CASE STUDY: Powering Tom’s Off-Grid Motorhome with Fogstar and Tiny Build Electrics

We caught up with Tom Alderdice, founder of Tiny Build Electrics, to learn more about a recent off-grid motorhome conversion project, and why the Fogstar Drift was the battery of choice for helping one customer take life completely off the grid.

Tell us a bit about the project

This project was all about setting up Thomas’s Carthago C Tourer Mercedes Sprinter Motorhome so he could hit the road without worrying about power. Thomas got in touch through our website, looking for a system to keep him going for days off-grid.

We had a good chat during a free consultation, designed a system that fit his needs like a glove, and then our Head Electrician, Charlie, worked his magic at our workshop. We then signed it off with full Inspection & Testing to make sure Tom could focus on the adventure, not the electrics.

What led you to choose a Fogstar battery for this particular setup?

When it came to picking a battery, I wanted something I could trust to keep Thomas powered no matter where he went. The Fogstar Drift 12V 628Ah ‘The Beast’ was a no-brainer. It’s got massive capacity, it’s built tough, and it’s surprisingly compact for the punch it packs.

I’ve used many Fogstar batteries before, and they’ve never let me down, always delivering steady power and lasting longer than anything else I’ve tried. For Thomas, it was the perfect heart for his system, giving him the freedom to camp out for days without issue.

What other components did you include in the system?

We used high-quality Victron components to ensure reliability and performance: 

• Inverter/Charger: Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-32 230V – handles AC power and charges the battery efficiently.

• Solar Controller: Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/35 – maximises the solar harvest.

• Solar Panels: Two 200W Photonic Universe Bifacial Monocrystalline panels – clean, renewable energy from the roof.

• Monitoring: Victron SmartShunt 500A/50mV and a Cerbo GX with GX Touch 50 – allows Tom to monitor the entire system, both on-site and remotely.

• DC-DC Charger: Victron Orion XS 12/12-50A – charges the battery while driving.

• Compliance Accessories: Solar cable glands, conduit, cable ties, and full BS 7671 labelling.

We also produced a custom wiring diagram and parts list to ensure everything met UK standards.

How straightforward was the battery installation?

Installing the Fogstar Drift is always a breeze. It’s lighter than you’d expect for its size, with handy handles and clear terminals that made it easy to slot into Thomas’s motorhome.

It played nice with all the Victron gear, hooking up to the Lynx Power In and SmartShunt without any fuss. Charlie had the whole system, battery, solar panels, and cabling up and running in less than a few days.

How has the system performed since installation? 

The Fogstar Drift has been a champ. Thomas has been out there living the off-grid life, running his lights, fridge, and gadgets without a single hiccup.

The battery’s huge capacity means he’s got power for days, and it holds up like nobody’s business. It’s tough as nails too, handling the bumps and shakes of motorhome life without breaking a sweat.

Have you or the customer noticed any specific performance benefits?

Thomas is over the moon with how long his system lasts. He can go 4–5 days off-grid without needing a recharge, which is a massive step-up from his old lead-acid setup. 

The Victron SmartSolar MPPT pulls in solar power so fast it's often fully charged in 7–8 hours of good sunlight. Plus, the Orion XS charger juices up the battery quickly when he’s driving, so he’s always ready for the next stop.

It’s all about giving him more time to enjoy the journey.

Did you encounter any challenges during the project?

The biggest thing was making sure the system was fully compliant with BS 7671, safety is non-negotiable. We nailed it with the right consumer units, RCDs, MCBs, and proper labels, then double-checked everything during commissioning.

Fitting all the cables in the motorhome’s tight spaces was a bit of a puzzle, but we sorted it with neat conduit and secure cable ties. The Fogstar battery? No drama at all - it just worked, letting us focus on getting the whole system perfect.

What advice would you give someone planning a similar setup?

Here’s what I’d say:

• Get the right battery: With great power comes great responsibility, big batteries need big charge currents. Don’t oversize your battery and undersize your charge sources.

• Use quality gear: Victron Energy all the way – no substitutes.

• Stay safe: Make sure your setup meets BS 7671 standards, especially for motorhomes. 

• Get expert help: A custom design from folks like us at Tiny Build Electrics makes all the difference. Book a consultation and save yourself the stress.

Anything you wish you’d done differently?

I wish we’d pushed Thomas to send us exact measurements of his motorhome earlier. We worked it out, but having those upfront would’ve made planning even smoother.

Also, I’d have spent more time showing Thomas how the Cerbo GX lets him monitor his system remotely, it’s a game-changer, and he loves it now!

Where can people find more about Tiny Build Electrics?

Give us a shout at:

• tinybuildelectrics.com

• Facebook: Tiny Build Electrics

• Instagram: @TinyBuildElectrics