RV Battery Isolators | Motorhome Battery Isolator

As with anything that runs off some kind of electricity, there are different batteries for different purposes. Usually an RV will have a chassis battery and a coach battery. The chassis battery is used for starting the engine and running all of the RV’s automotive systems. The coach battery is primarily responsible for powering the electrical devices in the coach, like the lights or the furnace. But this begs the question, what does an RV battery isolator do?

In the most basic definition an RV battery isolator is a device that allows the batteries to be charged while the vehicle is running, by the vehicle alternator. Then when you turn off the engine, the RV battery isolator disconnects the chassis battery and the coach battery. This is most effective when “dry camping”, or parking the RV in places where a battery charger is not readily available. Another device used for the same purpose is a relay. Using an isolator means that you can drain the coach battery without worrying about whether the main starting battery will be dead in the morning when you decide to drive away.

One of the main kinds of isolator is the Delcotron CS Series. These are high performance isolators and for use on any GM alternators from 1985 to the present. They are available in 90, 140, and 200 amp models. All the mounting hardware and instructions are included with purchases.

The Noco Company makes battery isolators for virtually any make and model of RV that’s available. They are available in 90, 140, 200, and 270 amp models. They can be used with wet cell or gel cell battery systems. Though you should not mix them or the batteries can be damaged. As with Delctron’s CS series, all the wiring, hardware and instructions you need are included.

SurePower offers some battery isolators in different amp models; like a 70, 95, 120, and 160. They boast an easier installation than other brands as well as no maintenance. Be sure that you know which package you are buying, there are several. Some of the packages offer just the isolator with no other hardware and are usually more affordable, as are the lower amp isolators. But they also have packages that include all the wiring needed for installation. Also they seem to be the main company that provides a three terminal battery isolator. Though the most popular kind is two terminal, there is three terminal available if it’s needed. With SurePower you also need to be careful with which models and makes they are compatible with. Most of their models are compatible with all vehicles, but several are only compatible with GM or Chevy models.