if possible for a Bailey Autograph 74-4

Thanks
 
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Seems like a bit of an unfair trade.

Joking aside, does your charger have a lithium profile, and would any other bits in the chain need changed.

I'm sure Lenny will turn up any moment to inform you!
 
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ozzyhufc said:
Hi only me again , I also want to upgrade my battery to a lithium one something which will last long on wild camping and a straight swap if possible for a Bailey Autograph 74-4

Thanks
Click to expand...
How much power do you consume per day at present?
How many consecutive days of wid camping?
Do you have solar to top up?
 
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Scottish Scrutineer said:
How much power do you consume per day at present?
How many consecutive days of wid camping?
Do you have solar to top up?
Click to expand...
Not sure on what we consume , as we new to it
We do two or 3 days wild camping at most of the time and yes we have a solar panal on roof of van , we use all low voltage items etc and tv…
 
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ozzyhufc said:
Hi only me again , I also want to upgrade my battery to a lithium one something which will last long on wild camping and a straight swap if possible for a Bailey Autograph 74-4

Thanks
Click to expand...
my advice is to get as big a battery as you can afford that will fit in the space available. we dont have a lithium setting on our charger, so we just set it to lead acid, it charges to around 98% and solar does the rest. though driving between wild camping spots will replenish your battery, so a large B2B will def help.

you will also need to consider what 'electric appliances' you want to use off grid, to give you an idea, we can last around four days without solar or top up, with a 304ah battery and a 3000w inverter and we use a 240v kettle, induction hob, microwave, pizza oven, george foreman grill and air fryer as and when we want!

if you were using gas and just 12v, then you probably dont need a lithium battery ....

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Jon Stewart said:
Seems like a bit of an unfair trade.

Joking aside, does your charger have a lithium profile, and would any other bits in the chain need changed.

I'm sure Lenny will turn up any moment to inform you!
Click to expand...
Not sure mate as we new to it all, but not many place by us to get advice. They all miles away unfortunately live in wales
 
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MisterB said:
my advice is to get as big a battery as you can afford that will fit in the space available. we dont have a lithium setting on our charger, so we just set it to lead acid, it charges to around 98% and solar does the rest. though driving between wild camping spots will replenish your battery, so a large B2B will def help.

you will also need to consider what 'electric appliances' you want to use off grid, to give you an idea, we can last around four days without solar or top up, with a 304ah battery and a 3000w inverter and we use a 240v kettle, induction hob, microwave, pizza oven, george foreman grill and air fryer as and when we want!

if you were using gas and just 12v, then you probably dont need a lithium battery ....
Click to expand...
Hi thanks for your reply, yes been watching a few YouTube videos lately
I like the idea of using our 3pin plugs on wild camping , we so miss using the kettle , toaster etc …. Just haven’t got a clue who to speak to or who to go to etc
Thanks
 
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ozzyhufc said:
Hi thanks for your reply, yes been watching a few YouTube videos lately
I like the idea of using our 3pin plugs on wild camping , we so miss using the kettle , toaster etc …. Just haven’t got a clue who to speak to or who to go to etc
Thanks
Click to expand...
RogerIvy or AshVanBitz - both are members of the forum ....

our 'camping' experience is so much better since we changed our mindset to using a motorHOME, there are other members who have really gone deep into the lithium jungle and the more you use it in conjunction with 240v, the more you realise you havent got enough lithium, which is why i suggested get as big a capacity as you can afford that will fit in the space available (which doesnt have to be where the leisure battery is currently situated ....)

dont forget though, that the key to it all is replenishing the power you use. yes you can stay off grid for 5 days, but then what? its fine if youve got solar, but is it? is it big enough and do you get enough sunshine and light to replenish what you use each day? and to me that is the key, replenishing what you have used, which can be from solar when static, B2B when driving (though the on board charger via the alternator wil add some) or by hooking up to EHU for a day or two ....
 
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MisterB said:
RogerIvy or AshVanBitz - both are members of the forum ....

our 'camping' experience is so much better since we changed our mindset to using a motorHOME, there are other members who have really gone deep into the lithium jungle and the more you use it in conjunction with 240v, the more you realise you havent got enough lithium, which is why i suggested get as big a capacity as you can afford that will fit in the space available (which doesnt have to be where the leisure battery is currently situated ....)

dont forget though, that the key to it all is replenishing the power you use. yes you can stay off grid for 5 days, but then what? its fine if youve got solar, but is it? is it big enough and do you get enough sunshine and light to replenish what you use each day? and to me that is the key, replenishing what you have used, which can be from solar when static, B2B when driving (though the on board charger via the alternator wil add some) or by hooking up to EHU for a day or two ....
Click to expand...
Thanks, any advice on who I can speak to ref a bigger battery etc

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Scottish Scrutineer said:
How much power do you consume per day at present?
How many consecutive days of wid camping?
Do you have solar to top up?
Click to expand...
As above plus,
Do you have a B2B charger if not you will need one.
Do you know the max output of your altonator.

