Can a Motorhome Battery be Charged While Driving or Off a Generator?
Updated 08/29/2025 | Published 08/18/2025
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Question:
I am in the market of a Monaco or Beaver coach. As you know they have a generator and very little or no solar on the roof. I dont want to put solar panels on top, but want a battery that will charge while driving or off the generator. Suggestions? Purpose. Boon docking with out use of generator all the time
asked by: Jesse R
Expert Reply:
Hey Jesse!
There are a few ways to charge the battery on your RV; solar panels, through a converter when connected to shore power or generator, and through charging from the alternator (while driving).
You're wanting to avoid the first 2 options so what we need to get you setup with is the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger system that will charge your battery bank through your alternator while you're driving. The 25 Amp Kit # 331-BCDC1225D is perfect for 75 amp-hours - 200 amp-hours battery banks, but I'm not sure what either of those coaches have on them so you'll have to get into the details for that.
Boondocking is a really cool way to camp, but can get a little complicated when it comes to wanting to maintaining power so we'll have a bit of back and forth between us before you'll have what you need.
Here are some questions I'll need you to answer and look into before we move onto what exact kit you'll be wanting to get:
1. What is your battery bank size (in amp-hours)?
2. What electronics do you plan on using while boondocking?
3. How much power will each electronic be pulling, and how long do you plan on using them each day?
4. What are the specs of your generator?
5. Are you willing to use a portable solar panel kit like the Redarc # RED75VR?
Let me know the answers to these questions and I'll be happy to help you continue looking into this!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 25 Amp
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- RV/Camper
- Trailer
- 12V
- Charges and Maintains
- AGM
- Calcium
- Gel
- Lead Acid
- Lithium
- Solar Panels to Auxiliary Battery
- Vehicle Battery to Auxiliary Battery
- Smart Charge
- Trickle Charge
- Redarc
more information >
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Jesse R.
8/29/2025
What batteries would you suggest to use. There are new technology that might allow smaller batteries that hold more power.