How to Charge an RV Battery With a Generator?

The venture of RVing started when after the first world war some clever people thought that packing some essentials, blankets, and food gear and then backpacking across the road in your own vehicle or car is way more convenient than any other transport. This gave way to more and more people following in the same footsteps. The sport of RVing started becoming so common that by the end of the 1920s people started manufacturing or building small house units and attached them to their vehicles for more convenience. How to charge an RV battery with a generator?

This small unit became the start of a whole new industry of RVs. RV stands for Recreational Vehicle. By the start of the 1930s, the RVs started to become more and more advanced. By the start of the 1950s, the official manufacturing of RVs started to become common. Small trailer-like compounds equipped with basic needs started to become available either with do-it-yourself kits or readymade 30 ft models were used. The features like a separate bed, cooking space, and toilets got added. As time went on more advanced facilities have been added to an RV making the consumer’s trip easier and easier.

Today the use of the generator that we are discussing is its use in RVs. we will be solving one of your confusions regarding an RV service. An RV also provides a complete set of other benefits to its users. If you are an RV owner then you would know that in order to get a full RV experience with all the facilities you will need a good generator also. If you love traveling and want to make a long-term trip across the road then an RV is the best way to go. That is why today we have picked a topic that is very commonly questioned by the typical RV users;

Now the question starts; what is RVing? What is an RV? What is a generator? Why is it used with an RV? How is it used? etc. first let’s move toward the very basis of this phenomenon.

What is a Generator?

A generator is a man-made device. A machine that converts mechanical power into electrical power using various fuel sources. These fuel sources include diesel, liquid propane, natural gas, gasoline, and even solar power. A generator comes in all kinds of sizes. From miniature household portable generators to industrial home-size machines. Electricity has now become a driving force of present-day life. And its availability has become an essential piece of life also. But due to the following factors electricity can sometimes also become absent:

• Rough climate.
• Mechanical failures.
• Human inaccuracy.

The basic function of a generator is to provide a temporary source of electrical supply in case of a power outage. Generators are used in residential, commercial, industrial, and community buildings. Generators are of further various types like portable home generators, standby generators, inverter generators, etc.

What is an RV?

RV stands for Recreational Vehicles. It is known as one of the bigger vehicles to drive. It is a general term that is used to describe a group of types of big vehicles like trailers or motorhomes. It is a type of vehicle that was designed to provide a home-like feel of accommodation and facilities. It mostly has the shape of a big bus.

RVs are vehicles that are used for outdoor recreation like camping trips, road traveling, or just enjoying an outdoor RV trip for fun. An RV is of many types. The basic three categories include motorhomes, trailers, and truck campers.

Now the question arises where does a generator come in? Well, to maintain the smooth sailing of your RV trip you will need an external electric source to keep your appliances working.

RV Battery

Like any other standard battery, an RV battery is also a device used to store electrical power for using the appliances present in the vehicle. It is stored in chemical form. Keep in mind that the battery used to start the RV and the battery used for running the coach are both separate. The coach running battery is specifically designed to run for a continuous and longer period in case of dry camping or appliance use.

Like any other battery, an RV battery might also need charging or it may need replacement in case of damage or non-functioning. And if you’re planning a long trip then it is inevitable that the battery will die or need a charge. If you know all the ways an RV battery can be charged then you will probably be saved from a lot of hassle.

You can do it yourself and would not need to find an expert in the middle of a jungle or stop.

Methods Of Charging An RV Battery

You can charge your RV battery in four ways. It can be excellent progress if you know all four of these methods, as it can come in handy in case of future emergencies. These four options are defined below.

• Your battery will trickle charge through the converter if you are connected to the shore power.
• The alternator of your RV will charge the battery while driving.
• Some people can also use eco-friendly, green options like the use of solar power.
• If/when using a generator you can also charge your battery with it.

Now we are going to break down these methods into a more detailed account for your better understanding.

Necessary Requirements

To charge an RV battery through a generator the things, you will need the most are as follows. If you are also using a generator throughout your trip then you can use it to charge your RV battery. But the generator must be RV compatible. The power slot of the generator you are using must be 120V/30A at least. If your generator only has a 220V slot then you will need an adapter to charge your RV battery.

How to Charge an RV Battery With a Generator?

For charging your RV battery through a generator you will need to follow the below-given directions step by step. These are very simple setup rules which do not require much labor or time.

STEP 1

First of all, you will need to start your generator using the usual steps of daily use.

Open the fuel valve. Then close the choke knob of your generator. Push the “ON” button of your generator or use the recoil rope for starting your generator. Then open the choke knob.

STEP 2

Secondly, leave your generator running for a few minutes to warm it up before joining any type of appliance or cords to the generator.

STEP 3

Now finally plug the power cord of the RV into the plug of your generator. In this way, your generator will not only charge the RV now but also run any appliance attached to it at the same time. Simple!.

Conclusion

Reaching the end of this article we have learned how to charge an RV battery with a generator? And honestly, it is not that hard of a task. It is a very simple step-by-step process that allows you to charge your RV without a hitch.

Keep in mind that there are also several other methods through which you can easily charge your RV battery and have a comfortable trip without any hitch. As the whole concept of RVing is to have some traveling time or a fun time for yourself. I have you enjoy your time RVing and keep in mind the above-mentioned tips as they can help you in future experiences.