Electrics
LESIURE BATTERYS & HOOK UP
Leisure batteries serve as a cornerstone in the electrical systems of campervans, delivering the energy essential for a comfortable and delightful road trip experience. It’s imperative to make the right choices regarding battery type, capacity, and charging methods, ensuring a dependable and efficient power source while on the go.
In addition to our standard offerings of pre-priced packages tailored to a range of van models, we also specialize in crafting bespoke leisure battery setups tailored to your unique requirements.
And that’s not all – your peace of mind is of paramount importance to us. Every installation comes complete with an Electrical Installations Certificate, ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance. Furthermore, we meticulously document our installations with wiring schedules and diagrams, readily available upon request.
WHAT IS A LESIURE BATTERY AND HOW DO YOU CHARGE ONE?
Leisure batteries, also known as auxiliary batteries or deep-cycle batteries, play a crucial role in campervans and motorhomes by providing electrical power for various onboard appliances and systems when the vehicle is not running or connected to shore power. Here’s some important information about leisure batteries in campervan
Battery Types
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries: These batteries are a popular choice for campervans due to their maintenance-free design, spill-proof construction, and good performance in deep cycling applications. AGM batteries are also vibration-resistant, making them ideal for mobile applications.
Gel Batteries: Gel batteries are another option, known for their durability and ability to handle deep discharges. They are maintenance-free and offer good performance in extreme temperatures. However, they are typically more expensive than AGM batteries.
Flooded (Wet Cell) Batteries: Traditional lead-acid batteries are cost-effective but require good ventilation and stable conditions. They are sensitive to overcharging and discharging, potentially leading to a shorter lifespan in campervans. Still, their affordability makes them a budget-friendly choice for power storage in such setups.
Deep-Cycle vs. Starter Batteries: Deep-cycle batteries are designed to provide a steady supply of power over an extended period. They are suitable for powering appliances like lights, water pumps, refrigerators, and entertainment systems in campervans. Starter batteries, on the other hand, are designed to deliver a high burst of power to start the vehicle’s engine. They are not well-suited for deep cycling and may become damaged if used as leisure batteries.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium leisure batteries offer lightweight, high-capacity, and long-lasting power storage. They outperform traditional lead-acid batteries in terms of energy density, weight, and lifespan, providing a reliable and efficient power source for various onboard appliances and systems. Their compact size and ability to withstand deep discharges make them a popular choice for campervan enthusiasts, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Capacity and Usage
The capacity of a leisure battery is typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah). Choose a battery with a capacity that matches your power consumption needs, in most cases a 100ah is more than enough. We consider the total power requirements of your campervans appliances and how long you plan to operate them between charges.
Charging Methods
Campervans commonly recharge their leisure batteries through various methods, and it is essential to do so regularly. Keeping your battery consistently charged is vital for extending its lifespan. Neglecting this can result in premature battery damage.
Vehicle Alternator: While the engine is in operation, the alternator replenishes the leisure battery with surplus power. This feature is ideal for individuals seeking occasional use of their leisure battery.
Solar Panels: Solar panels can be installed on the campervans roof to harness solar energy and charge the battery.
Battery Charger/Shore Power: Some campervans are equipped with a battery charger or inverter that can charge the leisure battery from an external power source.
Battery Management Systems (BMS)
Some campervans are equipped with sophisticated battery management systems that monitor and control the charging and discharging of the leisure battery to optimize its performance and prolong its lifespan. Such as the Victron Smart Shunt.
Safety Considerations
Proper ventilation is essential when installing batteries inside the campervan to prevent the build-up of potentially explosive gases.
Securely mount the battery to prevent it from moving during travel.
VAN ELECTRICS COSTING
Our pricing structure is primarily designed for the VW Transporter van, but we are also equipped to cater to a diverse range of van models. Please note that we do not offer standalone socket and charger fittings; they are only available as part of a package. All quoted prices are inclusive of VAT and encompass both parts and labour costs.
100ah Sealed Leisure Battery, Battery Tray, 6 Way Fuse Holder, Victron Orion 18a Charger BCM Enabled, Seat Base Brackets & Fuse Board
£730
Victron Smart Shunt Battery Monitoring
£120
AGM Battery, NCC Class A Battery Upgrade
£64
230V Consumer Unit 16 + 6amp, Seat Base Brackets & Fuse Board
£230
230v Inlet; Under Bonnet Hook Up Bracket for Angled Plug
£145
230v Inlet; Electric Hook Up In Side Panel
£174
230v Victron Blue Smart IP22 Mains Charger 12v/15amp
£185
Socket Location (up to three sockets per location) + Cost of Frames
£95
Berker USB & USB-C Socket
£27
Berker 12v Cigarette Socket
£17
Berker 13 amp Socket & Back Box
£11
DO I NEED 240v MAINS HOOK UP?
Whether you require a 240V mains hook-up for your van hinges upon your specific needs and the intended usage of your campervan. Several factors should be taken into account, including how you plan to utilize your van, particularly where you will be situated and if you will have access to shore power for charging your van or for operating low-wattage appliances while on-site.
If your aim is to power a fridge or other continuous-load appliances using your leisure battery, relying solely on split charging (charging via the alternator) may prove insufficient to recharge your battery effectively after a full discharge cycle. In such instances, it is advisable to have a mains hook-up installed along with a Victron charger. Alternatively, you can opt for the installation of a solar panel system to ensure autonomous charging throughout the year. Further information on solar power can be found on another page.
Having a 240V mains hookup is not an absolute necessity for all Kombis and campervans. However, we include it as a standard feature in certain conversion packages. It’s highly recommended that you engage in a conversation with us so that we can gain insight into your intended usage. This way, we can provide tailored advice that not only suits your needs but also helps you make cost-effective decisions.
VICTRON PRODUCTS
Victron Energy offers a comprehensive range of products and solutions for various applications, including renewable energy systems, marine and automotive power, industrial applications, and more. Their product portfolio includes inverters, battery chargers, solar charge controllers, batteries, monitoring systems, and accessories.
Victron is known for the durability and reliability of its products. They are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and deliver consistent performance over time. Victron offers a 5 year warranty on its chargers.
All the Victron products we install come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring seamless connectivity for optimal system configuration..
VICTRON ORION DC-DC CHARGER
The Victron Orion is a product line of DC-DC converters and voltage stabilizers manufactured by Victron Energy. These devices are designed to efficiently convert and regulate electrical power in situations where the input voltage may vary, making them particularly useful in automotive, marine, and other mobile power applications.
The charger employs a multi-stage charging process, unlike traditional split chargers.
With the addition of utilizing an engine run signal from the vehicle’s battery control module, the Orion charger can operate seamlessly with smart alternators. This integration ensures efficient and effective charging while adapting to the vehicle’s power management system.
VICTRON BLUE SMART MAINS CHARGERS
The Blue Smart Mains Charger is primarily a battery charger. It is designed to charge various types of batteries, including lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, effectively and safely using a mains supply.
The charger employs a multi-stage charging process, which helps to maximize the lifespan and performance of batteries. It typically includes bulk, absorption, and float stages.
VICTRON SMART SHUNT
The Victron SmartShunt is a highly versatile and advanced battery monitor and shunt device manufactured by Victron Energy. It is designed to provide accurate real-time information about the state of charge, current, voltage, and power consumption of your battery system.
The SmartShunt is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to easily connect it to your smartphone or tablet via the VictronConnect app. This app provides a user-friendly interface for configuring and monitoring your battery system in real time.