{"id":7538,"date":"2021-08-15T04:33:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-15T04:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=7538"},"modified":"2023-03-06T22:10:07","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T22:10:07","slug":"rv-battery-while-plugged-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/rv-battery-while-plugged-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need the Battery if the RV is Plugged In? (Will it Still Work?)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As an RVer – especially if you’re new to the lifestyle – you may be wondering if you still need a battery for your camper if it’s plugged in to shore power. You might be having a problem with your RV battery or just don’t want to replace it – after all, this is expensive and can be a hassle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do I need a battery if my RV is plugged in to shore power? <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a general rule, if you are connected to an external power source, it is not necessary to have a battery. This is true as long as the converter<\/a> is connected and working correctly. However, you will be without a backup power supply in case of a power outage. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To put it simply, if you have shore power, you won’t need to use your battery power. The modern smart systems on your rig will switch the AC power to still operate the DC systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If that last sentence sounded like a foreign language to you, you may want to learn a bit more about RV electrical systems. We’ll explain these in detail below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some other resources under our electric and battery series for your RV:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your RV is plugged in to an external power source, such as shore power at a campground, you do not need to have a battery for the rig. <\/em><\/strong>As long as you have a converter<\/a>, you will be able to operate the electrical systems in your RV that rely on DC power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind, though, that if there’s a power outage and you do not have a battery, you may be without power until the problem has been fixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to fully understand the importance of power sources, let’s start by discussing the various electrical systems in an RV or camper and how they work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your camping rig consists of three separate electrical systems: a chassis system, AC power, and DC power.<\/em><\/strong> Here\u2019s a breakdown of the electrical systems in an RV to understand the topic better:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All drivable RVs (and tow vehicles for travel trailers) will have a chassis system. This vital electrical system is what starts your rig’s engine and powers the systems that you need to run and drive the RV or tow vehicle.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The chassis is critical for getting your RV where you need to go, but once you get there, it’s purpose has been served. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is when the AC and DC power sources come into play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Do I Need a Battery if My RV is Plugged In?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electrical Systems in an RV and How They Work <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chassis Electrical System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
AC Shore Power Source<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n