Everything you need to know about the electrical power supply of a camper van

April 05, 2025

To fully enjoy every getaway, a well-thought-out setup is essential, and electrical power is part of it! Whether to recharge your devices, cook, or light your space, a reliable energy source is the key to ensuring comfort and peace of mind. 

Lithium or AGM: which battery for a camper van?

In the past, propane was heavily used to power all kinds of recreational vehicles. However, with technological advances, batteries have now become a more efficient and durable solution. Since the arrival of lithium batteries on the market, the trend is now towards fully electric power, also reducing the number of power sources. Two main categories of batteries stand out: lithium batteries and AGM batteries. 

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries weigh about 30 pounds and are very reliable. Many brands are available on the market, including Volthium, a Quebec based company offering a 10-year warranty. These batteries have a lifespan of 7000 to 9000 charge cycles, which is 2 to 2.5 times longer than AGM batteries. Although their initial price is higher ($1000 to $4000), they are more cost-effective in the long term. Their main disadvantage is that they require a temperature above 0 °C to be recharged. However, self-heating batteries have been developed to solve this problem. When it is cold, they use their own energy to maintain the temperature necessary for their proper functioning. Even when installed inside the vehicle, they are often placed in compartments that take longer to heat, and their warm-up time represents lost charging time. Self-heating batteries therefore optimize the charging cycle.

AGM Batteries

The AGM batteries are a reliable energy source, used for a long time in many industries. They are not very sensitive to temperature variations, which allows them to be installed both under the vehicle and inside. The main disadvantage of these batteries is that they must be recharged when their energy level reaches 50%, thus reducing their autonomy. On average, they offer about 3000 charge cycles before needing to be replaced. The cost of an AGM battery is about $800, and it weighs 150 pounds, an important factor to consider during installation.

How to recharge the batteries of your van?

Whatever type of battery you choose, three charging methods are possible: solar energy, the alternator, or the standard home outlet. Each method has its advantages and limitations in terms of performance.

Solar energy

The solar panels are an effective but limited method. They provide a small continuous amount of energy, ideal to compensate for the consumption of low-power devices such as a refrigerator or a roof fan. Generally, a 400 W solar panel or two 200 W panels are enough to cover this energy expenditure.

Alternator

When your vehicle is moving, the alternator allows you to fully recharge your battery bank; this is actually the most practical and efficient method. Chargers are installed on the starter battery and powered by the vehicle's alternator, which allows you to recharge your batteries after using energy-hungry devices. However, the major drawback is that the engine must be running to recharge. 

Standard home outlet

The 120V AC 15A home outlet or the 120V AC 30A camping outlet are ideal when you are connected to an electrical grid, such as at home, at friends' houses, or at a campsite. However, for those seeking more autonomy, this method is more limited because access to an electrical outlet is not always guaranteed outside these environments.

What is an inverter?

A inverter transforms the voltage of your battery to make it compatible with conventional electrical outlets. Thus, it allows converting the 12V DC voltage of a battery into a 120V AC voltage. To ensure the inverter meets your needs, you must consider the watt consumption of your devices. If you plug in two devices at the same time, add their power demand and choose a suitable inverter. Generally, for a small induction cooktop, a 2000-watt inverter is sufficient. For a double induction cooktop, a 3000-watt inverter is prefered.

How to size an electrical system?

The sizing of your electrical system depends on your specific needs. Generally, it is recommended to choose a battery with a capacity of 200Ah to 600Ah, with 300Ah being the standard. First, ask yourself what kind of trip you want to undertake and the autonomy you desire. The type of cooking you choose will also impact the size of the electrical system. If you opt for propane, a smaller electrical system will suffice. However, installing a propane tank can be costly and has some drawbacks.

Where to buy a battery and an electrical kit for a camper van?

At Van d’ici, we offer all the products needed to outfit your van, including electrical systems. We know that installing batteries can seem complicated, which is why we offer electrical kits which include everything needed: battery, inverter, cables, fuses, sheath, etc. By purchasing a kit, you benefit from better prices and all the necessary equipment, thus avoiding waste and material losses. You only pay for what you need.

In summary

	Lithium Battery	AGM Battery
Price	$1000 to $4000	~$800
Weight	Around 30 pounds.	Around 150 pounds.
Lifespan	7000 to 9000 charge cycles.	3000 charge cycles.
Positioning	Inside the vehicle.	Inside or under the vehicle.
Features	- Requires a temperature above 0 °C for charging. - Self-heating batteries available on the market.	- Must be recharged when the battery level reaches 50%.  - Resists cold.

Finally, investing in a good battery bank means giving yourself the autonomy and freedom to travel without compromise. Whether you choose AGM or lithium batteries, each option offers advantages depending on your needs. With charging solutions like solar energy, the alternator, or the standard outlet, you stay powered wherever you are.

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Also in Guide pratique pour van aménagé