How one van owner swapped systems — and leveled up his entire off-grid experience.
When you rely on your RV or van for work, travel, and everything in between, power isn’t just a convenience — it’s the foundation of your lifestyle. That’s why Robert, a full-time remote worker and traveler, didn’t take his lithium battery upgrade lightly.
After using a Volta system in his Storyteller Overland van, he knew what worked — and what could work better. He needed quiet, reliable power. More control. Smoother charging. And a system that could keep up with his demanding setup: Starlink, a full desktop workstation, a laptop, and a fridge — all running in remote locations for days at a time.
So, when he made the switch to the Lithionics Volta Retrofit Kit — a high-performance lithium battery upgrade for RVs — he didn’t just change batteries. He transformed his entire off-grid experience. Installed by Mercedes-Benz Van Center-Warner, the swap felt OEM from day one. Clean. Professional. Solid.
After three weeks off-grid in the mountains of Utah and Wyoming, logging 150+ miles on washboard roads, Robert reported no rattles, no loose components — just quiet, seamless power.
“Everything just works. No fiddly workarounds or changes to my routine. It’s great to have my Storyteller back.”
Why He Switched
Robert’s original system had worked for him—but it came with a few quirks, especially when it came to managing power while off-grid and on the move. The Volta Retrofit
Kit Upgrade, powered by Lithionics lithium batteries, promised a smarter, more efficient setup for serious van life and remote work.
Key benefits of the upgrade included:
- Smoother, low-RPM charging via alternator
- A modern, intuitive control panel with Bluetooth access
- Cooler, quieter operation
- A factory-quality fit and installation
And according to Robert, it delivered — across the board.
The Install: As Seamless as it Gets
The team at Mercedes-Benz Van Center-Warner handled the retrofit, and it left a strong first impression.
“It was an impressive crew preparing and performing the swap. The results were well beyond my expectations. The finish of the install is factory.”
There were no makeshift brackets or visible wiring. No weird quirks to work around. Just a clean install that looked and felt like it came that way from the factory floor. This level of detail is rare in the world of RV lithium battery upgrades.
The Real Test: Three Weeks Off-Grid
Robert didn’t ease into the upgrade — he took it straight into the wild. Over the course of three weeks off-grid in Utah and Wyoming, he logged more than 150 miles of washboard roads, moved between remote camps, and powered his full work setup day in and day out.
The result? The Lithionics-powered Volta Retrofit Kit didn’t just keep up — it outperformed.
✅ Zero Rattles, Rock-Solid Install
“Everything held together like a champ.”
Even after days on rough backroads, the install felt factory-tight. No rattles. No shifting. Just confidence.
✅ Quiet, Cool Operation
“It used to make a nice bed warmer. I don’t notice the heat buildup anymore.”
The previous system gave off noticeable heat and fan noise — especially under load. With the upgraded Lithionics lithium battery system, it ran cooler and quieter, even while powering high-draw appliances like a microwave and desktop computer.
✅ Smarter Charging at Low RPM
“I’m now charging at below 800 RPM — a big deal when slowly rolling down dirt roads.”
Before, Robert had to switch into Tow/Haul mode just to force the engine into a charge-friendly range. Now, the RV alternator charges efficiently at low speeds — no workarounds required.
✅ Easier, More Detailed Monitoring
- Upgraded control panel shows more system data
- Bluetooth access makes it easy to check charge levels while driving
- No guesswork — just simple, accessible information when it’s needed most.
✅ Smarter Power Use
- Battery consistently hits 100% on the move
- Inverter stays on without unnecessary draw
- Power scales based on actual usage
This meant fewer interruptions, less system babysitting, and more time focusing on the road ahead.
For Robert, this wasn’t just a better battery — it was a better way to travel. A system that stayed out of the way, did its job, and gave him the confidence to go further.
The Big Question: Does It Last?
For Robert, this was the true test. Working full-time from the road meant that power wasn’t optional — it was essential.
With a demanding setup that included a full desktop, Starlink Gen 2, a laptop, and an extra fridge, he expected the lower kWh rating of the Lithionics lithium system to come with compromises. Instead, it turned out to be an upgrade.
During a recent seven-day off-grid stop, he only had to run the engine once — on day three — and even then, he was still above 20%. That level of efficiency was new territory.
“I’ve never been able to get past the morning of day three before. Runtime is better. Magic.”
Final Verdict
“10/10. Would do it all again.”
Robert’s story is a real-world example of why the Lithionics Volta Retrofit Kit is a game-changer for van owners looking to upgrade their RV lithium batteries — whether you’re working on the road or just trying to stay comfortable off-grid in your Storyteller van.
Bonus Benefit?
“Increase in wildlife. Two bears, a moose, a fox, two pelicans, and someone’s adventure cat.”
We can’t guarantee the animals, but the rest, that’s all Lithionics.
Want to Learn More?
Ready to upgrade your van’s lithium battery system or have questions?
Let’s talk: Request a Quote | Lithionics Battery Solutions
