Motorhome LITHIUM BATTERIES: How dangerous are they and should you get them?

Considering putting Lithium batteries in your motorhome, campervan or caravan? Not sure if they're worth the money, are safe or even right for YOU?
Join me as I chat to one of the leading motorhome lithium battery fitters in the UK, asking your questions and discovering who lithium batteries are right for... and who they're not!
If you’re interested in getting Lithium batteries fitted, contact Bluefix energy (one of Oaktree motorhome’s partners) and they’ll sort you out!
I hope you find it useful.
Happy Wandering,
Kat
00:00 Introduction
02:43 Benefits of lithium batteries for motorhomes
05:39 How fast does it charge?
06:38 Can you overcharge lithium batteries?
07:40 Downside of lithium bateries
08:42 Using lithium in winter
11:31 Fire in a lithium battery
12:40 Can I just exchange batteries?
16:51 How much solar do I need?
22:45 Lithium battery maintenance
23:54 Motorhome lithium batteries- cost
#motorhomes #vanlife #lithiumbatteries
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ABOUT WANDERING BIRD
In 2018, I quit my job as an air traffic controller to travel in a van. That's adulting, right?
Since then, I've spent most of my time living in a motorhome, touring the UK and Europe, sometimes with my husband, sometimes with my daughter and sometimes enjoying solo female vanlife (well, with my dog, Mac!)
Wandering Bird was created to help motorhomers and campervanners make the most of their time on the road.
We share weekly tips, tricks and reviews to encourage and inspire your next adventure, whether you're a complete motorhoming beginner, or a more experienced owner looking for new ideas or places to visit.
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Thanks for watching!

[@petebarry6449]

Visited Oaktree today for some work on the van (victron multiplus inverter controller), great service from them as always. Was informed that the Ecotree lithium side of the business is moving to BlueFix in Hereford.

[@WanderingBird]

Yup. I did put that in the video notes but always worth highlighting that.

[@TicketyBoo.]

One of the best lithium guides yet, thankyou. About 3 years ago I changed my caravan 100AH lead acid battery for a 300AH Lithium, not only does it weigh half of the original and smaller battery, it gives me 6x the power as I can use the whole charge capacity. That said, in 3 years with a only a 200W solar panel, I have never seen the battery fall below 70%, even going off-grid for a week and using a 2000W inverter for an induction hob. Yes it cost a bit but well worth it.

[@LeisureBit]

Excellent overview, I installed Lithium last year and it’s taken away all the worries of Lead Acid after ruining my batteries years ago on my old motorhome. All the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@alandciskasmohotravels]

We went to see Rob at Ecotree and he sorted us out. Unfortunately they couldn’t fit us in as you said they are very busy. So they have recommended Blue Fix Energy down in Hereford to do the installation for us. We are booked in for the end of May and can’t wait to get it all done. We are having the same battery as you as well as more solar and an inverter fitted meaning we can stay off grid most of the time.

[@WanderingBird]

Hope it goes well 👍

[@brianinbrisbane6632]

What a great video about these batteries! Thanks for explaining in lay-terms the pros and cons.

[@williamchanning9055]

Brilliant and detailed explanation, really interested in the votronic unit to trickle charge the vehicle battery from the lithium battery.

[@wheelersinthewild]

Thanks Kat, my other half knows a fair bit them but Rob mentioned a couple things he didn’t know which was handy. Hope you’re loving your Ireland trip. x

[@paulrigley8457]

i’ve watched about 95% of your videos and for me this has to be the best one yet, very informative 👍

[@WanderingBird]

Wow, thank you. Glad you enjoyed it

[@jimdevlin2138]

Hi Kat, This is probably the best video regarding the technical and usability sides of Lithium batteries, and as a technician in a previous life I can appreciate the guys knowledge , hope you are having fun in ireland , take care .😁😁

[@juliahutchinson4542]

Wow that vlog literally answered so many of my questions and concerns regarding lithium..... thank you! Looking forward to the next instalment. Have fun in Ireland!

[@brightgreencarrot]

Great explanation. I've watched a lot of campervan electrics videos but I still learned detailed stuff I didn't know about batteries from this video. Thanks.

[@dreadedscotslass]

I've just bought my motorhome so this was really helpful as I didn't know they had a built in split charger 😊 I'll see how I go before thinking of switching but I don't even have solar YET!

