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Stay off-grid for longer

Lithium Batteries

Motorhome Lithium Batteries

Really impressed with Bristol Caravans.
Jilly Burnford
Great service and customer care.
Andy Norman
Absolutely tip-top staff.
Jackie Baker
Extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Paul Hibbert
This company is excellent to deal with.
Philip Harper
Great team, great experience.
Rikkyb Bax
Couldn't recommend this company enough.
Debra Bassett
Excellent service.
Ralph Drouin

Imagine staying off-grid longer. Where you might have managed one night or so without recharging, you can now stay under the stars for three or four nights without an electric hookup.

And when you pop into town for supplies, your new Lithium batteries charge much faster than before. You might even return with a full charge!

It’s a win-win situation, giving you more off-grid time, which is why you bought your motorhome, isn’t it?

At Bristol Motorhomes and Caravans, we supply and fit lithium battery systems that really change how customers use their motorhomes.

  • 5 Year Warranty*
  • Free personal assessment​ at Bristol Motorhomes & Caravans
  • Free overnight stay if you need
  • Systems fitted by our own qualified, experienced technicians
  • Lithium batteries can re-charge up to 40% in 30 mins*
  • Lithium batteries weigh a 1/3rd the weight of conventional lead acid batteries

*Applies to the Renogy REGO range

Call us to get a Free personal assessment and quotation.

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Lithium batteries explained

  • Fast charging – 40% charged in 30 mins
  • Low weight – Lithium is typically 1/3rd the weight of lead acid
  • Guarantee – REGO Renogy 5 Years
Lithium batteries offer faster charging, a longer lifespan, and the ability to handle deeper discharges without damage – making them a major upgrade from traditional lead-acid or AGM options. They’re especially suited for motorhomes with solar or for extended off-grid travel, where reliable power is essential. Thanks to stable voltage and consistent performance, lithium batteries can run appliances like fridges, inverters, and lighting for longer without the risk of early depletion.
 
Unlike lead-acid systems that typically charge at around 10 amps, lithium batteries can accept much higher input – up to 80 amps – allowing for much faster recharging. For instance, if you used 40 amps overnight, a 30-minute drive with an 80 amp DC-DC charger could fully recharge your battery.
 
While the initial cost is higher, lithium delivers long-term reliability, faster charging, and low maintenance – making it a smart, future-ready investment for serious travellers.

Lithium batteries require virtually no maintenance – there’s no need to top up fluids, clean terminals, or worry about corrosion. Most come with a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors and protects against overcharging, overheating, over-discharging, and short circuits. This safety system helps extend battery life and reduce the risk of failure.

To get the most from your lithium setup – and ensure safe, efficient operation – professional installation is strongly recommended. This is especially important when integrating with solar panels, inverters, DC-DC chargers, or alternator systems, all of which must be correctly configured for lithium. A proper install protects your investment and provides peace of mind, knowing your power system is reliable and ready for the road.

Lithium batteries require precise charging voltages and specific charge profiles to operate safely and efficiently – something many older chargers, solar controllers, and alternator systems aren’t designed to support. Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium chemistry is less forgiving of incorrect charging, and using incompatible equipment can lead to undercharging, overcharging, reduced capacity, or even permanent battery damage.

In particular, solar charge controllers and mains chargers must be able to deliver the correct bulk, absorption, and float voltages tailored for lithium. Likewise, if you’re charging from your motorhome’s alternator, you’ll need a DC-DC charger that regulates current and voltage to protect both the battery and the vehicle’s electrical system. If in doubt, it’s best to get expert advice to protect your investment.

Lithium batteries typically last 2 to 3 times longer than traditional lead-acid or AGM alternatives, making them a cost-effective option over time. Their extended lifespan comes from handling thousands of charge cycles and deeper discharges without significant degradation. In contrast, lead-acid batteries lose performance quickly when deeply discharged or left partially charged for too long.

For motorhome users, this means greater reliability and fewer replacements – whether you’re travelling full-time, touring Europe, or enjoying weekend getaways. Lithium also delivers more consistent performance under heavy loads and varying temperatures, ensuring dependable power when it matters most.

One of the best features of 12v lithium batteries is the ability to monitor their performance. Many lithium batteries come with a Battery Management System (BMS) that tracks key parameters such as voltage, temperature, and charge levels. Some lithium batteries also come with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can monitor the load (amps) being taken from your battery or the amps going in when your battery is being charged. The Bluetooth connects directly to your smartphone or tablet.

