Today we’re diving into the world of RV electrical systems. Have you ever wondered if RV outlets work on batteries? Well, wonder no more because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about how RV outlets work on battery power and giving you valuable battery maintenance tips for all RV owners.
RV outlets connected to a DC system are already working on battery supply, usually 12V. Those connected to an AC system also rely on the main battery, but a DC-AC inverter makes the outlets available for AC appliances.
I cover the electrical systems in RVs, whether it’s a good idea to run RV outlets on batteries, AC and DC appliances in an RV, types of RV outlets, and give valuable battery maintenance tips for RV owners below.
The Electrical System in an RV
The internal electrical system in an RV is powered in two different ways:
- RV battery power based on DC-converted AC (alternating current) – This is the primary source and the main battery power this article discusses.
- Engine chassis power based on 12V DC (direct current).
RV Battery Power
An RV battery-powered system operates on the main (DC) battery, but a built-in inverter converts the current to AC to allow you to use AC appliances.
It relies its power source on one or more batteries. It is usually a single 12V battery or two 6V batteries in series. It may even have up to six 12V batteries if it’s a large RV.
The outlets are powered this way while the RV moves. The alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy while the RV is traveling. The DC power produced is slightly elevated, at around 13.8 volts, to produce the operational voltage of around 12.8 volts [LeKander, 2002, p. 108]. Apart from the RVs own alternator, the battery can be charged by a generator, solar power, or external supplies in many campgrounds.
The RV battery’s amperage indicates its storage capacity. For example, if it’s a 48AH battery and you consume 1 amp per hour, it will last 48 hours.
RV batteries are typically either lead-acid or the new lithium-ion type. Both store DC electricity, whether the power source is a battery charger, generator, or solar power.
Two wires complete the circuit in a typical RV battery-powered system (see the above illustration), essentially a 12VDC system.
The battery’s positive (red) lead completes the various circuit loads, and the negative (black) lead, or ‘negative ground,’ is wired directly to the RV’s chassis. This makes the whole metallic structure of the RV have negative battery potential [LeKander, 2002, p. 108].
Engine Chassis Power The DC System in an RV
The engine chassis power in an RV is a DC system that normally operates at 12 volts.
This additional battery sends an electrical current to the alternator when you start the RV’s engine. It is not connected to outlets or an inverter and does not provide AC power for appliances.
Campground or Shore Power
In addition to the internal sources, RVs often have access to a third external electrical system when camped.
This is the campground or shore power, where RVs can use a 120V source. It’s similar to the household supply but with a higher current. They are typically 30-amps for providing up to 3,600 watts of electrical energy or 50-amps for providing up to 6,000 watts.
Is it Good to Run RV Outlets on Battery?
By now, you know it’s possible to run RV outlets on batteries, but is it a good idea to do so?
Running an RV outlet via an inverter is not an energy-efficient way to provide electrical energy, as without it. Where possible, using the campground’s AC supply allows you to operate your appliances without draining the RV’s batteries. It will also charge your RV’s batteries.
But an RV’s internal battery is usually the only source available while driving. Otherwise, you can consider using a generator or solar panel.
When using an inverter, you can consider boondocking off the electrical grid if you’re concerned about the small energy loss.
AC and DC Appliances in an RV
While some DC appliances are in an RV, others require AC power, hence the need for conversion and AC outlets.
Typical DC appliances in an RV are the fans, lights, gas refrigerator, gas leak detector, and stereo system.
Lights and Fans
Lights are essential in an RV, especially camping at night.
Older RVs use incandescent light bulbs, but LED ones consume much less power and are generally brighter and longer lasting. This makes them ideal for RVs.
Fans in RVs typically draw between 12 and 24 watts an hour. But larger ones might draw up to around 60 watts.
Radio and Stereo
The radio, stereo, and speakers don’t normally consume a lot of electricity unless you have a lot of speakers in your RV and large external ones.
Electric Awning
If battery power consumption is a concern, you can get a manual awning instead of an electrical one.
How an RV Converts DC into AC
An RV converts the DC supply from the battery into AC for use with AC appliances using an inverter.
The AC appliances in your RV thus operate on the RV batteries, powered by the electrical energy supplied by the DC-AC inverter. Typical AC appliances in an RV are the air conditioner, refrigerator, and microwave oven.
Water Pump
A water pump is another important item needed inside an RV.
You don’t normally need to run them continuously, so they don’t consume as much power as other power-hungry appliances.
