Upgrade leisure battery

[Marty ling]

Hi guys, recently bought a 2018 m.p. Just wondering if leisure battery is capable of coping with off grid camping ,
basically only need to run cool box and courtesy lights. Alternatively upgrade to a lithium battery if that’s possible.
have been advised fitting solar panel not too successful. HELP.
cheers marty

 

[Steve B]

In my experience, if you are frugal, you can get two to three days of use (as you say, fridge mainly) off grid with the original battery. If you intend three plus days you should consider improving the set up. I always get nervous about getting the roof down if the battery is flat.

 

[enano]

Hi guys, recently bought a 2018 m.p. Just wondering if leisure battery is capable of coping with off grid camping ,
basically only need to run cool box and courtesy lights. Alternatively upgrade to a lithium battery if that’s possible.
have been advised fitting solar panel not too successful. HELP.
cheers marty

If you switch to a lithium battery the onboard chargers should be changed as well - at least the AC-DC (from the external 230V) and probably the DC-DC (from the engine alternator). Lithium batteries should not be charged with a charger designed for lead/acid batteries.
The battery level indicator in the centre console will also read wrong values -- but it is not quite right with the standard battery, anyway.

My humble experience with a solar panel has been extremely good. Plus, a lithium battery in ideal conditions gives you more duration while a solar panel in ideal conditions gives you infinite duration.

 

[Marty ling]

Thanks guys for your response, I have had a quote to upgrade to lithium for£1800 which seems a little steep given that the battery is £650, so I guess The remainder is to upgrade the chargers and wiring. I think with the roof issues there is a safety feature built in. A bit more research needed I think.
cheers guys

 

[enano]

I'm really happy to have a manual roof...

 

[Marty ling]

Yeah think you are spot on, certainly a lot quicker, although electric does look a bit flash. ( until it goes wrong )

 

[pumpsmynads]

Thanks guys for your response, I have had a quote to upgrade to lithium for£1800 which seems a little steep given that the battery is £650, so I guess The remainder is to upgrade the chargers and wiring. I think with the roof issues there is a safety feature built in. A bit more research needed I think.
cheers guys

fyi