Some of your wiring probably will need replacing for the B2B
a Shunt is more or less essential so as to know what is happening to the battery.

There are very many very comprehensive threads on here about Lithium Systems. Do yourself a favour and do a search and spend a day reading them you will learn a great deal either to do it yourself or to understand what an installer is suggesting.

As an example we have installed 600Ah of Lithium with a B2B and Shunt, 1200 W inverter, 300 W solar panels and an EBL with a GEL setting which is ok but a little underrated for Lithium.
We have been Wild Camping in Spain for 3 Weeks, hardly moving but not using the inverter at all for kettle, air frier etc. so only using the gas hob and kettle, but lighting, running the heater as there are some very cold dark nights consequently we have been watching quite a bit of TV and watching films for most of each evening. And the batteries got down to 50%. We have had quite a bit of sun but with flat solar panels have not really got above 5A input above my basic load which is about 2A as I run a home router and Raspberry-Pi 24/7 to monitor the electrics. So I suppose we could have lasted 5 Weeks off grid. But we stopped for the night at a Motorhome Dealer in Jerez with secure parking and free electric for €15 per night so as to spend the day and evening looking round the town, so ten hours plugged in have got the batteries back to 100%.
We are heavy users of 12 volt for iPads charging phones etc.
Lithium is a game changer my 90% usable 600Ah of lithium is probably half the weight of my 3 x 90Ah gels of which only half the 270Ah is usable. But it is not “home electric” and does need recharging. If we were using the inverter for kettle, air frier etc. I would only last about 4 or five days maximum then would need a 24hour recharge on mains or 12 hours of continuous motorway driving to recharge.
I wouldn’t be without it but it does have limitations.
Good luck, do you research. I 100% recommend RogerIvy & nigelivy at OffGrid Power solutions who give a generous discount to members and fantastic advice. They supplied most of my kit.

P.s. https://offgridpower.solutions/ sign up on their site to qualify for their generous discount. No connection just a very satisfied customer.
 
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How big is the battery you are using now? The capacity is usually on the label, measured in Ah, which is amp-hours. Ignore any figures like 'CCA 500A', that's only relevant for powering a starter motor.

You can estimate your present usage from that. For example, if it's a 100Ah battery - a fairly average leisure battery size - then you probably discharge it down to the 40% or 30% level. That means you have used about 60Ah or 70Ah. If that lasts you 3 days then you are using about 20Ah per day.

What size is your solar panel? Likely to be about 100W if it's a standard factory fit. At this time of the year the solar contribution will be very little. You might get 20Ah per day from a 100W solar panel later in the year, and might even get 40Ah from it on a good long summer day.
 
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MisterB said:
The two names I gave you !! Lol

They are both well respected businesses who deal with motorhome upgrades, Inc batteries etc.
Click to expand...
Hi what are the two business please, I will give them a calll see what they say.
Thank you
 
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ozzyhufc

AshVanBitz - Vanbitz in Taunton, who also do probably the best motorhome alarms in the UK

RogerIvy - Off Grid Power Solutions around the midlands area who can build lithium batteries to fit any given space if necessary

Make sure you mention motorhome fun for any discounts

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ozzyhufc said:
Hi what are the two business please, I will give them a calll see what they say.
Click to expand...

Home - VanBitz

Van Bitz is the UK's leading motorhome security installation company with an envious reputation for providing first class services and cutting-edge security
vanbitz.com vanbitz.com
offgridpower.solutions

Offgrid Power Solutions

Offgrid Power Solutions We are specialists in LiFePO4 batteries & Victron Energy systems. We’re here to help build the best offgrid electrical systems so you can focus on your adventure without stressing about how much power you have left! Get in touch with us about how we can help
offgridpower.solutions offgridpower.solutions
 
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ozzyhufc said:
Not sure mate as we new to it all, but not many place by us to get advice. They all miles away unfortunately live in wales
Click to expand...
You'll get all the advice you need on here.

We're only just ahead of you on the experience front!
 
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You could work your visit into a trip away, both companies will let you stay overnight at their premises.

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ozzyhufc - If I could ask you to report back on what you decide on (even if you don't go ahead). I ask as I have a Autograph 74-4, and I want to upgrade to a 200HA+, however the issue is space, as the battery box has been specifically made for the vehicle.
200HA+ batteries are naturally bigger, and having trawled all the main players I can't find one.
Ps. I have upgraded my Solar, so if you want and assistance as to what you need and what "physically" fits on the roof, let me know.
 
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The most important question is what do you really need? Some need all the 240V toys and a Gigawatt power station others decry the use of anything but 12V. Me Ive adapted and built up slowly. Now i only have 100AH seen as tidly but have been totally off grid for 3 weeks at a time totally stationary in a wet Wales or 3 weeks moving about and my BMV712 battery monitior says i can last forever.. What you take out you have to put back in, here I used to be regarded as over solared at 550W but now its nothing less than a Gigawatt. A 30A B2B pulls up the rear. Power usage generaly 12V inc charging 1-ebike the other can be charged using 240V using my 375W invertor (again regarded as small but balenced to my needs). Apart from small chargers my other 240V uses are for the washing machine and laptop (an HP that cant be charged via 12V or USB C) no need for hair driers or microwaves (we use pressure cooker and slo cooker). Get some miles and weeks under your belt and work out what you really need.
 
