Pop Up Camper Battery: Type of Battery, Maintenance, and Setup

Have you ever wondered what kind of battery you need for your pop up camper?

Pop up campers are all the rage. For the past few summers, pop up campers have been top sellers at many locations and, because of this, so have pop up camper batteries.

These handy batteries work the same way as the batteries used in traditional campers, providing a reliable source of power for instances where there is no external power available.

If you’ve ever been curious about pop up campers and their batteries, then you’re in luck. Today we’re going to discuss everything you’ve been wanting to know about the batteries used in pop up campers.

Do Pop up Campers Have Batteries?

Do pop up campers have batteries? No, pop up campers do not come with batteries. Since they are a more lightweight, less heavy-duty type of camper, they tend to lack many of the bulky features of traditional campers — this, of course, includes batteries.

They are much more similar to a travel trailer then they are a regular camper in this sense.

Luckily, you can purchase batteries to use with your pop up camper. This helps to ensure that you have electricity and heat while spending time off grid, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling with young children.

What Size Deep Cycle Battery Should I Purchase?

When you’re traveling with a pop up camper, you’ll want to invest in a deep cycle battery.

What Size Deep Cycle Battery Should I Purchase? Deep cycle batteries are a great option for recreational vehicles and are known for having a lot of start up energy. They also tend to have a better overall long-term delivery when compared with traditional 12V batteries.

In addition, they can also be drained to 80% and then charged up fully, which is a major bonus for anyone who’s planning to use their battery for more than a day or two.They can also be beneficial if you’re using your battery for a big task.

Typically, lead acid deep cycle batteries are the cheapest and the easiest to find in stores. However, they are also the kind of deep-cycle battery that generally requires the most maintenance and upkeep.

Best Deep Cycle Battery For RV

The Weize 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery is the best deep cycle battery for the RV you can get out there.

👉 Purchase: You can purchase the Weize 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery today! Just follow the link to Amazon where you can see current pricing.

How Does The Battery Charge On A Pop up Camper?

Typically, pop up camper batteries are charged using basic wall outlets. Most batteries will come with a cable that connects to AC outlets within the home, allowing you to charge your battery in between uses.

The plug is simply plugged into the outlet, while the other end is attached to the battery. It’s pretty much the same thing as charging your cellphone.

Some batteries will have a number of charging-related modes. These can include modes that prevent overcharging, as well as modes that protect from the effects of undercharging and the wear and tear of regular use.

Alternatively, you could opt to use a generator to charge your batteries. The process of doing so is the same as using a wall outlet but will require the generator to first be charged, have batteries, or be filled with propane or gas, which costs a bit of money on the side.

Pop up camper power basics >> Check out the video below:

https://youtu.be/4wlGBa6PSQY?t=1

What Does The Battery Do On a Pop up Camper?

When it comes to pop up campers, external batteries are extremely useful. They are used for a variety of things in and around the camper. Most commonly, they’re used to charge cellphones, music players, and handheld game devices.

👉 They are also used to supply outlets with electricity that can be used to operate kettles and coffee makers, keep mini-fridges cold, and allow things like microwaves and toasters to run, should you have them in your camper.

👉 Batteries can be used to power basic functions of souped-up pop up campers, as well. Owners can use power from their batteries to operate motorized awnings and windows.

👉 It’s important to remember that although the batteries can do a lot, using external battery power to complete large jobs will quickly deplete the battery’s charge.

If you use your battery often, you’ll need to charge it more often to keep up with your needs.

How Long Will The Battery Last On A Pop up Camper?

How Long Will The Battery Last On A Pop up Camper? On average, though, well-maintained batteries can last up to 50 hours or 2 to 3 days in between charges as long as they are being used wisely and under normal, everyday circumstances.

The battery life of pop up camper batteries varies. It is determined by a variety of factors including the power of the battery, the brand, how much the battery was charged the previous time that it was plugged in, and what it’s being used for.

As we said, larger jobs will deplete the battery resources more quickly than, say, charging your cellphone or using the electric kettle to make a pot of tea.

