Victron Lithium Leisure Battery Design

A straight forward Lithium power setup built using Victron and Fogstar components which makes it perfect for all vans.

Full specifications and cable sizing can be found at the end of this article.

"Disclaimer: Installing electrical equipment in a campervan requires technical know-how and an understanding of automotive electrical systems. Improper installation may pose risks such as electrical hazards, fire, damage to the vehicle and personal injury. It is recommended to seek guidance from a professional or thoroughly educate yourself before proceeding with any electrical modifications or installations."

The diagram above illustrates a high quality and cost efficient power system which is ideal for campervans and motorhomes. The system uses a 105Ah Fogstar Lithium battery, the lithium battery may appear to be substantially more expensive when compared to cheaper AGM batteries however it is rated for 3500 cycles and comes with a 10-year warranty. (Lithium Vs. AGM)

Selecting a power system for your van requires thoughtful consideration of its intended use. Overspecification of systems can lead to unnecessary costs, therefore, estimating your typical van usage is crucial to avoid expenses beyond your budget. This design includes a 175W solar panel, which can be upgraded if required, if you are looking for more charging power the DC-DC or MPPT chargers can be upgraded (or downgraded) depending on the budget and intended usage. 

Unless there is a requirement for prolonged winter usage or the desire to run high powered electrical appliances we would not recommend installing a mains hook-up due to the additional cost. Nevertheless, these features can be easily integrated during the initial build or retrofitted at a later date. The Fogstar 105Ah battery benefits from Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in battery monitor which can be viewed through the Fogstar Drift app, this is a great feature as you can monitor your exact usage without the need to install an energy monitor. If you would like to see live usage and power levels without looking at your phone, you could also add an energy monitor.

The total cost (including cables) is £975 (as of June 2024). Installing this system should be achievable within 2 days depending on the layout of your van. If you're not confident about installing it yourself we'd be glad to discuss how we could help and offer a quote. (All appliances, lighting and outlets are additional to this cost)

Please note, Brento doesn't have an affiliation with any of the companies listed below. However, based on our experience, they offer great products at competitive prices.

To install this system you will need a range of basic tools, and equipment. Having a mix of crimps, terminals, and heat shrink tubing is useful. The list below should provide more than enough consumable items, by planning carefully, you could save money by purchasing specific items separately. Yet, having a variety of parts available ensures the job runs without any delays.

If you haven't worked with automotive electrics before, you might not have the necessary tools for the job. Here are some essential tools vital for a safe and effective installation.

If you'd like to install this system yourself, please read the following notes. Depending on the position of the DC-DC charger you may need to increase the cable sizes to prevent excessive voltage drop. Sizes have also been standardised to reduce the number of different cables required during the installation.

Notes-

1. All battery/DC-DC cables are to be PVC high flex battery cable 8AWG/10mm2 unless otherwise stated.

2. Diesel heaters should be connected directly to the battery without an isolation switch. Isolating the power supply of a diesel heater during operation may cause irreparable damage to the device.