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The thing with lithium is that they don't have to be fitted in dedicated lockers, vertically or even next to each other, although this is preferable. It does give you some flexibility on installation.
 
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ozzyhufc said:
Hi only me again , I also want to upgrade my battery to a lithium one something which will last long on wild camping and a straight swap if possible for a Bailey Autograph 74-4

Thanks
Click to expand...
You could opt for keeping g your charging system the same and go for a Hybrid solution LE 300 or and you would need to double check the BOS S which I don’t think you need to change your charging solution, the S is available on Europe but not yet in the U.K. so the LE whilst not the cheapest is more flexible and can be used in conjunction with a normal agm as a hybrid set up.

BOS - Lithium Energy Storage Systems | Off-grid experts

BOS AG is a German Energy Storage Systems (ESS) manufacturer & expert in the off-grid sector & provides Lithium batteries as a lead extension.
www.bos-ag.com www.bos-ag.com

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Coolcats said:
You could opt for keeping g your charging system the same and go for a Hybrid solution LE 300 or and you would need to double check the BOS S which I don’t think you need to change your charging solution, the S is available on Europe but not yet in the U.K. so the LE whilst not the cheapest is more flexible and can be used in conjunction with a normal agm as a hybrid set up.

BOS - Lithium Energy Storage Systems | Off-grid experts

BOS AG is a German Energy Storage Systems (ESS) manufacturer & expert in the off-grid sector & provides Lithium batteries as a lead extension.
www.bos-ag.com www.bos-ag.com
Click to expand...

Just had a quick look at those batteries, no idea on price but did see only a 2 year warranty

I can't see them being cheap tbh and neither can I see a reason to buy them rather than a Fogstar battery which has a 10 year warranty and 6000 cycle rate.

Be good to see some in action though just to see how they measure up against the competition (y)
 
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Coolcats said:
You could opt for keeping g your charging system the same and go for a Hybrid solution LE 300 or and you would need to double check the BOS S which I don’t think you need to change your charging solution, the S is available on Europe but not yet in the U.K. so the LE whilst not the cheapest is more flexible and can be used in conjunction with a normal agm as a hybrid set up.
Click to expand...
Might be worth considering these if your existing lead-acid/AGM batteries are in good condition but just don't give you enough capacity to last when off-grid. These lithium batteries will use power from the lithium bit for small everyday usage but will call upon the lead-acid batteries when necessary. When back on charge, the BMS will ensure the lead-acids get refilled first, then the lithiums. That is the optimal usage for lead-acids - they work best when kept at 100% and recharged fairly quickly after use. I haven't seen the prices yet. They are what Hymer use in their new hybrid battery systems.
 
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I can personally recommend RogerIvy and Off Grid Power Solutions.
I’m going to do a post shortly about our experience after upgrading our system with huge help from Lenny HB
We’re just back in Spain from 3 and a half weeks in Morocco having left the UK in 22/12/24. Not needed hook up once. It’s genuinely transformed our motorhome experience, particularly with having e-bikes.

Paul
 
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autorouter said:
Might be worth considering these if your existing lead-acid/AGM batteries are in good condition but just don't give you enough capacity to last when off-grid. These lithium batteries will use power from the lithium bit for small everyday usage but will call upon the lead-acid batteries when necessary. When back on charge, the BMS will ensure the lead-acids get refilled first, then the lithiums. That is the optimal usage for lead-acids - they work best when kept at 100% and recharged fairly quickly after use. I haven't seen the prices yet. They are what Hymer use in their new hybrid battery systems.
Click to expand...
the le 300 is 23cm higher than a standard Varta battery but 6 of them is the same width 2 x Bos S takes the same space as a Varta you can also start with an LE 300 set and am told that whilst the S is not yet generally available in the U.K. you can add these as they work alongside the LE 300 one BOS S is aprox £1177.
 
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Al n Val said:
Just had a quick look at those batteries, no idea on price but did see only a 2 year warranty

I can't see them being cheap tbh and neither can I see a reason to buy them rather than a Fogstar battery which has a 10 year warranty and 6000 cycle rate.

Be good to see some in action though just to see how they measure up against the competition (y)
Click to expand...
I have been quoted it’s aprox £1177 they are not cheap but do have an inbuilt management system. It’s not a simple lithium battery.

Highly advanced battery management system
“The BOS battery S integrates a high-performance Battery Management System (BMS) that follows the charging cycles and capacity of the battery. Hence, the objective is to fully understand each battery and prevent possible adversities. The smart and multiple sensors added to the battery aim to get ahead of the State of Health (SoH) in order to understand and optimize its performance. With this monitoring and tracebaility available, the aging of the batteries can be undertood and it is possible to balance an optimum performance.”

Also winter proof up to -20c
 
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