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Auxiliary DC vs AC Lithium Campervan House Battery System?

Answer: Money, space, available power. Seriously there is a cost and functional difference between the two. We get asked this a lot as a majority of our builds are using a DC System in the engine compartment. (Sprinter only)


We are going to keep this simple as possible as it relates to campervans.


DC 12 volt system...same as your car power system used for low power requirements. AC or alternating current is what you are used to in your home and used for high power requirements.


DC 12v with AGM batteries in Hood:


ADVANTAGES of using AGM System in hood

  • Simple and less expensive (under $4k)

  • Ideal for most basic needs in a campervan

  • Simple to install

  • Takes up no space inside your van

  • No special cabinets

  • Less wiring

  • Super Compact

  • Long history of reliability no special BMS battery computers

  • Generally enough power to run heater, battery, fans, fridge, charge cell phones with solar AND alternator charging

  • Batteries last between 3-5 years


DISADVANTAGES with AGM Batteries in hood:


  • Limited battery cycles and life span; 3-5 years

  • Not ideal for inverters and high power use

  • Not optimal for running appliances, AC, or high power requirements due to lack of ability to use a large inverter

  • Requires larger power lines

  • No Shore Power Charging


Aux House Battery 224ah AGM Battery System


Lithium AC Power System


This system is generally installed INSIDE the van and because you can install an inverter close to battery this is ideal for vans require high power AC requirements.


ADVANTAGES

  • Lithium has very long life span and can cycle many times (7+ years, thousands of cycles

  • Ideal system for running appliances, AC systems, as well as DC systems

  • Much more compact and lighter weight

  • Much more capacity in same space

  • Ideal for appliances and mandatory for running AC

  • Ideal for vans that have high power needs or constant everyday heavy power use

  • Solar and Alternator Charging

  • Shore Power Charging available


DISADVANTAGES


  • More expensive; 3-6 x more cost

  • Requires a box to put components in

  • Takes up valuable space inside of van due to box to hold components

  • More complicated to install


Examples of Lithium systems in rear of van under bed



 
 
 
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