The van life movement has surged in popularity over the past decade as travelers seek new ways to explore while enjoying the comforts of home. A reliable power source is crucial when building a camper van, and lithium batteries are the preferred choice for their safety, efficiency, and longevity. Designing the perfect electrical system can be a daunting task. Determining the correct battery size and number, assessing your power needs based on your lifestyle, and ensuring quality components and other considerations during installation is overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Dive into the Ultimate Guide to Camper Van Lithium Battery Power Systems and see how Battle Born Batteries make the ideal choice for both new and seasoned van lifers ready for their next adventure.

The Endless Adventure of Van Life | Embracing Freedom and Self-Sufficiency

Beckoned by an endless horizon and the thrill of the open road, the #vanlife movement has exploded over the last decade. Catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced people to explore new ways to travel, van life offers the excitement and exploration of camping while enjoying many of the comforts of home. Blending the best of both worlds, van lifers can be immersed in nature, surrounded by incredible views, while sleeping in a comfy bed, enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, and staying connected to the internet.

Whether you want to use your van for weekend getaways or live on the road full-time as a digital nomad, there is a van perfectly suited to your lifestyle. Many stunning camper van conversions across social media started as an empty shell. Van lifers have used their creativity and handiwork, or borrow that of a professional, to design a camper van customized to how they plan to live on the road. The beauty of camper vans is that no two are exactly alike, and there are infinite possibilities of layouts and features to include.

For some, a shower is non-negotiable; for others, it closes off the space better served by a dinette, mobile workspace, or even an extended kitchen. Camping along the “70-degree line” will need different appliances and features than those who enjoy winter van life. Additionally, depending on your camping style, one camper may need more power or a different way to charge than another. Fortunately, there is no wrong way to build a camper van, and van lifers have the flexibility to customize their space to fit the life they want to live on the road perfectly.

Choosing the Right Power Source for Your Camper Van

While there are many decisions to make when building out the perfect camper van, arguably one of the most important is your power source. Whether you plan to spend your time off-grid and boondocking in remote areas or hope to take advantage of the ability to spend a night in a parking lot or at a Harvest Host as you travel to your destination, a reliable power system is essential. From simply needing to recharge your phone and turn on the lights to running an air conditioner and coffee maker, having power available is always vital.

Lead-acid batteries have been the go-to choice for mobile power systems for decades. Given the technology available then, these batteries were the most efficient way to have power on the road. But that is no longer the case. Lithium batteries have proven to be a safer and more reliable power source.

The Advantages of Lithium Batteries

• Lighter Weight—Lithium batteries weigh significantly less than lead-acid batteries, giving you greater cargo capacity and better fuel efficiency. For the same useable power, lithium batteries are a fifth the weight of lead-acid batteries.
• Longer Lifespan—Lithium batteries last significantly longer, saving you money in the long run. With high-quality lithium batteries, you can expect over 10 years and 3,000 to 5,000 lifecycles.
• Deeper Discharge—Lead-acid batteries restrict you to a 50% depth of discharge, but high-quality lithium batteries like Battle Born allow you to discharge all the way to 0% with no lasting effect on the batteries.
• Faster Charging—When combined with the right components and system design, lithium batteries can be recharged up to five times faster than lead-acid batteries.
• Low Maintenance—Lead-acid batteries require frequent monitoring and maintenance. They’re more prone to die, which could leave you stranded with no lights, no power, and limited freedom for extended off-grid living. Lithium batteries require minimal maintenance and are far more reliable than lead-acid batteries.
• Safer—Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries offer inherent thermal and chemical stability, making them the safest choice for deep-cycle applications. They are also more resistant to damage from shocks or vibration, which is especially helpful when installed in a camper van.

Why Battle Born Batteries Stand Out as the Best

While all lithium batteries offer significant advantages over lead-acid batteries, not all are created equal. In a market saturated with lithium batteries, paying essential attention to key safety features, intentionality of design, and extensive product knowledge can help you determine which best suits your needs.

As a premium battery brand, Battle Born Batteries prioritizes the highest quality and safety for our products and customers. Here are some key areas where Battle Born Batteries stands out.

American Design & Assembly with Extensive Quality Control

Battle Born Batteries designs and assembles LiFePO4 batteries right here in the USA. This ensures that each battery undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure peak performance and lasting durability.

Premium, Tested Components

We don’t compromise and use only the highest quality, tested components to build our batteries. Battle Born Batteries boast innovative features like

• • Advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS)—Our batteries feature a state-of-the-art, proprietary BMS designed to harmonize with our cells perfectly. This system protects your battery from overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, and extreme temperatures.
  • Premium Cylindrical Cells—Unlike competitors who use easy-to-assemble prismatic cells, we utilize high-performance cylindrical cells to maximize safety and reliability. Each cell features a safety burst cap that eliminates the risk of thermal runaway. Even if one cell fails, the others can keep your system running.
  • Secure Flag Terminals – Secure terminals prevent broken bolts and weak connections. Reliable connections ensure efficient power transfer throughout your system.
  • Internal Heat Management—We offer an optional upgrade to internally heated batteries that automatically turn on when temperatures drop below -4°F for discharging and 25°F for charging, expanding the operating temperature range.
  • Flexibility in Design & Mounting – We offer a variety of form factors that you can mount in any orientation to fit any van layout.
  • Third-Party Certifications & Listings—Battle Born Batteries meet the highest safety and performance standards and are some of the safest batteries on the market. Backed by third-party certifications and listings, our batteries undergo rigorous testing to ensure they will continue to work safely and efficiently even in the harshest conditions.
  • Unmatched Customer Support—Our dedicated technical support team is always happy to answer your questions so you can get the most out of your Battle Born Batteries system.

