If you are travelling with your Bürstner motorhome, you certainly want to be able to travel comfortably and as self-sufficiently as possible. In this article, you will learn all about power consumption, battery capacity and protection mechanisms so that you are fully prepared for your journey.
Power consumption and comfort - the direct correlation
The power consumption in your motorhome is directly related to your comfort requirements. The more comfort you want, the higher the power consumption, which shortens your period of self-sufficiency. Here are the typical power consumptions in a motorhome:
- LED lamp: approx. 0.3 A
- Compressor refrigerator: approx. 4-5 A
- Water pump: approx. 5-8 A (only when in use)
- Heater (fan): approx. 2-4 A
- Television: approx. 3-4 A
- Mobile phone/laptop charging: approx. 0.5-1 A
Battery capacity and self-sufficiency
The capacity of your motorhome battery is specified in ampere hours (Ah) and determines how long you have autonomous power available. Example calculation for a standard motorhome battery:
- Battery capacity: 100 Ah
- Usable capacity: approx. 80 Ah (AGM/gel, do not empty completely)
- Consumption: 5 A per hour
- Running time: 80 Ah / 5 A=16 hours
Battery types - capacity utilisation & service life
Choosing the right type of battery for your motorhome is crucial for capacity utilisation and service life.
- AGM: These batteries offer a usable capacity of approx. 50-80% and have a service life of around 500 to 800 cycles. They are maintenance-free, but sensitive to deep discharges.
- Gel: Gel batteries are robust and charge slowly. They also offer approx. 50-80 % usable capacity and have a service life of around 600 to 1000 cycles.
- Lithium: Lithium batteries offer up to 100 % usable capacity with a service life of around >2000 cycles. They are lightweight, fast-charging and have an integrated protection system.
Quiescent current - The silent consumer
Even if your motorhome is not being actively used, there is still a certain amount of idle power consumption. This can be caused by various electronic components that are always active in the background. These include control units such as the EBL, radios with memory function, as well as safety devices such as gas alarms or motion detectors. A permanently active rear-view camera can also contribute to idle power consumption.
An example of quiescent current is a power consumption of 0.2 amps. This leads to a consumption of 4.8 ampere hours per day, which means that the battery can be fully discharged after around 16 days without active use.
Deep discharge - what is it and why is it dangerous?
A deep discharge occurs when the battery voltage falls below critical values (e.g. below 11.8 V for AGM/gel). This can lead to permanent damage, loss of capacity and, in extreme cases, total failure.
How can I protect myself?
Various measures are available to protect you from deep discharge and other risks. The EBL (electric block) provides basic protection in many Bürstner models, such as the EBL 99, 100, and 119. It switches off certain on-board power consumers if the voltage becomes too low, but is not always comprehensive. A circuit breaker, on the other hand, completely disconnects the battery from the power supply and thus prevents any kind of discharge. This solution is particularly effective and ideal for longer downtimes or winter storage, as it provides comprehensive protection. However, if the battery voltage drops below the critical value, it is essential to have the battery checked by a specialist workshop. If it is recharged without testing, this can lead to boiling over and the formation of oxyhydrogen gas.
Retrofitting a second battery
To remain self-sufficient for longer, you can retrofit a second on-board battery. The advantages are double the capacity and greater safety in cold weather. Note, however, that both batteries should be of the same age and type, and that a professional parallel connection is required.
Modern lithium batteries with integrated protection
Lithium batteries are characterised by their integrated Battery Management System (BMS), which offers protection against deep discharge, overcharging and overheating. They offer up to 100 % usable capacity and have a longer service life, which can last up to ten years. Another strength is their low weight and compact design, which makes them lighter and more space-saving than AGM or gel batteries. These properties make lithium batteries ideal for anyone who journeys a lot and wants to be self-sufficient, as they not only ensure greater comfort but also increased safety.
⚠️ Safety note
Always have the battery installation or retrofit checked by a specialist company, especially for lithium systems or secondary batteries. This warrants correct handling and protects against possible risks.
💡 Our tip
A relaxing motorhome holiday starts with a look at the battery level of your battery. Check the control panel regularly, plan your next step in good time and get to know your vehicle. If you know which consumers draw a lot of power, you can switch them off - and stay self-sufficient and relaxed on the road for longer.
This website uses automatic translations. Please excuse any errors. In case of doubt, the original German version applies.