Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.
Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
Does Shore Power Charge Chassis Battery?
Shore power, specifically RV shore power, is valuable for maintaining your RV’s energy needs, including the often-overlooked task of charging your chassis batteries. Whether plugged into a 50amp or 30amp service, the question arises – does shore power charge your chassis battery?
- Shore power often excludes direct chassis battery charging.
- It primarily charges house batteries, powering RV appliances.
- When plugged into shore power, house batteries get charged.
- Battery isolators or combiners can redirect excess power.
- RVs may have devices for chassis battery charging.
- Trickle chargers can directly charge chassis batteries.
- Monitor and maintain both house and chassis batteries.
You might have been looking into discovering RVing, picturing yourself and your loved ones exploring the ins and outs of the country while still being able to keep up with things such as work and having a social media presence.
If this sounds like you, you will most likely need power while you are on the road, and that power will have to come from your RV’s battery more often than not.
The answer is both simple and complex. In most cases, your RV shore power will charge all your batteries, including the chassis battery.
However, this can significantly depend on your RV’s configurations and systems. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand your RV’s specific electrical system to ensure you’re effectively utilizing the shore power to charge batteries in your RV.
Given that it is a battery, it has a finite power source that has to be recharged, but that poses a question: is there a way to charge the battery?
How Do Chassis Batteries Get Recharged?
An RV’s battery is typically charged via a built-in converter, which transforms AC power into DC power. Charging the battery directly using your towing vehicle’s alternator, wind, and solar energy is also possible.
Regardless of whether they are towable or motorized, RVs will require power, which is used to power the appliances and electrical gadgets in the camper. Another way that the chassis battery can be charged is via shore power.
So, to answer the question, it is possible to use shore power to charge your RV’s battery. Depending on the RV, you can get power from the two sources.
What Exactly is Shore Power?
Shore power can be defined as the power connection via an electrical grid, usually from an RV campground to an RV’s power cable. This connection typically offers up to 120V via the hookup to power different appliances and electronics housed in the RV.
The majority of RV’s tend to come with shore power cables. When it comes to connections, there are three varying connection types, and each one has a different amperage. That being said, note every campground comes with all three connection types.
An amp is a term given to how electrical flow is measured. When you have more amps, a higher current goes to the device via the cable.
When the amperage is significant, the current flow would be higher. This translates to more power being consumed and a larger power cable required.
How to Charge Your Battery Using Shore Power
You should utilize a portable EMS system to help protect your RV’s electrical system from overload.
You insert it between your RV and the power source to ensure that any spikes in power don’t get into your RV’s electrical system to damage its electrical circuits.
You don’t have to know how it works, just that it does. It should always be plugged in, regardless of whether you are charging the RV’s batteries or running your appliances on shore power. More on its function later.
Your RV’s battery can be charged using an inverter in many ways. Hooking your RV up to the electrical grid using the 50- or 30-amp outlet at a state park, national park, or campground is possible.
Hooking your RV to your home using the 20- or 15-amp outlet is also possible.
EMS
A significant difference between the 30 and 50-amp power systems is that the power has increased more than threefold. There are certain RVs that have a built-in EMS or Electrical Management System.
It aims to turn off the power automatically when demand outpaces availability. This ensures it forms a barrier between your RV’s power system and the shore power or whatever external power source you use.
30 or 50-amp Outlets
An RV typically has a 50 or 30-amp outlet, which enables you to power it using an electrical grid, also known as shore power. Most small RVs tend to have a 30 amp outlet, while bigger RVs come with a 50 amp outlet.
When the RV is connected to shore power, it automatically starts charging its battery while running the electrical appliances concurrently.
This is done by sending power via the inverter, splitting it into two channels, and sending Direct Current to the 12V batteries and AC to the 120VAC circuit breaker.
It is from the breaker panel that all of the AC outlets used in the RV are connected, and any DC appliances in the RV will be connected directly to the battery hookup.
If the battery completely dies, you can still run all the AC appliances from the outlets; however, the DC-only ones will be unable to work. The overhead lights are the only items powered by DC power for most RVs.
20 and 15 amp Outlets
It is also possible to connect your battery to shore power using an extension cord, just as you would plug a 50 or 30-amp plug.
