Battery – Before setting off on a camping trip, the most important thing is electricity.
It is not always possible to have a charging point nearby, especially on longer journeys.
The starter battery is just enough for the most essential functions in the driver’s cab.
The TV in the caravan, roof tent or motorhome would overload it too much.
This is precisely why it is important to find out about the different models in advance.
Are you a camping beginner?
Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips and more here.
Camping Ratgeber:
Gel, AGM & liquid batteries: Which battery do I need?
Another model is the on-board battery.
An on-board battery model that is designed for cyclical loading is generally recommended.
A distinction is made between two types.
On the one hand, there are batteries with bound electrolyte in gel or AGM design.
These are leak-proof and maintenance-free over their entire service life.
On the other hand, there are classic liquid/acid batteries, which can achieve a high cycle stability under the required charging conditions.
In comparison, gel batteries achieve the same rapid discharge under the condition of subsequent direct charging.
AGM batteries have higher performance despite higher charge/discharge currents with the same box size.
Starter battery vs. on-board battery: when do I need what?
The starter battery and on-board battery have different functions, but both are present in almost every motorhome. While the starter battery can be used to supply the driver’s cab with power, the on-board battery serves as a power source for all other consumers. The starter battery, which is located in the engine compartment, supplies power to all consumers in the cab, such as lights, radio, starter motor and accessories. When starting, a high current is drawn from the battery for a very short time. As soon as the engine is running, everything is supplied by the alternator and no more current is drawn. This is why the battery is designed to deliver hundreds of amps within a few seconds. With its flat cycle, it ensures a maximum discharge of 10-20 percent of its capacity. Everything else in the motorhome body, such as lights, water pump, TV and satellite system, is supplied with power from an on-board battery. This is needed if you do not have a power connection nearby and need power for a longer period of time. its task is to supply a few amps for many hours. accordingly, these batteries have a deep cycle and discharge 50 to 80 percent of their capacity.
Service life: you need to pay attention to this!
Who hasn’t experienced this?
Batteries are probably the first thing to give up the ghost after prolonged or excessive/incorrect use.
Whether cell phone, car or remote control.
Here, too, the battery capacity is not a little short.
The problem can be solved by connecting several batteries in parallel to increase the capacity.
It is important that they are all of the same type (gel, AGM, etc.) and have the same capacity.
In addition, no new battery should be connected to an old battery!
Battery capacity: utilize to the maximum
At the beginning we have already seen the higher cycle stability of maintenance-free gel and AGM batteries.
Nevertheless, certain charging conditions and operating states must be observed in order to maintain the advantage.
These conditions maintain the advantage:
- Chargers used must be designed for the battery type
- Desulfator guarantees optimum operational reliability/lifetime
- Aim for the lowest possible discharge
- Avoid deep discharge (protection through undervoltage protection)
The chargers, charge boosters and solar regulators used must be designed for the respective battery type in order to achieve a full charge and avoid a partially charged battery state and the associated sulphation.
In addition, a desulphator guarantees optimum operational safety and a long service life.
It should also be noted that, regardless of the battery type, the service life of the battery will be shortened many times over if it is not used carefully.
Care should therefore be taken to avoid deep discharging with the help of undervoltage protection.
When discharging, however, this should be kept as low as possible.
Reading tips! Electricity for outdoor camping
Alternatively, you can find more interesting articles on the topic of power supply when camping here, which you can read for useful tips and information.
CEE plug: power connection on the campsite
Nowadays, people usually travel with a little more luxury, which of course also requires electricity.
However, you need the right connection to get electricity at the campsite.
The plugs and power connections on campsites have been standardized throughout Europe and are usually immediately recognizable by their blue color.
You should therefore make sure that you have such a connection or have an appropriate adapter with you.
Find out everything you need to know about the CEE plug here!
Cable reel: advantages & regulations at the campsite
If you have a cable reel, you don’t need to worry about the nearest power socket, as you can simply plug in your devices from your car if necessary.
Especially if you are traveling with children, a cable reel will make your time much easier when you need to inflate the mattresses or charge the cell phones as quickly as possible after a long day at the campsite.
Read more about the cable reel for traveling here.
Extension cable: power connection for multiple devices
You don’t have a socket in your camper or want to charge several devices at the same time?
The car battery is usually too weak to keep several devices running.
To avoid sitting there with an engine that won’t start, you should get an extension cable so that you can easily reach the available socket at the campsite and use all your electronic devices.
Read everything you need to know about the right extension lead for camping here!
