Category: power

The Power Watchdog Power Center is an RV Owner’s Best Friend
Campground infrastructure can be a bit dicey at times, especially when it comes to providing safe, clean power. It’s not uncommon for the power pole at your campsite to suffer from voltage fluctuations, poor wiring, and potentially damaging electrical surges. But thanks to a groundbreaking new product from Power Watchdog—formerly Hughes Autoformers—you can now safely connect your RV without ever having to worry about those issues again.
Photo Credit: Power Watchdog
The new Watchdog Power Center combines all of the company’s best products and technologies into one innovative new device. That includes industry-leading surge protection, excellent voltage-boosting capabilities, and emergency power off to protect your vehicle. Additionally, the Power Center continually monitors the circuit for potentially harmful conditions and will alert owners when those conditions occur.
Set-up is quick and simple. Just plug the Watchdog Power Center into the power pole at the campsite and connect your RV’s electrical cable directly to the device. The Power Center then serves as an intermediary, boosting voltage to ensure your vehicle’s appliances and HVAC system run properly, while also keeping electrical surges and spikes at bay. A built-in digital display offers insight into how much voltage is flowing in and out, while a smartphone app gives users complete control over monitoring and adjusting the system remotely via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Photo Credit: Power Watchdog
As if all of that wasn’t enough, the Watchdog Power Center is also weatherproof and comes with a patented user-replaceable surge module that provides further protection. If a significant surge does occur, the module prevents it from damaging delicate appliances and electronics in your RV and ensures the Power Center itself continues to function. Just replace the surge module with a new one, and the device will continue to function.
The video above provides even more information about this innovative and essential new device. Check it out to see the Watchdog Power Station in action and learn more about all of the outstanding features it provides. The device is available in 30-amp and 50-amp models that sell for $819.99 and $1,199.99, respectively. Visit powerwatchdog.com for more information.
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2025-08-01
Tech Spotlight: All About Lithium RV Batteries
Over the past decade, battery technology has evolved rapidly. And with that evolution comes a vocabulary reminiscent of high-school chemistry class: Lithium, iron, phosphate—better known as (LiFePO4). Lithium is the primary component here, while the other elements make these new-gen batteries arguably safer on the road than tech that’s been around for awhile.
“This has changed exponentially in the last 10 years,” says Tyler Bourns, chief marketing officer at Dragonfly Energy, which brought one of the first lithium RV batteries to market. “A decade ago, lithium wasn’t really on the radar for campers, but now we have power that can open up people’s worlds.”
Lithium batteries have key advantages for RVers: They’re lighter than their lead acid counterparts, they hold a charge longer (the overall lifespan is also much longer) and they’re less likely to be damaged when drained completely. And while they’re not cheap, they can power more appliances and keep you off grid for longer stretches.
Here, four popular lithium RV batteries—and what makes them ideal for creatures of the road.
Photo Credit: Battle Born
Battle Born: 100-Amp-Hour 12-Volt LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
The flagship lithium battery from Dragonfly Energy, the Battle Born weighs just 31 pounds and comes with a 10-year warranty. One of the most trusted batteries in the RV space, these come standard on new Airstream models and other rigs. $749
Photo Credit: Royer
Royer Batteries: Micro 12-Volt 320-Amp-Hour Smart Heated LiFePO4 Battery
Because lithium batteries typically cannot be charged at low temperatures, manufacturers like Royer offer built-in heating so campers can retain power when the mercury plunges. Plus, thanks to Bluetooth compatibility, users can monitor real-time usage on their phones. $1,820
Photo Credit: Go Power!
