Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Ted Mosby
Are you having issues getting the Best RV Battery Charger? Well, you have to worry no more. This article will deliver everything one might need to get the perfect charger for their recreational vehicle’s battery.
I will cover everything relevant to the topic, such as what factors must be considered before buying a battery charger for RV, how to use them, and their benefits.
At the end of this post, I’m pretty sure that you will be able to easily pick the Best RV Battery Charger you are looking for.
Moreover, I will also outline some of the most popular RV battery chargers available out there.
Reviewing these products will give you a clearer idea of what you need to look for in a battery charger, helping you make a wise decision when buying one.
So, let’s get started!
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Premium Pick  | NOCO GENIUS10 10-Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Charger |
| Check Price On Amazon |
Best Value  | CTEK - 40-206 MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic 4.3 amp Battery Charger and Maintainer |
| Check Price On Amazon |
Budget Pick  | NOCO GENIUS5, 5-Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Battery Charger |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | Schumacher SC1281 Fully Automatic Smart Battery Charger |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | Battery Tender Plus Charger and Maintainer |
| Check Price On Amazon |
What are the Best Battery Charger for RV?
1. NOCO GENIUS10 10-Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Battery Charger
One of the best RV battery chargers available out there is NOCO 10 Amp fully automatic smart charger. The charger is purposefully designed to deliver precise charging for both a 6V and a 12V RV battery.
It works exceptionally well in suitable conditions because it features an integrated thermal sensor. It can also detect temperature and change the charge to avoid overcharging in more humid areas and undercharging in cooler temperatures.
Besides its outstanding performance in different climates, another factor that appealed to me is its ability to quickly recharge dead batteries, which is possible due to its force mode.
It enables users to gain manual control and charge the batteries at zero volts.
Camping Gear SALE!
We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below.
SHOP NOWMoreover, the overall versatility of the RV battery charger also attracts a larger number of RVers. You can use the charger to charge several vehicle batteries, such as cars, RVs, and motorhomes, to name a few.
The charge also offers the benefit of restoring the battery as well. It detects acid stratification and sulfation, recouping the lost battery performance. As a result, you will enjoy extended battery life, and a strong engine starts.
Key Features
- Precise charging.
- Temperature detection.
- Overcharging and undercharging features.
- Force mode.
- The RV battery charger is capable of quickly recharging the dead batteries without any issue.
- It protects the battery from overcharging in a hotter climate and from undercharging in cooler climates.
- The force mode of the charger allows users to take manual control to charge batteries at zero volts.
- It can detect the sulfation stratification to recoup lost battery performance to extend the battery lifespan.
- The price tag of the RV battery charger is a bit annoying.
2. CTEK – 40-206 MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic 4.3 amp Battery Charger and Maintainer
Are you looking for a charger capable of solving a multitude of issues affecting your RV battery performance? Then look no further than CTEK -40-206 MXS 5.0 fully automatic RV battery charger.
This product comes with an eight-step process, helping you extend your RV battery life while also maximizing its performance.
Among these steps is a de-sulphation process. It is an incredibly interesting process since it can eliminate the issues causing sulfate from the lead plates.
In simple words, it eliminates the issues reducing the life of your battery.
Moreover, the special reconditioning feature is also an impressive one. This function is used to retrieve deeply discharged batteries.
It means the RV battery charger could be remarkably beneficial if your RV battery does end up failing.
Furthermore, the charge also offers multiple protection layers, ensuring the charging process ends up being entirely safe.
Camping Gear SALE!
We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below.
SHOP NOWThe charger is spark-proof, reverses polarity proof, short-circuits proof, and features in-built overcharging protection.
What’s more, the charge even has dust, water, and splash resistance, making sure nothing terrible happens when the charger is in use. However, if something does occur, it comes with a three-year warranty, offering a considerable amount of protection itself.
Key Features
- Spark-proof.
- Short-circuits proof.
- In-built overcharging protection.
- Splash resistant.
- Three-years warranty.
- The RV battery charger features several protection layers to ensure the safety of you and your battery.
- It not only extends your RV battery life but also maximizes its performance.
- It eliminates the issues causing sulfate and reduces your battery life.
- Some customers reported issues regarding the device’s durability after.
3. NOCO GENIUS5 5-Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Battery Charger
NOCO Genius5 5-Amp is another wise pick when it comes to the best RV battery chargers. The charger utilizes one of the safest and most advanced technologies to ensure your RV battery’s safety, making it an incredibly adaptable product.
You can use the battery charger for multiple battery applications, such as marine, RVs, power-sport, automotive, etc.
The charger is also both water and UV-resistant. These two features make the battery usable in almost any circumstance. Moreover, the charger could also be used in snowstorms and rainstorms without any issue.
The charger also offers numerous protection features against issues, such as short-circuits, sparking, overheating, and overcharging. Precautions like these help increase the lifespan of the battery, making sure to produce useful results for many years.
Furthermore, the battery’s external mounting and rubberized base reduce the chances of scratches or surface slipping.
It is a way to make sure the product remains durable for extended periods.
Key Features
- Rubber base.