Battery life also depends on how well the battery has been maintained. Batteries, who have been neglected will drain quicker than those who have been looked after — that is, kept in a dry place, charged at the appropriate time, and not overused.

Having your battery being constantly used will not only deplete its charge but can also weaken the battery’s ability to withhold a charge, which starts to get into the maintenance aspect of pop up camper batteries. 

Read also: Can a TV Run on a 12V Battery? [This Is How]

Can I Plug In My Camper Without A Battery?

Can you plug your camper without a battery? Yes, you are able to plug in your camper without having a battery installed. If you have a source of external power such as free power from a camp site, then you don’t need to have the battery plugged in.

Camper batteries are designed to be used as secondary sources of power, much like a back up generator that one might keep in their basement for power outages.

If the power goes out, the generator will kick in; this is, essentially, what happens when you use you camper’s batteries.

Now, if you’re wondering if you can use the outlets in your camper without being plugged into anything – external power source or a battery- then the answer is no.

In this case, nothing that requires electricity will work. That means no lights, no tea, no changing of cell phones or cameras, and no cold water from the mini-fridge.

Does a 7 Pin Trailer Plug Charge Battery?

Does a 7 Pin Trailer Plug Charge Battery? Yes, charging a battery to a 7 pin trailer plug is possible. You can wire the battery to the 7 pin outlet using a connecter. However, you won’t be able to fully charge a battery and this method is not recommended for charging dead batteries.

The first thing to do is to check for the voltage using a voltmeter. A reading of about 12 volts is expected. Make sure that your trailer is turned off.

Run two wires from the trailer end of the 7-pin connector to the battery. Attach the alligator clips to the battery terminals. Plug the trailer into the 7 pin connector to begin charging.

Unfortunately, this kind of charging will not be efficient for your battery. In reality, it does not actually charge the battery but rather maintains it.

Hence, if your goal is to maintain the power of your battery to give you enough time to find a reliable power source, then this option may be suitable for you.

How Long Will a 100ah Battery Run an Appliance That Requires 400w? 

How Long Will a 100ah Battery Run an Appliance That Requires 400w?  a 100 AH battery can deliver 5 amps in 20 hours. A 400- watt appliance may be a small television, a blender, or a cellphone.

The standard AH is 20 hours. The amp-hour or AH is a measure that represents the battery life. It tells how many amps, or the power, the battery can deliver for how many hours until the battery dies. Amps are multiplied by the number of hours.

You can also convert the AH to watts if you know the voltage of the appliance. Simply multiply amp hours (AH) by the voltage to convert to watt-hours.  

Most devices have watts and voltage listed on them, and this will help you estimate battery life.

There are things you need to consider when buying a 100 AH battery. One is to make sure that the battery life will give you enough power supply for your appliances or gadgets while you are off the grid.

Read also: 5 Effective Ways to Charge a Dead Travel Trailer Battery

Why Does My Camper Battery Keep Dying? 

Why Does My Camper Battery Keep Dying? When you don’t charge your battery in full, it won’t be able to deliver the expected amp hours. Make sure the battery gets a full charge for maximum efficiency.

However, batteries can easily die especially when you are using too many appliances and devices plugged even when not in use. Most can draw 12 V even when not in active use, this is known as a parasitic draw.

When the battery does not deliver the expected number of hours until fully discharged, take note that the formula mentioned above is hypothetical. There are many factors that can impact the battery’s life in the real setting.

Some batteries easily die because they are already damaged. When a battery is depleted below its voltage cut-off point, this can damage the unit.

Make sure not to deplete the battery below that level. Although, there are batteries that automatically and keeps the battery unavailable for use.

The battery life is also dependent on the type of camper battery. Lead-acid batteries have less available AH. It is not recommended to be drained below 50 percent of its capacity.

Lithium batteries, on the other hand, can be discharged to zero percent capacity, giving you twice as many usable amp-hours as a lead-acid battery.

Batteries can easily die especially when you are using too many appliances and devices plugged even when not in use. Most can draw 12 V even when not in active use, this is known as a parasitic draw.

Read also: This Is Why Your RV Battery Is Overheating? (Read This First)

Are Lithium RV Batteries Worth The Cost?

