Are Lithium Batteries a Good Choice for Van Campers?
My Renogy lithium 200wh battery needs charging every 3-6 months.
I Purchased a Ram 2500 Cargo Van
It was February 2020 when I decided to purchase a cargo van and build it into a conversion camper. I knew I wanted solar installed, but didn’t know how much I needed.
After careful review of all the battery choices, I chose lithium for a variety of reasons. Even though lithium batteries are more expensive, I liked the idea that you can run them down to 0% without damaging them.
I didn’t trust myself with AGM batteries, since they can’t be run down below 50% without affecting their performance. I didn’t want the stress of monitoring my usage.
I Prefer a Solar Generator
However, if I had it to do all over with, I would have purchased a lithium generator. A 1000 watt generator will provide me with all my needs. I could charge it with solar, or use shore power.
After researching online and talking with friends, I decided that a lithium generator would be the best choice for me. I soon found the perfect model - a 1000 watt generator that seemed like it was made just for me.
EBL Generator
With this generator, I could easily power my laptop and other necessary devices while writing my novel. What's more, since this particular model was designed for RV use, I could easily plug into shore power at campgrounds and other places if needed.
This 1000 watt generator can be purchased on Amazon for $647. It will power my mini refrigerator, water pump, electric skillet, coffee pot and all my computer devices.
It can be charged with a 100 watt solar panel. So, I don’t run out of power, I have a small 300 watt lithium power generator as a back up.
You don’t need to invest a lot of money in expense solar products, then have to pay someone to set this all up for you. It’s hard to find someone to install solar in a camper van in my area of the country. And I don’t want to trust an amateur.
Notes on Using Plottr
I discovered Plottr about 30 days ago. Since I’m an outliner, this writing tool has saved me a lot of time and mistakes. It’s very affordable at $25 a year for one device or $99 a year for three devices.
It comes with a variety of templates to match your genre. I chose the Hero’s Journey to write my fiction novel. I’m in the stages of developing my character arc, creating scenes, and preparing to import my outline into Scrivener for the actual writing of the novel.
I can write offline while camping if I choose. I like that idea, just in case I lose my internet hotspot. Some camps spots located in the Piney woods of East Texas do not work well with some of the common internet carriers.
I recommend if you are interested in living the van life and would like access to dependable power, then invest in a lithium generator and if you like to write consider checking out the Plottr app.
The creators of Plottr offer a ton of helpful videos on you tube and their website to get you started along with a free trial period. It’s easy to navigate the platform. I’m happy with the writing tool, since I’m a true outliner of fiction writing.