- External mounting.
- Spark-proof.
- UV-resistant.
- Short-circuit protection.
- The RV battery charger utilizes one of the safest and most advanced technology to ensure the safety of you and your rig while also enhancing its performance.
- It is exceptionally durable, and the rubber base limits the chances of scratches.
- The battery charger is also UV and water-resistant, making it usable even in rainy and snowy situations.
- The battery charger is suitable only for batteries capable of handling medium loads. The product is not recommended for heavy batteries.
4. Schumacher SC1281 Fully Automatic Smart Battery Charger for RV
Schumacher SC1281 100-Amp is another great pick when it comes to the best RV battery chargers.
The charger incorporates a microprocessor to regulate power output. It not only optimizes the charging time of the battery but also maintains charges at the same time.
The multi-stage charging nature of the product means SC1281 is also useful for maximizing the lifespan of the battery.
Having Schumacher SC1281 with you, your RV batteries should last for many years without reducing performance before being replaced.
Since the charger is compatible with standard battery types used in RVs, it could also charge gel, AGM, and deep-cycle batteries without any issue.
Moreover, it also features an easy-to-use LED display and start/stop button, making it a good pick for new RV battery chargers.
By taking a look at the charger’s interface, you could get details about the charging to proceed accordingly.
Key Features
- Versatile.
- Lightweight.
- Reasonable price.
- User-friendly.
- It is easy to use and safe RV battery charger, best for those who are new to RV battery chargers and looking for a product they can use without any issue.
- Regardless of its incredibly useful features, the battery charger is available at a reasonable price.
- The charger not only extends the life of the battery but also enhances its performance.
- You can use the charger to charge various batteries, including gel, deep-cycle, and AGM batteries.
- The operating noise level is abnormally loud.
5. Battery Tender Plus Charger and Maintainer
RV owners who value efficiency in a battery charger cannot overlook Battery Tender Plus charger and maintainer.
It is one of the most efficient RV battery chargers on my list in its ability to outperform the 3-amp model with 1.25 amps only.
However, besides its efficiency, it is also enthralled by its safety measures against most common issues like short-circuiting, sparking, reverse polarity, etc.
These safety measures should cure worries one might have about using the charger.
Moreover, the battery is also easy to use and features a colored LED on the housing used to determine the charge stage. If by any chance, the battery voltage level drops below for any reason, the model would switch to ISM adaptive to resume full output.
Like any other modern-day RV battery charger, it also boasts integrated protection, leading to increased safety.
The charger doesn’t need any special attention because of its low-level maintenance.
Key Features
- Spark-proof.
- Intuitive setup process.
- Incredible resistance.
- Reliable and dependable.
- The RV battery charger features a colored LED visual indicator, which helps determine the stage of charge.
- The product is simple and incredibly easy to use.
- The built quality is outstanding, which makes the battery durable, dependable, and reliable.
- A lot of customers reported problems with the instructions not being clear.
What is an RV Battery Charger?
As the name suggests, an RV battery charger means a purpose-designed charger used to charge RV batteries. Unlike standard batteries, RV batteries are manufactured using solid and thicker plates, so they should be charged using a dedicated charger.
However, both a traditional battery charger and an RV battery charger work in the same way. It keeps charging the RV battery until it reaches its maximum capacity.
However, some models even offer a trickle charge to tackle self-discharge, keeping the battery fully charged.
Benefits of an RV Battery Charger
Besides keeping the batteries charged, there are plenty of benefits of having a dedicated RV battery charger.
Some of the most common benefits include,
1. Extend the Batteries Lifespan
Nothing lasts forever, but with proper maintenance, you can extend your life. If you want to keep your RV battery in its optimum state and extend its lifespan, it’s essential to charge the battery with a quality RV battery charger.
It will make sure to not damage or overcharge the battery while making sure you don’t have to replace the battery for many years to come.
This not only helps a lot of effort but your hard-earned money as well.
2. Keep the Appliances in your RV up and Running
Having an RV battery charger with you while on the road, you don’t have to worry about running out of charge.
It allows you to keep the battery bank of your recreational vehicle fully charged. With RV batteries at full charge, you could use the appliances without worrying about running out of juice to enjoy all the comfort of your home while traveling.
3. Unlimited Travel Opportunities
Unplanned travels allow you to make your travel more enjoyable and memorable. However, your RV must be equipped with the essentials you will need when traveling for extended periods.
By having a battery charger, you can travel off the grid or to locations where you don’t have any external power options to charge your RV’s entire electrical system.
Moreover, you also don’t need to plan your travels only on those routes that offer charging services.
You can travel anywhere and whenever you like.
Now let’s talk about Types of RV battery chargers!
Types of RV Battery Chargers
There are plenty of RV battery types, which are useful to have for the right RV.
1. Converter Chargers
A converter charger is among the most basic RV charger/converter systems that convert 120V shore power into 12V of Direct Current power.
Having this charge with you means your RV battery will store the power when you are plugged in. Additionally, the charger can charge your RV batteries when it has excess capacity.
