By Oakleigh Wood | LinkedIn Profile
Are you dreaming of waking up in the Scottish Highlands or a remote Cornish cove, without once worrying about your battery levels?
At Bristol Caravans, we are seeing a revolution in how UK owners power their travels. The transition from traditional lead-acid setups to high-performance Renogy Lithium systems is the single biggest “quality of life” upgrade you can make to your vehicle.
But before you swap out your old battery, there are some fundamental questions you need to consider.
Does My Motorhome Actually Need a Lithium Battery?
The honest answer? Not everyone does. If you exclusively stay on club sites with 230v Electric Hook-Up (EHU), your current lead-acid setup is likely sufficient.
However, if you want to stretch your off-grid adventures, Lithium is a game-changer for three reasons:
- Massive Weight Savings: Renogy Lithium batteries (like the REGO or Pro series) can be up to 2/3 lighter than lead-acid equivalents. In a 3.5t motorhome where payload is precious, this is a huge win.
- Double the Useable Power: A standard 100Ah lead-acid battery will probably only give a usable discharge of 50%. A Renogy 100Ah Lithium battery gives you almost 96% of its capacity. It effectively lasts twice as long.
- Rapid Recharging: While lead-acid batteries charge slowly to stay safe, a Renogy system can handle much higher currents. Use 50Ah overnight? With the right DC-DC setup, you could be back to full in just an hour of driving.
Can I “Drop” a New Lithium Battery into my Campervan?
Yes, but with a caveat. If your caravan or motorhome wasn’t originally designed for lithium, simply swapping the “box” isn’t enough. To protect your investment and ensure your warranty remains valid, your charging system needs to “talk” the same language as your battery. Without the correct profile, your lithium battery may never reach 100% charge, shortening its lifespan.
Lithium Battery Integration: The Bristol Caravans Difference
UK-built leisure vehicles often feature complex electrical systems from manufacturers like Sargent, BCA, CBE or Schaudt.
At Bristol Caravans, we are experts at integrating advanced Renogy components into these existing systems. We don’t just “fit” parts; we design a bespoke loom and charging solution that ensures your OEM control panels and safety systems work in perfect harmony with your new lithium power plant.
How long does it take to fit a lithium battery to a motorhome?
And what Does the Renogy Lithium Installation Process Look Like?
Well, every build is unique – a compact VW campervan has different requirements than a large coachbuilt motorhome. As a Renogy Professional Dealer we follow Renogy’s strict installation protocols to ensure safety and efficiency. We are a certified business partner, with a direct partnership with Renogy to sell their off-grid energy products. We are specifically trained and authorised to provide expert advice, and support for systems in motorhomes, caravans and campervans.
Here is a guide to the typical “man-hours” required for a professional, safety-first installation:
| Component | Est. Time | Key Considerations |
| Battery Installation | 1 – 6 Hours | Location, front seat removal, or bespoke cabinetry. |
| Solar Panel Array | 4 – 8 Hours | Roof space, cable routing, and MPPT synchronisation. |
| DC-DC Charger | 4 – 5 Hours | Engine alternator output and daily driving habits. |
| 230V Charger / Mains | 2 – 3 Hours | Safe install via RCD, ensure correct charging profiles. |
| Inverter (Off-Grid 230v) | 4 – 6 Hours | Wiring to existing sockets for “kettle and hair dryer” power. |
| Renogy ONE / Monitoring | 2 – 3 Hours | System programming and smart-app integration. |
| Bespoke Loom & Finishing | 4 – 8 Hours | Safe cable routing, fusing, and professional aesthetics. |
Total Labour Estimated Build Time (subject to assessment):
- Without Inverter: From 21 Hours
- With Inverter: From 25 Hours
Is a Motorhome Lithium Battery Safe?
The short answer is Yes but like most things in life the devil is in the detail. A lithium upgrade is a significant investment in your freedom. Doing it wrong can be costly; doing it right is liberating.
Whether you are looking for the flagship Renogy REGO system or the robust Pro models, our team is here to guide you from the initial “end goal” design to the final safety check.
Ready to upgrade?
Contact Bristol Caravans today to book your Lithium Install Assessment. Let’s get a professional view of your vehicle and turn your off-grid dreams into a reality.
👉 Book your FREE assessment today: contact us
📞 01454 612 893 | 📧 service@bristolcaravans.com
