What battery technologies are available?
Wet batteries - cheap, but in need of care
Wet batteries are among the classic caravan batteries. They are inexpensive, but require regular maintenance. The fluid inside must be checked and topped up if necessary. In addition, they may only be installed in the interior with active degassing, as flammable gases can develop.
Advantages:
Inexpensive
Proven technology
Disadvantages:
Not leak-proof
Maintenance required
Only suitable for indoor use to a limited extent
Low cycle stability (approx. 300 cycles)
AGM batteries - robust and maintenance-free
AGM batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat) are a popular choice for camping batteries today. The electrolyte is bound in a glass fiber fleece, making them leak-proof and vibration-resistant. They are well suited to vehicles with occasional power requirements and regular recharging.
Advantages:
Maintenance-free and leak-proof
Better suited for solar systems than wet batteries
Approx. 400 charging cycles
Disadvantages:
Lower depth of discharge than GEL or lithium batteries
Tip: The intAct Active-Power AGM is a proven solution for occasional use with shore power.
GEL batteries - long-lasting and durable
GEL batteries are a further development of the classic lead-acid battery. Here, the electrolyte is gel-like, which makes them particularly leak-proof. GEL batteries such as the intAct GEL-Power offer high cycle stability and are ideal for campers who are regularly self-sufficient.
Advantages:
Up to 700 charging cycles
Very robust, even with vibrations
Ideal for off-road or self-sufficient use
Disadvantages:
Higher weight
Longer charging times
Suitable if you want to upgrade from a VRLA GEL battery, for example.
Lithium batteries - lightweight, powerful, long-lasting
Lithium batteries (LiFePO4) are considered the modern solution for self-sufficient camping. They are extremely cycle-resistant, can be discharged up to 100 % and offer maximum performance with minimum weight. A typical motorhome lithium battery, such as the FORSTER Premium, delivers up to 5,000 charging cycles.
Advantages:
Very high energy density
Extremely long service life
Fast charging, even with little sunlight
Weight saving of up to 75 %
Disadvantages:
Higher acquisition costs
Check compatibility of the charger
Recommended if you want to be as self-sufficient as possible with solar power.