Are Lithium RV Batteries Worth the Cost? Yes, Lithium RV batteries are worth the cost, Lithium batteries are more efficient in that they can be discharged to 80% of their capacity. A lead-acid battery will only provide 50 % of its capacity and the voltage drops below its usable level.

Lithium RV batteries are also built to last.

Dry campers would say that lithium RV batteries are the latest and the best type to deliver power. They are worth the cost. Compared with the usual cheaper lead-acid batteries, lithium RV batteries have a faster charging-rate. They are a good investment for dry campers.

Lithium RV batteries are also more durable and lighter, hence easier to manage than lead-acid batteries. It consumes a smaller space in your RV.

They are also considered safe because of their battery management system that controls charging, discharging and prevents battery damage.

Although lithium RV batteries are pretty much expensive, consider it as a long-term investment and fewer troubles as you travel and camp.  

How Long Do I Need To Run a Generator to Charge RV Batteries?

How Long Do I Need To Run a Generator to Charge RV Batteries?  A typical generator has a 12- volt output. With this voltage, a 100 AH RV battery can be brought to a half charge within 5 to 6 hours. But, that’s about everything you can get.

After which, the generator ceases to charge and will not be able to fully bring an RV battery to its full maximum capacity.

A generator takes a long time to charge an RV battery. In most instances, it also fails to fully charge it.

The safe length you can run an RV generator, depending on the model and type, is usually 8-20 hours, whereas built-in RV generators can safely run for several days with proper care and maintenance.

The continuous steady output limit for a generator is usually 80%.

Make sure that your generator is of high-quality that it won’t cause damage to your RV batteries. You can have your generator checked before using it on your next trip. 

What Is The Best 12 volt RV Battery?

What Is The Best 12 volt RV Battery? Lithium RV batteries are considered the best option nowadays because it lasts longer, highly durable, and are much more efficient compared to the traditional, low-cost, deep-cycle batteries.

The best 12 volt RV battery must be highly efficient, long-lasting, and has good battery life. You may also consider the cost, making sure that the investment fits your budget.

Also, consider the appliances you will plugin. Make sure to list down the appliances and gadgets you will be using on your trips.

 The key feature to take note of when buying an RV battery is to determine the battery size and its capacity.

Larger batteries come with more power but will consume a larger space. As mentioned above, take note of the battery’s power measured in amp hour. Check if this is enough to power your appliances during your RV trips.

I really like this Weize 12V 100AH Lithium Deep Cycle RV Battery. It’s not terribly expensive but gets amazing reviews. Just follow the link to Amazon where you can see current pricing.

👉 Purchase: If you are interested in the Weize 12V 100AH Lithium Deep Cycle RV Battery then just follow the link to Amazon where you can see current pricing.

How Long Will a 12 Volt Battery Run an RV Refrigerator? 

How Long Will a 12 Volt Battery Run an RV Refrigerator? A 12-volt battery will run an RV refrigerator for about six to eight hours.  But it could be as little as four to five hours.  This will depend on the size of the refrigerator and if it’s is a standard one made specific for RV usage.  

This means it will expend 150 watts while running, drawing about 12 amps per hour from one battery.  The more amp hours the battery provides the greater amount of time the refrigerator can operate. 

Having more batteries means more hours of use.

It may be a good idea to test the battery before going on the road.  This way you can be precise in your knowledge about time in relation to the battery. 

You can get an estimate of how much power goes to the refrigerator and how many batteries you’ll need.

Read also: Does RV Refrigerator Work Better on Gas or Electric? [Gas vs DC Fridge]

What Color Wire Is Positive On a Camper?

What Color Wire Is Positive On a Camper? The positive cable should almost always be red. But of course, this isn’t always the case. Camper electrical systems should have the same conventional color coding found in most vehicles. 

If the positive wire isn’t red, you can wrap it in red electrical tape to better identify it later on. But, before attempting modification, look to see if there are any obvious signs of previous repairs.

Upon verifying this is the case, make sure you check and test the wiring with a voltmeter or test light.

