Next subjects - Electrics.
When we built our T6 camper, we used an 100Ah AGM leisure battery (Lithium was too new and expensive then), an Ablemail DC-DC charger, a Victron mains charger, and a Victron solar charger.
In the Autotrail, it feels like we have stepped back in time (this is a new 2024 van remember, with smart alternator).
As standard you get a 75Ah leisure battery (standard lead acid, not even AGM).
The Sargent EC176 unit appears to have a basic split relay style device for charging on the move - it just allows the varying voltage from the smart alternator to smash through to the leisure battery, although I guess there must be some sort of crude current limiting. Whatever it is, it is hidden in the virtually sealed EC176.
The EC176 also houses the mains battery charger. This is basically a 13.8 power supply. No intelligent charging profile, no option for other types of batteries.
The solar charger is also a Sargent unit. This appears to be relatively accessible, but I haven't got to it yet. It may be MPPT, but other owners report that it is at least easy to replace as it doesn't seem very reliable.
The other point is that a lot of the wiring seems to quite small gauge, so no doubt good enough for what is installed, but difficult to upgrade if you want more power.
Now of course, the components described above do work, as many van owners over the years will vouch, but it's hardly optimal, and not really acceptable in this day and age. The whole system is built around Sargent components, and because of the sheer volume of wiring, and the fact that a lot is inside the EC176, it is difficult to upgrade.
I have added another 75Ah battery (a quick and easy factory upgrade) to make sure we can go off grid for a reasonable period, but the aim is to upgrade everything without ripping out the EC176. Other owners have done this, and I have worked out what I need to do, but it's going to be harder than it should be.
The plan is 200Ah of Lithium batteries, a Victron Orion DC-DC charger, a Victron mains charger, and a Victron solar charger. Installing is easy - disconnecting the Sargent functions is harder.
You have been warned !
Pete