Batteries & chargers for recreational vehicles
The foundation for a reliable power supply
Store energy, charge as required, and use it reliably at any time
The service battery is the central energy store in the on-board power system of a recreational vehicle. It supplies the required energy for lighting, water pump and other electrical consumers. Depending on the vehicle and equipment, it is charged via mains hookup, solar system or while driving through the on-board electrical system.
For the available energy to be reliably stored and used efficiently, the battery and charging technology must be matched to each other. AL-KO VT offers AGM and lithium batteries, battery chargers as well as DC-DC converters for different needs. Together, they form the foundation of a reliable power supply – both on the campsite and on the move.
Batteries & chargers at a glance
Coordinated components for different energy requirements
The right battery and charging solution depends, among other things, on energy needs, vehicle use and the existing on-board electrical system. What matters above all is the interaction of 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: Provide controlled charging on mains supply with a charging profile tailored to the battery type.
- DC-DC converters: Support controlled charging of the service battery via the vehicle's on-board network while driving.
- Coordinated charging technology: Charger, solar charge controller and DC-DC converter should support the battery type used and the required charging profile.
AGM or lithium: Which battery is right for your vehicle?
Area of use, energy demand and weight determine the right battery technology
AGM and lithium batteries differ, among other things, in weight, usable capacity, charging behaviour and cycle stability. Which technology is better suited depends on individual on-board energy requirements and how the vehicle is used.
- AGM batteries are a proven solution for power supply in recreational vehicles. They are maintenance-free and suitable, for example, for applications with moderate energy demand or for regular use of a mains hookup.
- Lithium batteries offer lower weight at comparable capacity and enable higher usable capacity. Their high cycle stability makes them particularly attractive for higher energy requirements and frequent charging and discharging. A prerequisite is a charging system suitable for the specific lithium battery used.
The most important differences at a glance:
|
Criterion |
AGM batteries |
Lithium batteries (LiFePO4) |
|
Price |
low |
high |
|
Weight |
high |
about half as much |
|
Usable capacity |
around half the rated Ah |
almost complete discharge possible |
|
Charge cycles (=service life) |
several hundred |
several thousand |
|
Charging |
slower |
fast, with suitable charger |
What battery capacity do I need?
Individual energy demand forms the basis for sizing
The required battery capacity depends on which electrical consumers are used, how long they are operated, and how long the vehicle should manage without external power supply. Lighting and water pumps, for example, require significantly less energy than more powerful electrical consumers.
For correct sizing, the daily energy consumption should therefore first be calculated and then an adequate reserve considered. The chosen battery technology also plays a role, since AGM and lithium batteries differ in 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 particularly suitable for recreational vehicles with higher energy demand and frequent charging and discharging. An integrated battery management system monitors key operating parameters and supports safe and reliable operation. It is crucial that the charging technology used supports the required charging profile of the battery.
AGM batteries
Proven energy storage for reliable on-board power systems
AGM batteries are maintenance-free lead-acid batteries and a reliable solution for power supply in recreational vehicles. They are suitable for a range of applications, particularly for vehicles with moderate energy requirements. Compared to lithium batteries, they have higher weight and lower usable capacity at a similar nominal capacity.
Chargers & DC-DC converters
Reliable charging – when on mains supply and on the road
Battery chargers provide controlled charging of the service battery when connected to mains supply. DC-DC converters, on the other hand, support charging via the vehicle’s on-board network while driving. For both solutions, it is essential that the charging power and charging profile are matched to the battery type in use.
Battery management & battery separation
Manage service batteries intelligently and switch reliably
Battery management and separation systems enable reliable control of multiple batteries within the on-board power system. AL-KO VT offers battery isolators as well as the BDS-180 and BDS-200 systems to control multiple service batteries. Depending on the system, the batteries can be monitored, selectively charged or separated. Depending on the system, the connected batteries are monitored and controlled while charging and discharging – for efficient energy storage management and reliable power supply.
Additionally, the MC-180 remote control panel provides convenient operation of the BDS-180. In manual mode, you can select which battery should be used for charging or discharging. In automatic mode, the integrated microprocessor in the BDS-180 handles control. LEDs on the panel indicate the status of the battery in use and highlight possible battery errors.
What to look for in batteries and charging technology
Only the interaction of components ensures a reliable on-board power supply
A powerful battery alone is not enough for a reliable energy supply. Battery type, charger, DC-DC converter and, if installed, solar charge controller all need to be technically matched. The right charging profile is especially important so that the battery is charged according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Your individual energy requirements should also be considered when planning. Those who spend long periods away from mains supply or use many electrical consumers will have different capacity and charging technology needs than those who mainly use campsites or parking spaces with external power supply.
Frequently asked questions about batteries & chargers
The right battery depends on, among other things, energy requirements, use, 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 attractive for high energy demand.
Not necessarily. Before changing, you should check whether the charger, solar charge controller and DC-DC converter are suitable for the specific lithium battery type and its charging profile. Components of the existing charging technology may need to be adapted.
Depending on the vehicle and equipment, the service battery can be charged from various energy sources. When on mains hookup, the battery charger handles the charging process. While driving, energy from the vehicle’s on-board electrical system can be used via a DC-DC converter. An existing solar system charges the battery additionally via a solar charge controller.
The starter battery provides the energy for starting the vehicle and for the vehicle’s own electrics. The service battery, on the other hand, supplies the electrical consumers in the habitation area. In motorised recreational vehicles, this keeps the vehicle and habitation power supplies separate from each other.
In motorised recreational vehicles, a DC-DC converter allows controlled charging of the service battery via the vehicle’s on-board network during travel. It adapts the charging voltage to the requirements of the service battery and supports charging adapted to the respective battery type.
The required capacity depends on daily energy consumption and the desired duration without external power supply. To ensure proper sizing, the consumption of electrical devices should be determined and an adequate reserve planned.