Do this for every connector in your camper to ensure nothing is poorly wired, mislabeled and that everything is in proper working order. 

When in doubt, contact an electrician or a vehicle repair specialist to bring your camper up to code. Electrical issues are the last thing you want to deal with on the road.

How Long Do New Batteries Last On a Camping Trip?

How Long Do New Batteries Last On a Camping Trip? In general, they’ll last about two to three days under normal use of RV functions. Things like lighting, refrigerator, awning, heater and water pump will consume energy. However, the amount of time a battery can last on a camping trip is dependent on various factors.

But, if you’re able to conserve and be resourceful, the battery life may last as long as six to seven days. Of course, the kind of battery will make all the difference. It may be worth spending a few extra dollars on one that’s high-quality and designed to last.

How long the batteries last rely on usage versus energy conservation. If you’re using normal amounts of power, expect the battery’s life span to be short.

For instance, if you’re running your awning twice per day along with incandescent lighting, don’t expect power to last very long.  

Read also: Should I Leave My RV Refrigerator On All the Time?

Does a Generator Charge Its Own Battery? 

Does a Generator Charge Its Own Battery?  Yes, more often than not, a generator should be able to charge its own battery. Most generators come equipped with a circuit that charges while running. But if it’s not in use, then it won’t be able to charge itself at all.   

A generator’s capacity to charge its own battery depends on the generator itself.  If you’re unsure, you can check it with a voltmeter. You can do this by allowing some power to drain from the generator.  Then, start it up and watch the meter.  

If you notice it charge on its own or reads higher while running compared to when it’s turned off, then it has its own charging circuit. 

If not, then you’ll have to plug in the generator to charge it or use solar power, if that’s a feature on your generator.

Read also: Can You Jump Start A Generator Battery?

Can You Call 911 For a Jump Start?

Can You Call 911 For a Jump Start? Yes, in some places, you can call the police to help you with a jump start.  If you’re not in an emergency, call the non-emergency number. Only call 911 in cases where danger is imminent.

Calling 911 without being in an emergency or experiencing danger could result in heavy fines and criminal charges.  

It’s important to note that not all police everywhere will give you a jump, even if you call the non-emergency number. It might be better to call an auto club or an emergency tow company that offers roadside services.

Read also: Can You Jump Start A Generator Battery?

How To Add a Battery To a Pop up Camper?

Adding a battery to your pop up camper is dead simple. Nearly every single pop up camper on the market will come equipped with some sort of electrical wiring.

These wires will often feed through to the tongue of the pop up camper i.e. the part of the camper that includes the hitch. If you do not have any wiring in the pop up camper, then it is important that you talk to an expert in RV electronics. It would be too dangerous to wire up the system yourself.

👉 To start with, you will need to add a battery box to the tongue of the pop up camper. Inside of this box should be a 12V battery.

It is important to have the box to ensure that the battery is protected in all weathers.

👉 The black wire from the pop up camper will need to be connected to the positive terminal on the battery. This wire may also be red.

It will be dependent on the camper. Make sure that it is securely fastened onto the terminal.

👉 If the current wiring does not stretch to the tongue of the pop up camper, you can run a 10ga wire from the positive battery terminal into the camper.

Inside of the camper, you can connect it directly up to the relevant black cable.

👉 The second wire will likely be white or brown. This is your ground wire. This will connect to the negative terminal of the battery.

If there is no ground wire, then you can run your own 10ga wire from the negative terminal to an open space on the pop up frame.

It is important that you do this to ensure that the pop up camper is properly grounded. You likely do not want to be suffering from any nasty shocks.

How The Hookup Or Connect A Battery To Your Camper or RV >> Check out the video below:

Conclusion 

While there are many people that run their campers ‘dry’, there is so much more that you can with your camper if you have electricity flowing into the vehicle.

Thankfully, connecting up a battery is not all that difficult. It is likely that your pop up camper already has the wiring that you need.

All you need to do is get hold of a battery box and a 12v battery. Once everything is in place, that battery should be able to run most electrical equipment for a surprisingly long time. 

References

https://www.popupexplorer.com/

https://www.popupportal.com/