RV battery plays a vital role in keeping your rig functional and convenient. Keeping it fully charged will allow you to enjoy your appliances and devices inside your trailer – from your water heater, overhead fan to air conditioner.
However, maintain your battery’s health at its optimum condition is not easy as it seems. If you’re looking for a way to do that properly, you’ve landed on the right page.
What to Know About RV Battery?
First thing first. You should know the important things about RV battery to fully understand how essential it is for your trailer. Batteries in your trailer are known to be lead-acid batteries, which features myriads of cells linked in series.
Every cell generates roughly 2.1 volts. Hence, a 12-volt battery that has 6 cells in series generates a total of 12.60-volt output.
Now, what is the best battery?
The truth is, there are tons of RV battery options available, each of them highlights great benefits depending on your needs. Below are the most recommended by experts for campers:
- Lithium batteries
These batteries are the alternative to conventional lead-acid batteries. The majority of campers who operate their trailers switch to lithium batteries. Compared to other battery types, they are way lighter and do not need too much effort to maintain.
It does not end there. Lithium batteries tend to have a longer lifespan than deep cycle batteries. Usually, they are rated for having 5,000 cycles, making them quite expensive.
- Deep-cycle batteries
Referred sometimes as lead-acid batteries, deep-cycle batteries are just like what golf carts and boats are using. They use the same chemistry with what car batteries in producing as well as retaining power.
However, these batteries generate tons of current in just a short time. These come in different forms such as absorbed glass matt batteries, flooded wet-cell batteries and lastly, gel-type batteries.
- Gel batteries
Generally constructed out of silica gel, these batteries operate under different climate. Not only that, they are also maintenance-free. Also, you don’t need to store them upright and able to withstand the movement of your trailer.
- Lead-acid batteries
If you are looking for the cheapest option, go for lead-acid batteries. Moreover, unlike other types, these batteries boast slow discharge rate, which means that when you are not using it, they won’t lose power right away.
But then, the battery itself is not as efficient as other types. This requires well-ventilation. Moreover, it is way heavier and needs too much effort for maintenance.
How many hours do you need to charge your RV battery?
It will depend on many things. First, ask yourself how drained is your battery? Secondly, how much is the capacity of the battery in terms of amp-hours? Don’t forget to consider as well the size of the battery charger. You also need to take into account the charge current of your charger.
Reminder: Charging batteries strictly needs you to utilize the correct amount of current with the right voltage. As much as possible, familiarize yourself and adhere with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the charger.
Prepare these things to charge:
- Voltage Controlled Relay
- High-quality cables and high amperes
- Anderson plugs
Simple Ways to Charge your RV battery while driving
Charging your RV battery while maneuvering the wheels is easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how:
To start the procedure, you need to get the VCR. Arrange the connections wherein your relay disconnects. It should parallel also the start as well as the auxiliary battery. These two batteries should be positioned side by side once the relay is sealed.
On that note, the relay will open as soon as the engine of the RV starts. When you turn off the engine, it disconnects the RV batteries which sets the voltage back to its default level.
With the help of cables and plugs, connect your RV battery on the battery of the truck. Make sure that the hardware is great. It must be able to carry an enormous amount of energy in order to produce a stable connection.
When you have a secure connection, it averts disconnection now and then, especially on uneven paths. If the connection between your batteries is not stable, the battery may drain up in a short period of time.
On the other hand, you should avoid short circuits as batteries lose their charge. It is highly recommended to utilize rubber boots slip so you won’t experience such a thing. If possible, attach a 50-amp reset circuit breaker right on the positive side of the battery for safety purposes.
Warning: Do not overcharge your battery while driving. When the level of the electrolytes reached its suggested level, always add distilled water. This way, it will counterbalance the situation.
Final words
Charging your RV battery is not as difficult. You just need to well-equipped with this knowledge and follow the process. If you can also taking some RV camping trailer parts, that will let your RV life smooth. You will very enjoy the whole trip!