Go Power! Sun Cycle 100-Amp-Hour Lithium Iron Phosphate Solar Battery
Designed for compatibility with Go Power!’s mobile solar systems, the Sun Cycle battery is only 24 pounds while also offering Bluetooth monitoring, internal heating and a built-in temperature monitoring system. $1,250
Photo Credit: Renogy
Renogy: 12-Volt 200-Amp-Hour Core Series Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
One of the most powerful lithium batteries, the Renogy’s Core Series is rated for 5,000 cycles (the number of times you can run it down to zero and recharge), and can easily be tied into other batteries to convert the 12-volt system to 24 or 48 volts. $1,379
There are numerous other lithium RV batteries on the market, beyond those listed above. But these are some of the best, most reliable options available today.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-04-24
RV Battery Basics: Lead-Acid, AGM, and Lithium
When it comes to powering your rig, choosing the right RV battery is crucial—they power your lights, refrigerator, water pump and other electrical components when you’re off the grid. There are three primary types of 12-volt batteries commonly used in RVs: lead-acid, AGM (absorbent glass mat) and lithium. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, making it important to understand which fits for your needs.
Photo Credit: Getty
Lead-Acid Batteries
The oldest and most common type of RV battery uses lead plates submerged in a sulfuric acid solution to create an electrochemical reaction. These are usually the cheapest option upfront, making them attractive for budget-conscious owners, and they obviously have a long history of reliability and performance. They’re easy to find.
Good to know: Lead-acid batteries are relatively large, heavy and typically last between three and five years, especially when subjected to deep discharges. Regular maintenance, such as checking fluid levels and cleaning terminals, is required to ensure the battery operates efficiently. Deep discharging (draining the battery to a level below 50 percent) can significantly reduce the lifespan of a lead-acid battery.
Photo: Odyssey Battery
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries
This type of sealed lead-acid battery uses fiberglass mats to absorb and hold the electrolyte, preventing it from spilling. These products offer many of the benefits of traditional lead-acid batteries, but with some key improvements. AGM batteries are sealed and do not require the regular maintenance that traditional lead-acid batteries do. They can recharge more quickly compared to flooded lead-acid batteries—a huge benefit when you’re on the go. AGM batteries are more resistant to vibrations, making them ideal for RVs that travel over bumpy roads.
AGM batteries are designed to handle deep discharges better than traditional lead-acid batteries, providing more usable power. Because the electrolyte is absorbed in the glass mat, there’s no risk of spillage or leaks, even if the battery is tipped over. AGM batteries generally come with a higher price tag than traditional lead-acid options. Although they’re lighter than flooded lead-acid batteries, An AGM RV battery can still be heavy and bulky compared to lithium power cells. AGM batteries typically last around five to seven years, which is shorter than lithium options.
Photo Credit: Battle Born
Lithium Batteries
The newest and most advanced type of RV battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, more efficient than the lead-based chemistry of other batteries. Lithium batteries can last 10 years or more with proper care, significantly longer than lead-acid and AGM options. Lithium batteries are much lighter than lead-acid and AGM batteries, and store more energy, making them easier to handle and more space efficient. They have a deeper depth of discharge (up to 80-90 percent), so more of total capacity can be used without damaging the battery. They require no maintenance. Lithium batteries charge more efficiently and quickly than traditional batteries.
The biggest drawback of lithium batteries: high upfront cost, sometimes significantly more than lead-acid or AGM batteries. Lithium batteries require a specifically compatible charger, which can add to the initial investment (although many RV power converters or inverters have a lithium charging setting along with lead-acid). Lithium batteries can perform poorly in extreme temperatures, especially very cold conditions. However, some lithium batteries come with built-in temperature management systems to mitigate this issue.
Conclusion
This choice comes down to your priority: cost, longevity, performance or weight. Lead-acid batteries are a budget-friendly option, but provide less power, need more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan. AGM batteries offer a nice balance between performance and durability, with the added benefit of being maintenance-free. Lithium batteries stand out for longevity, efficiency and light weight, but cost more. Lead-acid is all you need if you usually camp connected to campground power. Lithium are best for long-term boondockers who camp off-grid using solar power or generators. AGM is probably best for folks who camp off-grid only occasionally.
Got more questions about your RV battery or another topic you’d like to see covered by our vehicle expert Ken Freund? Drop us note at knowhow@wildsam.com.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-04-23