Auxiliary battery Lithium / Gel / AGM

What is an Auxiliary Battery?

An auxiliary battery is an additional battery installed in a van. It supplies power to devices and accessories inside the van when the engine is off. These devices can include lights, refrigerators, heating systems, fans, electronic device chargers, and more. 

This ensures that the engine's battery doesn't discharge while the vehicle is stationary, always keeping it ready to start the vehicle regardless of our electrical consumption when parked. The primary and safest method to charge the auxiliary battery is from the engine when the vehicle is running. 

However, we can also use alternative charging systems that provide us autonomy, such as solar panels or a 230V electrical connection at a network point. 

Essentially, after the bed, it is the main accessory and heart of a camper vehicle.

Why Install an Auxiliary Battery in a Camper?

Installing an auxiliary battery in your van is essential to sustain all the comforts and convenience when stationary. 

It will power lights, refrigerators, water pumps, stationary heating management, charging of mobiles and electronic devices, etc., all without draining the engine's battery and ensuring that you can start at any time. 

Without an auxiliary battery, we couldn't operate these devices without risking not being able to start when we decide to move.

What Types of Auxiliary Batteries Are There?

In the current market, you will mainly find four types of auxiliary batteries for your camper van:

Acid Batteries: These are commonly used to start a vehicle. They are the most economical option but are now becoming obsolete for campers due to their short lifespan and fragility during deep discharges. 

AGM Batteries (Absorbed Glass Mat): These are the most common until now for camper use. They utilize absorbent fiberglass technology that contains the electrolyte, making them safer and less prone to leaks. They are resistant to vibrations and to charge and discharge cycles. 

Gel Batteries: These batteries use silica gel to immobilize the electrolyte, making them extremely safe. They require no maintenance and are resistant to extreme temperatures and vibrations. 

Lithium Batteries: These are a more recent technology and will soon dominate the entire camper market, as their prices are becoming more popular, displacing other options. They offer significantly higher energy density, meaning they are lighter and more compact compared to other types, providing double the energy. Additionally, they have a much longer lifespan and can handle a greater number of charge and discharge cycles without losing efficiency. Although their initial price is higher, their durability and efficiency make up for this cost in the long run.

Do You Want to Install an Auxiliary Battery in Your Camper Van?

Our team of experts will advise you or, if you prefer not to install it yourself, we'll take care of the installation for you!

Contact us!

If you wish to learn more about auxiliary batteries, we invite you to read the article that answers the following questions:

Where to Place an Auxiliary Battery?

Do You Need to Approve the Auxiliary Battery?

How to Install an Auxiliary Battery?