Calculating Your Power Needs for Van Life

Once you’ve determined what battery you want to buy, the next step is deciding what size battery and how many you need to power your van. First and foremost, you want to think about what your lifestyle will be like on the road. Are you planning to treat your van as a place to sleep while spending most of your time cooking your meals outside? Or do you want to create a home on wheels that offers all the benefits of a residential home while off-grid?

Those needing to charge their electronics and run a few lights will have far different power needs than those wanting to run a coffee maker, microwave, and air conditioner daily. An easy way to determine how much power you will need from your batteries is to take inventory of all the appliances in your camper van.

List any electronics you want to run, including the wattage and estimated daily run time. Then, multiply the total watts by usage hours to find the total watts needed. Dividing the total watt-hours by 12V will tell you how many amp-hours of batteries you need. We always recommend adding a buffer (extra amp hours) to cover any unexpected changes in your power needs. The Battle Born Battery Calculator can determine this number by inputting each appliance value.

Finally, consider the space constraints to help determine which battery size fits best. While larger, higher amp-hour batteries can provide weight savings, certain space restrictions may make it more difficult to install them. Fortunately, you can mount Battle Born Batteries in any orientation, ensuring maximum flexibility when designing your system.

Building Your System | Essential Components for Reliable Performance

Now that you’ve determined which size batteries and how many your system requires, it’s time to put your system together. Choose the voltage for your system based on your power requirements. You can connect Battle Born Batteries in series or parallel for systems ranging from 12 to 48 volts. As is the current industry norm, 12-volt systems are simple to install with readily available components. They easily power many appliances on their own or with the addition of an inverter. On the other hand, 48-volt systems offer the ability to run 48-volt electronics without putting stress on the inverter and can help minimize efficiency loss. While not currently the norm, the industry is trending in this direction and will likely continue to support these higher-power systems.

To ensure that your high-quality batteries continue to operate as intended, they should be surrounded by high-quality system components. Adding a Victron BMV—712 shunt-based battery monitor and a Lynx distributor can give you access to critical data and keep your system clean and running efficiently. Appropriately sized wires and chargers will keep your system safe and ensure your batteries are fully charged.

Professional Installation or DIY?

When it comes to putting your system together, you can either leave it in the hands of a professional or do the installation yourself. If you’re worried about working with electricity or just want to ensure a job well done, leaving your electrical system in the hands of a certified dealer or installer is a great option. But for those who want to tackle the installation themselves and gain a deeper understanding of their electrical system, we have plenty of DIY electrical installation resources to get your camper van up and running!

An adequate power source is also essential to keeping your van powered up and ready for the road ahead. Relying on shore power or a generator to recharge your batteries is a simple solution, but you risk running out of power or being restricted in areas with generator bans. Alternator charging will recharge your batteries as you drive and is a very reliable power source if your system and vehicle have the appropriate modifications, like using the WS500 Advanced Alternator Regulator and a secondary alternator. Finally, solar panels offer a renewable energy power solution that is typically readily available and environmentally conscious.

Revolutionizing Your Van Electrical System | Leveraging the Latest Technology

If your camper van already has a Battle Born Battery-powered electrical system, taking advantage of the latest technology can ensure you have access to the most reliable and safe power system on the market.

The latest innovation from Battle Born takes the same reliable lithium batteries that have powered the marine industry for years and equips them with a patented intelligent battery communication technology. Battle Born Batteries equipped with Dragonfly IntelLigence™ feature Bluetooth connectivity, patented battery communication technology, and remote monitoring through the Battle Born™ Mobile App.

With the click of a button, you can monitor your system’s battery life, including each individual battery, set custom alerts, and access historical usage data from your electrical system. Combined with advanced accessories like the HUB and ION, users will now have unparalleled access to their system, ensuring it continues running safely and efficiently.

For those who take advantage of alternator charging in their van, the WS500 Pro Bluetooth® Alternator Regulator expands upon the capabilities of the original WS500 with Bluetooth connectivity. Combined with Wakespeed’s 48V/12V Bi-Directional DC-DC Converter, this pair creates an unstoppable alternator charging system. This system intelligently charges a 48V lithium bank from a 12V chassis while the vehicle is running and steps down to 12V when the car is off. It monitors the 12V chassis to prevent the starter battery from dying and can support it if needed. The WS500 Pro and a second alternator add an extra layer of safety, ensuring you’re never left stranded.

Make the Upgrade! | Lithium Power for Van Life

Whether you’re just starting your van life journey, crafting your perfect custom camper van, or enjoying the experience as a seasoned pro, Battle Born Batteries provides the essential power and reliability you need for your travels on the road. A powerful lithium battery electrical system allows you to enjoy the comforts of home, no matter how far off the grid the road takes you.

Building or upgrading an electrical system can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help. Our Reno, Nevada-based sales and customer service team is standing by to answer your questions and help you design the perfect system for your camper van. Call (855) 292-2831 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (PST)) or email [email protected] to chat with a member of our technical sales team today and get back on the road with upgraded power!