Warmer weather is nearly here in the Midwest, and with that comes the lure of summer vacation travel. But before you hop in that new luxury RV or tricked out van to heed the call of the open road, make sure you have the right power system components communicating with each other first. Failure to communicate could put a major crimp in your plans as well as your pocketbook.
We know an RV or camper van is a big investment, with new custom models clocking in at several hundred thousand dollars. At American Power Systems, Inc., we want to offer guidance on what to look for in your RV’s setup to avoid damaging your electrical system and keep your investment intact.
While there are several options for charging your vehicle’s power on-the-go, secondary high-output alternators used with lithium-ion battery banks have become a leading method during the past decade. This option gives you range flexibility, with the ability to charge when “off the grid” and away from traditional charging infrastructure. It’s also quieter and doesn’t require sunny weather to gain a charge.
Since the battery and high-output alternator will work together to provide your power, it’s important to choose ones that can communicate to avoid damage to either component. Here’s where to start:
Step 1: Determine your power needs by making a list of all the appliances you plan to use in your RV or van, including air conditioners, refrigerators, water heaters, microwaves, televisions, lighting fixtures, and more.
Step 2: Choose the type of battery with the voltage and capacity that matches your system's needs and budget.
Step 3: Most importantly, check that your desired battery has a battery management system (BMS) with outbound communication capability that is compatible with your alternator. The BMS monitors the state of charge, temperature, and other parameters to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating. If the BMS senses an issue, it will disconnect. This emergency disconnect can create a high voltage spike situation that can be very detrimental to the system components. However, with a compatible outbound communication capability, the alternator will be able to talk with it and understand it needs to reduce power.
Step 4: Choose the alternator. Make sure that the alternator has enough amperage to charge your battery and that it is compatible with the battery's charging requirements and your vehicle’s make and model. Now is the time to contact APS to come up with the best alternator-charging solution for your application. Our years of leadership in this arena are here to help you.
Bottom line: if your battery and alternator can’t communicate, you risk major damage and thousands of dollars in replacement costs for your battery and/or alternator!
While a battery supplier can assist you with determining the best match for your needs, APS has worked with numerous vendors who sell batteries that have a BMS with outbound communication capability compatible with our alternators. Consider consulting with an APS professional BEFORE purchasing the battery to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. We’re here to help you protect your investment and hit the open road with peace of mind.
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