Electric Stove and Cooking Range
Cooking is necessary while camping outdoors. So you’re bound to have some appliance to use to cook food.
Refrigerator
Electric refrigerators will obviously rely on your electricity supply, but gas ones are also available and might only require a little.
Otherwise, it’s possible to have one that can automatically set itself to operate on either source. It’s a heavy load on the batteries in either case, so choose an RV fridge wisely.
Water Heater
Note that even with a propane water heater, it will still consume a little electricity (to operate the starter and thermometer).
Heater or Furnace
A heater or furnace in your RV will undoubtedly draw a lot of electricity, so only use it when necessary.
There are varying types available, so again, you should choose one wisely according to your battery’s capacity.
Television
Television is a common item in an RV for information and entertainment. Some can operate on 12V, but the larger the screen, the greater the battery load.
RV Outlets
Types of Outlets
RV outlets are like the standard outlets in your home.
However, a few different outlets are available for your home or RV. The three main types are:
- Standard 110/120V outlets – This is the most common type.
- GFCI outlets are ideal for places exposed to moisture, providing greater protection against ground faults.
- 220/240V outlets are often required for higher-powered appliances, such as electric ranges, water heaters, and dryers. They are normally used with higher-amperage circuit breakers.
RV outlet boxes, however, may be thinner since they don’t need to be attached to stud walls.
How Much Power Can an RV Outlet Provide?
As with a home outlet, an RV outlet can provide power depending on the circuit capacity or amperage of the circuit breaker.
For example, if it’s a regular 15-amp circuit, its maximum power is between 1,440 (safer for continuous use) and 1,800 (absolute maximum).
If it’s a higher 20-amp circuit, the maximum ranges between 1,920 and 2,400 watts, respectively.
You cannot exceed this current rating without upgrading the wiring and breakers and considering the electrical system’s overall current limitation.
Most RV vehicles have either a 30-amp or 50-amp electrical system. So you can use the campground supply to power the entire RV when camped.
Battery Maintenance Tips for RV Owners
Here are some tips to help maintain your RV batteries.
Prolonging Battery Life
You can prolong your RV’s battery life by connecting the batteries in series to provide a higher power source.
Electrolyte Levels
Frequent charging and discharging reduce the batteries’ electrolyte levels.
Maintain the battery’s electrolyte level by adding distilled water when it is low. Put enough water until it reaches the level marked on each battery. Don’t overfill the cells.
Clean Battery
Keep the battery and cables clean from the outside, check the voltage regularly, and keep the battery away from flames.
Battery Cables
Ensure that the battery cables are securely connected and that the connectors do not corrode by keeping them clean. You can also spray a terminal battery protector on the terminals to help prevent rusting.
Routine Checking
Routinely check the batteries’ voltage levels. It would be best if you did this every month.
More Tips
What other battery-related tips can you give?
Here are a few more useful tips not mentioned earlier:
- Always check the main battery before taking your RV on a long trip.
- The gravity reading of a fully charged RV battery should lie between 1.215 and 1.25.
- If you’re using deep-cycle batteries, charge them at a lower amperage over a longer period to maintain good battery life.
- When not using the RV for an extended period, it’s better to disconnect the battery to minimize draining.
FAQs
What should I do if an RV outlet doesn’t work?
If an RV outlet doesn’t work, check the power source.
Ensure the outlets are properly connected and the battery is charged. If they are connected, and the battery is charged, see whether the problem is with all the outlets or only one particular outlet. Also, check the circuit breakers to see if they tripped.
If only one outlet isn’t working, it might have a loose connection, it may have failed, or its breaker may have tripped due to an overload, an electrical surge, or some other reason.
It may be tripped if it’s a GFCI outlet because GFCI outlets are very sensitive. Press the reset button to restore power. Make sure there is no moisture around it.
How can I keep my electronics safe in an RV?
I recommend that you use a surge protector to protect against power surges.
Image References
Batteries inside an RV: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rvwithtito/35157167216.
Inverter converts DC into AC. Amazon.com. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/110V-1000W-True-Power-Inverter/dp/B07MLBDQ1M.
Neil W. LeKander. The RVer’s ultimate survival guide. 2002.
RV batteries charge while driving: https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pt/view-image.php?image=126518&picture=rv-motorhome-campervan.
RV electric hookup: https://st3.depositphotos.com/1203257/33262/i/450/depositphotos_332626428-stock-photo-rv-motorhome-electric-hookup.jpg.
Video References
Indigo Planet
Taylor Dzaman
