The presence of electricity is one of the most important components of the comfortable existence of modern man. All large cities are tangled with electric wires, thanks to which electrical appliances function, and there is always light in our homes.
No wonder that even far away from the coverage area of power plants we want to provide ourselves with maximum comfort, which is not possible without electricity – the most important resource of the modern world.
The main and in most cases the only situation in which there is no centralized power supply, and the need for electricity is – staying away from the power grid, for example during camping.
In this article, we will tell you how to charge the battery of the van with a generator for the camper trailer.
What Do You Need a Generator for When You Travel?
Contents
When traveling, you often need to charge the RV battery because electricity makes even the longest trip more comfortable. But what to do when the 12 volt RV battery is dead. You can use a generator and charge the RV battery. We are talking about both a conventional generator and a built-in RV generator. One of the most popular models in terms of power is the generator for 30 amp RV. Advanced models are equipped with a 12-volt battery for the generator, so it’s easy to charge the van battery.
Precautions
Inspect the alternator and the charging leads before using it. If you find a visual problem, do not charge the battery, but correct the problem.
Prepare a dry (but fireproof) and well-ventilated area on which to stand the alternator.
How It Works
Most generators produce electricity using electromagnetism. Electromagnetism is the force that allows magnets to attract or repel each other. It is also what produces the magnetic field around a coil of wire when electricity flows through it.
The basic principle of a generator is that when a conductor is moved through a magnetic field, an electric current is produced in the conductor. The current flow produces a magnetic field of its own, which interacts with the field of the magnet. This interaction causes a force on the conductor, which is the electromotive force that drives the current through the conductor.
The conductor is typically a coil of wire, and the magnet is typically a permanent magnet. The interaction between the two produces a rotating magnetic field. This rotating field can be used to turn a generator to produce electricity.
Tools and Materials
- A list of tools that may be needed for charging:
- Portable generator;
- Fuel for generator;
- Three-stage charger;
- Distilled water.
Pros and Cons
Pros and cons charge RV battery with the generator
Pros:
- The generator can provide a consistent and reliable source of power to charge the RV battery;
- The generator can charge the battery quickly;
- The generator can be used to power other devices in the RV, such as lights or a fridge.
Cons:
- The generator can be expensive to purchase;
- The generator can be noisy;
- The generator can produce harmful emissions;
- The generator will take up space in the trunk
How to Charge RV Battery With Generator?
If your RV battery is not holding a charge or if it won’t hold a charge for very long, you may need to charge it with a generator. Here is how to charge the RV battery with a generator:
- Park your RV in a well-ventilated area.
- Connect the RV’s positive battery terminal to the generator’s positive output terminal using a jumper cable.
- Connect the RV’s negative battery terminal to the generator’s negative output terminal using a jumper cable.
- Start the generator and let it run for a few hours to charge the RV battery.
- Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of how you connected them.
- Allow the RV battery to rest for a few hours before using it again.
Recommendations
Tips to help you charge your battery with a generator:
- Remove battery corrosion with a paste of baking soda and water. Do not allow the baking soda to get into the battery;
- Charge batteries in a well-ventilated area. Charging produces hydrogen gas;
- Some generators have 12-volt connections that allow batteries to be charged directly. Be careful when connecting directly to generators, as the charging rate is not controlled and the battery may be overcharged and damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you charge a 12-volt battery with a generator?
There are a few ways to charge a 12-volt battery with a generator. One way is to use a 12-volt charger that plugs into the generator. Another way is to use jumper cables to connect the battery to the generator.
How many watts are needed to charge an RV battery?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the size and type of RV battery. However, a good rule of thumb is that you will need at least 100 watts of power to charge an RV battery.
What size generator do I need to charge a battery?
The size of the generator you need to charge a battery will depend on the voltage and amperage of the battery. A generator that can produce at least 5 amps will be sufficient to charge a battery.
Conclusion
Many boats, recreational vehicles, and trucks use deep cycle batteries. Deep cycle batteries provide more charging capacity than standard batteries, allowing users a longer period of time before needing to recharge.
You can use an RV generator 30 amp, either portable or mounted in a vehicle, to charge a deep cycle battery. Properly charged batteries can have a long useful life and provide starting or auxiliary power for vehicles and equipment not connected to another power source
