Lithium- probably the best decision I have made!

May be in this day 'old age' ought to be defined as that moment in time when one is unable, unwilling or incapable or keeping up with the rest of the world. My grandfather saw the first car drive through his village, the first television and the first man on the moon but in later life refused to accept much of what we now take for granted. God bless him.

Merve has said he wants to run things that not everyone wants or needs to run off grid. So for many of us, we can leave behind the use of a microwave, TV, hoover, toaster and electric kettle etc etc. If we can't leave home without our worldly goods then an expensive LB will keep us going. You'd need to disregard the cost to achieve your home comforts and then feel a bit better by saving on site fees at the same time but probably not truly be able to justify it as an overall financial saving. BUT thinking aloud...personally if I could run a hairdryer maybe I could persuade my OH....no perhaps not. 

 

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

I was and indeed am keen to have a lithium set. However in my case  i cannot at present justify it mainly due to the fact that my caravan is 15 years old and going strong. Spending 3.5k on it would be silly. If and when I buy a new caravan I will go for a lithium set. as I really like the idea of being away from the madding crowd.

I have an electric car which wouldn't be viable without Lithium batteries but we still need to be realistic about the practicality. The Lithium battery in my golf trolley is great; it’s about half the weight BUT at about three times the cost (plus it failed after two years and has to be replaced under warranty). Many golfers still use lead acid because of the cost advantage. Also, there is a severe shortage of Lithium so there is the real possibility that prices will increase and not decrease so they may be the future but it could be a distant future.

I have to say that unless you have an abnormally high usage of off-Grid power then Lithium is totally unjustified. Before batteries were fitted as standard to caravans the normal practice was to use the car hook-up which was fine for about a week before needing to take the car for a run. Add to this that there is a greater and greater demand for EHU such that it is becoming quite unusual to find any site without it (unless you are wild camping).

It may be a nice feeling to be self sufficient but there is no environmental gain, after all you are storing then reusing electricity with loss of efficiency as opposed to using it straight from the grid.

The golf trolley comparison  is not really comparable Hitch- I am willing to bet that those batteries are not protected by the necessary electronics I’m almost sure of that. As far as your comment of no environmental gain??? I am using the suns rays- not using electricity created by burning the dinosaurs or worse by splitting the atom! How am I having an environmental impact?? A properly fitted Lithium battery with its protection electronics should, and I say again, should last for 20 - 25 yrs. If it doesn’t then I’ll know not to go down that road again but so far, it has revolutionised how I live off grid. The battery allows everything on board to be used as though you had an EHU. As far as cost is concerned, I have attempted to explain this many times- it works out cheaper in the long run- quite a bit cheaper- than burning out 2 decent quality LA batteries every 2 or 3 years. - I know-Ive done it! (YouTube will explain more) Then you have the period between the batteries beginning to fail and buying new ones - another £300 , when you can’t use the toaster or microwave because the batteries can’t hold enough power!   I now carry a quarter of the weight and I don’t have to worry that my battery will be U/S in 2 years time. It’s a win win situation for me. Abnormally High usage? Well, the way I look at it is that I’m on holiday and I want life as easy as possible- if using a toaster every day or heating a meal in the microwave or being able to use a food blender makes life easier, then so be it. There is plenty of Lithium Hitch- it’s the location of the Lithium that’s the problem! 

Mitsi, I haven’t received your email mate. Don’t forget that all kit is transferable from Van to Van. Perhaps the SPs are a little difficult I confess but even those can be transferred. If you use a suitcase type then it’s easier still.  I am extremely happy with my purchase so far. Someone has to do it first. If , as I say, it doesn’t work out I’ll say something loud and long but I have a feeling it’s going to be fine.

Towel?

💡

😇

I admire Merve (and others) who choose to spend time away using non EHU etc to ‘fuel’ their LV’s and other bits of equipment needed when away but personally cannot justify the expense at this moment in time.  My LV came with a SP on the roof so I can manage a few days without EHU (weather permitting) when/if needed and that for me is all I require just now. Should costs come down it may be something I would consider.  Enjoying time away is what having a LV is all about for me. 

Merve. I didn't get round to trying the email again. I think all my questions have been answered on the forum. Everything you say about your set up makes sense to me. As I said earlier if the caravan was newer I would have the set up at the drop of a hat. A new caravan may be on the horizon but not just yet . May well have solar on the current van and see how we go with LA. In the meantime I will keep a watch on the lithium and I'm sure you will keep us all posted with future developments.