When it comes to RV battery charging, there is a common question almost all the beginner RV user asks, is it possible to charge RV battery while driving? Well yes, it is possible.
Now, you have the answer but don’t leave it because you really don’t know how it is possible. This is the reason, why we come up with this article. In this article, you’ll learn how to charge an RV battery while riding in three steps. So, let’s get into it.
Before getting into the battery charging process we believe you should really get some knowledge about RV batteries. We believe it’ll help you to understand everything about RV batteries. So, scroll down now.
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Basics of RV battery
RV batteries are built to supply power and energy into the entire van. That means it requires huge energy. The RV house battery is a 12-volt system and it’s also a deep cycle battery. All the appliances the RV have run on the power of the battery. That’s why RV batteries are so powerful.
RV Battery Storage and its maintenance
The battery storage of the RV house is important. If RV batteries kept unused for a long run it’ll be down or it’ll self-discharge. That’s why; you have to learn how to store the battery because it’ll help your RV van to get a great energy source.
Regular maintenance is very important for your RV battery. It’ll keep the van ready for any time you need it. It’ll make sure that your van is still capable of a tour. For keeping your battery at its best, we recommend getting regular monthly battery checkup.
It’ll give you a proper idea about the battery condition and what needs to get fixed too. That’s why monthly checkup is 100% recommended.
How RV battery charges
Understanding the process of RV battery charging will help you to fix any sort of charging issues. That’s why this section is important to you.
Basically, an RV battery automatically charges once it’s connected with an electric outlet. However, if your battery isn’t connected with a converter then you may need a three stage charger.
A three-stage charger takes care of the quality of the battery also it protects the RV battery from overheating as well.
For understanding the battery condition, you always need to check the voltage which you can check through the battery monitor or inverter.
However, if your RV doesn’t contain an inverter, we recommend you to get a voltmeter. A voltmeter provides more easy reading and analysis.
The Process: How to charge your RV batteries when you are driving
Now, you know everything that you need to know about RV batteries which make you ready to know the charging procedure. For making your RV battery while charging you may need a few things which are-
- High-quality amperage cable
- Anderson Plugs
- Voltage controlled relay (VCR)
Once you get all these, start following the procedure!
Step-One:
At first, start with the VCR. The voltage control relay (VCR) is something that disconnects and parallels the supplementary and starts the batteries as well. That means, when the relay is closed, the vans and trailer’s batteries paralleled to the current level. Don’t get confused! Basically, when the RV van is on simply the relay is released. The two batteries get detached when the van is off and the voltage will be back to the present level.
Step-two:
Combine two batteries through high-quality amperage cables. High-quality amperage cable assures low voltage drop. Now use the Anderson plugs. Why Anderson plugs? It because Anderson plugs offer voltage reduction and it can bring large amperage too. Now, you have to attach the cable to be hook-on at the tow bar.
Step-three:
Are you afraid of any brokerage or accident? Then you should know that there are no fire dangers because of the circuit breaker. You just have to use a 50 AMP automatic reset circuit breaker at the lines of the plug. There are few rubber slips on the circuit breakers to protect the system from shorting as well.
Once you follow all the process, your batteries are ready to charge while driving.
How to Prevent RV battery damage
Now, for your safety, while driving the car while charging, your battery can be harmed. Now, here are some tips that’ll help your battery prevent any sort of deadlines.
- Don’t let your battery power go under 80%. It causes sulfating. So, don’t let your battery go under 80%. It harms your battery. Charge your battery when it’s at 80%.
- Reduce the complexity of battery discharging. It’ll make your 50% more long-lasting.
- Turn off the batteries when you are not riding the RV van. Otherwise, some of the components and appliances will keep absorbing energies which are harmful to the batteries.
- Avoid overcharging; it causes the damage even dead battery as well.
- Avoid hot weather: In hot weather try to avoid driving but if you still have to make sure to check the battery health more often and take necessary steps too.
- Battery should be watered after charging.
- Don’t discharge a battery when it’s fewer than 10.5 volts.
Make sure that you’re following all the steps. We assure you of a long-lasting battery.
Conclusion
Driving an RV van is fun indeed but charging the battery of it is essential as well. Provide special care to your RV batteries. Also, use only good quality cables and VCR if you want to avoid all kind of battery damage. Cheers!
