Adria Twin, upgrade battery or solar?

Andy MacD

Andy MacD

Joined
May 30, 2019
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Location
Aberdeen, UK
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MH
Adria Twin Supreme
Exp
Since 2018
I have a standard 2021 Twin 640 SPB. It’s got one NDS Green Power 100Ah AGM battery and the standard solar panel, 120w I think. On a cloudy day, or under shade, I can only just do two days off grid with the fridge turned down, three days and I’d need EHU.

In France just now so that limits staying on Aires and the campsites charge an additional daily fee for EHU.

Before someone says get both plus a shunt plus, plus.... I should say both funds and weight are limited so I’m looking for the best value upgrade.

The question is do I add another battery so I have charge for longer at an additional weight of 30kg or another solar panel to put more charge into the existing battery.

I’m thinking panel as it’s not able to fully boost the existing battery.

Not checked roof space for another panel yet.

Appreciate thoughts of those who have experienced the same and made successful upgrades.

Thanks.
 
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My instinct says solar to get battery recharged quicker but I am not sure how quickly you can charge AGM so I may be wrong. Someone will know and say though 👍
 
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I say battery. Your solar should be adequate when there is sunshine, and extra battery capacity can keep you going when it isnt. Batteries can also be charged on mains when you do have ehu and then you can last twice as long.
The pronlem with solar is in the summer there is too much power and nowhere to keep it. In grey winter weather you still wont have enough if you double your capacity.
 
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We have a 640slb 2019, only recently got it. I'm going to see how we go over the next couple of months, was at a music festival last month first trip out and found we were ok for 3 days with the fridge. My plan is to fit a lithium battery nearer the winter and possiby have another panel fitted at the rear of the roof.

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solar for me but I do have dual Lithium batteries, when we went out at lunch time 73% and came back around 2 hours later and showing 100%

having dual batteries and not be able to charge them fully for me is not good for them😉

E6DDCCE3-EF8D-4B27-BF18-643BF71B158C.jpeg
 
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It will be very interesting if an Adria Twin owner who had the same set up but with the 2 AGM batteries fitted came forward with their experience. As you know Andy MacD ours has not arrived yet (with 2 AGM) but I think I am pleased to know how you can manage with what you have now as I had no idea how long the fridge may last on such as the long haul ferries.
 
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Not an Adria, but a Sunlight Cliff 600 PVC.

130w panel, 2 x 110 leisure batteries (not AGM) both fitted under my drivers seat. I’ve got it set up 70% to leisure and 30% vehicle.

We’ve done three days without EHU, running our compressor fridge, lighting etc without any issues. As it was bright sunlight the batteries were topped up fully during the day.

We usually ensure all recharging of gadgets is done whilst driving. (y)

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Andy MacD said:
I have a standard 2021 Twin 640 SPB. It’s got one NDS Green Power 100Ah AGM battery and the standard solar panel, 120w I think. On a cloudy day, or under shade, I can only just do two days off grid with the fridge turned down, three days and I’d need EHU.

In France just now so that limits staying on Aires and the campsites charge an additional daily fee for EHU.

Before someone says get both plus a shunt plus, plus.... I should say both funds and weight are limited so I’m looking for the best value upgrade.

The question is do I add another battery so I have charge for longer at an additional weight of 30kg or another solar panel to put more charge into the existing battery.

I’m thinking panel as it’s not able to fully boost the existing battery.

Not checked roof space for another panel yet.

Appreciate thoughts of those who have experienced the same and made successful upgrades.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Hi Andy, you are lucky with this van as it already has B2B at the rear of the driver's seat base . Have a look by taking the plastic off. This is the Schaudt WA booster and it allows you to add Lithium or just extra Lead Acid.... Very versatile.
I had a 21 640SLB and I added a second (Varta) lead acid battery next to the NDS battery and I also fitted 150w solar. The Adria is power-hungry as the fridge is 12v all the time but I really like that as it is a great fridge.
If you camp in cloudy weather (UK🤭) mainly, I would get a pair of big lead acids or, if you can afford it, a big lithium as you already have the B2B under the seat ... and I would double up on solar. Then it really makes the Twin the perfect camper IMHO.
I always felt nervous in cloudy weather with just the one battery and no solar.
 
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Thanks all for your responses.

I probably took more than normal out of the battery day one using the telly in the evening and running a fan. We also have the largest fridge option.

I think going forward most of our touring will be outside UK, so much less expensive for long trips once you get over here. We’ve been seeking out pitches in shade due to the temps, were in the Loire valley and intended going to Cognac region but temp forecast for Sunday was 35 degrees so now on the coast, still due to be 29 tomorrow and 31 on Sunday. 🥵

Perhaps I need lithium, more solar so I can add air con 😀

Funny how looking into a modest upgrade always cost much more in the end.
 
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Sounds unusual the battery not getting fully charged. I wonder if it's working at its best so my vote is battery first.
 
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