Let the Sun Save Your RV Batteries

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Technically Speaking

Let the Sun Save Your RV Batteries
By Mark J. Polk

Have you ever gone out to your RV, turned on a light switch or other 12-volt appliance and it didn't work? Chances are if you've been RVing for a while, this has happened to you. It has probably happened more than once, and the reason is a dead RV battery or batteries. I have written numerous articles about RV batteries and battery maintenance because battery-related problems are compounded when it comes to RVs. There are numerous reasons for this, but one of the leading causes is that RV batteries are discharged while the RV is in storage or in between trips. There are numerous electronic devices and equipment in your RV that can drain the coach battery when you're not using the RV. Some examples are; the TV antenna booster when it's left on, the propane gas leak detector, clocks in radios, or just leaving a 12-volt light on by accident...

Even if you have a battery disconnect switch for your coach, batteries still lose their charge when the unit is in long-term storage. A lot of RVers say all you have to do is leave the RV plugged in and let the converter battery charger keep the batteries topped off. This will work if, (1) You have a place to plug your RV in when it is being stored and, (2) If you have a converter that will not overcharge the batteries. Many older style RV converter chargers have a fixed output voltage of 13.5 volts and over time this can boil off the electrolyte in the battery. You need a three-stage charger that can provide a bulk charge then an absorption charge and finally a float charge.

Another idea I used to recommend was to remove the batteries when the RV was in long term storage and put them in storage too. This still required that you test the state of charge every month and charge any battery that is at or below 80% state of charge. I will be the first to tell you that removing batteries gets old after awhile, especially when they're located under the RV.

After trying every conceivable solution to prevent my RV batteries from discharging I finally ran across the Battery Saver SE solar powered battery charger. http://www.campingworld.com/browse/products/index.cfm?prodID=4972&affiliateid=1074
The Battery Saver comes in 2-watt, 6-watt and 18-watt models. I chose the 6-watt model because it is ideal for long-term battery storage. It was designed to provide a trickle charge to the batteries and will never overcharge them. It compensates for natural voltage losses and key-off small instrumentation battery drain like the propane gas leak detector.

The 18-watt model
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=28098&affiliateid=1074
can actually recharge a discharged battery over a period of time. It supplies the battery with 1.2 amps per hour when it's in direct sun light. The 18-watt Battery Saver provides solid battery charging power for running a variety of small 12-volt appliances like overhead lights, a TV, or a computer and it works well for maintaining battery banks with more than one battery. If you need additional power, or to decrease charging time, you can easily connect multiple Battery Saver panels together using the plug'n'play side connectors.

Both the 6-watt and 18-watt models are completely weatherproof and easy to install on any flat surface. The accessory cable set that comes with the solar charger offers a variety of methods to connect the charger to the battery, including battery clamps, O-ring connectors and a 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter. I decided not to permanently mount the Battery Saver so I would have the option to move it, or use it somewhere else in the future. Our motor home has an additional 12-volt power outlet that is wired directly to the coach battery; so I just used the cigarette lighter adapter and plugged the solar charger into the 12-volt power outlet. I can set the Battery Saver right on the dashboard when we're not using the RV and move it safely out of the way when we're traveling. When you're using the solar charger you can verify sunlight exposure by simply pushing a button.

The Battery Saver comes with a 10-foot extension power cable. Depending on where you plan to mount the Battery Saver it may be necessary to use some additional cable. Installing the Battery Saver is not difficult, but if you are not comfortable with the installation, or if you don't prefer to work around lead acid batteries you can have it professionally installed at a nearby Camping World.
http://www.campingworld.com/stores/index.cfm?affiliateid=1074

So, for about the cost of replacing one deep cycle RV battery I can rest assured that the next time I go out to the RV and turn a light switch on, the light will actually come on.

Happy Camping!


Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101. He also hosts the RV Savvy segments for RVTV, which airs on the Outdoor Channel. RV Education 101 is a North Carolina-based company that produces professional training videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and maintain your RV so all of your RV experiences are safe, fun and stress-free.
Mark's DVDs are available at Camping World Stores nationwide.