A wide variety of options are available for RV owners to run electricity on their vehicles, including converters and chargers.
An RV converter is typically installed by an RV owner, who uses it to convert power. On the other hand, a battery charger is used to keep the battery charged. Specifically, both devices are suitable for RVs that don't have electricity running to them.
As you can see, converters and battery chargers serve two different functions for users of recreational vehicles; they're not interchangeable devices. Here we will discuss the differences between them and which one is most important.
RV Converter vs Battery Charger - Preferred One
The converter and the charger devices serve different functions for the users of recreational vehicles. Even Though converters and chargers serve different purposes, they can both be useful for people with RVs that don't have electricity running to them.
Converters are primarily used to convert power while chargers are primarily used to keep the RV battery charged. A converter is typically installed by recreational vehicle owners, who use this device to convert electrical power from the utility line.
The differences between a converter and a charger are as follows:
Battery Charger
- A charger is used to charge batteries in an RV when there is no power supply available for the vehicle.
- A charger can also be used to maintain and grow a battery's charge controller potential through repeated charges and discharges cycles.
- Whereas, a converter simply changes the voltage level from 120v to 12v so RV owners with no electricity can use appliances.
- A charger will keep your RV's batteries charged, while a converter will provide 12-volt power to your appliances and lighting. Without electricity, you won't be able to use certain devices in RVs when they're away from an electrical hookup.
- A charger is used to charge batteries in RVs while a converter is used to run appliances.
Converter
- A converter will convert 120 volts of AC power into 12 volts DC power to be supplied at the outlets inside your RV.
- It converts 220V to 12V, and it supplies 12V power for RVs, boats, and trailers without electricity running to them.
- A converter is typically plugged into a standard 110/120-volt outlet inside your RV.
- So we can say that a converter converts 120 volts of AC power into 12 volts DC power and provides outlets in your recreational vehicle for running small appliances, such as microwaves and coffee pots.
- A converter on the other hand is simply a low voltage power supply unit that will keep your 12V appliances up and running while you are boon-docking.
Although they both work similarly, there are actually some similarities between them!
Similarities Between RV Converters and Battery Chargers
There are several similarities between a converter and a charger:
- Both convert standard power (120 or 240 volts) into lower voltage levels.
- Both converters and chargers provide 12V power for RVs, boats, and trailers without electricity running to them.
- Converters change 240v in the house current in order to supply 12v in the RV.C chargers can both maintain and grow a battery's charge potential through repeated charges and discharge cycles.
- Converters do not provide 12V power. They simply change the voltage level from 120v to 12v so RVs without electricity can use appliances. Chargers are used to charge batteries in an RV when there is no power supply available for the vehicle.
We need to understand what the purpose of a converter and charger is!
What are the Purposes of Using an RV Converter?
There are several purposes for using a converter as like:
Converting Power
Converters are typically installed by RV owners, who use them to convert 120-volt power to 12-volt power. This makes it suitable for people with RVs that don't have electricity already and need a quick conversion.
Running Devices
Converters also support running small appliances directly from the RV's battery or through the converter. This makes it suitable for using appliances such as microwaves and electric coffee pots.
Charging Batteries
Converters can also be used to charge RV batteries at the same time they're being used to run appliances. This is a handy feature that can keep RV owners from having to worry about whether or not their RV battery is charged.
What is the Purpose of Using a Charger?
The RV battery charger is used to keep the RV battery charge controller running from a 12-volt power supply. Specifically, without any form of access to utility power, it can be really difficult for the owner of a recreational vehicle.
Which One is Preferred?
Battery chargers are typically preferred by RV owners who use them to keep their batteries fully charged. Chargers are also used by people with RVs or boats that don't have electricity running to them already. For this purpose, chargers are used to keep the RV lithium battery charged. It is most recommended by other users.
If you are looking for an alternative to an RV converter or charger, we recommend using a solar power system for your RV. The only option that does not require a connection to the outside world and has no moving parts, so it will never fail.
Furthermore, there is another thing that can assist you when your RV is running out of charge, such as an RV inverter charger.
