As an RV owner, you’re someone who wants to get on the road as soon as possible. You might be excited to explore parts of America you’ve never seen before. Or perhaps you’re looking to settle into your favorite camping spot before sunset. Either way, a dead battery is the last thing you want to contend with.
Yet, it can happen. That’s why having an RV jump starter on hand will ensure you have peace of mind, especially when you have it with you at all times in preparation for any battery problems that could happen. We will be going over the best RV jump starter options from Battery Tender in this guide.
Why Is a Jump Starter For Your RV Necessary?
RVs are large and demand plenty of power compared to standard car batteries. Aside from the engine that keeps it moving, you have plenty of other components that need power, including the lights, kitchen appliances, television, and climate control features. Simply put, an RV battery is no slouch when it comes to the power it demands to keep things running.
Even when your RV is parked for a long period or operating on auxiliary systems, your battery still does a lot. That’s why an RV jump starter is needed whenever you go camping or go on long road trips. The thing to remember is that RV batteries can drain from inactivity, parasitic loads, or cold weather (especially when it’s being stored in the wintertime).
Things to Look For in an RV Jump Starter
RV jump starters are much different from standard ones used for your car. One major reason is the power requirements it provides. Aside from that, there are other must-have features you’ll need. Here’s a look at what they are:
High Cranking Power (1200A and Up)
Specifically, any jump starter with a peak current ranging from 1200 to 2000 amps will be sufficient to start an RV. While higher peak AMPs can be beneficial, the actual requirement depends on the specific RV's engine size and type. For instance, some RVs with smaller engines might not need as high as 2000 peak amps. It's essential to consult the RV manufacturer's specifications or a professional to determine the appropriate jump starter capacity. To stay within budget, consider choosing a jump starter with peak amps that match your vehicle’s needs, avoiding higher-cost models with unnecessary power.
Built-In Safety Features
Whether it's reverse polarity protection, short-circuit protection, or overcharging protection, these safety features should be in place in a jump starter. You must consider a device that includes these features to ensure you can worry less about damaging the battery or risking severe consequences from unsafe use.
Additional Features
While these functions are optional, they are necessary for certain situations. For example, LED flashlights can be great for nighttime situations, such as emergency signaling or using an air compressor to add air to your tires. Meanwhile, a USB port will be used to keep electronics charged (especially your mobile phone). Finally, one feature to look out for is a digital display that provides easy-to-read monitoring, including battery health and voltage, to indicate the current charge level of your battery.
The Best RV Jump Starter: What We Suggest
Now, we’ll take a look at these RV jump starters that might serve as the best fit for your battery needs. Each one has a different peak amperage, providing you with excellent features that will ensure long-term, reliable use. Let’s go over the following options we suggest:
1500 AMP Jump Starter with 12000 mAh Power Bank
Let’s begin with the most cost-effective option on the list. The 1500 AMP Jump Starter with 12000 mAh portable power bank still packs quite a punch when it comes to powering your RV’s battery (given its compact size). This is designed to work for 12V batteries with a 7.0L gas and 5.5L diesel engine, making it an excellent fit for RVs and other vehicles with either of these engines in particular. At 1500 peak amps, it’s an excellent option for sending power to your battery.
It also features 3 USB outputs, allowing you to charge your favorite devices. Simply put, it’s an excellent RV jump starter at an affordable price. The good news is that you won’t be sacrificing power output, as it happens to be the cost-effective option. Even with the safety features in place, like reverse polarity and the extras that go with it, you’re still getting a heck of a deal.
Key Features:
- Features 1500 AMPs for 12V batteries.
- Includes 3 USB outputs for charging mobile devices.
- Compatible with AGM, GEL, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries.
2000 AMP Jump Starter with 16000 MAH Power Bank
Next is the 2000 AMP Jump Starter that features a 16000 MAH Power Bank. It packs on a bit more peak amperage power and will likely be the go-to option for larger RVs. It’s compatible with 12V batteries up to 8.0L gas and 6.5L diesel engines. In other words, if your RV needs something a bit more powerful because of its size, this jump starter might be what you’re looking for (especially if it’s affordable and easy to use).
You’ll be quite happy with this jump starter for a few good reasons. For one, it will help ensure your battery receives the power it needs when it’s drained or flat. It also happens to have similar features compared to the previous option (and the other 2000 AMP jump starter we will be looking at next), including the USB charging ports that you can use for all your mobile devices.
Key Features:
- Peak amperage of 2000 AMPs.
- Compact design for easy storage.
- AGM, Gel, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) compatible.
2000 AMP Power Station with 100-Watt Inverter
As mentioned, this jump starter is 2000 AMP. What makes this an excellent option for RV owners like yourself is the 100-watt inverter that comes with it. This provides AC power that will be fitting for emergencies. Even better, you won’t need jumper cables at all for this starter (because of the alligator clips that you get with this).
Yes, it is a reliable tool for RV owners who need a power source on hand. Not only that, it’s got the same starting compatibility as the other 2000 AMP jump starter. It’s fit for 12V batteries up to 8.0L gas and 6.5L diesel engines. This is the most expensive option on the list, so if you have some extra money to spend, there’s a good chance this might be the best fit. Otherwise, if you don’t need the 100-watt inverter, you probably will find the other 2000 AMP Power Station to be the better fit.
Key Features:
- 2000 AMPs of peak amperage.
- Includes a 100-watt inverter for emergency power use.
- Compatible with AGM, GEL, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid Batteries).
Get an RV Jump Starter Today
These three RV jump starters are what we believe might be the best options for your needs. Whether it’s a small RV with a less power-hungry battery or a larger one where heavy-duty energy use is the norm, one of these options offered by Battery Tender could be the next best investment. Before you take the RV out for a weekend camping excursion or a cross-country road trip that covers thousands of miles, you’ll want to get a jump starter that will be essential for any travel situation. Check out what Battery Tender has for your RV and more today.