Battery management system (BMS)
We don’t recommend charging most lithium batteries in freezing conditions (typically below 0°C or 32°F), as this can cause permanent damage or shorten the battery’s lifespan. However, the design of certain lithium batteries – like those in our Renogy Rego Range – with built-in heating elements and intelligent battery management systems (BMS) allow safe and reliable charging even in sub-zero temperatures.
When comparing lithium batteries to traditional lead-acid batteries, such as AGM, lithium batteries can last approximately twice as long, if not longer, under typical usage conditions.
 
A standard lead-acid battery typically offers 300 to 500 charge cycles before its capacity drops significantly, just like a car battery that starts your car or motorhome.
 
However, a quality lithium battery can deliver 2,000 to 5,000 cycles, depending on the manufacturer, depth of discharge, and overall battery management. This means a lithium battery can easily outlast a lead-acid battery by 2 to 4 times, offering better long-term value and reliability for off-grid applications such as caravans, campervans, motorhomes, and solar energy systems.
 
Additionally, lithium batteries maintain a more consistent voltage output, charge faster, are lighter in weight, and suffer less from energy loss due to internal resistance. They can also be discharged up to 80–100% of their capacity without damaging the battery. Whereas lead-acid batteries should typically not be discharged beyond 50% to preserve their lifespan.
 
In real-world terms, if you’re using your battery system regularly for camping or off-grid travel, a lithium battery could last 10 years or more, while a comparable lead-acid battery may need replacement every 3–5 years.
One of the key advantages of lithium batteries, over traditional lead-acid batteries is their ability to be recharged at a significantly higher rate, which translates directly into much faster charging times.
 
Unlike lead-acid batteries, which have relatively low charge acceptance rates and require staged charging to prevent damage (particularly during the absorption phase), lithium batteries can accept a much higher current during both the bulk and absorption stages. This means that a lithium battery can be recharged from 0% to 100% in as little as 1 to 3 hours, depending on the charger output and battery size.
 
For example, a 100Ah lithium battery can safely accept a charge current of up to 50 amps or more, whereas a comparable lead-acid battery may need to be limited to around 20–25 amps to avoid overheating or sulfation. Additionally, lithium batteries do not require a full absorption phase or float charge like lead-acid types, further reducing overall charge time and energy waste.
 
This fast-charging capability is especially beneficial for:
 
  • Off-grid solar systems, where charging windows may be limited
  • Caravans, campervans, and motorhomes, relying on alternators or DC-DC chargers
  • Backup power systems, where rapid recharge readiness is crucial

Not only does this save time, but it also improves energy efficiency and allows for quicker turnarounds between uses, giving you more flexibility and peace of mind when relying on stored power.

If you’re looking to reduce weight and improve energy performance in your motorhome, caravan, campervan, or off-grid solar system, switching from lead-acid to lithium batteries is one of the most effective upgrades you can make. Even when comparing batteries of the same physical size or amp-hour (Ah) rating, lithium batteries are significantly lighter than their lead-acid counterparts.
 
For example, a 100Ah lead-acid battery (AGM or flooded) typically weighs between 27–32 kg, while a 100Ah lithium battery weighs just 10–14 kg. That’s a weight saving of up to 70%, which is crucial when managing your motorhome’s payload or trying to stay within legal towing limits.
 
This weight reduction offers real benefits for:
 
  • Motorhomes, where reducing battery weight improves handling and fuel efficiency
  • Touring caravans, where every kilogram counts when towing
  • Campervans and van conversions, where space and payload are limited
  • Off-grid and portable solar systems, where light weight improves mobility and installation

     

Not only are lithium batteries lighter, but they also deliver more usable power, with the ability to discharge up to 100% of their capacity without damage, unlike lead-acid batteries, which should only be discharged to around 50%. Add in faster charging times, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance, and it’s clear why lithium is the preferred choice for modern leisure and off-grid setups.

Lithium batteries offer a significantly longer lifespan compared to traditional lead acid batteries, making them a much better long term solution for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, 4x4s, and off grid systems.
 
While a standard lead acid battery typically lasts for 300 to 500 charge and discharge cycles, high quality lithium batteries can deliver between 2,000 and 5,000 cycles. This means a lithium battery can last five to ten years or more, far outlasting lead acid batteries, which often need replacing every two to three years.
 
Lithium batteries can also be discharged to a much deeper level (up to 80 to 100 percent) without damaging the battery, unlike lead acid, which should be kept above 50 percent to maintain its lifespan. This gives you more usable power per charge and reduces the number of batteries needed in your setup.
 
Even though lithium has a higher upfront cost, the longer life span, higher efficiency, and reduced maintenance make it far more cost effective in the long run, especially for anyone using battery power regularly or relying on it off grid.
Lithium batteries are virtually maintenance free, making them a far more convenient and hassle free option compared to traditional lead acid batteries. Lead acid batteries, including flooded and AGM types, require regular inspections to check electrolyte levels, terminal corrosion, and overall battery health. In the case of flooded lead acid batteries, users must frequently top up with distilled water to prevent damage and maintain proper chemical balance. This process can be messy, time consuming, and easy to overlook.
 
