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We love its build quality and performance, and it's the cheapest of the competitors.\n\nStill unsure whether you need a DC to DC charger? We dive deeper into this topic in our blog post - https:\/\/vandercampadventures.com\/do-i-need-a-dc-to-dc-charger\/.\n\nAlternatively, if you like the Renogy DC to DC charger but don't know what size to get, follow this step-by-step guide and use the calculators to find the perfect size DC-DC charger for your camper - https:\/\/vandercampadventures.com\/what-size-dc-to-dc-charger\/ \n\n\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\n\n\ud83d\udca1 Learn more about Nemi & Jolly @ Vandercamp Adventures here: https:\/\/www.vandercampadventures.com\/about-us\n\n\ud83d\udd25 DON'T FORGET to grab your FREE campervan budget planner here: https:\/\/www.vandercampadventures.com\n\n\u2764\ufe0f Enjoyed this video? Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to never miss a new video \u2014 and let us know if it has helped you, if it could be improved, and what other how-tos you would like to see in the comments!\n\n\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\n\nRead More \ud83d\udcda\n\nRenogy 40A DC to DC Battery Charger Review - https:\/\/vandercampadventures.com\/renogy-40a-dc-to-dc-battery-charger-review\/\n\nWhat size DC to DC charger do I need? - https:\/\/vandercampadventures.com\/what-size-dc-to-dc-charger\/\n\nDo I need a DC to DC charger? | DC-DC vs VSR - https:\/\/vandercampadventures.com\/do-i-need-a-dc-to-dc-charger\/\n\nHow To Charger A Leisure Battery In 5 Ways - https:\/\/vandercampadventures.com\/charge-a-leisure-battery\/\n\n\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\n\nVideo Links \ud83d\udd17\n\nThese product links are affiliate links. We may earn some commission if you make a purchase after clicking one. This pocket money will help Vandercamp Adventures grow at no extra cost to you. It\u2019s a win-win situation!! \n\nRenogy 40A DC-DC Battery Charger - https:\/\/shrsl.com\/3snb9\n\nRenogy Charger Manual Download - https:\/\/shrsl.com\/3snb9\n\nCable Lugs - https:\/\/ebay.us\/gyItuD\n\nCable Lug Crimping Tool - https:\/\/ebay.us\/1EPJCk\n\nAWG to MM Cable Calculator - https:\/\/www.electricalworld.com\/en\/AWG-to-MM-Cable-Conversion-Guide-and-Calculator\/cc-51.aspx\n\n\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\n\nChapters \u231b\n\n00:00 - Intro\n02:07 - Overview\n04:06 - Components\n05:29 - Measurements\n05:56 - Ventilation\n06:37 - Cable Terminations\n08:11 - D+ Ignition Wiring\n09:40 - LC connection\n10:20 - DIP Switches\n12:57 - Specification\n13:48 - Mounting\n14:42 - A Note On Alternators\n18:05 - Thanks \n\n\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\n\nStay connected with us! \ud83d\udd17\n\nFacebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/vandercampadventures\nInstagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/vandercamp_adventures\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.vandercampadvenures.com\n\n\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\n\nThank you to everyone who supports and engages with us. We appreciate you all so much.\nSee you on the road!\n\n\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\n\nTags\n#renogy #campervanconversion #batterycharger","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/E-QQ93cjQF0\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/E-QQ93cjQF0\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/E-QQ93cjQF0\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/E-QQ93cjQF0\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/E-QQ93cjQF0\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2023-01-30T10:41:07+00:00","duration":"PT18M51S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E-QQ93cjQF0","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCkyaUmsfR8Yg0Ma1dvXO8bg#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCkyaUmsfR8Yg0Ma1dvXO8bg","name":"Vandercamp Adventures","description":"Van Build, Camper Vanlife & Adventures: Documenting our vanlife journey since 2019, including 3 (ongoing) years in our Luton box van.\n\nHi, we're Nemi and Jolly. We quit our jobs, sold our stuff, and bought a van to convert into a camper for full-time vanlife adventures.\n\nJolly is a qualified electrical engineer. He runs a campervan electrics consultancy business and provides free help and support via our 'Campervan Electrics Mastery: For Beginners' Facebook group.\n\n\nSUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL\nSubscribe and ring the bell to be notified when we upload a new YouTube video to our channel.\nSubscribe here \u27a1\ufe0e https:\/\/bit.ly\/2PSPmia\n\nCONTACT US\nEmail: info@vandercampadventures.com\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.vandercampadventures.com\n\nSOCIALS\nFacebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/campervanelectricsmastery\/\nInstagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/vandercamp_adventures\n\nThank you to everyone who supports and engages with us. We appreciate you all so much.\nSee you on the road!