Off-grid convenience: lithium in a Teardrop mini Caravan

I love that moment when a campsite comes to a standstill—just a little wind, a kettle on the stove, and that feeling of: we've arrived . But there's one thing that can quickly ruin your camping: unreliable power. At Pure Camper, we build for real life: outdoor cooking, cold drinks, a water pump that simply works, and light when you need it. That's why we chose lithium—so your adventure stays simple, even off-grid .

The off-grid moment in one evening

Imagine: it's late, you're in a place you hadn't planned (because the most beautiful places are often the spontaneous ones). You've cooked, washed dishes, charged your phone, and the refrigerator has been working its magic all day.

Then comes the classic question: “Do we have enough power left for tonight?”

In a trailer, power isn't just about gadgets. It's about those little comforts that make you feel at home in nature: a lamp for reading, a refrigerator that stays cool, and a water pump that doesn't suddenly pretend it's on vacation.

In our Pure Camper design, the energy system is designed to support those basics—think lights, outlets, refrigerator, and water pump—without you constantly having to play battery police. This "switch on and go" approach perfectly aligns with why lithium is so well-suited to our building style.

Teardrop Caravan energy, simple

A Teardrop Caravan is small by design. That's precisely its charm: less fuss, less baggage, more "let's go." But that's precisely why every component deserves its place.

Lithium helps us make the energy system fit what a teardrop should be:

• Light in experience and use

• Reliable for everyday consumers such as refrigerators and water pumps.

• Solar friendly , so the system can recharge during the day.

And honestly, lithium suits how many people actually camp these days—short trips, spontaneous overnight stays, changeable weather, and the desire to have a nice spot without having to be tied to a pole.

Important to keep in mind: our starting point is clear—Pure Camper trailers combine a solar panel with a lithium-ion battery to power important consumers. Everything beyond that (such as exact charge times and cycle counts) depends on the specific battery type and how you use it. And at Pure Camper, we believe it's important that you don't have to think about that. You have power when you need it, without any hassle.

Mini caravan comfort requires stable power

A mini caravan encourages a different mindset than a large campervan. You're closer to the outdoors, more present, more aware. But you still want comfort—just the right kind.

In our trailers, that comfort is mainly practical:

• A refrigerator in the outdoor kitchen that really keeps your food cool

• Water on hand for coffee and washing up

• Light that doesn't start flickering as the evening gets longer

• Power outlets that simply work when you need them

  
  

Lithium often aligns well with that "small but premium" experience, because in practice, you can usually discharge it more deeply than with traditional lead-acid variants without immediately risking damage. So you don't have to constantly monitor how much power is left in the battery to prevent damage—the system monitors that for you. And at Pure Camper, we consciously tailor the energy system to the consumers in the trailer (think lighting, outlets, refrigerator, and water pump), so it can supply and store sufficient power in practice, while you have minimal maintenance.

Lithium vs. AGM vs. gel

Let's be honest: AGM and gel batteries have served RVs faithfully for years. They're well-known. They can work perfectly well—especially if your consumption is limited and you're conservative with discharging.

But our choices at Pure Camper are more focused on:

• More usable energy in daily use

• More confidence without shore power

• Less 'sagging' performance with many cycles

• No active monitoring required — the system automatically protects the battery

Indicative comparison (values may vary):

• Weight: Lithium very light; AGM & Gel heavy; Lead-acid very heavy

• Cycle life: Lithium 2000+; AGM 500–1000; Gel 500–1000; Lead-acid 300–500

• Max. discharge: Lithium 80–90%; AGM, Gel ~60%

• Efficiency: Lithium 95–98%; AGM/Gel ~85%; Lead-acid 70–80%

• Self-discharge/month: Lithium 1–2%; AGM/Gel 3–4%; Lead-acid 10–15%

• Capacity per weight: Lithium 100–150 Wh/kg; AGM/Gel 30–50; Lead-acid 25–40

• Environmental friendliness: Lithium high; AGM/Gel average; Lead-acid low

A little bit about BMS

BMS is a typical feature of lithium systems and is one of the reasons why lithium can feel so "carefree" in everyday use. A BMS typically helps keep the battery within safe limits—for example, regarding overcharging, undercharging, and temperature.

Checklist for real trips

If you're considering buying a Teardrop caravan , this is the checklist I would use for any energy system—regardless of brand.

1) Calculate the consumers

• Do you run your refrigerator all day? Depending on the weather and usage, a refrigerator can easily consume 40–60 Ah per 24 hours.

• Do you charge your devices daily?

• How much time do you use the lighting?

2) Think about 'usable energy'. Many people look at a single number on a battery: capacity in Ah. But how deeply you can discharge it in practice without damaging the battery makes at least as much difference. That's why lithium often feels like "more power" at comparable nominal values.

3) Solar isn't an afterthought. Our Pure Camper energy system combines a solar panel with a lithium-ion battery. In reality, this means sunlight becomes your daily charger, not just a nice bonus. That's the essence of comfortable off-grid camping.

4) Weight and convenience count A lighter system can make a big difference, without you noticing, in the number of items you can take with you.

5) Match the trailer's philosophy. A mini caravan should feel easy: minimalist, warm, and practical. That's precisely why lithium fits so well with our approach.

For me, lithium is less about specs and more about ambiance: it keeps your trip calm. It supports how a Pure Camper is meant to be—simple, functional, adventurous, and ready to go.

Want to see how our design choices and off-grid thinking come together in the overall concept? Then take a look at Pure Camper .