Lithium batteries, by contrast, are fully sealed units that require no water refilling, no cleaning of terminals, and no equalisation charging. They are designed with built in battery management systems that help monitor performance, protect against overcharging, and maintain battery health automatically. This means you do not have to do anything after installation.
 
This maintenance free operation is especially valuable for motorhome owners, caravan travellers, campervan users, and people living off grid, who may not have the time, tools, or desire to constantly monitor their battery systems. Whether you are heading out for a weekend trip or a long term adventure, lithium batteries allow you to focus on your journey rather than your equipment.
 
Over time, this not only saves hours of manual upkeep but also helps extend the lifespan of your entire power system by reducing the risk of human error or battery failure due to poor maintenance.
High quality lithium batteries come equipped with an integrated Battery Management System, or BMS, which plays a crucial role in maintaining performance, safety, and long term reliability. The BMS is an intelligent electronic system that constantly monitors and manages the health of the battery. It protects against common risks such as overcharging, over discharging, short circuits, and overheating. These issues can cause serious damage to a battery if left unchecked.
 
In a lithium battery setup, the BMS acts like the brain of the system. It ensures that each cell within the battery is charged and discharged evenly, helping to prevent cell imbalance, which is one of the leading causes of reduced battery life. The BMS also automatically shuts down or limits the flow of power when it detects unsafe conditions, protecting both the battery and any connected equipment or appliances.
 
This built in protection makes lithium batteries far safer and more user friendly than traditional lead acid options, which often lack advanced internal monitoring. For people using caravans, motorhomes, campervans, or off grid systems, the presence of a BMS adds confidence and convenience. It removes the need for regular manual checks or extra monitoring tools.
 
Many modern lithium batteries with a BMS also support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to check battery status, voltage, temperature, and charge level directly from a mobile app. This is a valuable feature not usually found in older battery types.
 
By ensuring efficient operation and guarding against harmful conditions, the BMS extends the life of the battery, improves reliability, and reduces the risk of failure. It is an essential feature to consider when choosing a lithium battery for any mobile or off grid power setup.

With lead-acid batteries, the voltage can drop as the battery discharges, potentially affecting appliance performance.

If you rely on batteries to power your appliances and devices while travelling, voltage stability is important and this is where lithium batteries stand out. Unlike traditional lead acid batteries, which experience a steady drop in voltage as they discharge, lithium batteries maintain a consistent voltage level throughout most of their discharge cycle. This means your motorhome power system continues to run smoothly without dips in performance or sudden shutdowns caused by low voltage.

Appliances such as fridges, lights, water pumps and inverters often require a stable power supply to operate properly. With lead acid batteries, as the voltage drops, these appliances may underperform, struggling to start or stop working entirely, even if the battery still has usable energy. This can lead to frustration, reduced efficiency and unnecessary disruption during your journey.

Lithium batteries provide a much flatter voltage curve. They hold a steady output of around 12.8 to 13.2 volts through most of their discharge cycle, only dropping near the end. This gives you more usable power and helps keep everything running at full capacity until the battery is nearly empty.

For anyone using a battery system in a motorhome, campervan, caravan or off grid setup, this voltage stability leads to improved reliability, longer running times and better protection for appliances and electrical components. It also increases the efficiency of devices such as solar charge controllers and inverters, which perform best with consistent voltage.

In summary, lithium batteries provide cleaner and more stable power than lead acid alternatives, giving you a smoother and more dependable energy supply while on the road or living off grid.

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Our Team

Welcome to the team here at Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes. We’re really proud of the team, and over the years it’s been our pleasure to provide advice and services to our ever-growing loyal customers.

Thank you for trusting us with your investment.

Oakleigh Wood - Director of Bristol Caravans
Oakleigh Wood
Director
Eliot Carey, Manager at Bristol Caravans
Eliot Carey
Manager
Tracey Allen, Service Advisor at Bristol Caravans
Tracey Allen
Service Advisor
Nick Marshall, Caravan Technician
Nick Marshall
Caravan Technician
Andy Carter
Caravan technician
Nick Clifford
Valeter
Joe Wonnacott
Senior technician
Rob Housham
driver

“We arrived at Llanfyllin, and it was raining so hard it was difficult to find our plot. Once parked up, it took just 90 seconds as we let our automatic levelling system get us level. Thank you, Bristol Caravans, for fitting our amazing levelling system.”

Jake and Carol Smith

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