How Can I Use an Inverter in RV?
Specifically, without any form of access to utility power, it can be really difficult for the owner of a recreational vehicle.
A pure sine wave inverter is a nice option to have in your RV because it can work with your charger to provide all of the power you need for your appliances. That last bit of power will help ensure that you don't run out of power for your destinations, even if they are farther away.
This device also works well with generators, which are typically used when an RV is not hooked up to electricity at all.
A modified sine wave inverter charger can also be used to convert 220-volt AC power into 120-volt AC power by plugging into a standard household outlet; however, these are not compatible with appliances plugged into an RV converter charger.
When Can We Use an Inverter in RV?
We can use an inverter in RV in these ways:
- To power smaller devices when the RV is not hooked up to utility power:
- An inverter charger can be used with a charger and an external 12-volt battery (such as solar batteries or solar charge controller) in order to power smaller devices.
- To provide emergency power when the RV is without utility power:
- An inverter can be plugged into a standard household outlet when needed.
- With an upgraded version, this device is also able to work with generators, such as when the RV is not hooked up to electricity at all.
- To convert 220v AC power into 120v AC power:
An inverter can be used with a standard household outlet. This type of inverter is not compatible with devices plugged into an RV power converter.
Tips for Finding the Best Battery Charger & Converter for RV
There are several considerations while finding the best suitable Converter & charger for your RV.
Battery Charger
Battery Chargers can be a complicated thing to understand. The following tips should help you find the best charger for your RV:
- Consider the size of your rig and how much power it uses. You should also think about how many batteries you have in your rig and what type.
- Battery chargers typically charge one battery at a time, but there are some chargers that will charge several batteries at once or get them ready to go in an emergency.
- Make sure that the voltage is appropriate for your devices by looking at volt input/output ratings on the charger's box, reading reviews online, or contacting the manufacturer if necessary.
- Know what type of battery charger you're looking for - a 3 stage smart charger is the most efficient and safest option.
- Factor in the price of your battery charger, including installation costs. You should also think about how long you plan to run the battery and if it will be used regularly or occasionally.
- Get a backup battery for your RV so that you can use both at once and not have to worry about the battery not working when you need it.
- If you plan to use solar power, make sure your charger is compatible with solar panels.
RV Converter
Finding the best converter for your RV can be a daunting task. However, there are some simple steps that you can take to simplify the process.
- Make a list of the appliances that you've got
- Make a note of their wattage requirements
- Calculate the total load that needs to be converted by multiplying the two figures together
- Ensure that your converter has plenty of wattages available
- Research brand names and models before making any decision on purchasing. This will save you a lot of hassle and disappointment.
The best way to do this is by using an online converter buying guide. These guides will take all the guesswork out of finding the ideal converter for your RV, and they're easy to use too!
FAQs
The following are a few frequently asked questions that people are confused about whether to choose a converter or charger:
1. How Much Power does an RV Converter Provide for 12-Volt Appliances?
Typically, a Converter will run a variety of small-scale 12-Volt appliances. With a power converter charger installed one can power lamps, radios, televisions, or any other type of 12 Volt appliance from 120 Volts from the main electrical system.
2. Will Solar Panels Affect the Battery Charger in any Way?
No. The solar panel will not be in any way connected to the charger because they are installed separately. The most charger can be used with solar panels.
3. What are the Best Types of Battery Chargers?
The best types of chargers are 3-stages smart chargers. A three-stage smart charger is the most efficient and safest option to charge your batteries.
4. What is the Difference Between Converter and Inverter?
A converter is a device that changes the voltage from 120V to 12V for use with 12-volt appliances. On the other hand, an Inverter converts AC power to DC power so AC motors and light fixtures won't be damaged by operating on DC power.
Conclusion
A converter is designed to power electric appliances and charge the battery while in use, but it consumes more fuel than a charger. Knowing how much power your power converter charger can provide for all of its functions is the key to maximizing its performance.
Consider your RV's size, how much power it uses at any given time, and what type of batteries you have in your RV to determine which one will be most suitable. Hopefully, this article was helpful in making your decision.
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