[@colinmccourt1571]

Great video Kat. It answered a few outstanding questions I had and have since talked to Rob who has been a wealth of information

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

great Video, Kat. I intend being off grid and have just got another 150 watt solar panel for my van. Ive got a ctek 250se BtoB intelligent charger which works great with Lithium and this year, I'm intending getting a 170 watt lithium battery ( saving up for it) Thank you for the video. Bessy regs-Kenny

[@debshamish6533]

Great video with everything explained in a simplistic form, which even I can understand….🤭 All good news for me, as I’ve ordered my new van with lithium battery 👍 Thank you Kat 🚐

[@ianmonk4871]

Oaktree, Rob and the team are fantastic. We had them install and set up our lithium system and the time and effort they put in to assisting us was amazing. Would highly recommend them

[@dougwardle2175]

I built my own LiFePO4 battery as our x2 lead battteries needed changing and it worked out cheaper than replacing like for like BUT you need to know what your doing. It was the right decision for us as we are almost always off grid plus we have a compressor fridge and a fairly hefty power demand generally. Best thing we’ve done

[@rollerlondon5259]

Finally somebody put it together this stuff for us. Thx

[@WanderingBird]

You’re welcome

[@Britsinbreton]

As a bit of a geek as my wife would but it, that was very basic but very very informative and helpful. Really enjoyed it thanks 👍

[@WanderingBird]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JayWilFo]

Thank you for the video. Being below 0 isn’t an issue here in Australia. But all the other info was extremely helpful. ❤

[@mickobrien6360]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@mikeraymond6822]

easy to understand many thanks for the video

[@GoodnightIrene]

Thanks for this , just the advice I needed as we were thinking of getting lithium. Think we’ll go ahead now . 👍

[@gillgiles8265]

This is an excellent video. TBH I did wonder what it would be about because of the title, so was really, really glad I watched it.

[@MotorhomeMums]

Thank you. I’m just considering lithium so found this extremely helpful. 👍

[@WanderingBird]

Glad it was helpful!

[@miranda_imp]

Hi, I’m booked in for an under-seat lithium upgrade + B2B next month at Oaktree, so watched this video again… Their reputation and recommendations has spurred me on to finally bite the bullet and splash out. So after many years of trying to manage 2 x 105ah lead acid batteries, especially during winter, I can honestly say we are feeling excited. Thanks for sharing👍X

[@carolynandcocohaywood2638]

Interesting and easy to understand,thanks Kat.

[@peterwebb1026]

Brilliant video, thanks very much 👍 You managed to ask all the questions that I asked myself and between you and the expert guy you answered all of the stuff that I didn’t understand!

[@WanderingBird]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterfulton176]

Thank you very informative and easy to understand

[@user-uv8ye7wz5u]

I've had a 410w solar, Renogy 200ah LiPo4 with 30a Victron MPPT, 30a Victron DcDc & Krieger 2000w inverter for about 2yrs. No shore power at all, all electric cooking (no gas in the van anyway!). I'm in the van for weeks on end due to my photography work. Never used more than 30% of the battery!

[@diwarburton5369]

Very informative, I actually understood it!

[@markandrews70]

The best battery video I’ve seen, well done

[@rabc1966]

Excellent video, thank you to Rob and yourself.

[@nicmorton280]

Really helpful, thanks Kat, safe travelling.

[@FreeBirdUKVanLife]

Glad your OK and nothing too damaged. X

[@SteveBPiercy]

Thank you for posting that ❤

[@timwhite8869]

Great video, hard to explain these batteries. I have renogy 2x 200ah and they are so large they didn't fit in my battery bay anymore. As we live full time they are ideal for cooking with the induction hob and air fryer. I have found from owning an electric car the batteries should be kept above 20% and below 80% in an ideal world. You can charge ad-hoc between these values for longer life span. Lithium charging slows down from 80 to 100 as it's harder to get the energy in the system. So I try not to stress the battery by having it completely flat or full. iPhones don't charge fully until the last second usually to reach 100% when you alarm goes off so it's not at 100% all night degrading you battery quicker.

[@gereshomeE]

What a LOVELY compliment!! ☺ Greetings Kat from Saudi Arabia!

[@liz-ou4sv]

Thank you, thank you, at last a vlog that’s helped me understand batteries, still a few things I’m not sure about, but whilst waiting delivery of our Pilote I’m looking, & learning. Been told it could be Nov/December before it’s arrival ☹️, so lots of time. Your book was delivered today so looking forward to reading that in the meantime. Again thank you for helping me understand a little better this battery malarkey. 😊

[@user-ox8gf6wg4u]

Fantastico. Thanks for simple terms vid

[@annettewornin7683]

Brilliant video very informative thanks

[@terrymorris3293]

Brilliantly put Kat. I feel educated 😊

[@gdreading9088]

Excellent video, very informative, so much so we just had to subscribe. Thanks for sharing.

[@WanderingBird]

Thanks for the sub!

[@tonydominey6955]

Very useful about lithium batteries thank you

[@l33jcm]

Sound advice, Kat. Thanks!

[@WanderingBird]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robert12011]

Thank you for that. Very useful. 😀

[@WanderingBird]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertmansfield7315]

great vid thank you for replying to me and the advice xx

[@rvrebel2209]

Hi. I very informative, valuable, well constructive video. Thanks

[@headdown1]

I have had 900 amp hours of LiFePO4 batteries for 7 years in my RV. The difference between LiFePO4 and lead acid is like comparing a Bic lighter to rubbing two sticks together to make a fire.

