![]() If you have a motorhome, the alternator should automatically charge both your house and vehicle batteries while the engine is running (in most models). Vehicle AlternatorĪnother option is to charge your RV batteries while driving using the alternator on your truck, or any tow vehicle, with a 7-pin travel trailer plug. Check out our guide on how to charge an RV battery with a generator for the full step-by-step process, complete with important safety precautions. Of course, that’s just a high-level overview. Remember, you’ll need an adapter if your generator features a 220-volt outlet. Simply connect the RV power cable to the generator’s 30 amp/120-volt power outlet, just as you would a shore power pedestal, and your RV batteries will start recharging. Attach a battery maintainer or battery tender to keep it charged during storageĬlicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.Store the battery in a warm location, preferably indoors.Depending on the battery type, you may need to check the water levels and fill if needed (do not fill AGM batteries with water).Remove the battery from your recreational vehicle.Important: Wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working on or near lead-acid batteries. It’s crucial to trickle charge these types of batteries as it helps to avoid sulfation and extend their service life.īecause it’s a critical step to winterize your camper, let’s quickly look at how to trickle charge RV batteries in storage step-by-step: This method is also used to trickle charge your lead-acid battery while your RV is in storage for the winter. Depending on the make and model of your motorhome, your RV battery system may (or may not) be designed to charge your chassis battery. Important: We are talking about charging your RVs deep-cycle house batteries. In fact, a high-amperage battery charger plugged into a 120v outlet is arguably the fastest way to charge an RV battery.Īnd don’t worry if your camper has 6v batteries, as they will be wired together in pairs to create 12 volts. You can also charge your RV’s 12-volt batteries with an external “smart” battery charger, which depending on the charger model, can shorten the time it takes to charge your RV batteries on shore power. This converter converts the AC power to DC power so your batteries can charge properly. Simply plug the RVs power cord into a 120v AC electrical outlet, and the batteries will start charging, if needed, through your RV’s power converter/charger. ![]() Related: Does an RV Battery Charge When Plugged Into Shore Power?Ĭharging RV batteries with shore power is an automatic process. Power Converter/ChargerĪrguably, the most common way to charge RV batteries is through its onboard power converter or a battery charger when hooked up to a 120v electrical outlet, like on a shore power pedestal at a campground. Let’s break these down in more detail and learn how to use each method to charge your RV’s batteries. What Is the Best Way to Charge RV Batteries?Īn RV’s battery is charged when connected to a 120v electrical outlet (like a shore power pedestal at a campground), an onboard or external generator, the motorhome or tow vehicles alternator, or solar power.
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