A converter charger is known for its smooth functionality and is calculated in amps. With 55 amps of Direct Current, you can power up almost all the electrical systems and appliances inside your RV while also charging.
These chargers interact directly with the main power distribution panel, offering both 12V-12V functionalities in a single unit. It is available both as a single and a multi-stage product.
2. Inverter Chargers
Unlike a converter charger, an inverter charger is available only as a multi-stage product.
If you are an owner of a Class A motorhome, you definitely have an inverter charger. However, it is similar to a converter charger in terms of functionality with some additional features.
It can produce 120V of Alternative Current from the battery’s 12V where you are not connected to the shore power.
3. Single Stage Chargers
A single-stage charger can be found in the majority of motorhomes, especially if you have an older model. But how does it work? We cannot compare an RV battery to a sponge.
They do not just absorb amps and store them. An RV battery has to get a higher voltage as opposed to its capacity to charge itself.
Just like a flat tire, as you inflate it, you have to apply more pressure to fill it. If the pressure is not up to the mark, the tire will throw it back out, making it deflate.
That is exactly how an RV battery starts to fill with amp-hours and then starts pushing them back upon hitting the maximum capacity.
This is what a single-stage method is, which can be found in motorhomes and low to mid-range trailers battery chargers.
4. Multi-Stage Chargers
Unlike a single-stage charger, the multi-stage charger is a modern method, which can be found in almost all the latest models of travel trailers and motorhomes.
It helps optimize charging, considering the three stages of a battery charge: bulk, absorption, and float.
The bulk stage is when you charge a battery from low charge to up to 80% capacity. It will constantly charge the battery at 25% of amp capacity.
After hitting a certain level, the battery enters the absorption stage, which is all about balancing the constant flow of volts to the battery until it hits the maximum charge capacity.
After that comes float mode. It ensures to keep the RV battery is fully charged while maintaining a voltage of 13.6 and keeping the battery safe for extended periods.
5. Solar Battery Charger
A majority of RVers are turning to innovative charges to supply power to their entire RV electrical system. RV solar battery charger is a great option if you are also one of them. Smaller solar panels can maintain battery power while not in use. But they require being between 15 to 20 watts.
A larger solar panel between 100 to 150 watts is capable of powering up your entire RV electrical system while also supplying power for a whole day.
If you go with 14 voltages, it will cover the 1 amp required to power the battery while not in use. This is something useful since most RVs lose up to 0.25 amps per hour without any external solicitations.
6. Trickle Chargers
Another type of RV battery charger is a trickle charger. It is its responsibility to keep the battery fully charged. These types of charges are usually small and use a single-stage unit.
The best aspect of trickle chargers due to technological advancement offers a float charge stage. The charge is set o hold a 12V battery; however, you may see various outputs in some models.
Those models can comfortably handle two or more at the same time.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best RV Battery Charger
RV owners who are looking to buy an RV battery charger have to consider various factors. Below I have discussed each of these factors to ensure you get the best RV battery charger.
1. Cost
Cost is among the most deciding factors when buying a product. Every option features a different price tag than others. So, you should keep a budget around features that you want and that are essential for your RV battery.
Moreover, your budget will also narrow down the choices, making the entire process less stressful. However, the main objective behind having a budget is to find a reasonable option having all the features you are looking for.
It is essential to remain realistic about the features you need and the cost of those features.
2. Built Quality
The built quality of an RV battery charge has a lot to do when it comes to your specific needs. You have to think about what design aspects you want to have in your battery charger to ensure you get the most appropriate option.
Like UV-ray resistance and waterproof capabilities, most chargers built quality makes them usable in outdoor environments. On the flip side, some battery chargers don’t have the potential and cannot be used in extreme situations like snowstorms and rainstorms.
If you are looking for a charge that you can use anywhere, you should also accept these features to cost more.
3. Battery Type
Another vital aspect to consider when buying the best RV battery charger is your battery type. Some charger options are useful to charge a specific type of battery only.
A typical example would be a charger model capable of charging lead-acid batteries but does not work when it comes to gel batteries.
If you are looking for a battery recommendation then check this guide on the best battery for travel trailer.
4. Durability
You want an RV battery charger capable of lasting for extended periods. Make sure to avoid buying a product that needs a replacement more often. So, when buying an RV battery charger, find something made from top-tier materials.
5. Battery Size
Another factor to consider is your battery size. It doesn’t mean the physical dimensions of a battery, as one might assume.
Instead, it is measured in amp-hours a battery can store. Generally, a battery can store up to 50Ah and takes about six hours to be fully charged using a 10A battery charger.
Final Thoughts
Having the best RV battery charger with you allows you to travel anywhere without worrying about running out of power.
Above, I have bucketed the five best RV battery chargers that you can have to charge your RV battery bank.
Moreover, to help you get the best and most suitable product, you should also consider the factors mentioned.
Got any queries? Don’t hesitate to write a comment below.
FAQ
Some best heavy-duty RV battery chargers include Optima Digital 1200 12V, NOCO genius G Series, and Battery Tender Plus.What are some best heavy-duty RV battery chargers?
Table of Contents
