How To Charge Slide-In Truck Camper Battery While Driving

Question:

I am getting my 2021 F-150 set up for a slide in truck camper and want to know what options there are for charging the battery bank in the camper. I have heard that you can tap into the 7-way RV plug at the back of the truck to do so but also told that is not going to provide a safe charge. Why? And, what is better way?

asked by: David L

Expert Reply:

That is correct, you can tap into the plug and it will provide a charge but keep in mind that this is not the most efficient way for charging a battery. This method does not provide any charge balancing or battery charge management and on newer vehicles (2008 and later) with "smart alternators" this will drop the voltage and never provide enough power to fully charge a battery. Especially not a lithium battery that becoming more commonly used in the RV world. In the past, with older vehicles and lower AH lead acid deep cycle battery banks this was a very successful and commonly used method to provide a charge. It just does not work well with more modern electrical systems on today's trucks/SUV's and especially when using a lithium chemistry battery bank. However, we have a great solution for you in Redarc products no matter what battery you have, large or small AH battery size and no matter the vehicle.

For your 2021 Ford F-150 and slide-in truck camper I have three products to recommend, the difference being what size and type of battery bank you have/will have for your truck camper. All three options are variations of the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger. These are DC-to-DC smart chargers that install in your vehicle or in the camper and will pull power from your trucks start battery to charge your auxiliary battery bank.

The Redarc # RED96FR is a 12 amp charger that works with AGM, gel, standard lead acid or even Lithium ion batteries. This is ideal for smaller battery banks rated less than 75 amp-hours. For the truck campers without a bathroom but has a small water tank for a kitchen sink, lights and a radio this a very cost effective way to keep that battery properly charged and do so with proper charge profiles.

The second option, and the more commonly used, is the Redarc # 331-BCDC1225D. This is a 25 amp dual-input version and ideal for battery banks rated between 75 and 200 amp-hours. It is dual-input meaning it is solar power capable, the charger automatically draws power from panels before tapping into vehicle battery using a built-in MPPT regulator that ensures the most efficient power transfer possible in all conditions. If you intend to have a battery bank between 75 and 200 AH and/or intend to add solar panels, this is the best option.

Third, the Redarc, # 331-BCDC1240D is the 40 amp version, same as the 25 version but used for battery banks in excess of 200 AH.