Off-Grid Adventures with the Toyota Hilux & LandRover Defenders
Have you ever wanted to spend a week away from civilization and connect with nature? Many wonder if that’s even possible. When traveling off-grid, the biggest essential you need is a robust, resilient, and reliable energy source. Pathfinder Adventure Campers (P.A.C.) created an off-grid solution that actually makes it possible to go to the most remote corners of the world for longer periods of time and yet still experience the luxury of running warm water, heaters, refrigerators and cooking appliances. Depending on your conservation efforts, it might be possible to stay off-grid even longer. The right off-grid battery system can make the difference between comfort and compromise.
P.A.C. shared specifics on the why’s the how’s and the end results of their specialized off-grid vehicles: a Toyota Hilux and two Land Rover Defenders, including a converted military ambulance, all fully equipped with Super B lithium batteries and smart 12V power systems. These vehicles are more than just transport; they’re fully independent homes on wheels.
Why Choose Lithium for Off-Grid Travel?
“AGM batteries? We hardly ever use them anymore. Too heavy, too big, and too many problems in the field. For compact, powerful energy systems, lithium batteries are the only right choice.”
-Pim Bonne, general manager at P.A.C.-
With a lithium camper battery, you get a lighter, smaller, and more powerful solution that’s perfect for expedition vehicles, overland trucks, and camper conversions. They recharge faster, last longer, and perform better in extreme conditions compared to traditional AGM or lead-acid batteries.
How the System Works
Redarc Electronics is the heart of these systems. Thanks to them, P.A.C. can separate the starter battery from the camper battery. This is a clever way to ensure the vehicle starts, even after days of running off-grid.
Highlights of the system include:
- Redarc Manager30: This device charges the “camper” battery through an alternator, solar panels or shore power while providing real-time monitoring through a shunt and display
- Redarc TVMS Prime: All electrical consumers are connected to this device. This is the central hub that protects the fuse/circuit breaker and controls the on/off switch of the circuit through the Manager30 touch display.
TVMS Prime connected appliances include:
- Electric actuators for the pop-up roof
- Heater for cold climates
- Refrigerator for food and drinks
- Compressor for pumping air into the tires and to operate the differential locks
- Water pump and 12V boiler
- 230V inverter for induction cooking and devices
Solar-Powered Energy Independence
With 200Wp of solar and daily driving, the lithium battery system is constantly recharged. This creates a reliable, independent power supply. So these off-grid monsters don’t rely on shore power hookups.
Why did they choose Super B? Compact but Powerful Performance
The true advantage of Super B lies in the high maximum discharge current.
“The defining parameter for these installations is the battery’s maximum discharge current. Super B batteries outperform the rest in this crucial aspect, which makes it the perfect battery for these off-grid vehicles.”
-Pim Bonne, general manager at P.A.C.-
This makes it possible to power demanding appliances such as heaters and induction cooktops, in a compact expedition vehicle or overland truck, without sacrificing space or weight.
Real Freedom, Real Reliability
From a Toyota Hilux tackling remote mountain passes to a Defender ambulance converted into a self-sufficient expedition camper, freedom comes from knowing you have reliable off-grid energy.
Cooking, heating, navigation, or simply living comfortably far away from the grid, that’s what Super B lithium batteries make possible.
For true off-grid explorers, it’s not just about the journey. It’s about the freedom to keep going, powered by energy systems you can trust.
What Super B batteries does each expedition vehicle have?
The Toyota Hilux with canopy is a true adventure machine, packed with a custom off-grid 12V/230V system designed by P.A.C. Powered by a compact yet powerful Super B Nomia 12V340Ah battery, it can travel across South America without ever needing to plug in. That means up to five days fully off-grid, even while driving a lot or stopping only briefly. With this setup, you can explore hidden trails, remote mountains, and secret beaches while still enjoying all your favourite gadgets, lights, and comforts. The owner can now enjoy the freedom to go anywhere, anytime!
The Defender Ambulance is equipped with a Super B Epsilon 12V100Ah battery, providing reliable off-grid power wherever the road takes it. Its robust system allows the owner to keep essential devices, lights, and appliances running smoothly, giving the freedom to travel anywhere without worrying about charging.
Originally, the setup of the Defender 110 ran perfectly with a 100Ah Super B lithium battery. But when the owner wanted hot water onboard with a 12V boiler, the energy demand grew. The solution? An upgrade to a Super B Epsilon 12V150Ah battery, delivering the extra capacity needed without compromise.
