Best rv smart converter8/15/2023 ![]() ![]() The best way to do this is with a battery tender, but you could also use a battery tester and consistent maintenance. When in storage, the goal is always to have the battery between 80 and 100% charge. Recharging the battery promptly is the best way to prevent sulfation. It can prevent the chemical-electrical conversion that batteries need to function, reducing their ability to hold a charge.īatteries can be undercharged because of overuse, or because of voltage loss during storage. Sulfation is a buildup that occurs on batteries that are not fully charged for long periods. Undercharging a battery can also lead to reduced battery life because of the chemical process called sulfation. Overcharging is common when RVs are left plugged in without a battery tender for months on end, so be careful, especially when storing RVs over the winter. When electrolyte levels in lead-acid batteries fall from overcharging, you can add distilled water to fix the problem, but battery life will still be lost. ![]() This can lead to reduced battery life unless you have a newer RV converter with a three or four-stage charging process called a smart charger or if you’ve attached a battery tender. ![]() If you leave your RV battery plugged in after it’s fully charged, it can deplete the cells' electrolyte levels. That’s why it pays to go with more modern RVs like the ones at Cruise.įactors That Affect RV Battery Life Overcharging They can be the Goldilocks of batteries-at least in older RVs. You can both overcharge and undercharge lead-acid batteries. This is because the amount of power a lead-acid battery loses over time depends on how, where, and the temperature at which it’s stored. ![]() Long-term use and storage are only possible if you use an RV battery tender or have a newer RV converter with a smart charging system to maintain optimal voltage. However, storing an RV over the long term or living in it and leaving it plugged in is a different story. You can leave your RV plugged in all the time while in use or for short term rentals as we’ve discussed. The simple answer is no, but it’s more complex than that. Photo Credit: Hipcamp Is it bad to leave your RV plugged in all the time? RV batteries may be a little confusing, but remember all batteries, regardless of type, will lose charge over time-especially if they aren’t stored and maintained properly. An inverter can also be used to perform the opposite power switch. Shore power then runs through a converter, which turns it from AC power into DC power to be used in the RV’s battery. RVs connect to electrical grids through either 30 amp or 50 amp power chargers to get AC power. AC power, on the other hand, is what we use in our homes. RVs have two separate power systems, one that runs on 120-volt alternating current (AC) and another that runs on 12-volt direct current (DC).ĭC power comes from the battery and runs the lights, water pumps, fans, TVs, and radio. However, more recently, some RV manufacturers have taken to lithium batteries because of reduced maintenance and improved compatibility with solar panels.įor this article, though, we’ll discuss lead-acid batteries. RVs mainly use lead-acid, deep cycle batteries to power electronics. If you want to do things properly, you first need to know how an RV is powered. While renting an RV is fun and easy, long term care and maintenance of RVs can be complicated. To explain why we have to go over a few RV power basics. Of course, if you have an older RV that doesn’t have a modern RV battery converter or a battery tender, it’s a different story. Cruise America RVs come with modern converters that slow to a trickle charge after the batteries are topped off. If you’re renting an RV from a company like Cruise America, you won’t have to worry about overcharging your battery. Should I leave my RV plugged in when not in use?įor RV rentals, when you’re out on the road, or for any short term battery usage, you should have no problem leaving your RV plugged in 24/7. Whether you just bought an RV or decided to rent one, follow along for some top battery tips to keep your rig running smoothly. That’s why we put together this article to clarify common misconceptions. To explain, we need to go over a few RV power basics.įrom overcharging to sulfation, RV power can be confusing. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to that question. Is it bad to leave your RV plugged in all the time? ![]()
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