Recreational Vehicle (RV) Chargers
The right RV charger is integral in helping keep your RV powered up, and it also prolongs the life and performance of your RV battery. We’ve assembled the best brand names in RV battery chargers, including a wide selection of voltages, styles and special features to help power your travel adventure
Popular RV Battery Chargers
Choosing the Right RV Charger
Wondering how to choose the right charger for your RV? We can help. First, is your RV battery’s voltage 12, 24 or 36 volts? Once you find that, look for a charger with the same voltage setting. Another thing to consider is the kind of battery you have. RV batteries are either flooded, gel, AGM or lithium. Be sure that the type of charger you choose works for the battery you’re using.
Did you know...
RVs typically use more than one battery: One powers the engine, while a second battery (called a house battery) provides power for all interior applications.
Charging Your RV Battery
To figure out how long it will take to charge your battery, first identify the battery’s capacity in amp hours. An amp hour (Ah) measures how much amperage a battery can provide per hour. This information can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
When you know that, look at the charger’s amp capacity to determine how long it will take to charge your battery. For instance, a 75 Ah deep cycle battery using a 7.5 amp charger will take roughly 10 to 11 hours to fully charge, whereas a 10 amp charger would charge the same battery in about 7 to 8 hours.
Time for a New RV Battery?
No matter how well you care for your battery, eventually it will need to be replaced. Here are a few signs that your RV battery might be dying. If the battery is having trouble holding a charge when the engine isn't running, that's a good sign that it might be time for a replacement. You can also examine the battery for signs of swelling or an excessive build-up of corrosion on the terminals. If you notice either of these, it's a good idea to have your battery checked--which we also do.
Replacement Battery Options
When the time comes to find a new RV battery, you'll find a wide selection of battery types to power all your RV needs. Shop conventional flooded and AGM types to find the right fit for your RV or camper.
Deep Cycle Batteries
A heavy charge and discharge cycle makes these batteries perfect for strong, sustained power. Choose a deep cycle battery to power additional conveniences like refrigerators, air conditioners, TVs, clocks and more.
Starting Batteries
Starting batteries deliver the short, intense bursts of energy needed to turn over your RV's engine. While starting batteries are vital to your RV's engine, they are not built to accommodate additional applications like air conditioners and TVs, making them a poor choice to use as an RV house battery. If you plan on using a number of extra devices, you'll want to invest in a deep cycle or dual purpose battery.
Dual Purpose Batteries
Dual purpose batteries provide you with the strong starting power you need to run your engine, together with the cycling capacity to power things like radios, clocks and more. The lifespan of a dual purpose battery is similar to that of a deep cycle option, however, you should always be careful not to discharge a dual purpose battery too deeply as this can lessen the life cycle.
