Whether you want to take your RV boondocking (or just want the option of camping and operating high-powered appliances without shore power), your RV battery’s charge levels will be the make-or-break factor. Therefore, it’s important to know what type of battery is best for your needs, as well as how to charge and use those batteries safely.
There are several different charging methods for RV batteries, and it all depends on your specific circumstances (i.e., your RV battery type). Regardless of what methods you use, however, it’s important to put safety first when charging your RV batteries.
Charging Methods for RV Batteries
Now that you know the different types of RV batteries, let’s dive into the best ways to charge them!
Shore Power Charging
Shore power charging is the easiest and most common way to charge RV batteries. Shore power charging uses your RV’s electrical system and built-in converter charger to charge your RV batteries fully.
But why is shore power considered one of the easiest (and most popular) charging methods? Because you only need to plug your RV on a per-need basis. Upon plug-in, electricity will flow through your rig to the built-in converter or DC battery charger, which then converts the electricity from AC into DC.
Once the batteries are charged, it sends DC electricity back to your RV’s built-in inverter, which converts it into usable AC power. When this happens, the electricity is used to power AC appliances, lights, outlets, and anything else you need.
If you don’t have access to an outlet large enough to power your RV, but do have access to a typical 15-amp outlet, you can still charge your RV batteries. You’ll just need to use a separate converter battery charger.
For a video walkthrough on shore power charging, check out this video.
Generator Charging
If you’re camping off-grid or don’t have access to shore power (for whatever reason), you can use a generator to charge your RV batteries. Using a generator is very similar to using shore power, except that you’ll use your own converter charger instead of your RV’s built-in one.
To use a generator to charge your RV batteries, follow these steps:
- Power up your generator. You can use a generator of any size (given that the converter charger doesn’t need a ton of power to operate).
- Plug the converter charger into one of the outlets on the generator.
- Hook the charging cables from the converter charger onto the RV battery terminals, going positive to positive and negative to negative.
- Turn on the converter charger, and let it work its magic.
If your RV plug is the same size as one of the outlets on the generator, you can also plug your RV directly into the generator. However, this is typically only an option for smaller 20 or 30-amp RVs.
For a video walkthrough on how to charge RV batteries using a generator, check out this video.
Solar Power Charging
If you have solar panels installed on your RV, you have the option of using them to charge your batteries. Using solar panels to charge RV batteries is very similar to using shore power.
As long as your RV has power running to it and is equipped with a built-in converter charger (which it should be), solar energy will charge the batteries.
Or, if you want to streamline the charging process, you can install a battery charge controller that connects the solar panels directly to your RV batteries. If you go this route, you can also purchase a solar RV battery charging kit, which includes portable solar panels, to charge your RV batteries.
A solar charge controller or battery charging kit has the added advantage of never overcharging your RV batteries. It does this by regulating how much power flows to them, terminating the power source when the batteries are fully charged.
If you don’t want to use solar panels, you can also use wind power and a mini wind turbine to charge your RV batteries.
Vehicle Alternator Charging
If you have a motorhome, you can use your vehicle’s alternator as your RV battery charger. This system works the same as it would in any other motorized vehicle (car, truck, etc.) Your engine generates electricity that flows to the alternator and then to your batteries, providing it with constant power. As long as your RV is running, the alternator will charge it.
If you’re using a tow vehicle, there is a 12-volt wire that runs from the engine of the towing vehicle to the trailer cord that’s connected from the vehicle to the RV. The wire then provides power to your RV batteries and charges them as you’re driving.
Understanding RV Battery Types
Before we get too carried away with the different charging methods for RV batteries, let’s look at the different types of batteries that RVs typically use.
Lithium Batteries
While lithium batteries are relatively new to the RV battery market, they’re quickly becoming the preferred batteries for RVers. Lithium batteries are lightweight, durable, and charge faster than other types of batteries. Plus, they can last for up to 10 to 15 years. Compare that to the five-year maximum lifespan of lead-acid and AGM batteries.
As a bonus, they release a steady stream of power, regardless of what percentage their charge is. An AGM or lead-acid battery, on the other hand, will lose power as it loses its charge. Do note that you’ll end up paying for this power consistency.
While AGM and lead-acid batteries range closer to $200, lithium batteries cost upwards of $300.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are considered a traditional/standard option amongst RVers, and not for no reason. During manufacturing, lead-acid batteries are the batteries that are installed in RVs, before being released onto the market.
Lead-acid batteries tend to have a lifespan of 3-5 years. (Note that this type of battery will provide less power to your RV as it loses its charge).
As long as they’re fully charged and properly maintained, lead-acid batteries can successfully charge an RV. You can also connect multiple lead-acid batteries together to create a battery bank when you need to maximize power, whereas you can only connect up to two lithium batteries together.
AGM Batteries
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are the dark horses of the RV battery world. While they’re similar to lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries require less maintenance, hold their charge better over time, and aren’t prone to spilling as lead-acid batteries are.
AGM batteries are a happy medium between lithium and lead-acid batteries in terms of performance, durability, and cost. When the situation calls for it, you can also string multiple AGM batteries together to generate more power.
RV Battery Charging Safety Tips
Whether you’re using shore power, solar power, built-in RV battery chargers, or a generator to charge an RV battery, here are a few safety tips and tricks to keep in mind.
- Regularly clean the terminals on lead-acid batteries so that sulfation and rust don’t interfere with the charge.
- Make sure to use the right type of charger for the type of battery you have.
- Always use a charge controller when using solar panels to charge your batteries.
- Consider using a smart battery charger, like this, that you can turn on and off with your phone.
- If you put your RV in storage, either disconnect the batteries or hook them up to a trickle charger.
- Never charge your batteries when the temperature is higher than 122 degrees or lower than 32 degrees.
Final Thoughts
While there are plenty of great ways when it comes to charging RV batteries, it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. It’s also important to keep safety in mind when charging them (both your safety and the safety of your battery)
In addition to knowing the best methods to charge your RV batteries, it’s also important to store your RV batteries properly when your RV is not in use. Consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace, when looking for a safe and affordable place to store your RV. That way, your batteries will be in good working order when you’re ready to take your rig out next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Charge My RV Battery While It Is Connected?
Yes, you can charge your RV battery while it is connected to shore power. The AC power from the power pedestal will be converted into DC power (used to charge the battery), just as long as you have a converter in your rig.
Ensure that you use the correct amp rating for the converter.
How Do I Keep My RV Battery Charged?
To keep your RV battery charged, make use of the alternator while driving and consider options like solar panels or RV campgrounds with shore power. Regularly monitoring the battery’s charge level is also important to ensure it stays fully charged.
What Keeps the Battery Charged on an RV?
As long as there is a constant stream of shore or solar power flowing to your RV, the batteries will remain fully charged.
Should I Trickle Charge My RV Battery?
Because RV batteries frequently lose and regain their charge, it’s important to use a trickle charger. Trickle chargers protect the battery from losing power due to overcharging since power will constantly be flowing to the battery.
