Oaktree Motorhomes

As a competition winner for a half price Ecotree 110Ah Lithium battery we had additional work done including a Victron Smart shunt and a Bluetooth Solar controller. These allow viewing and control from the Victron Connect App.
All works were carried out to a high standard and regular cups of tea and coffee were provided through the day. A full explanation with walk through of the fit and the app were given.
The next stage is to look again in six months time when we have had chance to use it and the inverter.

The old adage, "if you want something doing, ask a busy person" holds true. We started looking at the possibility of fitting a lithium battery to our 2012 Bailey in Spring this year. After researching on the forum for ages, we opted for an Ecotree battery from Oaktree Motorhomes.

After a full discussion on the phone, confirmed by emails with Rob Matthews, we decided to buy and have fitted, not one but 2 110AH batteries, Victron MPPT solar controller, shunt and battery to battery charger as well as an IP22 mains charger.

So popular have these batteries been that Oaktree is booked until early in 2022. We were given a date for 10 November 2021 which suited our travel plans. We were offered space at Oaktree's conveniently located premises (just off J26 of the M1) overnight but opted instead to stay in a hotel in Nottingham.

When we went to collect the van this morning, we were collected from Ilkeston by Gary Walker the Service manager and given a full handover and explanation by Robert who had carried out the fitting. He had cleverly utilised the space under the passenger's chair to put the two batteries side by side. This had the benefit of making sure that the batteries are kept inside the van (and so unlikely ever to be subject to freezing temperatures) as well as giving us the space formerly occupied by the lead-acid battery. Outside locker space is severely limited in the 2012 Bailey.

Robert then gave us a full run-through of the Victron app necessary to monitor the activities of the lithium batteries and even linked the Victron gear so that the various bits of hardware know what each are doing. He made good the space where the old solar controller was situated and even fitted the new mains charger in the exact space in the distribution unit which housed the former mains charger.

Both I and my better half were able to understand everything and Robert was clear and helpful. If we need to contact him at any time, he suggested we simply take a screen shot of what the batteries are doing (from the Victron app) and forward it by email. He would then problem solve and tell us what to do.

Rob Matthews, Oaktree's director then introduced himself and provided us with some data sheets, prepared by Oaktree for use in the event that we ever need to re-enter the settings for any of the kit. He will also forward photos taken of the fitting which will provide useful assistance if we need to replace fuses etc.
The price we paid pretty accurately matched Rob's estimate and he honoured the Funster's discount even though, at the time he gave the estimate, the batteries were lower in price than when fitted.

All in all, from the welcome on checking in to driving away home this afternoon, a very positive experience. We look forward to enjoying the added capacity for going off-grid especially in these dark winter days.

We wish we'd been aware of Oaktee when we were looking to buy a motorhome but if we do ever upgrade the van, this is where we'll come.

Had good service from Oaktree. Very friendly , not pushy and the three members if staff I had dealings with were knowledgeable and gave good advice. A couple of niggles post sale were sorted very quickly and with no quibble. In the time since we bought our vehicle everything's been fine. Not the biggest dealer but a good range of makes and you're free to have a look round them without any hassle . Will definitely return in future years.