No
one wants their RV batteries to give out at the worst possible times. One
potential solution: A charge of you RV battery while driving. But is it possible
to keep your RV battery charged and prime for an outing while you’re
driving—and is it safe to do so at the same time? Here’s what you’ll need to
know.
What You Need to Know About RV Batteries
Typically,
an RV relies on a 12-volt charging system, often through plugging in to an
electric outlet. This is contrary to what most conventional car owners are used
to. On a day-to-day basis, it might be hard to notice the difference, as the RV
house battery, or deep cycle battery, is built to store a tremendous amount of
power for your convenience.
But
you do want to make sure the battery
is in top shape before long journeys. If it doesn’t have enough charge, you’ll
also want to make sure you know how to charge it on the go. Remember the
difference between the RV battery and an automotive battery and you’ve already
taken the first step.
A Simple Method for Charging While Driving
First,
make sure that you understand what you’re looking at. You’re going to deal with
specific electrical systems that require first-hand knowledge, including VCRs,
cables, and Anderson plugs. To avoid fire hazards and other problems, make sure
that you fully understand this process before you attempt it yourself—or hire a
professional to guide you.
Multiple
RV outlets advise using what’s known as a VCR—a Voltage Controlled Relay—to
combine the batteries and “minimize the voltage drop,” according
to SpeedFinal.com. The VCR automatically disconnects and will parallel the auxiliary and start batteries within your RV.
As SpeedFinal.com states: “When the truck is on, the relay is opened. The two
batteries get disconnected when the truck is off, and voltage is brought to the
preset level.”
You’ll
need to use Anderson plugs to carry the amperage and minimize loss of voltage.
SpeedFinal also recommends allowing the cable to be easy to detach at the stage
of the tow bar.
Connect
the batteries with high-quality cables of proper amperage, as well as a “50-amp
automatic reset circuit breaker,” according to Crush the
Road. This helps eliminate potential fire hazards.
Preventing Power Loss in Your Batteries
If
you play your cards right, you’ll never have to charge an RV battery while
driving. You can help prevent the need for this with the following:
- Proper
storage. You may consider disconnecting the batteries and keeping them
insulated in the winter to prevent power loss. Make sure that you regularly
check your battery power as well. - Maintenance.
Inspect your batteries and test them as often as you can to make sure that
they’re performing at a level with which you can be satisfied for long-term
driving needs.
Your
RV is meant to be enjoyed, after all. You can’t do that without an effective
battery. Make sure that everything else on your RV is taken care of by
browsing the RV cleaning and maintenance products here at RV by LIFE!
