Understanding the Lithium Package in Your nuCamp RV
Starting with the 2023 model year, nuCamp introduced an optional Lithium Package for several of our camper models. Designed in partnership with Battle Born Batteries, this package allows you to boondock longer and power more systems off-grid—including the microwave, air conditioning, and 110V outlets—without relying on shore power or a generator.
Models Available with the Lithium Package
The Lithium Package is available for the following nuCamp models:
TAB 320
TAB 400
Cirrus 620
Cirrus 820
Key Components of the Lithium Package
Here’s what comes included in the Lithium Package and how each component contributes to your off-grid experience:
Battle Born Lithium Batteries
These 100Ah batteries provide significantly more usable power than traditional lead-acid batteries.
TAB 320: Includes two 100Ah lithium batteries (200Ah total).
TAB 400: Comes standard with one 100Ah battery. The Lithium Package adds three more, giving you a total of 400Ah.
Cirrus 820: Standard with one 100Ah battery; the Lithium Package upgrades it to five batteries (500Ah total).
Cirrus 620: Includes 270Ah using Battle Born’s GameChanger battery model.
Victron MultiPlus Inverter/Charger
This unit charges your batteries when connected to shore power and acts as an inverter while boondocking—allowing you to run all your 110V systems directly from the battery.
WFCO Distribution Panel
This is the central hub for fuses and breakers. If something stops working, this is the first place you should check.
Battery Heating System
Lithium batteries should not be charged below freezing. A heat enable switch in your camper controls internal battery heaters, which:
Activate below 35°F
Turn off above 45°F
Victron SmartShunt
Instead of using the monitor panel at the camper door, you’ll use the VictronConnect app to check the battery status. The SmartShunt tracks your battery’s state of charge and energy consumption.
Using the VictronConnect App
The VictronConnect app (available on Android and iOS) connects your camper’s Victron components via Bluetooth.
Use the default pin: 000000 (six zeros) when first connecting.
Tap on the SmartShunt to view your state of charge and amp draw.
Tap on the MultiPlus to access inverter/charger settings.
Key MultiPlus Settings:
Shore Power Amperage Limit: The default is 30 amps, but you can reduce it to 15A or 20A outlets to avoid tripping the breaker.
Operation Mode:
On (Default): Both charging and inverting are active.
Charger Only: Temporarily disables the inverter to save power (useful if you're not running AC appliances).
If you have any questions or need help with your Lithium Package, feel free to reach out to us at Tech@nucamprv.com.
How to Store Your RV Battery During Winterization
When it's time to winterize your nuCamp trailer, properly storing your battery is an important step to ensure it stays in good condition during the off-season. The right storage method depends on whether you're using a standard lead acid battery or have upgraded to lithium.
For Lead Acid Batteries
If your camper uses a standard lead acid battery, you have three main options for winter storage:
Leave the Battery in the Camper and Plug Into Shore Power
Plug your camper into shore power and turn off all appliances and electronics. This will help maintain the battery’s charge throughout the winter.Remove the Battery and Use a Trickle Charger
Take the battery out of your trailer and connect it to a trickle charger. This helps maintain a healthy voltage level and prevents it from discharging too far.Remove the Battery Without Charging (Not Recommended)
You can also remove the battery and store it without charging, but this is the least ideal option. All batteries lose charge over time. If you choose this method, store the battery somewhere accessible and check its voltage regularly.
Important: Do not let the voltage drop below 12.4 volts.
For Lithium Batteries
If you’ve upgraded to lithium batteries, winter storage is a bit simpler. You have two recommended options:
Disconnect Internally
Turn your battery disconnect switch to the red (off) position and remove the fuse for the solar controller. This cuts off power draw and prevents over-discharge.Remove the Battery
Lithium batteries can be safely removed from the camper without needing a trickle charger. Just make sure they’re stored in a safe, dry location.
The Victron MultiPlus has an indicator light on the top that shows the current status. There’s also a physical switch on the back, but we recommend keeping this switch in the on position at all times. You’ll manage its settings through the VictronConnect App.
MultiPlus Operating Modes
The MultiPlus has different modes depending on your power needs:
- Inverter On Mode: This keeps the inverter active so you can use 110V outlets and appliances like the microwave, even when not connected to shore power.
- Charger Only Mode: This turns off the inverter to conserve battery power. The MultiPlus will still perform all of its normal charging functions when connected to shore power. Since running the inverter uses battery power even when no appliances are actively running, using Charger Only Mode can help you get the most out of your battery when you're off-grid or trying to conserve power.
Managing Shore Power with the MultiPlus
The MultiPlus also allows you to limit the amount of amperage drawn from your shore power connection. This is especially useful when you're plugged into a standard 15-amp household outlet or using a small generator. By setting an appropriate current limit in the VictronConnect App, you can prevent overloading your power source.
Battery Tip: Avoid Unintended Draining If your battery seems to be draining faster than expected, check the Alde heater settings. When the inverter is active and you're not plugged into shore power, make sure the Alde is set to 0 kW. Otherwise, it may run off the inverter and drain your battery quickly.
Keeping the MultiPlus in Charger Only Mode while off-grid can also help by disabling the inverter when it’s not needed. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to us at tech@nucamprv.com—we're happy to help!