Just ten years ago, the camper battery standard was two Group 27 lead-acid or AGM batteries. Now it’s time to find out what the 2024 battery standard is and where it’s going. Charge ahead and take our Big Battery Poll!
CLICK TO TAKE THE BIG BATTERY POLL
In 2005, our 2004 Lance 1030 had two Group 24 lead-acid deep cycle batteries for a total of approximately 150 Ah. Our camper lights were all incandescent, we had no solar panels, and we charged via the truck alternator, shore power, or a built-in Generac generator that sounded like a broken lawn mower. That was not only a normal battery and electrical set-up at the time, it was actually fairly good.
In 2015, our then new-to-us 2005 Alpenlite 1100 had two Group 31 AGM deep cycle batteries for a total of 200 Ah. Our camper lights were all LED, we had a single 150-watt solar panel on the roof and charged via the truck alternator or shore power (no generator). That was not only a normal battery and electrical set-up at the time, it was actually fairly good.
In 2024, that same 2005 Alpenlite 1100 has a Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 Escape System and expansion tank—long-term review in progress—for a total of 630 Ah of lithium. Our camper lights are still all LED, we have 490 watts of solar, and charge via the truck alternator or shore power (still no generator). The Goal Zero 4000 is designed as an integrated lithium battery and electrical system, and is arguably cutting-edge.
What’s Your Battery Type and Bank Size?
The above three paragraphs outline the variety of possible battery systems that can successfully operate a truck camper in 2024. We want to know what battery type and bank size you currently have, and what battery type and bank you want.
These questions are not as simple as they were a few years ago now that lithium technology has proliferated into a myriad of brands, sizes, and systems. For example, our new battery and electrical system throws the tried and true standard battery sizes out the proverbial window.
The answers to this survey will help the truck camper industry align their battery and electrical systems to customer expectations. Can they continue down the Group 24/27/31 battery path, or do they need to completely rethink their battery box, bank, and electrical system?
It will also be fascinating to see exactly what a normal battery system is in 2024. I bet it’s not two Group 24 lead-acids anymore. Those days are over.
CLICK TO TAKE THE BIG BATTERY POLL
