Camping power supply: how to choose the perfect battery

If you want to enjoy off-grid camping, you need a reliable source of stored power. The demands placed on a leisure battery in a motorhome are very different from those of a starter battery in a car. It needs to withstand deep discharging and deliver a stable voltage over many charge cycles, ensuring that sensitive appliances and devices in your vehicle operate safely.

Tried-and-tested batteries and modern high-performance solutions

For many campers, an AGM battery is the first choice thanks to its versatility, vibration resistance and leakproof design. However, if you need exceptional durability and a very high charging speed, Optima batteries set the standard for off-road applications with their specialist spiral-cell technology. We have also added sodium batteries to our range – an innovative battery alternative based on sodium-ion technology.

What to look for when buying a battery

Alongside capacity (Ah), weight and cycle life are key factors when it comes to your vehicle’s available payload. While conventional lead-acid batteries are considerably heavier, lithium (LiFePO4) batteries offer twice the usable energy at around half the weight. Thanks to an exceptionally high depth of discharge (DoD) of up to 90%, you can make use of almost all the energy stored in the battery. To help ensure a long service life for your system, you will also find suitable chargers & battery sets in our range, specifically matched to the required charging profile of each battery type.

FAQ – quick answers for campers

Which battery is best for my motorhome?

That depends on how you travel. Lithium (LiFePO4) offers maximum power with minimal weight. AGM and gel batteries are tried-and-tested, more affordable options for occasional campers.

How long does a 100 Ah motorhome battery last?

A 100 Ah lead-acid battery (AGM/gel) provides approximately 50 Ah of usable energy (50% discharge). A 100 Ah lithium battery delivers almost the full 100 Ah, meaning it allows you to be self-sufficient for twice as long.

Can I replace an AGM battery with a lithium battery?

Yes, upgrading is usually straightforward. The key requirement is to ensure that your chargers have a suitable lithium charging profile to maximise the service life of the battery cells.

What is the best way to charge my leisure battery while driving?

The battery is charged via the alternator while you drive. For modern Euro 6 vehicles, we recommend using a battery-to-battery charger (B2B charger) from our range of chargers & battery sets to ensure the battery is fully charged.