7 Tips on How to Conserve Battery Life in Your RV
Published Dec 21, 2021
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When spending time traveling across the country in your RV, you may find that you wish to camp away from electrical hookups.
However, when you don’t have access to an electrical hookup, you have to be more conscious about how you use your RV’s battery life. For those who are boondocking enthusiasts relying on solar power alone, this becomes imperative.
Today, we’ll take a look at how you can conserve battery life in your RV, allowing you to spend the most time possible away from the crowds.
#1: Understand Your Battery Usage
First and foremost, it is important to take an inventory of how you currently use your battery life.
Think through all of the following and make a detailed list about how often you use battery power for these activities:
- To charge laptops, cameras, drones, phones, and other devices
- To run your AC
- To run fans
- To operate a microwave or electric stove
- To cool a refrigerator or freezer
Creating a list of how you use your battery will help you look for ways around draining your battery when in camp. This might include cutting down on these activities or scheduling them for different portions of the day.
#2: Charge During the Day
Armed with your list of how you use your battery the most, focus on charging devices first. When you are operating off of a solar system, start to pay attention to when you charge devices. While you are in the peak sunlight of the day, charge laptops and phones. This can ensure that your batteries aren’t draining overnight when no solar energy is being created.
#3: Charge when Electricity is Available on the Road
Another great way to cut down on your battery usage is to charge your devices when you are on the road. Instead of using your solar battery, you can charge everything off of your RV’s battery. Purchase an inverter that can run off of your RV. When in motion, this battery can handle charging your devices without draining them because the alternator will continue to charge your battery while on the go.
Be sure to unplug everything from your RV’s battery when you are in camp.
#4: Use a Natural Breeze for Cooling
Operating an AC unit without access to an electrical hookup is simply not an option. AC units put far too much of a drain on a battery to be compatible with a solar setup.
Instead, focus on opening windows and using the natural breeze to cool your RV or campervan.
#5: Park in the Sun
When solar is the source of your power, parking in the sun is a must. While camping in the shade can help keep your rig cooler, try to park in such a way that your panels are getting ample sunlight.
If you have removable panels, you can park your RV in the shade and set up your panels in the sun.
#6: Look for Alternatives
One of the best ways to conserve battery life is to seek out alternatives that don’t require power. The following are all examples of ways you can make a switch that will cut down on battery consumption:
- A hand grinder instead of electric: If you enjoy freshly ground coffee, consider purchasing a hand grinder instead of relying on an electric grinder.
- A battery-powered light instead of running your overhead lights: In the evening time, consider using a battery-powered light, such as a book light or flashlight rather than turning on your RV’s overhead lights.
- A fan instead of an AC unit: Many fans operate using extremely low amounts of energy. This makes them a great alternative to AC units which require large amounts of power.
- A journal instead of a laptop: If you enjoy keeping track of your travels, purchase an old-fashioned paper journal instead of relying on your laptop or tablet for writing.
- A book instead of an e-reader: The fewer devices you have to charge the better. Swap out your e-reader for a paper copy.
- A propane-powered stove instead of an electric cooktop or microwave: When you are trying to conserve battery life, nix using the electric cooktop or microwave. Instead, purchase a simple propane camping stove.
#7: Schedule Regular Battery Services
Finally, most battery issues result from a lack of proper maintenance. Depending on the type of battery your power system uses, you might need to regularly recharge the battery to ensure the longest life possible. Additionally, flooded batteries need to be topped off with water to prevent overheating.
If you are not sure what type of battery your RV uses and what maintenance services it requires, schedule a visit to your local RV service center. An RV service center can help you check your battery’s voltage and can remove the cables to clean the battery. Additionally, they can top off flooded batteries as needed, clean the terminals, and check the entire system.
From here, you can create a regular battery service schedule, ensuring that you get the longest life possible out of your RVs battery.
Visit the RV Service Center at Transwest
Looking to better conserve the battery life in your RV? Come visit our service center at Transwest. We can help you schedule routine battery services, including a complete battery inspection. We also sell new batteries and can replace your battery, if necessary.
Additionally, if you are interested in upgrading your rig, we can talk to you about your trade-in options. Today, there are many RVs available on the market that offer superior battery life and incredible solar setups, making it possible for you to spend large amounts of time off-grid while still keeping your devices powered.
Stop by soon or contact us to learn more about how we can help.
