RonA Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 I've been reading what I can find on Hymer's Smart Battery System (SBS) to work out whether it's worthwhile considering for a new van. One thing that worries me a little is the possible battery bank capacity and the chargers used. Hymer offer a Lithium Autonomy Pack with the SBS which includes two 135Ah Lithium Batteries and one 95Ah AGM which interest me for longer off-grid use. Adding in the 95Ah Starter Battery and you have a total battery bank of 460Ah. The SBS only includes a 2nd 18A charger so you have 36A chargers in total. I'm not an expert on matters electrical but am aware of the general rule of a battery bank no larger than 10x the charger capacity. Does anyone have the SBS or knowledge of the system and can advise whether Hymer have introduced something that allows a larger battery bank or is there a recipe for disaster brewing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spirou Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 I have no info on Hymer SBS but, since lithium batteries can accept a charge quite a bit faster than lead batteries, I would say the 10x A >> Ah rule is a bit outdated. Not to mention the thin cables commonly used in MH that could use a substantial upgrade. All in all I'm a bit skeptical it's all done right, as opposed to passable. After all, they still need to come in under 3.5t and that's a powerful incentive to cut some corners no matter what manufacturer. As an example, this guy uses 70mm2 cables to connect 2x100Ah lithium batteries and the 2000W charger/inverter and 10-16mm2 for everything else: https://www.explorist.life/200-amp-hour-300-watt-camper-van-solar-kit/ I've only ever seen 10mm2 cables in European MH and that was an upgrade from the more common 6mm2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curdle Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 I cannot answer your query but can relate my own recent interaction with a Hymer dealer. Hymer are selling a 2 bank Lithium battery as a second battery to be added to a Lead acid battery with a smart system that charges the AGM battery first. The lithium battery is advertised at a claimed 20 kg lighter for the same 90Ah AGM capacity. Seems Hymer forgot to inform UK dealers who claim I would need to replace everything in contradiction with the Hymer statements that indicate the system can be upgraded in multiples alongside the existing AGM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 The upgrade package is described here https://www.hymer-original-zubehör.com/en/installation/batteries/1331/basic-smart-battery-system-upgrade-package?c=95 For ‘hands on’ feedback it might be worth enquiring on this Hymer forum https://hymer-owners-group.co.uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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