Which is Best for Your RV?
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing 12V or 48V Batteries
The type of battery you choose for your RV house power can significantly impact cost, efficiency, and overall performance. While many RVs have traditionally used 12V batteries, 48V batteries are becoming the preferred choice for many premium models due to their efficiency, safety, and cost-saving benefits.
We spoke with William Cavanaugh, VP of Engineering, and Chris Hakimian, Mechanical Engineering Manager at Lithionics Battery, to break down the five essential factors that every RV designer or owner should consider when deciding between 12V and 48V systems.
Factor 1: Power Needs
One of the most important considerations is how much power your RV needs. Appliances like air conditioners and microwaves can draw significant power, and voltage alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
To properly size your battery, you need to calculate the wattage required. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Air Conditioning: 1,000–2,000 watts
- Microwave: 1,000–2,000 watts
- Coffee Maker: 600–1,200 watts
If your RV’s total wattage exceeds 2,000W, you’re better off with a 48V battery system. For smaller power needs, like powering lights or a radio, 12V may suffice. A simple equation—Volts x Amps = Watts—will help you figure out which system best meets your needs.
As Cavanaugh explains, “If your voltage goes up, your current goes down. This means you can reduce the amount of current you need to provide the same amount of power.”
Factor 2: Wiring Complexity
One major advantage of 48V systems is that they require less current than 12V systems, which means you can use thinner, less expensive wires. Wiring becomes more efficient and cost-effective with 48V batteries because they require less copper to handle the same power load.
Hakimian gives a helpful analogy: “Think of 12V wiring like a garden hose and 48V wiring like a piece of spaghetti. With 48V, you get the same flow with less material.”
Factor 3: Safety
Both 12V and 48V systems are considered “low voltage,” but 48V has a distinct safety advantage. When you need to power high-wattage appliances, 12V systems require more current, which increases the risk of thermal runaway.
“With more current, you’re generating more heat,” says Cavanaugh. “That’s something you want to avoid, especially in an RV.”
Switching to 48V reduces the current, making your system safer and less prone to overheating. In addition, our batteries meet UL 1973 safety standards, with an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) that includes an internal shut-down curtain. This feature communicates with the battery to automatically power down before overheating, providing an extra layer of protection for your RV.
Factor 4: Convenience
If you plan to run high-power appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators off-grid, a 48V system makes it easier. With the addition of an inverter, you can power standard 120V appliances, which are common in most RVs.
What’s more, it’s easier to step down from 48V to 12V when needed, making it a more versatile option. Even if your RV uses a few heavy 12V devices, a 48V system with a DC/DC converter simplifies the process and reduces wire gauge and weight.
Factor 5: Cost Efficiency
While the upfront cost of 48V batteries and components may be higher, they often reduce the overall cost of ownership. For one, they charge faster—a 48V battery can be fully charged in under 2 hours, compared to the 5 or 6 hours a 12V battery might take. This saves time and fuel, especially for off-grid adventures.
Additionally, with thinner wires and fewer materials required, the Bill of Materials (BOM) costs decrease. Combine that with better fuel efficiency and reduced weight, and you’re looking at a far more economical option over time.
Choosing the Best Power Setup
12V systems are suitable for RVs with low power needs, but if you’re running high-wattage appliances and want a more efficient, safer, and cost-effective solution, 48V batteries are the way to go. They offer lower current, reduced wiring complexity, and better long-term value for premium RVs.
For a deeper dive into how 48V systems can transform your RV, check out our full whitepaper or contact us for more details.