\n\n\n\n\n\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/F8bcNoLVURJPclerZbrfv1Wf06x3LO4QZZtmEeHyjIGZP9gTIcti0nidneyeEt_rm7GlOleR=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E-QQ93cjQF0#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E-QQ93cjQF0#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E-QQ93cjQF0&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E-QQ93cjQF0#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":20298}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E-QQ93cjQF0#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":303}]}],"about":["Off Grid","RVs","Van Life"],"wordCount":1805,"articleBody":"Keeping your RV batteries topped up is something that any RVer quickly realizes is a necessity. Even those who didn\u2019t understand how quickly battery power gets drained, they learn fast!There are different approaches to ensuring batteries remain always topped up. These include while towing your RV, at an RV campground, or using a generator.For larger motorhomes and an RV towable like a fifth wheel, a modern generator may come included. It\u2019s also possible that the existing generator is at the end of its useful life and\/or doesn\u2019t offer enough capacity or outputs to be very useful.Smaller travel trailers or campers likely didn\u2019t come with one. Then you\u2019ll need a portable generator to take on your travels and plugin as needed.            Table of Contents                                    show                                                How to Charge RV Battery with Generator                            Always Prepare Your Battery Bank First                            Using a Built-in RV Generator                            Portable Generator to Charge Battery Bank?                            5 Stages for How to Charge RV Battery with Portable Generator                            FAQ                            What size generator to charge RV battery?                            How fast will a generator charge a battery?                            RV battery not charging from generator                            Is using a generator the fastest method to recharge RV batteries?                            Closing Thoughts                            Related Articles        How to Charge RV Battery with GeneratorRV generators are different from other kinds.They\u2019re specifically designed for people who travel. Typically, they have multiple outputs, may support multi-fuel options, and allow for powering appliances and charging your 12-volt house battery bank concurrently.It\u2019s always a good idea to read up on your generator model first. This way, you\u2019ll know what to expect and can turn it off quickly should you need to.Always Prepare Your Battery Bank FirstTip: Whenever you\u2019re working with batteries, wear safety eyewear and gloves for this purpose. It avoids any escaped fluids or other matter touching your skin or eyes.Most RV house batteries are the deep cycle type. If they\u2019re not lithium and have fluctuating levels, then it\u2019ll be necessary to verify the fluid for each battery.Some battery types may use distilled water that needs to rise above the plates inside the battery itself. This forms part of normal battery maintenance requirements, which the manufacturer will be able to confirm.The exterior of the batteries inside a battery bank can pick up dust, debris, and possible corrosion too. Look at them and use a brush to carefully remove anything unwanted from their surface.It\u2019s cleaner, safer, and allows for more efficient charging too.Using a Built-in RV GeneratorIf you\u2019re lucky enough to have a built-in model, they will be set up to charge the house batteries. It\u2019ll usually have an RV converter that transforms the standard 120 volts across to the 12-volt DC power that house batteries require. In so doing, a generator to charge 12v battery installations works fine. It should be only a matter of looking at the RV instruction manual if you don\u2019t already know how to hook everything up. Using as few RV appliances while charging up the battery bank shortens the recharging time.Run the generator when you\u2019re away from other RVers and it\u2019s not an inconvenient time of day. RV parks will have restrictions on generator usage including limited times when it\u2019s permitted.Even if boondocking, sound carries for miles unobstructed. Distant neighbors won\u2019t take kindly to the interruption to their peace. Bare this in mind to avoid having someone highly agitated banging angrily on your RV\u2019s door!Read Also: RV Solar for BeginnersPortable Generator to Charge Battery Bank?Choosing a dependable, portable generator is essential if you don\u2019t have an onboard one or it\u2019s unreliable. It must have sufficient capacity both with fuel and energy output as a generator to charge battery banks. Then your RV batteries can be topped up regularly and well-maintained.For example, charging RV batteries with a Honda generator is possible using this Honda 3,000-watt, 120-volt model:https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pvjUXMFlCQ4&pp=ygUhSG9uZGEgUG93ZXIgRXF1aXBtZW50IEVVMzAwMElTMUFOVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Honda EU3000IS Portable Generator: Power RVs, Food Trucks, Campsites, Tailgate Parties & More (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pvjUXMFlCQ4&pp=ygUhSG9uZGEgUG93ZXIgRXF1aXBtZW50IEVVMzAwMElTMUFO)Honda Power Equipment 3,000W 120V Portable Home Gas Power Generator (Model EU3000IS1AN)Check at Amazon\u24d8 If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.5 Stages for How to Charge RV Battery with Portable GeneratorStage #1 \u2013 Confirm the amount of available fuel\/oil in the generator. Review the air filters too.Don\u2019t run the generator with insufficient fuel or a clogged air filter. It could sputter and send a spike or surge to your battery bank.Stage #2 \u2013 Position the portable RV generator outsideIt needs to be a short distance from the RV. Place it on flat, level ground, and preferably on a stand to keep it dry. This is required to vent any fumes generated from the gasoline, diesel, or other fuel source used to power the RV generator.Stage #3 \u2013 Follow the startup procedure for the portable generatorEach portable generator is different. Our