[@GaryScoble]

Very interesting video, as said lots of positives. I like you, like things to be dumb proof to make life easier. Enjoyed your talk at the NEC, so a big thank you for that 👍

[@WanderingBird]

You’re welcome. Glad it was helpful

[@lariberaaltamalc]

Great review, really informative.

[@steelmans3d]

Great video! My Swift is also booked in at Eco Tree. I am wondering if you still have smart charging functionality from the solar? I mean can it still automatically switch between engine and leisure battery or did they have to switch to leisure only via Swift Command advanced settings?

[@philbloomfield58]

Great video Kate, loads of information, may I ask if you can do a review of your motor home now you had it some time and how the Fiat cab has been for reliability 😊

[@WanderingBird]

I’ll add it to my list to film. Thanks for the idea 🙃

[@tinadraper476]

We’re just in the process of getting 3x lithium batteries fitted. As of Friday we start to test their capability of living off grid. 🤞

[@RobsHampshirePubWalks]

I ummed and aahed about choosing lithium for my new caravan, would it run the motor mover and the self levelling ? Would it be a drop in replacement ? So I did some very thorough research and finally opted for a 105ah Fogstar Drift battery, it has a built in BMS and heater and cost me just £369. Moral of the tale, shop around and make sure your battery is safe and carries the CE mark.

[@marvinwatson3245]

I have a Lithium battery, on my solar charge system in my van. Just remember to set the solar charge controller to Lithium, as they charge differently to a lead acid battery. Lead acid can charge continuous, but Lithium only charges to a set voltage and then the charger switches off, until it see's a voltage drop and then starts charging again. For safety, i am going to buy a Fire extinguisher for Lithium fires to keep in my van.

[@fredericborloo1910]

Ok. Thanks for the info. But a few well meant and constructive corrections from a man who has experience in the field : 1. Yes, you can (very badly) over charge most lithium batteries, hence why a dedicated, specialized charger is ESSENTIAL. 2. LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are very hard to set fire to. This is because the cathode doesn't release nearly as much oxygen when overheated as an NMC (Nickel Manganese Colbalt) type battery does. Puncture and overcharge test on LFPs have proven that. 3. You can charge LFPs to 100% with no worries and discharge them fully with 2 important caveats: a. Don't charge them too fast, especially at high temperatures. b. Do not leave the battery laying around at 100% or 0%!! If you use them regularly, you'll be fine. If unused, leave em around 40-60%.

[@bumblebee1007]

Thank you Kat and Rob, brilliant video. I finally understand the differences 😊 Much appreciated !

[@briankeniry219]

That was interesting and confirmed my understanding. (ps Rob of KSenergy has also been saying their batteries are a drop in replacement too, barring this like the van has a smart alternator which mine hasn't. After receiving a quote for a lithium unstall which I couldn't afford I've bought a beefy Ecoflow and Iv'e realised I can go 4/5 days off grid no problem. And I can plus the ecoflow into the van so all the 240v sockets become active and the charger will even charge the existing leisure battery) But, will I need to recharge it 'on the road'? Probably. How do I recharge it 'on the road'? Well, I have a set of portable solar panels which will be good, if not great, if I'm somewhere like an off grid campsite and the sun is shining. So, I'm thinking we'll see how it goes. But, if I do need to give the Ecoflow a boost then I'm thinking a lithium plus a small inverter would do the job - but we'll see if that's necessary.

[@elizabethchalmers3472]

Very informative- if you change your system to lithium can you include an inverter?

[@WanderingBird]

Yes, absolutely! I have an inverter in mine

[@jobeaumont6621]

Hi Kat, Is it possible to upgrade to a lithium battery system that will also provide enough power to get rid of gas bottles for cooking/heating? I would like an induction hob for cooking on (just like at home) instead of naked-flame gas burners. People were using gas bottles for van-life cooking back in the 1960's - so I was absolutely astonished to find out nothing much at all had advanced in van design for this, since then - that's over half a century! I want an induction hob please, van designers - it's clean, quick, safe, modern and efficient!

[@user-uv8ye7wz5u]

Yes. It's just an equation of what power you'll use, the size of battery, the amount of solar / DcDc and how often you'll cook. I've had an all electric van for 2yrs. I use Hytric electric pans not a job. No gas at all on the van.

[@tonydominey6955]

Hi kat we have a feit escape 686 with a solar panel but where is the control from solar to battery have you any idea. Thanks. Tony

[@fordyski100]

Really useful video and so well explained by Rob . Thank you .