You could also choose to take the battery out of the RV and charge it directly using a battery charger rated 12V within the home. This second method is a popular method used by those who have smaller pop-up RV batteries.
If your RV is small enough or it happens to be a travel trailer, you could park it inside the garage and charge the 12V battery without having to disconnect it from the camper.
Difference Between the Different Amperages
As stated, you can get shore power cables in two varying amperages, 50 and 30 amps. To help RVers tell them apart, they each have a distinct physical identifier. The 30-amp cable comes with three prongs, while the 50-amp cable comes with four prongs.
This goes in line with a more significant amperage, meaning more power. There is also a third amperage, which provides 120V. This amperage is typically found on smaller towables such as travel trailers.
The 120V is transported via a 20 amp cable, suited to a 15 or 20 amp power system. Such a system provides anything between 1800 and 2400 watts.
The 30 amp power system, while also providing 120V, gives off a higher wattage, rated at 3600 watts.
Last, the 50 amp with its four-pronged plug offers up 240V, simply two 120V wires that give off 50 amps each.
This 120V power system feeds into the RV’s circuit breaker, which is divided to give off 12000 watts.
Electrical Provisions on Campgrounds
The majority of campgrounds have electrical capabilities to suit your electrical needs. Nevertheless, you could only get a 30 amp outlet, which depends on the type of campground you visit.
When heading to an unknown campground, it is always best to call first to ask what kind of hookup is available. You could also decide to get a dog bone adapter. This adapter enables you to connect your RV to just about any receptacle.
One thing to note, however, is when you connect a 50 amp cable to the adapter, it becomes 30 amps as it is stepped down. This means you are only able to utilize 30 amps.
FAQs
What is draining my RV chassis battery?
Are you uncovering the mystery behind your RV battery draining? It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, the prize is gaining knowledge and saving your precious energy!
You’re probably wondering how to charge RV chassis batteries to avoid this issue. Well, lucky for you, we’ve got the answers right here!
Just imagine the victory you’ll feel when you successfully charge batteries RV style, never again caught off-guard by an unexpected power drain.
We are so excited for you to take control of your RV experience because we genuinely appreciate your adventurous spirit!
How long do RV chassis batteries last?
Six years. An RV battery’s life can stretch beyond your expectations, becoming your trusty companion on the open road.
With the correct measures, you can charge RV chassis batteries efficiently to ensure they’re always ready for your next adventure. This saves time and adds value to your travel experiences by eliminating unnecessary worries.
So let’s continue our journey, relishing the thrill and freedom of knowing our life batteries in RV are well-equipped to power our dreams!
What is the difference between a chassis battery and a house battery?
The chassis RV battery! Not just any battery, but a powerhouse that sparks life into your engine and provides energy to all those crucial chassis components. Let’s talk about something equally exciting – the RV house batteries!
These dependable buddies emulate the comfort of home in your motorhome, similar to those found in towable RVs. A game-changer in the world of life batteries for RVs, they ensure you never have to pause your adventure!
How do I prolong my RV battery life?
Prolonging the life of your RV battery can be accomplished by following these four strategies. Choose the correct RV battery that suits your vehicle’s specific needs.
Secondly, implement a regular RV battery maintenance system that includes periodic checks and necessary repairs to keep it working optimally.
Thirdly, proper storage of your RV battery is crucial. It should be kept clean and in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Finally, consider investing in Lithium RV batteries from reputable brands like Enduro Power. These batteries are known for their durability and longevity, helping to prolong the life of your RV battery further.
Wrapping Up
Typically, shore power is not designed to charge the chassis battery directly but is primarily meant for charging house batteries that power appliances within the RV. When an RV is plugged into shore power, the house batteries are primarily targeted for charging.
However, using battery isolators or combiners, excess power from the house batteries can also be redirected to charge the chassis battery. Some RVs may also come equipped with specific devices that allow for direct chassis battery charging from shore power.
Additionally, trickle chargers can sustain a low charge directly to the chassis battery. Hence, while shore power might not primarily charge the chassis battery, there are ways to ensure both house and chassis batteries are adequately assessed and maintained.
It’s crucial to regularly monitor and maintain both types of batteries for optimal performance of your RV.
This helps ensure a smooth and hassle-free RVing experience.
Home page
Back to the top of the page
