Batteries & chargers for recreational vehicles
The foundation for a reliable energy supply
Store energy, charge on demand, and use reliably at any time
The service battery is the central energy storage unit in the onboard network of a recreational vehicle. It provides the power needed for lighting, water pump, and other electrical consumers. Depending on the vehicle and equipment, it is charged via mains power, a solar system, or while driving via the vehicle's onboard system.
To ensure the available energy is reliably stored and used efficiently, battery and charging technology must be coordinated. AL-KO VT offers AGM and lithium batteries, battery chargers, and DC-DC converters for different requirements. Together, they form the foundation for a reliable energy supply – whether at the campsite or on the road.
Batteries & Chargers at a glance
Coordinated components for different energy requirements
The right battery and charging solution depends, among other things, on your energy needs, how you use your vehicle, and the onboard electrical system. The key factor is the interaction between all components.
- AGM batteries: Proven, maintenance-free energy storage for a wide range of applications in recreational vehicles.
- Lithium batteries: High usable capacity, low weight, and high cycle stability for more demanding energy requirements.
- Battery chargers: Ensure controlled charging on mains power using a charge profile tailored to the specific battery type.
- DC-DC converters: Support the controlled charging of the service battery while driving via the vehicle's onboard power supply.
- Coordinated charging technology: Charger, solar charge controller, and DC-DC converter should support the battery type in use and the required charge profile.
AGM or lithium: Which battery suits your vehicle?
Area of use, energy requirements, and weight determine which battery technology is right for you
AGM and lithium batteries differ, among other things, in weight, usable capacity, charging behaviour, and cycle stability. Which technology is more suitable depends on your specific requirements for the onboard power supply and vehicle usage.
- AGM batteries are a tried-and-tested solution for energy supply in recreational vehicles. They are maintenance-free and ideal for applications with moderate energy needs or regular use of mains power.
- Lithium batteries offer a lower weight at the same nominal capacity, and enable a higher usable capacity. Their high cycle stability makes them ideal for higher energy requirements and frequent charge/discharge cycles. For use, charging technology must be suitable for the chosen lithium battery.
The key differences at a glance:
|
Criterion |
AGM batteries |
Lithium batteries (LiFePO4) |
|
Price |
low |
high |
|
Weight |
high |
about half as much |
|
Usable capacity |
around half the stated Ah |
nearly full discharge possible |
|
Charging cycles (=lifespan) |
several hundred |
several thousand |
|
Charging |
slower |
fast, with appropriate charger |
What battery capacity do I need?
Individual energy requirements form the basis for battery sizing
The required battery capacity depends on which electrical consumers are used, how long they are operated for, and how long you want your vehicle to run without external power. Lighting and water pumps require much less energy than high-performance electric devices, for example.
To size your battery, first determine your daily energy consumption and then include a suitable reserve. The battery technology used also plays a role, since AGM and lithium batteries differ in terms of usable capacity.
Lithium batteries
Plenty of usable energy with low weight
Lithium batteries combine high usable capacity with low weight and high cycle stability. This makes them especially suitable for recreational vehicles with significant energy requirements and frequent charging and discharging cycles. An integrated battery management system monitors key operating parameters and ensures safe and reliable operation. It is crucial that the charging technology used supports the battery's required charge profile.
AGM batteries
Proven energy storage for reliable onboard networks
AGM batteries are maintenance-free lead-acid batteries and are a proven solution for providing power in recreational vehicles. They are suitable for various applications, especially in vehicles with moderate energy requirements. Compared to lithium batteries, they are heavier and offer lower usable capacity for the same nominal performance.
Chargers & DC-DC converters
Reliable charging – on mains power and while driving
Battery chargers provide controlled charging of the service battery when connected to mains power. DC-DC converters, on the other hand, enable charging while driving via the vehicle's onboard power system. For both solutions, it is essential that the charging current and charge profile are suited to the type of battery in use.
Battery management & battery separation
Manage service batteries smartly and switch reliably
Battery management and separation systems support reliable management of multiple batteries in the onboard power network. AL-KO VT offers battery separators and the systems BDS-180 and BDS-200 to control several service batteries. Depending on the system, batteries can be monitored, specifically charged, or separated as required. According to the system, connected batteries are monitored and controlled during charging and discharging – ensuring efficient energy storage interaction and a reliable power supply.
Additionally, the MC-180 remote control panel enables convenient operation of the BDS-180. In manual mode, you can select which battery is used for charging or discharging. In automatic mode, the integrated microprocessor of the BDS-180 takes control. LEDs on the panel indicate the status of the battery used and warn you of possible battery faults.
What to look out for in batteries and charging technology
Only by working together do components deliver a reliable onboard network
A powerful battery alone does not guarantee a reliable energy supply. Battery type, charger, DC-DC converter, and – if fitted – solar charge controller must all be technically compatible. The right charge profile is particularly important to ensure the battery is charged according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Your individual energy needs should also be considered when planning. Travellers who are often off-grid or use many electrical devices will have very different requirements for capacity and charging technology than those who usually stay at campsites with external power connections.
Frequently asked questions about batteries & chargers
The right battery depends on your energy needs, usage patterns, available installation space, weight, and existing charging technology. AGM batteries are a tried-and-tested solution for moderate requirements. Lithium batteries offer a higher usable capacity at a lower weight and are particularly suitable if your energy requirements are higher.
Not in every case. Before replacing, check that your charger, solar charge controller, and DC-DC converter are suitable for the specific lithium battery type and its required charge profile. Components of the existing charging system may need to be adapted where necessary.
Depending on the vehicle and equipment, the service battery can be charged from different energy sources. When connected to mains power, the battery charger is responsible for charging. While driving, energy from the vehicle's onboard power supply can be used through a DC-DC converter. A solar system can also charge the battery via a solar charge controller, if available.
The starter battery provides the energy needed for starting the vehicle and for the vehicle's standard electrical systems. The service battery, on the other hand, supplies power to electrical devices in the living area. In powered recreational vehicles, this keeps the supply to the base vehicle and the living area separate.
In motorised recreational vehicles, a DC-DC converter enables controlled charging of the service battery from the vehicle's onboard power supply while driving. It adjusts the charging voltage to match the requirements of the service battery and ensures charging is appropriate for the battery type.
The required capacity depends on your daily energy consumption and how long you want to be without an external power supply. To size your battery appropriately, calculate the consumption of your electrical devices and allow for a suitable reserve.