[@jamesstubbins3510]

Hi Kat, Thanks to Rob and his team ! have 2 x 320HR Lithium Batteries from Oaktree to match up to 760 watt of solar panels and 50amp Solar controller, now have more power for longer camping trips.

[@liz-ou4sv]

Me again, could I ask what you’ve had fitted please?

[@christaylor8784]

Once again well done what an informative video Thanks Funky Chicken 🐔

[@WanderingBird]

😂😂 you’re welcome

[@andydw69]

What was the overall cost of installation?

[@glyntimmins8929]

Kat, sorry this is off topic! I know you’ve been to Annecy, what site did you stay on and would you recommend it. We are going in May and just seeking opinions on sites. Thanks.

[@WanderingBird]

We didn’t stay on a site- which was a mistake!! Annecy is hard to off-grid in

[@Ian-ev5tg]

A lithium battery will definitely use battery when stored. The BMS will use 2 % a month. Not 2% forever.

[@bantampop3532]

👏👏👏👏

[@bunglefarian9853]

Are they NCC approved (national caravan Council)

[@Explor182]

Just had to make this exact decision on our motorhome and in the end it came down to the price and how much we are off grid and use our Ecoflow in the van. Ended up buying an AGM battery for it so see how it goes

[@kerkiraz]

Great news is price of Lithium is dropping like a stone and the electrical density is improving dramatically with predicted ranges up to 1000 kilometres before a recharge. It will be sooner rather than later that ev motorhomes or hybrids will be cheaper than Diesel.

[@alberttickle1106]

So presumably one day all moho will have these as standard.

[@WanderingBird]

Wouldn’t that be nice!

Where are you going in Ireland?

[@WanderingBird]

As far as I can!

[@raybunn8895]

Sodium batteries will be on the market soon at half the price

[@xhogun8578]

One question I have, how do you know it's come from an ethical mining company (I know that's probably an oxymoron). But are there brands that are reputable that is they meet regulations and limit damage to the environment.

[@gordon0918]

This is the fourth or fifth time I have seen a KZbinr feature this same company. Is it fair I ask if this is an advertisement for the company? No offence intended but I am left feeling this is a marketing exercise as much as an informational video. Sorry if I upset anyone.

[@WanderingBird]

It’s a fair question and no problem in asking. I had already marked this video as a ‘promotion’, even though this video was a research one I recorded before they fitted the battery into my van. What you need to remember is every company advertises. Whether it’s on TV, FB ads or on social media through product placement, it’s still advertising. Just because they decide to invest some money with KZbinrs or bloggers doesn’t make the product any more or less good. Your job is to decide who you trust. Do you trust David Beckham if he advertises a watch? Or your neighbour if they recommend something to you? I am always transparent when I receive something for free and I only ever review products I think are good AFTER testing them for a while. That’s why I’ve not reviewed these batteries yet- not had time to properly test them. I know not everyone works like that and that’s up to them, but I value my reputation and refuse to put my name to something I don’t think is worth it. Hope that helps.

[@user-uv8ye7wz5u]

No. They are really that good. Very helpful & knowledgeable with outstanding customer service.

[@ianross04]

Hi kat, a big thanks for a great video. I bought my brand new wildax camper 5 months ago and from all the research I had done, I decided to upgrade my leisure battery to Lithium. Strange when I returned my van and after about 6 weeks of being parked up, I had absolutely no power. Spoke to the dealer where he said it had probably been discharged so just needed to plug it in. I can only guess the battery wasn't fully charged when it was fitted. Also, with these lithium batteries being better, I'm curious as to why fridges can't run on just the battery when off grid camping which is what I want to do. Thoughts?

[@adamstalilonis8787]

I don't even understand how itz possible 4 a woman 2 b this pretty!! 😊😮 . . . Accent iz killer 2!

[@iansmart140]

Not quite true about not being able to drop in a lithium battery to replace lead. There are direct replacements available from other companies. Eco Tree may not be suitable but others are.

[@WanderingBird]

A fair comment. I meant to highlight that they charge at / need different voltage amounts so need an additional bit to help with that, but I agree it was a generalisation. My aim was to keep things as simple as possible l.

[@pgmerovingian]

700 quid goodness me! I have 2 gel batteries from varta recently replaced after 8 years, yes they are heavy but mine are stored under the camper in a double floor Hymer, charged by 2 photovoltaic panels and the alternator when driving. They are permanently charged with a surface charge of 14 volts. Never seen them below 12 volts even after using everything TV etc, including a CPAP I need all night long. Soon lithium will be a thing of the past anyway

[@stepheneckerlsey]

Hello. Lithium battery is nothing special just best out there. Just aload of battery's be basically. Same as in electric car. ..hope that helps take care dteve

[@SqwarkParrotSpittingFeathers]

To raise the temperature of your battery or keep it warm, use a wrapped hot water bottle if the weather is cold enough that the system will fail. Same with gas.