example one above requires a set procedure including turning off the throttle, enabling the fuel, and closing the choke before turning it on. Read the instructions for your RV generator to do it the correct way.Stage #4 \u2013 Give the generator time to stabilize itselfSmooth, regular power is what\u2019s required of your portable generator. This allows you to confirm that it\u2019s functioning well before hooking it up to your precious battery bank.Stage #5 \u2013 Hook the generator up to the RVThe power cord from the RV may plug directly into the portable generator. You may need an WEN Twist-Lock RV adapter. In case of incompatibility, try the 30-amp twist adapter below:https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nTbh4MqfzJAVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Generator Upgrade from TT-30 to L5-30 Twist-Lock (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nTbh4MqfzJA)WEN NEMA Twist-Lock Power Plug to TT-30R Ready Outlet, 120V 30-Amp 3600-Watt Generator to RV Adapter \u2013 Black (Model GNA030 L5-30P)Check at Amazon\u24d8 If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Read Also: How to Charge RV Battery from Vehiclehttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=afeD-xzzPagVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Using a generator to charge batteries (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=afeD-xzzPag)Read Also: How to Watch TV with a GeneratorFAQWhat size generator to charge RV battery?When you\u2019re charging a deep cycle battery with a generator, it\u2019s good to know what to expect.If using the built-in RV generator but are running 120-volt appliances at the same time, then it won\u2019t recharge the house batteries as quickly. The spec from the RV model\u2019s manual will only be able to supply rough estimates from when the RV is not in use.For portable generators, you may also have other appliances plugged into them and powered at the same time. This reduces how quickly your house batteries will be topped up.A generator in the 3,000 watts to 4,000 watts capacity range is what\u2019s required to completely recharge RV batteries using the 12-volt system. Practically speaking, the more watts, the better!Furthermore, an RV inverter generator is a better option than a regular generator. This is because it will regulate the power output to help avoid spikes during recharging cycles.How fast will a generator charge a battery?The total time to recharge RV batteries depends on how many batteries there are, how drained they\u2019ve become, the output of your RV generator, and how many amps can be received too.Using a multi-stage, 12 volt generator battery charger with a higher capacity will help to harness the generator\u2019s power and safely direct it to the house batteries. It will also ensure that no batteries get overcharged and damaged.For instance, the Renogy battery charger offers reliable DC to DC charging and comes in 30-, 40- and 60-amp capacities:https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E-QQ93cjQF0Video can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Renogy 40A DC to DC Battery Charger | UNBOXING & How It Works (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E-QQ93cjQF0)Renogy 12V 40A DC to DC On-Board Battery Charger for Flooded, Gel, AGM, and Lithium, Multi-Stage Charging for RVs \u2013 40A (30 and 60 amp models available)Check at Amazon\u24d8 If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Read Also: Quickest Way to Charge RV BatteriesRV battery not charging from generatorIf your built-in RV generator isn\u2019t giving your house batteries a charge up, you\u2019ll need to look more carefully.Follow these steps if you\u2019re having generator charging issues:Verify that the connections to the battery haven\u2019t worked loose during a long journey.The converter circuit breaker could have tripped and now be off. Alternatively, one of the fuses might need to be replaced.The generator may have one or 2 breakers. Look for both and ensure they haven\u2019t tripped.Eyeball at the batteries themselves too. See if they are short on electrolytes and need more distilled water, cleaner battery terminals, or other remedial actions.If you feel uncomfortable working on these systems, hire an RV workshop to troubleshoot what\u2019s wrong and fix it for you. Have them explain it as well, so you can learn from the experience.Is using a generator the fastest method to recharge RV batteries?There are various quick approaches to complete an RV battery charge up. Using a generator is perhaps the noisiest and so it\u2019s always good to know other approaches.Our article on the fastest RV battery charging methods is worth a look too.Closing ThoughtsUsing a built-in generator or a portable generator to recharge your RV batteries can solve many problems. It\u2019ll need to be performed at an appropriate time and place to avoid upsetting nearby RVers.Also, ensure your generator has sufficient wattage to charge the batteries in a timely fashion. They\u2019ll likely need several hours to fully recharge and if the generator\u2019s output is on the low side, it\u2019ll take much longer.Related ArticlesFastest Way to Charge RV BatteriesHow to Charge RV Battery from VehicleHow to Tell If a Deep Cycle Battery is BadDo RV Outlets Work on Battery?How Many Watts Does an RV Refrigerator Use?How to Watch TV with a GeneratorHow Long Will A 12 Volt Battery Run a Refrigerator?RV Solar for Beginners"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"How to Charge RV Battery with Generator","item":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/how-to-charge-rv-battery-with-generator\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]