Batteries and chargers for recreational vehicles
The foundation for a reliable energy supply
Store energy, charge as needed and use it reliably at any time
The service battery is the central energy store in a recreational vehicle's on-board electrical system. It supplies power for lighting, the water pump and other electrical appliances. Depending on the vehicle and its equipment, it can be charged from the mains, via a solar system or through the vehicle's electrical system while driving.
To store energy reliably and use it efficiently, the battery and charging components must be properly matched. 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 and chargers at a glance
Coordinated components for different energy requirements
The right battery and charging solution depends on your energy needs, how you use your vehicle and the existing on-board electrical system. What matters most is how well the components work together.
- AGM batteries: Proven, maintenance-free energy storage for a wide range of applications in recreational vehicles.
- Lithium batteries: High usable capacity, low weight and long cycle life for more demanding energy requirements.
- Battery chargers: Provide controlled charging from the mains using a charging profile matched to the battery type.
- DC-DC converters: Support controlled charging of the service battery from the vehicle's electrical system while driving.
- Coordinated charging technology: The charger, solar charge controller and DC-DC converter must be compatible with the battery type and support its required charging profile.
AGM or lithium: Which battery is right for your vehicle?
Area of use, energy requirements and weight determine the right battery technology
AGM and lithium batteries differ in weight, usable capacity, charging behaviour and cycle life. Which technology is more suitable depends on your vehicle's energy requirements and how you use it.
- AGM batteries are a tried-and-tested solution for supplying power in recreational vehicles. They are maintenance-free and well suited to applications with moderate energy needs or regular access to mains power.
- Lithium batteries offer lower weight and higher usable capacity at a comparable rated capacity. Their long cycle life makes them particularly suitable for higher energy requirements and frequent charging and discharging. The charging system must be compatible with the chosen lithium battery.
The key differences at a glance:
|
Criterion |
AGM batteries |
Lithium batteries (LiFePO4) |
|
Price |
lower |
higher |
|
Weight |
heavier |
about half as heavy |
|
Usable capacity |
around half the stated Ah |
nearly full discharge possible |
|
Charging cycles (=lifespan) |
several hundred cycles |
several thousand cycles |
|
Charging |
slower |
faster, with a suitable charger |
What battery capacity do I need?
Individual energy requirements form the basis for battery sizing
The required battery capacity depends on which electrical appliances you use, how long you use them and how long you want your vehicle to operate without external power. Lighting and water pumps generally consume much less energy than high-power electrical appliances.
To choose the right capacity, first calculate your daily energy consumption and allow for a suitable reserve. 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 long cycle life. 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 supports safe and reliable operation. It is crucial that the charging technology used supports the battery's required charging profile.
AGM batteries
Proven energy storage for reliable on-board electrical systems
AGM batteries are maintenance-free lead-acid batteries and are a proven solution for providing power in recreational vehicles. They are suitable for a range of applications, especially in vehicles with moderate energy requirements. Compared with lithium batteries, they are generally heavier and offer less usable capacity at a comparable rated capacity.
Chargers and DC-DC converters
Reliable charging from the mains and while driving
Battery chargers provide controlled charging of the service battery when connected to the mains. DC-DC converters, on the other hand, enable charging from the vehicle’s electrical system while driving. For both solutions, it is essential that the charging capacity and charging profile are compatible with the battery type.
Battery management and battery separation
Manage service batteries intelligently and switch between them reliably
Battery management and separation systems help manage multiple batteries in the on-board electrical system. AL-KO VT offers battery separators and the BDS-180 and BDS-200 systems for managing two service batteries. Depending on the system, batteries can be monitored, charged selectively or disconnected as required.
Certain systems also monitor and control connected batteries during charging and discharging, helping to manage stored energy efficiently and maintain a reliable power supply.
The MC-180 remote control panel also allows convenient operation of the BDS-180. In manual mode, you can select which battery to charge or discharge. In automatic mode, the BDS-180's integrated microprocessor controls the process. LEDs on the panel show the status of the battery in use and indicate potential battery faults.
What to consider when choosing batteries and charging technology
Properly matched components are essential for a reliable on-board power supply
A powerful battery alone does not guarantee a reliable energy supply. The battery type, charger, DC-DC converter and, if fitted, solar charge controller must all be technically compatible. The right charging profile is particularly important to ensure the battery is charged according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Your individual energy requirements should also be considered when planning. Travellers who are often off-grid or use many electrical appliances will have different battery capacity and charging technology requirements from those who usually stay at campsites with external power connections.
Frequently asked questions about batteries and chargers
The right battery depends on your energy needs, how you use your vehicle, available installation space, weight and existing charging technology. AGM batteries are a tried-and-tested solution for moderate energy requirements. Lithium batteries offer more usable capacity at a lower weight and are particularly suitable for higher energy requirements.
Not always. Before replacing an AGM battery, check whether your charger, solar charge controller and DC-DC converter are compatible with the chosen lithium battery and its required charging profile. You may need to adapt parts of the existing charging system.
Depending on the vehicle and equipment, the service battery can be charged from several energy sources. When connected to the mains, a battery charger handles the charging process. While driving, a DC-DC converter can use power from the vehicle's electrical system to charge it. If fitted, a solar system can also charge the battery through a solar charge controller.
The starter battery supplies the energy needed to start the engine and power the vehicle's standard electrical systems. The service battery, on the other hand, powers electrical equipment in the living area. In motorised recreational vehicles, this separates the power supply for the base vehicle from that of the living area.
In motorised recreational vehicles, a DC-DC converter allows the service battery to be charged in a controlled way from the vehicle's electrical system while driving. It adjusts the charging voltage to suit the service battery and its charging requirements.
The required capacity depends on how much energy you use each day and how long you want to manage without an external power supply. To choose a suitable battery, calculate the energy consumption of your electrical equipment and allow for an appropriate reserve.